Meet Our New Chief Operating Officer: A Vision for the Future of Graham Hart Home Builder

A Career Built from the Ground Up

Unlike many leaders whose careers begin in an office, his story started on a jobsite. “I was introduced to the homebuilding industry right out of high school, building my first home alongside my uncle when I was just 18 years old,” he shared. “Although I pursued academics, I continually found myself drawn back to residential construction.”

After relocating from South Dakota to Texas in 2015, he transitioned from running his own company to joining a large private homebuilder. Beginning as a Construction Manager, James steadily advanced through operations before serving as Vice President of Construction. He later joined a growing production builder, helping lead one of the company’s most transformative periods.

“Over three years, we grew from approximately 100 annual closings to more than 500. Experiencing that level of growth firsthand taught me how production builder discipline and the entrepreneurial mindset of a smaller company must work together.”

That combination of large-builder systems and entrepreneurial agility has uniquely prepared him for his new role at Graham Hart Home Builder.

Finding the Right Fit

When asked what attracted him to Graham Hart, the answer was immediate. “What stood out to me most was the company’s distinct culture, strong brand identity, and exceptional product. The vision for the future aligns closely with the type of organization I want to be part of and an environment where I saw myself continuing to grow and make an impact.”

Having experienced both luxury and production homebuilding, he believes Graham Hart is uniquely positioned for continued success.

“The combination of my experience with a luxury private homebuilder and my opportunity to help grow and scale a production builder has given me a well-rounded perspective. I’ve learned what discerning buyers expect while also understanding what it takes to build efficient systems, develop strong teams, and support significant growth.”

Leadership Begins with Serving Others

His leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership—a belief that leadership is measured by how well you support others. “I believe strongly in the principle of servant leadership. To me, leadership is a responsibility, not a title. It’s about meeting people where they are, supporting them through challenges, and helping them develop into the best version of themselves.”

Creating great teams, he says, starts with grit. “Great teams are built on trust, a willingness to challenge one another, and an unwavering commitment to supporting each other. They continually strive to improve, hold each other accountable, and pursue excellence together.”

Empathy also plays a central role in every decision he makes. “I value the human experience and believe every decision should begin with understanding the people it affects. Housing isn’t just about building homes—it’s about creating places where people build their lives. That’s one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to our communities.”

Beyond the Office

While James is passionate about homebuilding, his greatest priorities are found outside of work. “My focus is on my family. I enjoy spending time with my children, making memories with my wife, and whenever I get the chance, you’ll find me on the golf course.”

Many people are also surprised to learn his academic background is in theology and philosophy. “Those studies shaped the way I think, approach challenges, and consider the bigger picture, and they continue to influence my perspective as a leader today.”

When asked what motivates him every day, his answer reflected both personal ambition and a passion for developing others.

“I’m driven by a desire to be the best at what I do. Every day, I wake up inspired to create, achieve, and make a meaningful impact. Just as important, I’m motivated by the opportunity to bring others along on that journey—helping people grow, succeed, and accomplish more together than we could individually.”

One accomplishment he’s especially proud of is the customer experience he delivered early in his career. “Out of approximately 250 homeowners, I received satisfied or very satisfied ratings from 99.6% of them. That reflects the importance I place on delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

Looking Toward the Future

As Graham Hart Home Builder continues to grow throughout North Texas, he sees tremendous opportunity ahead.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to continue building a truly distinctive luxury brand. We offer something different in the marketplace, and I believe that’s a tremendous advantage. I’m excited to help bring that unique experience to a larger audience while continuing to grow the company’s reputation and reach.”

He believes the company’s greatest strength lies in its people and its roots. “Our family ownership and deep roots in the community are what truly set us apart. We’re not just building homes here—we’re genuinely invested in the communities we serve. Combined with our long-standing reputation for excellence, we’ve built a brand that people know, trust, and respect.”

As for his first year, his focus is on thoughtful, sustainable growth.

“My first priority is to build on what’s already working. This company has a strong foundation, and I want to understand what created the success that precedes me. At the same time, my focus is on laying the groundwork that will allow us to responsibly double and eventually triple our production while maintaining the quality, culture, and customer experience that defines who we are.”

As Graham Hart Home Builder looks ahead, we’re excited for the leadership, experience, and vision he brings to our team. His commitment to people, operational excellence, and purposeful growth reflects the values that have guided our company for more than three decades—and we’re confident the best is yet to come.

Please join us in welcoming our new Chief Operating Officer, James Wrigg, to the Graham Hart Home Builder family.