What Caruso is Thankful for This Year

During this most cherished of seasons, we at Caruso Homes would like to take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for. From our community of wonderful homeowners to our dedicated trade partners to the excellent team of people we have working with us—there are so many reasons for us to give thanks. 

At Caruso Homes, people come first. Here is what some of our team members are thankful for this year.

The support of family and friends makes everything possible. Having a place to come home knowing we will be accepted and loved, makes all the hard work worthwhile. 

Our team had a lot to say about family:

"I'm thankful for my family, especially our newest addition, my baby girl, Renly. My husband, my pups, and our home."

- Michelle Brandenburg, Marketing Coordinator

"I am truly thankful for being healthy, happy, great family, awesome teenage son...When the days are challenging and I am exhausted, I always try to remember there are many others suffering WAY more than me. I am truly grateful…and life is short, one must enjoy it!"

- Christy Beck, NC Division Manager

"I’m grateful for the health and love of my family, for close friends (who are like family), and for my furry family. This year I was especially blessed to become a grandmother! As for my Caruso Homes family, I’m thankful for my awesome team of rock stars, great co-workers and being part of an organization that truly values their employees."

- Melissa Kahl, Marketing Manager

“I moved to Raleigh this year to be closer to my sister and her family. Since moving here, I have been able to spend time with my sister and my baby nephew every week. I’m SO THANKFUL for the quality family time!” - Megan Martin, Sales Manager, On Your Lot NC

“I am thankful for our new home that we adore, my husband, our dog Shnykies and our bird Rosie! I am blessed with wonderful friends and family.” Kourtney Gill, Sales & Marketing Coordinator NC

“What I am most thankful for this holiday season would be my family and husband. They give me the strength I need to continue the fight.” - Jennifer Ray, Permitting Manager MD.

So when you've got your family gathered around the table this year, make sure you raise a glass of eggnog and give thanks for what matters most.

For many of us, this time of year is filled with treasured memories and tradition. Whether it's decorating the tree with your children, putting on your favorite holiday film or baking gingerbread cookies with grandma, holiday rituals make the season special.

Here's what our team had to say on tradition:

"My daughter, Erika, would always have us visit the pediatric cancer center at Johns

Hopkins and share her gifts with them. I’ve continued this tradition in her name for 8 years. My wish is for everyone to remember the meaning of the season and keep loved ones in their heart."

- Ken Knode, Construction Superintendent

"It has been such a source of joy and fun times each holiday as our children, currently ranging in age from twelve to twenty-three, have come to embrace and individualize their love of these traditions in their own way. Whether it be decorating the tree together each year, putting up tacky lights EVERYWHERE on the outside of our house, drawing names and making stockings for each other with highlights from the past year in that person’s life, to making cookies and desserts together in our bathing suits and flip flops (don’t ask how that one got started- we all love the beach!), the truth and blessings that have come through these traditions is undeniable…"

- Clark Alcock, Division Manager, On Your Lot NC

Does your family have any unique traditions?

As we grow as a company and expand into new markets, we are privileged to welcome new members to our team. Here’s what some of the newest members of our team have to say:

“This holiday season I am most thankful to be able to spend time with my family. I am also thankful to Caruso Homes for giving the Delaware division an opportunity to employ a great team. Lastly, I am thankful we are finishing out our first year of operations successfully and excited to continue developing our Caruso family.” - Jon Gallo, Division Manager, On Your Lot DE

“This year I’m am thankful that Caruso Homes game me the opportunity to begin a career in the construction field that allows me to continue to challenge myself daily and learn new things every day. I am also thankful that my children, my family and myself have been kept safe throughout this pandemic. Lastly, I am thankful that I am able to spend the holidays with my family, especially with my brothers who are away serving the country.” - Victoria Handlin, Construction Manager DE

And, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the knowledge and wisdom of those who have spent the majority of their career with Caruso Homes. 

“I am thankful for a company that I have worked at for more than 26 years. They give me the most respect and all the tools that make me a better employee. We also have a team that helps everyone make their job easier and more efficient. It’s so nice to wake up in the morning and know you have that kind of support to make it through the tough days.” - Jeff Rees, Production Manager, On Your Lot

"I have been with Caruso Homes almost 21 years now and have seen a lot happen in

those 21 years. Each person who has joined the team has touched my life, either with their energy, perseverance or their love of animals. I am thankful for all the friends at Caruso Homes and I treasure all the memories over the last 21 years. I am thankful for my loving family, my husband, children and my animals. They are all the loves of my life."

- Nancy Walsh, Executive Director

Adversity is a part of life. We all face challenges, both personally and professionally. In the past few years, we're grateful to have a company that pulled together and faced unexpected challenges head on.

Here's to adversity we've overcome:

"The past two years have been the craziest of times in homebuilding. In my 30+ years, I have never seen the supply chain so broken! Who would have thought the pandemic would spur on the housing economy the way it has. For that I am very thankful! There are so many businesses that needed to close because of the pandemic. I am thankful for the entire Caruso Team. They have put their heads down and ground through the issues. Every week it has been something new that we could not get to build the homes for our clients. Our clients have had to wait for months for their homes to be completed. I appreciate their patience and I thank them for their business!"

- Ed Levendusky, MD Division Manager

"I am very thankful to have a fantastic group of individuals in the Caruso Homes family who all pull together as needed to enrich the lives of our home owners on a daily basis. Without the entire team working together, we would struggle to overcome the many challenges that we face on a day-to-day basis. Together as a team, we tackle challenges, enhance the Customer Experience and continue to grow…not only as individuals, but also together as a team. I am very proud to be a member of the Caruso Homes Family. - Mark Somerville, President

At Caruso Homes we take great joy in supporting our employees efforts to volunteer and raise funds through our “Caruso Cares” effort. As a company and a team, we are thankful for the opportunity to give back to the communities where we build.

“God has blessed me with a good job at Caruso, a company that truly cares, and a living situation that makes my life with my son so much easier to manage. I am thankful everyday for our health, family, friends, constant provision, protection and all of the opportunities that have come my way, along with the ability/resources to turn around and bless others.” - Courtney Hutcheson, Land Development/Entitlements Manager MD

“I am so thankful for my family’s love and support, my close friends, my health, my home and the ability to help others that are less fortunate.” - Patricia Hill, Sales Assistant MD

“I’m very thankful each and every day for my health, family, friends, the Caruso Homes family and being able to help others.” - Barry Chappelle, Sales Manager MD

“Health, Family, Everyday and Helping Others.” - Tom Baldwin, VP of Operations

Our employees are the heart and soul of Caruso Homes. We are so grateful for everyone that serves our customers and moves our business forward. Without them, we wouldn't have the opportunity to create beautiful homes and communities.

Here's to the bonds we've built and the challenges we've faced as a team:

"In the years I’ve been in the business I’ve never had the privilege to work with a better group of people – they do whatever they can to be sure they have each other’s backs and have a common goal to make sure our work is accurate, complete and timely. I’m proud to know all of them."

- Ben Kinnish, Director of Purchasing

“This year I am incredibly grateful for the health of my family. I’m also thankful to work for a company who values their employees and continues to grow.” - Sarah Cronk, Online Sales Consultant

“I am truly thankful for this great company and amazing opportunities I’ve had. Also for my family and life in general.” - Adam Harden

“To my Caruso family—I am blessed to work with you all on a daily basis. I could not ask for a better group of people to work with. We are a great group that get the opportunity to make dreams come true for our clients and subcontractors.” - Tim Carle, Operations Manager, On Your Lot MD

"As the owner of Caruso Homes, I am blessed with an incredibly enthusiastic, caring, supportive and patient team. When I say team, I am not only including Caruso’s employees but also our home purchasers and homeowners who have been exceedingly understanding and supportive while dealing with supply chain issues and delays. Team also includes my family and friends who all support the mission of making the world a better place through homebuilding."

- Jeff Caruso, Owner/CEO

If you're new to Caruso Homes, we'd like to welcome you. If you're a past customer, we'd like to thank you. And if you're a member of our team, we appreciate you for your hard work and dedication.

We have been blessed to be a part of the community for over 35 years. As we continue on this journey, we will continue our dedication to excellence with gratitude for everyone who has contributed to our success along the way.