HOW IT STARTED
From the moment he could hold a block of wood, Jesse was building something. Born and raised in Christchurch, he grew up on his family’s farm, surrounded by rolling pastures and the constant rhythm of hard work. His grandparents, both dedicated farmers, taught him the value of persistence, patience, and craftsmanship.
Jesse, age 3
Jesse and his dad James
Jesse and his Granddad Colin who was a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker
On the farm, Jesse learned how to mend fences, repair machinery, and build sheds long before he considered construction a career. His father showed him how to handle tools, while his mother, who had a knack for making things last, instilled in him the importance of doing a job right the first time.
But it wasn’t just about fixing things—he found joy in creating. While other kids played video games, Jesse was in the workshop, working on cars, treehouses, and anything else his imagination could dream up.
At 7 years old, Jesse, his parents, and his younger brother Liam relocated to Auckland. It was there he built his first treehouse at age 13. Jesse collected spare timber from construction sites around the neighborhood and dragged it 10 meters up a rimu tree. His father, James, recalls being impressed by how sturdy the treehouse was built but also mortified at the dangerous height his son had been working at.
Fast forward 20 years, and that childhood passion had transformed into a fulfilling career. Jesse established himself as a skilled builder, earning his LBP license in the Auckland residential construction scene.
Then came Annie. A former writer with her own dreams and aspirations, she crossed paths with Jesse by chance. Their shared passion for building and design blossomed into a partnership, both professionally and personally.
Now, Jesse and Annie are married and are often found working side by side on various projects. Annie is completing a carpentry apprenticeship with BCITO.
As they stood together on the site of their latest build, the sun setting over Auckland, Jesse realized that his journey had come full circle from a boy having a go with the hammer on a Christchurch farm to a man crafting homes alongside the love of his life.
