Today we are introducing Jesse Drew, who we like to call our Jack-of-all-trades (or Jesse-of-all-trades!)

Meet Jesse: General Tradesman

Q: Tell us about your role with Next Custom Homes?

A: I do everything. Well, no I take that back. I don’t work on plumbing or electrical. Everything else, I do. I’ve worked on trim, shelves, landscaping and decks. I like doing decks and trim work is ok, but once you get to the end of those projects, it’s not as much fun. I like working on projects at the beginning.

Q: How long have you been part of the NEXT team?

A: I was 15 when I started working with my dad and brothers on and off. Then I quit for about a year and came back to work with them when I was 18-19. I started with just small stuff, clumbing under houses to clean, using basic tools and then worked my way up to trim and doing things inside the home.

Q: What’s it like working alongside your family?

A: Sometimes its good, sometimes it’s terrible. It’s hit or miss!

Q: Tell about your favorite project

A: Projects are exciting at the beginning and then they get to be… not so much. I’m not sure I have a favorite, but I did enjoy Woodview. We did a lot of custom Walnut work in that home, from trim to doors and the custom staircase. It was awesome to see the finished product.

Q: What are your future goals?

A: Well, I already bought a house, so that was one goal. But, I think welding would be cool. I don’t want to get into plumbing or electrical work, but I’m getting close to maxing out my home construction skills, so I think learning more about welding would be a good next step. I don’t see myself managing people or a crew, I really like doing the work.

Q: Something people may not know about you?

A: I’m a high school dropout. I tried it, but it wasn’t for me. Someday I’d like to have my own custom furniture company. Right now I’m making a bed out of a piece of Oak from a tree we had to cut down at a property. I’m using the live edge and it’s looks great. I’m also working on an entertainment center.

Q: Favorite place to get food in Austin?

A: Torchy’s

Q: What’s one thing you can’t live without?

A: Food and sleep. Oh and also the gym.