Meet the Founder
Founder & Principal, Oak City Development
Jeff Havener is the Founder and Principal of Oak City Development, a Raleigh-based real estate firm dedicated to building thoughtful, community-centered projects throughout the Triangle. With over 28 years of experience and more than $800 million in completed residential and commercial development, Jeff brings visionary leadership, deep market insight, and a steadfast commitment to responsible, long-term growth.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Proven Track Record in Development
Throughout his career, Jeff has led teams in delivering a diverse range of projects — from residential neighborhoods and mixed-use communities to commercial spaces — with a focus on land acquisition, entitlement strategy, vertical and horizontal development, and full project lifecycle management. He has scaled operations, launched new business divisions, and delivered hundreds of finished lots annually while ensuring projects meet financial goals and community needs.
Leadership with Depth
Before founding Oak City Development, Jeff held senior leadership roles at Epcon Communities, Bobbitt Construction, and Ashland Construction, serving as Vice President for more than a decade. His leadership style blends strategic planning with collaboration, and he is guided by a core belief in quality, sustainability, and value that endures.
A licensed North Carolina General Contractor and Real Estate Broker, Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from NC State and an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate from UNC Chapel Hill.
Committed to Community
Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff is a passionate advocate for Raleigh’s growth and vibrancy. He actively serves on several city advisory boards and nonprofit organizations, including as Vice Chair of the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board, Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee for the West Raleigh Alliance, and Co-Founder of Friends of Raleigh Greenway. His civic involvement reflects a lifelong dedication to community, equity, and the preservation of Raleigh’s cultural and historic assets.
At Oak City Development, Jeff leads with purpose — building not just properties, but resilient communities, meaningful partnerships, and a stronger future for the place he calls home.