Who we are | Contractors + Designers
Phase One
Meet Pam & CJ, Columbia's odd couple.
CJ is all business.
Pam is all sass.
The two met accidentally, but immediately connected. Both had built careers in construction, and both seen how complicated and frustrating the home renovation process was for everyone involved. They knew there was a better way, and with their powers combined, Phase One was born.
All my life I had been told ‘No! — That’s too expensive. That’s too hard. That’s too much work.’
We are a building company that says, ‘Yes! You can have exactly what you want, and here's how!’
At Phase One, we want to erase the stigma that a construction project has to be miserable.
If you have ever done a construction project, you have probably heard ‘that won’t work’ — but without any explanation as to why. Then, you probably ended up with a result that is not only NOT what you wanted, but also left you feeling like you were cheated along the way.
It does not have to be that way!
That is why we have created a construction experience that is informative, transparent, and fun. We talk with you, not at you. And we present you with all of the information you need to choose what you want for your home.
We exist to bridge the gap between homeowner dreams and construction realities.
The phase one team
Phase One is a unique team of designers, contractors, architects, and engineers, all under one roof, with one mission — to make the construction and renovation process straightforward and enjoyable for everyone involved.
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From a young age Pam loved redesigning different spaces for herself, friends and family. After selling her technology business in 2010, she decided to follow that passion and capitalize on the experience she had gained while flipping houses with her husband over the past 25 years.
Through this process, Pam discovered a real affinity for design, specifically around drafting and spatial design, as it relates to construction. Creating an atmosphere where construction is an experience has become a lifelong pursuit for Pam.
She also found an amazing business partner in CJ!
CJ is as determined as she is to create a culture focused on elevating the construction experience by addressing the negative stigmas associated with this industry. Part of this focus is an emphasis on training and developing young people in a way that creates excitement around construction. One of their employees is now pursuing her general contractors license. For Pam, that is the win.
When she is not pursuing this dream, Pam enjoys yoga, coffee (strong), vodka tonics (weak), candles, flowers, music, shopping, traveling, reading and spending time with friends & family. She is the mother of four; one son, one daughter, one retriever & a sheltie!
CJ is the license holder for Azalea Building Group. He works with Pam to help deliver the vision of Phase One. Together, our team is trying to remove the negative stereotypes affiliated with construction and bring clarity to the construction process.
Prior to Phase One & Azalea, CJ has worked in the Columbia market on projects ranging from production home building to commercial construction. He has served as an estimator, superintendent, and Director of Operations for a leading home builder. CJ was recently awarded the prestigious Master Builder Award and was one of the youngest ever in the state receive the honor.
Initially trained in project management and vendor management, CJ was responsible for training new builders and managers, rolling out new processes, and maintaining high construction standards. CJ is the “superhero” of the office and with 4 small children at home he still manages to make cold brew for the office every week! On the weekends CJ enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and gardening.
CJ holds his Bachelor’s Degree from University of South Carolina, is a Licensed General Contractor and Licensed Residential Builder.
Jon Crane
Senior Project Superintendent
Jon has over 20 years of experience in remodeling and renovation. He started out remodeling his own home, then friends' houses, and eventually added flipping homes to his resumé. During this time, he was also involved in project management positions in the medical and technology fields which have been invaluable in helping him navigate the management of custom construction.
In his role as Senior Project Superintendent, he is responsible for overseeing client, vendor and subcontractor relations. His ability to work closely with our clients and his trades coupled with his strong sense of design and scale make him unique in his role.
In addition to his superintendent role, Jon also is responsible for all cabinetry design, construction, and finish. With two custom cabinet lines coupled with his relationships with talented local craftsmen he is able to deliver cabinetry to exceed each clients vision.
— Babe Ruth
Haley Watson
Haley oversees company financials, project management, and drives business development. She works closely with all team members to formulate strategic and operational objectives that are both profitable and compliant. Haley received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. On any given weekend you can find her in nature enjoying all Columbia has to offer, researching anything and everything bee related, or sipping on a Gin & Tonic.
— Frank Lloyd Wright
Ellianna McManis
Ellianna believes the best designs begin by understanding her clients' personalities and lifestyles. She gets to know them individually and recognizes their needs, which allows her to execute their design desires. Ellianna graduated from Winthrop University with a BFA in Interior Design. On weekends, Ellianna travels between her hometown of Greenville, and Charlotte to visit friends and family, or enjoys hosting them right here in Cola. After a day of work, she lifts weights at the gym. You might catch her enjoying a bourbon neat at the newest restaurant in town.
— Robin Williams
Claire Guza
Claire is a designer who loves the technical and creative sides to interior design. She graduated from Winthrop University with a BFA in Interior Design. Claire has always had an interest in art and design from an early age. She grew up in Greenville, SC and now enjoys exploring her new home of Columbia. In her free time Claire enjoys reading Harry Potter, cooking, the outdoors, watching New Girl, and having a glass of wine after a day at work.
Al Gonzalez
Al is a project superintendent with 21 years in the building industry. Bringing him onto the team is a full circle moment as he was CJ’s original mentor when he first entered the construction industry. He previously owned a residential framing company servicing local builders and national builders in South Carolina. He has been fortunate enough to once again team up with CJ and continue to grow and apply his years of construction knowledge to the design aspect of the building process. Al enjoys playing golf, coaching with his daughter, and attending networking functions within the building community.
— Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Katie Reilly
Katie is the office manager responsible for scheduling, finances, and maintaining a welcoming environment for clients and staff. Born and raised in Columbia, SC with an extensive run in the service industry and catering, she pays attention to all the little details. When she is not running the office, you can find her in the kitchen making a charcuterie spread for any given occasion or listening to the Crime Junkie podcast with a crisp glass of bubbles in hand.
— Lorinda Mamo
Rebecca Karban
Rebecca is a designer who enjoys the challenge of finding creative and beautiful design
solutions to difficult problems. She recognizes her ability to impact the users of the space
through her designs and works to find the best outcome for each unique project. Rebecca
graduated from Winthrop University with a BFA in Interior Design. In her free time, she enjoys being active, watching movies, and settling in her new home of Columbia.
phase one culture
When you love what you do, work feels like play.
When you love who you’re with, work feels like home.
We
believe...
- We believe a strong cup of coffee is the best way to start a hard day’s work — and good glass of wine is the best way to end it.
- We believe in transparency over transactions.
- We believe in teaching over telling.
- We believe in owning it — successes and mistakes.
- We believe in the power of together.
- We believe work will often be fast and furious, but it should always be fun.
Be unique. Be custom. Be you.
Bespoke.
