Featured Projects:

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Before founding Oak City Development, Jeff served as the development lead on Drive Shack Raleigh, a highly complex, 108,000-square-foot golf entertainment venue that required strategic coordination across multiple disciplines.

From initial site acquisition through vertical construction, Jeff guided every phase of the project while working for a previous firm. He managed a collaborative team that included the project architect, civil engineer, MEP consultants, and the ownership group—ensuring alignment on design intent, technical execution, and project goals. The site presented a range of challenges, including significant grading, utility infrastructure, and access issues, all of which demanded creative, solution-oriented planning.

The venue’s programmatic complexity—blending large-scale hospitality with advanced golf simulation technology, commercial kitchens, and multi-level structural systems—required precise coordination and sequencing across all trades.

Thanks to Jeff’s leadership and a strong team-focused approach, the project was delivered successfully and now stands as a regional destination and a model for effective, ground-up development executed through collaboration and disciplined project management.

As the leader of the General Contracting Division at Bobbitt, Jeff spearheaded the ground-up development of a 2,600 SF Starbucks, transforming an existing outparcel into a vibrant retail destination.

Jeff collaborated closely with the project owner to develop a complete budget that informed lease negotiations and ensured financial feasibility. He also guided the project through full entitlement, expertly navigating local permitting and zoning to secure timely approvals.

The scope included construction of the single-story Starbucks building with a drive-thru, along with all supporting site infrastructure—including utilities, parking, access drives, landscaping, and offsite improvements. Situated at a high-visibility signalized intersection in Cary, the project capitalized on strong traffic flow to support a long-term lease with Starbucks.

The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with Jeff’s team providing a credit back to the owner for allowances that were not fully used—underscoring a commitment to cost efficiency and transparency. Despite the complexity of the site work, the entire project was completed with no disruption to adjacent, fully operational retail businesses.

This development highlights Jeff’s ability to seamlessly integrate entitlement strategy, cost control, and construction execution—delivering high-performance retail spaces with minimal impact and maximum value.

While serving as a senior leader at Ashland Construction, Jeff led the 9,000 SF adaptive renovation and expansion of the former Lucky 32 restaurant space in Raleigh, North Carolina—delivering Kamado Grille, a transformative dining experience centered around live-fire cooking and indoor–outdoor ambiance.

This highly customized project required a full reconfiguration of the existing footprint to support a bold new culinary concept. A dozen built-in, cherry-red Kamado Grills fueled by charcoal were installed in the heart of the kitchen, supported by custom commercial exhaust systems designed in partnership with CaptiveAire. Above the dining room, a new clerestory was added to introduce natural light and height, reinforcing the project's “bring the outside in” design philosophy.

Jeff’s team integrated a range of natural materials and features to elevate the guest experience—from live olive trees and stone garden walls to flowing water features and a bocce court-style patio. At the entry, a handcrafted cedar trellis created a striking architectural moment and set the tone for the immersive indoor–outdoor environment within.

The renovation also introduced audiovisual elements like live-feed monitors of the open kitchen, merging theatrical cooking with a serene, skylit interior. The project was delivered on time and widely recognized for its technical execution and guest-centric design. Kamado Grille exemplifies Jeff’s ability to lead complex adaptive reuse projects with creativity, precision, and attention to experience — hallmarks of his work at Oak City Development.

 Jeff led the successful renovation and expansion of a 120,000 SF Sam’s Club in Gaithersburg, Maryland—a complex, multi-phase project completed while directing major retail initiatives at Ashland Construction.

The work included a new mezzanine to expand floor space, upgraded customer restrooms, renovated employee office areas, and operational enhancements like a redesigned Customer Pick-Up zone and modernized Bakery and Deli.

Jeff also led key infrastructure upgrades, including Self Check-Out implementation and the strategic repositioning of essential departments — such as the Photo Center, Vision Center, Pharmacy, and refrigeration systems—to improve store performance and customer flow.

Through close collaboration with Walmart’s project team, store leadership, and trade partners, Jeff delivered the project on time and under budget. A shared savings agreement returned cost efficiencies to the client — an approach that reflects his ongoing commitment to value, transparency, and partnership.

Despite the project's complexity, the store remained fully operational with no loss of sales or staff turnover — a testament to Jeff’s leadership in aligning stakeholders, preserving customer experience, and maintaining continuity. These principles continue to guide every project led by Oak City Development.