Jono Sarver / Owner, Project Manager

Jono grew up around construction and woodworking, learning early on from his father—a general contractor—and grandfather—a furniture maker—the value of patience, precision, and pride in the work. Those early lessons shaped a deep respect for craft and for the people responsible for carrying it out.

After earning a BA in Philosophy and Studio Art from Denison University, Jono briefly tested the waters of an office job and found them too far removed from the tangible, built world—not to mention the sawdust-filled air. He returned to construction through Charlottesville-based developer and contractor BMC, where he began laying down roots and refining his approach to building.

Four years later, a winter sabbatical in Sun Valley, Idaho turned into a four-year immersion in architecturally significant residential projects, built alongside accomplished local builders. The experience sharpened an approach that balances rigor and creativity—shaped as much by observation as by execution.

In 2022, Jono returned to Charlottesville, bringing those experiences home and laying the foundation for the work he continues today. He still makes a point to get back to the real mountains whenever he can to “shred the gnar.”

Spencer Campbell / Site Supervisor

After two years at Virginia Wesleyan, Spencer realized he was investing in a path that didn’t fit. He couldn’t picture himself in an office and was drawn instead toward work that was tangible and self-directed.

In his mid-twenties, he set his sights on farming—quickly recognizing that building the necessary structures would require learning the craft first. In 2011, he began working in a custom woodworking and cabinet shop, where he developed a sharp eye for detail and a deep respect for well-made work.

In 2016, Spencer completed construction of his own home, using lumber felled and milled from the property alongside salvaged materials from various builds. The project reinforced a resourceful, hands-on approach that continues to shape his work today.

Before joining SKADE Builders, Spencer spent more than a decade building thoughtfully designed homes in the Charlottesville area. He brings steadiness, experience, and a strong sense of ownership to every project. In his spare time, he’s renovating a fixer-upper in Belmont.

Kevin Murphy / Project Manager

“We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.” – Winston Churchill

Michael Towne / Carpenter

Michael began his carpentry journey out of necessity over a decade ago. As a home and small business owner, he quickly realized that being handy was essential—and discovered that he genuinely enjoyed the work.

Twelve years and many projects later, he capped his DIY chapter by building a small addition to his own home. A timely introduction soon led to an apprenticeship with SKADE Builders, where he continues to refine his craft.

In his spare time, Michael can be found mountain biking, bouldering, dancing, or engaging in spirited discussion on the Makita tools subreddit.

Mike Travers / Lead Carpenter

Mike moved frequently throughout his childhood, living in Buffalo, Saratoga, New Jersey, and North Carolina before settling along the Connecticut shoreline in third grade. Through all that movement, he was consistently drawn to arts and crafts—but it was building a tree house with his dad around age ten that sparked a lasting interest in construction. He later realized his father may not have been a master carpenter, but the experience left its mark.

After high school, Mike moved to Virginia to attend James Madison University, earning a BA in Fine Arts. Following graduation in 1998, he settled in Charlottesville and took an office role at a local tech company. Before long, he found himself restless behind a desk and ready for more hands-on work, prompting a transition into carpentry.

Since 2005, Mike has worked with several respected high-end builders in the Charlottesville area, where a shared priority has always been delivering thoughtful, well-executed work.