Blake Hackerson

Principal

Blake started swinging a hammer at the age of 16 for a friend’s father while in high school. Mastering this trade has been his singleness of purpose ever since. Blake graduated high school early and immersed himself fully in Vermont’s residential construction industry. In the early 2000’s, Blake capitalized on professional opportunities in Western Massachusetts. In addition to refining his craft, while in Massachusetts he also passed the challenging Construction Supervisor’s Exam and secured his unrestricted building license at the age of 22. He remains one of the youngest builders to achieve this certification in Massachusetts.

In keeping with the theme of continued development, Blake returned to Vermont for a project management opportunity with a large spec home contracting company. The experience gained in those years, and the mounting passion for quality workmanship, motivated Blake to return to his roots in the highly demanding and rewarding field of custom home building and remodeling. Newschool Builders was born. Blake has played an active roll from the beginning of Newschool Builders. It’s not uncommon to see him on site working through an issue with an architect or subcontractor, or mentoring a member of his highly skilled team. Blake is deeply engaged in each project, from beginning to completion, which insures the client’s experience and his team’s workmanship holds true to his rigorous standards.

Blake spends most of his free time outdoors. He has chased fish with a fly rod extensively in the US as well as internationally. In the fall you can usually find him in a tree stand, tucked away in a remote part of the New England whitetail woods, or chasing elk across Montana’s vast wilderness. In the snowy winter months, Blake has been known to declare the occasional company powder day.

Nate Thomas

Operations

Nate’s background is in engineering with a concentration on process development and data driven decision making. Before work with Newschool Builders, he managed large manufacturing facility build outs and new commercial construction projects. Blake and Nate have worked closely together for years in the active development of the Newschool Builders organization. Many of the processes and systems we employ today are a result of Blake and Nate’s work together. This dedication to process improvement has resulted in our organization’s industry leading client experience and tightly managed project execution. When not working with our organization, Nate is either training with his military unit or riding his horse.

Pat McHugh

Project Manager

Pat Has been in the building trades since 2003 and had the privilege of working with some of the best craftsmen in the Mad River Valley. His experience in all aspects of fine homebuilding allows for a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of projects. You’ll see this in his framing as much as his trim work. Pat has become a great leader for our team.

Pat was born and raised in the Mad River Valley. After attending Endicott College in Beverly, MA, he moved back to Vermont to start his family. Pat has a more broad base of experience than most carpenters, and brings a well rounded knowledge base to our team. Pat is our go to team member when it comes to complex framing challenges. He is also uniquely capable of handling fringe discipline work such as audio, video, and low voltage lighting systems.

In 2001, Pat was ordained as a minister. He has a passion for serving his community and has traveled extensively using his talents to benefit others both domestically and abroad. In his free time Pat can be found playing/writing music with his wife Alison or coaching his children’s sports teams.

Andrew Nelson

Estimating and Preconstruction

Andrew was born and raised in Chittenden County where he grew up immersed in high-end residential remodeling, learning the trade from his father and older brother. After an education in the humanities at the University of Vermont, Andrew devoted himself to the trades full-time, including spending a number of years in San Francisco doing construction management and historic preservation work before settling back down in Vermont.

Andrew has a passion for improving the custom home building experience, bringing together clients, design professionals, and our wide network of subcontractors and vendors. His attention to detail, once displayed through his framing and finish work, and now through his fostering of budgets and schedules, make him an ideal manager of our estimating and preconstruction efforts. Andrew thrives working in an atmosphere where more is expected of the building trades and 'high-performance' applies not just to a building's envelope but also to the process of building it. Newschool Builders was a natural fit.

When not at work Andrew can often be found playing soccer, mountain biking, snowboarding, or reading literature in translation.

Rebecca Davis

Bookkeeper

Rebecca was born and raised just outside of Schenectady, NY. Shortly after graduating high school, frequent visits to Vermont's Mad River Valley to visit her sister helped Rebecca fall in love with the Green Mountain State.

Rebecca keeps things humming along and organized with her fastidious in-house bookkeeping skills and payroll services.

When not crunching numbers, Rebecca enjoys fishing (on open water and ice!), Gardening and landscaping, playing baseball with her two sons, cooking and baking, and listening to great music.

Ian Bowmer

Site Manager

As a kid born and raised in rural Vermont you have to be creative when it comes to entertainment. From an early age building seemed to be a part of Ian’s life, whether it was building bike jumps, tree forts or helping his father build several boats and a small cabin, working with his hands has been a constant. Throughout the years carpentry has been a way for Ian to support himself both financially and creatively. After graduating from Montana State college and traveling throughout much of the states, Ian returned to live in Vermont and take up a full time career in the trades. Apart from work, Ian spends most of his free time in the mountains and waters of Vermont.

Jaime Craig

Site Manager

Jaime grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. His interest in carpentry was sparked during woodworking projects with his dad as a kid. Junior year of high school, he assisted his dad with a condo renovation, which proved to be a particularly formative experience in Jaime's career.

After graduating from Colby College in 2017 with a degree in biology, Jaime worked for a carpentry company based in Boston. In 2019 he moved north to Mad River Valley to be closer to his sister. After working on his parents' house in Fayston and his sister's house in Winooski, Jaime joined the Newschool team.

In his spare time, Jaime can be found adventuring with his coonhound Melo, playing soccer and tennis, making music in his bedroom studio, and watching sports.

Mike Daw

Site Manager

Mike first started working for a homebuilder in 2003 while still in college. After graduating in 2006 with a degree in political science he decided to make carpentry his career. Mike renovated and built new homes on and among the estates of Long Island's North Shore until relocating to Vermont in 2017. Mike joined the Newschool Builders team in the winter of 2022.

Mike currently lives in Huntington with his wife, young son, and two crazy dogs. In his spare time he enjoys chores, all sorts of bicycle riding, and nordic skiing.

Jaret Bates

Site Manager

Jaret started working with his grandfather as a handyman at the age of 10, moving on to work for his father’s construction company, where he learned foundational skills like rafter and stair cutting, until he graduated high school in 1988.

He has been running jobs and learning the management side of construction ever since, with a long tenure in high-end custom homes and remodeling. His greatest strength lies in his ability to problem solve and find creative solutions that keep his projects on schedule. He is motivated by keeping the clients’ best interest in mind while navigating the web of systems and budgets.

Jaret is a family man and enjoys spending time with his parents, brothers, and children, recently becoming a grandpa, a role that he has been loving. He can be found outdoors in his free time, hunting or fishing, and he competed on horseback for 17 years traveling New England on the weekends.

While Jaret’s tenure at Newschool Builders is just beginning he feels like he has already been here for years.

Mike Mercure

Carpenter

Hailing from Chittenden County, Mike is a master carpenter with a career in the custom home building world spanning more than three decades. After years of service with another leading builder we couldn’t be more honored to welcome Mike to the Newschool family. He brings a wealth of knowledge, valuable leadership experience from his years as a foreman, and a great attitude to his craft every day.

When he’s not building Mike enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid outdoorsman, you can often find him fishing or hunting, as well as a classic car enthusiast, touring his classic truck around New England throughout the summer with his wife.

Mark Austin

Carpenter

Mark is a seventh generation Vermonter who has worn many hats over the years. After stints as a record store manager, professional fly tier and bicycle mechanic/repair shop owner, Mark decided to give carpentry a try.

Twenty-seven years later he still enjoys the challenges that building custom homes presents. "From small renovations to grand new homes, each project has its own intricacies. That’s the most interesting part for me." Says Mark. We are extremely grateful to have such a master craftsman amongst our ranks.

When not swinging a hammer, Mark enjoys attending concerts with his wife Jackie. He also collects and listens to vinyl LPs and has recently started building guitars.

Kurt Reinecke

Carpenter

Kurt is a one in a million find. A career carpenter with a wealth of knowledge and an understanding gleaned through years of experience, as well as just being a fantastic all around great person. He grew up in Montpelier, always pulling things apart to see what makes them tick. Most of the time they got put back together.

Kurt got his first taste of carpentry in high school, helping to build a post and beam barn. After attending UVM, he decided to take some time for skiing and construction was a natural fit the rest of the year. Years went by instructing, and patrolling and working with various construction outfits.

Thirty some-odd years later (“already?!” says Kurt) Kurt bumped into Blake, and was immediately intrigued by Newschool Builder’s approach and Philosophy. We are lucky and excited to have Kurt as a part of our team.

Geoff Wade

Carpenter

Geoff was first introduced to woodworking while in high school. Since that time he has either held a position as a carpenter, or worked in a wood shop. Geoff worked for a prominent custom home builder in the Mad River Valley for well over a decade both working in the field and running a custom millwork shop. Geoff brings an unparalleled skillset forged through years of experience working on highly detailed projects as a career carpenter and master craftsman. We are very excited to have Geoff working with NSB. Geoff spends most of his time when not working either coaching nordic skiing, mountain biking or ripping turns up at one of our awesome mountains.

Adam Hart

Carpenter

Adam began carpentry work as a builder's apprentice in 2014. He has had the good fortune of working among numerous skilled tradesmen over the last decade. Adam’s favorite part of the trade is that the learning curve is endless. Adam joins our team with high aspirations and a competent skillset.

Adam and his partner Carrie are currently building out a homestead in North Duxbury. Their seasonal pursuits include growing food, fishing, and remote camping. Outside of work and home life, Adam's favorite place to be is in the backcountry, either on a snowmobile or a buck's track.

Corey Owen

Carpenter

Corey graduated from trade school in 1999, which provided him with a diverse range of skills to select from for his job placement. He discovered that he particularly enjoyed the challenge of carpentry, especially fine trim work. Since joining the industry, he has been able to build a family and establish a fulfilling life in Vermont. Over the years, Corey has also developed a passion for tile setting, further expanding his skill set and presenting a new challenge.

As a member of the Newschool team, Corey has the opportunity to pursue his passions and thrive. He feels a sense of belonging to something larger, where his contributions are highly valued. Corey is a proud father and often enjoys traveling with his dirt bike when not at work.

Jonathan Meyer

Carpenter

Jon entered the carpentry trade in 2018 with a passion for creating and building that quickly became evident to those around him. With a strong drive to master his craft, he has honed his skills in various aspects of the building trade. After working on a number of both residential and commercial construction jobs in central Vermont, including the Bell Block development in Waterbury Village, Jon joined Newschool in 2024.

His attention to detail and pride in delivering high-level craftsmanship make him a natural fit for the Newschool team. Outside of his carpentry work, Jon designs, builds, and sells unique custom butcher boards. During his free time, you’ll often find Jon out skiing, hiking, or at the gym.

Peter Morel

Carpenter

Peter is a proud native Vermonter with a deep-rooted passion for construction. He began his journey in the construction trade at the age of 14, working alongside his father, who instilled in him the importance of hard work, integrity, and attention to detail. With years of hands-on experience, Pete takes great pride in creating quality structures that stand the test of time.

He loves to work with his hands, turning visions into reality, and ensuring that every project reflects his commitment to excellence. When Pete is not on the job site, you can find him enjoying the beautiful mountains of Vermont with his family. They are his greatest inspiration and motivation, reminding him of the importance of building not just structures, but a legacy for future generations.

Caleb Durand

Carpenter

Hailing from Moretown, Caleb is an up-and-coming talent in the world of carpentry, joining our team while honing his skills in the carpentry program at Central Vermont Career Center. At just 17 years old, Caleb brings a fresh perspective and an eagerness to learn that’s truly inspiring to those around him.

Outside of carpentry, Caleb enjoys spending time outdoors. He’s an avid hunter and fisherman as well as a dirt biking enthusiast, thriving on adventure and challenge both in his hobbies and in his craft. Caleb’s dedication and passion make him a valuable member of our team as he continues to grow in his career.

Glen Bluto

Carpenter

With 34 years of experience in the construction industry, Glen has built his career on a foundation laid generations before him. He began working alongside his grandfather, learning traditional craftsmanship, a strong work ethic, and the value of doing a job right the first time. Over the decades, he has continued to honor those roots while embracing the new building techniques required to meet today’s ever-evolving codes and environmental demands.

Glen’s passion for construction goes beyond the job site. He enjoys refining his skills through hands-on projects, especially cabinet building and improving his trim and carpentry work. He enjoys time outdoors - fishing, hunting, and spending quiet moments in nature - as much as he values craftsmanship.

Glen’s goal is to eventually retire and crisscross the country, exploring new places and enjoying the freedom of the open road. Whether he’s on the move or in the workshop, Glen remains committed to learning, improving, and building with care.

Tyler Dunton

Carpenter

Born and raised in central Massachusetts, Tyler began his career in the commercial construction industry immediately after high school, entering the field as a carpenter. He spent 15 years with the North Atlantic States Carpenters Union, contributing to a wide range of commercial projects throughout the Boston and Worcester areas. His time in the union helped him build a strong foundation of craftsmanship, discipline, and industry expertise.

Music has always been a meaningful part of Tyler’s life, shaped early on by growing up around his father’s gigs. Outside of work, he enjoys spirited driving—whether on the road or on dirt trails—and stays active by spending time at the gym.

Tyler relocated to Vermont in pursuit of a different quality of life, where he now focuses on balancing meaningful work with time spent outdoors and with his family. His wife and two children are at the center of everything he does, and they remain his greatest motivation both personally and professionally.

Patrick Johnson

Carpenter

Pat grew up in the Northeast Kingdom and learned the value of hard work at an early age. He has been building for over 25 years, and has built and renovated homes all over Vermont and in the Northwest and Northern California. Pat believes in always building things to the highest quality and building things to last generations. He loves fishing, hunting, hiking, outdoor adventuring and gardening in his free time. Pat even fished commercially in Alaska for a year recently for the experience!

Pat was part of the early years of Newschool Builders and couldn’t be more proud to call it a home once again.

Jonathan Ignaczak

Carpenter

Originally from Rochester NY, Jon moved to Vermont in 2013 to attend the University of Vermont, where he graduated with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Pharmacology.

Jon’s interest in carpentry began more recently in 2022 at a small local company building industrial RO systems primarily for use in water desalination. The primary project he worked on involved outfitting seven 20-foot shipping containers with the equivalent of two water desalination plants to replace an outdated system on the small island of Canouan in the Grenadines. From carpentry, to plumbing and electrical, Jon had a hand in building out nearly every aspect of the plant. It was during this time he found his love for building unique things and the joys of seeing a completed project.

Outside of work Jon likes to spend his time enjoying a variety of outdoor sports and taking slow walks with his dog Leah. From snowboarding and powsurfing to windsurfing, wing foiling, ice winging and all types of biking, Jon finds a way to enjoy the weather any time of season.

Robert Chappelle

Carpenter

Robert Chappelle is a carpenter with a strong passion for building, learning, and working with his hands. Born in Honduras and raised in Vermont, Robert brings hard work, curiosity, and dedication to every project. New to the carpentry field, he loves seeing progress come together day by day and takes pride in contributing to quality work.

When he’s not on the job site, Robert enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors – interests that keep him motivated and inspired in his craft.

Seth Carr

Carpenter

Seth is a skilled carpenter with more than ten years of experience, having worked on a wide range of projects, from commercial builds to residential renovations.

In his free time Seth enjoys taking bike rides with his family and spending time outside. He and his son bond over building RC cars, crawlers, and flying RC helicopters. The same attention to detail that defines his carpentry also fuels his creative pursuits at home, making his passion for craftsmanship evident in everything he does.

Jon Dubick

Carpenter

Born on Long Island, Jon discovered his love for woodworking in high school shop class. After graduating from high school, he began framing houses in the former potato fields of South Hampton, as well as working on multiple oceanfront projects until a four-year enlistment in the Marine Corps.

After his time in the service, Jon relocated to Stowe in 1996, seeking a quieter life. He re-immersed himself in carpentry, learning from some of the best builders in the area.

In the building trades now for 35+ years, Jon’s greatest strengths are his attention to detail and seeing the job at hand completed and completed well. When he is not on the job site, Jon can be found snowboarding, nordic skiing, fly fishing, and mountain biking. Most, if not all, of these activities he shares with his dog LD.

David Moody

Carpenter

David is a craftsman, with four decades experience in all facets of carpentry. David has worked in some of the highest end real estate markets in the United States, including Boston, Manhattan, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston in 1994.

David comes from humble beginnings in his hometown of Plymouth Massachusetts. He was fortunate to receive generous mentorship from his father, grandfathers, and others as a child and young adult. He was taught that there was honor in a hard day's work, and getting the job done. David feels it to be a personal mission to pass on his knowledge to those coming up after him.

David has lived with his Family in Montpelier since 2022. In his spare time David enjoys making art, furniture, and hot sauce, as well as record collecting and gardening.

Kevin Dunn

Carpenter

Kevin has lived in the Mad River Valley for over 30 years. He is well versed in many phases of construction having spent his time since moving here working in various trades surrounding homebuilding. He is a skilled carpenter, stone mason, and equipment operator. Kevin’s even-keeled temperament and experience make him a valuable member of our team. Kevin is an avid snowboarder, and spends a lot of his free time in the outdoors or volunteering in the community.