How Hammerhead Custom Builders Got It’s Start

Sometimes, life-changing ideas come when you least expect them. For our founder, Jake, it happened on an ordinary drive when the name “Hammerhead” popped into his head. What started as a spark of inspiration has grown into Hammerhead Custom Builders—an award-winning team dedicated to crafting exceptional custom homes on Hilton Head Island.

Passion for Custom Homebuilding

Jake moved to Hilton Head in 1991 after graduating from Miami University of Ohio. For a while, he thrived in the world of sales and marketing, building connections and learning how to understand people’s needs and goals.

But it was the experience of renovating his own home that changed everything. He realized how much he loved the process—seeing a vision come to life, paying attention to every detail, and creating something lasting. That renovation sparked a passion for custom homebuilding.

The Spark That Started Hammerhead

While working as a project manager for Bunting Construction, Jake gained valuable hands-on experience in the industry. The name “Hammerhead” was strong, memorable, and perfectly captured the grit and creativity Jake brings to every project. Curious if the name was even available, Jake called a close friend. When he confirmed that it was available, Jake formed an LLC.

He quickly started taking on clients while still working part-time with Bunting. As more projects came in, Jake gradually closed out work at Bunting and Hammerhead Custom Builders was officially born in 2006.

From Home Office to Award-Winning Company

In the early days, Jake managed everything, working out of a home office. But as our reputation for quality and craftsmanship grew, so did the team. Tyler, Jake’s brother, became our first project manager, laying the foundation for the strong leadership team we have today. Christa joined us for estimating and project administration and now specializes in client communication and design. Steve came on as a project manager, followed by Jim, who started as a superintendent and later moved into project management. Most recently, Kathryn joined as our full-time office manager, keeping operations running seamlessly.

Thanks to this talented team, Jake has been able to focus on overseeing all projects, visiting job sites, and growing Hammerhead—ensuring every home we build is as exceptional as the families who live in them.

Leadership, Community, and Commitment

Hammerhead isn’t just a company; it’s a part of the Hilton Head community. Over the years, Jake has had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Hilton Head Design Review Board, President of the Point Comfort community, and as a member of the Hilton Head Baseball Association board.

These roles have deepened his connection to the area and strengthened his commitment to creating homes that enhance the beauty and character of Hilton Head.

What Drives Us

Today, Hammerhead Custom Builders is proud to be an award-winning custom homebuilding company, but our focus remains on one thing: building relationships and homes that stand the test of time.

It’s been an incredible journey—from a single idea to a thriving company built on passion, craftsmanship, and community. And we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Hammerhead Custom Builders going forward.