Red House Carpenter, Don: Employee Spotlight

In this month’s employee spotlight, we take you out of the Red House offices and into the field to talk with Red House carpenter Don. If you’ve ever done a home renovation in Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts, there’s a good chance that you’ve met Don. Don’s been with the company since 2021 and regularly hops from job site to job site, building out the next beautiful kitchen, living room, bathroom, or even a custom headboard (as he did in this fantastic primary bedroom renovation project). Don’s a man of few words, so let’s take a minute to hear from him before moving on to the next project.

Hey Don! You and I talked a little bit recently at the Providence Preservation Society’s annual Winter Bash. I’ll admit, I felt a little silly getting to know you better, given you were dressed very nicely and I was dressed as a scuba diver, but why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself for everyone to hear?

I joined the team in the summer of 2021. I enjoy creating. Along with my job as a carpenter, I like to cook and make new dishes, as well as drawing and making art.

Folks in the office have made mention of your cooking prowess… but I digress; what do you find most rewarding about your job?

The challenges that come with remodeling older homes. Making things look as close to perfect as possible in areas that are typically unlevel and out of square.

So you’re saying it’s cool to be square? (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it) Anyway, what sort of things does being a Red House carpenter entail?

As a Carpenter, I construct, install, and repair a variety of fixtures around the home.

Nice! When did you first know you wanted to be a carpenter?

My parents put an addition on my childhood home when I was 7 years old. I watched them construct it daily and was fascinated.

I genuinely admire that clarity of knowing what you want to do at such a young age. On that note, if you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to get into or start out in a similar position, what would it be?

Vocational high School was an amazing jumpstart to the early building blocks of my career. Would recommend any “hands-on” kid to try that route.

You’ve already mentioned you enjoy cooking, drawing, and making art. Are there any other activities that you enjoy outside of work?

Building furniture and other fine woodwork. Trail hiking around RI. Cooking meals over a campfire in the backyard.

How delightful! I know you’re a busy man, so I won’t continue making you answer questions, but I know we appreciate your time and the work you do as a Red House carpenter. Thanks, Don!

Don is just one of many experienced production team members here at Red House Design Build. And if you’d like to work with a Red House carpenter for your home renovation project, well, there’s no other time like the present! You can contact the Red House team by filling out the form on our contact page, or feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call.

And if you or someone you know has some carpentry chops and can see working with someone like Don, good news! We’re hiring! Check our careers page to learn more about our now-open Carpenter II and Project Manager positions.

Let’s build together!