JOSH POLLAK, FOUNDER
It is said that if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. For Josh, home building is not a job, it is a passion. One that has led to a career of creating dream homes for clients in South Carolina, Washington D.C., and Maryland, for over 29 years.
By the age of 15, Josh had already found his calling. He began working as a carpenter's helper for a large Home Builder in the Washington D.C. area during his summer breaks. After receiving his degree from American University in 1996, Josh partnered with an experienced carpenter and friend and founded States Construction, Inc. (in honor of his grandfather’s commercial construction business in Newport News, VA.). From his humble beginnings of small additions and renovations, he transformed his business into a successful and reputable boutique Home Builder in the Washington D.C. Metro area.
His quest for knowledge and perfection in the industry has translated into decades of experience in every aspect of fine homebuilding. His attention to detail is second to none and his success is based on his exceptional level of quality and integrity. His leadership skills have led him to assemble teams of the finest Architects, Engineers, and tradespeople in the business. Josh's passion is helping his clients realize their dream of creating their perfect home, on time, and within their budget.
In 2015, Josh and Karen, moved to Isle of Palms South Carolina to raise their young boys and continue their Home Building legacy. When he wasn't building homes, Josh kept them from burning down having served for 15 years as a Volunteer Firefighter in Maryland, rising through the ranks to become a Lieutenant. As a natural use of his skills, Josh was an instructor in emergency driving of heavy apparatus and fire safety training. In his downtime, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and the natural beauty that the Low Country has to offer with his wife Karen and their two sons, Connor and Declan.
Josh's mission is to build every client's home as if it was his own and is proud to say that he is still friends with every family, for whom he has made their dream a reality.
KAREN JOYCE, CFO
Behind every good man is a great woman. While Josh is the expert in fine home building, Karen is the financial brains behind the operation. Having met in college, Karen also graduated from American University in 1996 with a degree in Chemistry. After working as an Examiner for the US Patent and Trademark Office, Karen shifted gears and earned her MBA from the The University of Maryland.
Karen and Josh joined forces in 1997 to create an unstoppable team. Karen's knowledge of business and finance has been instrumental in the success of their company. Karen works hands-on with every client to ensure a transparent building experience. Decades of experience in the building business have made Karen an expert in all the financial aspects of the industry as well as gaining an exceptional knowledge of the construction process.
As the daughter of Irish immigrant farmers, Karen has an unstoppable work ethic and truly represents the American dream. From her humble beginnings to working her way through college and graduate school, Karen truly values her client's time and financial goals. Karen takes great pride in the homes we build and even more so in the knowledge that her clients are receiving an exceptional value for an exceptional home.
In her "free time" Karen loves being a mom and raising two spirited boys with Josh in the Low Country. Karen is very active in the local community and enjoys volunteering at her boys' schools and other local organizations. Giving back to our community is an important theme instilled in Karen since childhood and she plans to continue to help those less fortunate for years to come.