About Utopian Villas

Justin has been in the home building industry his entire life, building a variety of different projects. He loves working with customers that bring their own creative ideas to a design so the end product is  unique. One of his favorite projects was building the Denali model, a 400sq.ft. tiny home. Hundreds of thousands of people have toured it, and he loves seeing their excited reactions. When Justin isn’t working, he and his wife like to travel and race cars. At the top of his bucket list: visit Australia and drive a car on the Nürburgring in Germany. “I think life throws curve balls at us all the time, catch as many as you can.

Starting his construction career in 1992, Scott has worn many hats throughout the years (all of them red) including roofing, tiling, framing, project management, design, sales, marketing, and Directorship. His achievements include winning 23 NARI regional design awards & 2 national Contractor of the Year awards. Scott’s father and grandfather were both builders, so he is a 3rd generation residential builder. Scott served 6 years in the US Navy & 2 years in the Army Reserves. Scott prides himself in living out the company’s 7 Core Values daily.

Born and raised in Racine, I started my career as an apprentice low voltage technician in construction in 2014. I quickly grew interested in working with large scale teams to accomplish complex and challenging designs. I became motivated and found courses and training and developed skills to be promoted to a general Foreman and project manager in 2019, I was then fortunate to join the Vertical Works family in 2023. When not working you’ll most likely find me spending time with my best friends, my son, and fiance’. You will also find me playing with my family outdoors, riding in our jeep, or working on my many hobbies!

I graduated from MIAD in 2018 with a BFA in interiors, architecture, and design, and started working here in August 2021.I enjoy spending time outdoors, either camping or just sitting in a hammock with some watercolors, painting a sunset over the lake. After work you can find me knitting or perfecting a new cookie recipe, always something creative. I’m also obsessed with chickens and plan on owning a small hobby farm some day.

James was raised in Wauwatosa Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 2022 with a degree in exercise and sport science. He spent time at Marquette University and Southeastern Oklahoma State as a strength and conditioning coach, working primarily with football, basketball, and women’s volleyball. Outside of work he loves to cook and experiment with new recipes, from all types of cuisine.

Lisa grew up in Shawano & graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in Administration. She was drawn to Vertical Works after she learned about the 7 Core Values that lined up with her beliefs. Lisa is married to Paul & has six children & six grandchildren. Yes, she enjoys the chaos! Her family moved to Kenosha in 2020 after living in Green Bay most of her married life. Lisa is passionate about her family, faith, and health. Something she enjoys doing is serving. She started a 5K Family Fun Run in Green Bay that lasted 10 years. Her family also went to Peru to help organize a library and promote literacy. Beside doing service, you can find her walking with her husband and looking for sea glass. Lisa also hopes to learn a few skills so that she can continue to remodel her home.

Scott has lived his entire life in the Milwaukee area. He began learning the carpentry trade at a young age from his father, a union carpenter. In 1967 when Scott was 5, he and his father, along with family and friends, built the house he grew up in. Scott became proficient in the use of hand and power tools by the time the house was completed. Scott continued to work with his father throughout school, and after high School graduation went right into the building trades. In 1984 he married his wonderful wife, Jane. They remain together to this day (you do the math). Scott’s hobbies include fishing, playing guitar, fishing, playing the piano, and fishing. But there is nothing he and his wife enjoy more than hopping on their respective Harleys and hitting the road. Scott claims that through his entire career he has never worked with a better group of guys than here at Vertical Works and we have no reason to doubt him. By the way did we mention that Scott is also a trekkie?

Mitchell J Haumersen was born in 1992 and raised in Racine Wisconsin. He has a gorgeous wife, beautiful daughter and a house full of pets. His passion for work started at a young age learning from his dad and grandfather in their basement wood shop. His passion for wood working and his college education quickly expanded his interests to other trades and led his career through carpentry, concrete, landscapes, hardscapes, cabinet making, display manufacturing, and new home construction. Three years ago He landed himself a career building kick ass tiny homes for Vertical Works Inc.

Shaun was raised in Anchorage Alaska and Freeport Illinois where he attended school. Having spent so much time in Illinois you can guess who his favorite football team is…. When he isn’t watching the Bears Shaun is out on the golf course hitting a hole in one. Shaun lives in Racine with his wife and two daughters. At 16 Shaun knew he wanted to be a carpenter, he held other jobs through the years but found carpentry to be his passion. Shaun has been with us since July of 2022 and has loved it ever since. His favorite things about working here are the great people and positive work environment. He doesn’t mind the climate controlled factory either.

Joe started his career in carpentry as an entry level laborer right out of high school.  Joe has been in the carpentry industry for over 20+ years with experience within all aspects of the role from deck building to custom home builds to home remodels.  His most recent position was with a custom stair company where he was the lead CNC operator.  Joe lives in Northern Illinois with his wife and two daughters.  In his spare time he likes to fish, spend time outdoors and travel with his family.

Gabe grew up in Lake Villa, Illinois as the youngest of three boys. He knew from an early age that he was not born to sit behind a desk, and that working with his hands is where he would excel. He started his career as a carpenter right out of high school.  Shortly after, he moved to Seattle for 5 years where he became a project manager for a cabinetry company. In his free time he enjoys being outdoors whether that’s camping, hunting, fishing, or basking in the Midwestern sun. Gabe also loves music, and taught himself how to play the drums. Gabe and his girlfriend, Sam, love to take road trips out west, their time spent in Seattle was full of adventure, and they plan to keep that tradition throughout their lives.

Elliot is from Hartland, Wisconsin and he is the son of a firefighter and a nurse. Hands on work runs in the family and Elliot grew up learning skills from his father in their workshop and around the house. He started out building birdhouses in the basement and graduated to framing real houses. Elliot went to college, getting a master’s degree in civil engineering, but decided that his true passion was to work hands-on building. Elliot joined the Vertical Works team in February of 2024 and hopes to improve on his skills in building. He enjoys his free time playing video games, doing puzzles, sightseeing, trying new restaurants, and watching just about any sporting event.

Born under the vibrant skies of El Salvador, Kevin, at 24, has woven a life rich with determination and creativity. Embracing the American dream, he journeyed to the United States, completing his high school education with an unwavering spirit. In the tapestry of his days, he discovered a passion for remodeling, mentored by his step-dad’s skilled hands. Through sawdust and perseverance, Kevin learned that the toughest paths often lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Today, he crafts not just spaces but memories, infusing love into every nook of the amazing places he builds. When tools are down, Kevin cherishes the melody of life with his wife and two daughters, his heart’s greatest masterpieces. A lover of music, the serenity of landscapes, and the essence of his work, Kevin lives by the belief that love for what you do is the cornerstone of a life well-built.

Colby lives in the Texas Hill Country where he was born and raised. He got his start in the construction industry working for his dad building custom homes. After several years, he switched to the manufacturing and distribution industry, where he worked as a Production Supervisor and Facilities Manager. Throughout this time, he continued to complete construction projects on the side, including remodels and additions. Colby joined Vertical Works in October 2022, and is excited to get back to his passion of building and construction. Colby enjoys spending time with his wife and their 2 daughters. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, hiking, and cheering on the Texas A&M Aggies.