builder story
Michael Whalen
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Whalen family moved to Everglades city in 1970 when Mike was just 5 years old in search of warmth and sunshine. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Naples and have called this home ever since!
With a love for the outdoors and a father who instilled in him a passion for fixing and building things from scratch, he found himself working towards mastering the three F’s of carpentry (form, frame, and finish) in his early 20’s.
At the age of 22, Mike Whalen started his own carpentry business. Within the first three years, he focused on quality and expanded his business beyond merely constructing houses; building relationships and networking became a priority. What started as a focus on carpentry soon evolved into experience with concrete and masonry work and eventually a Building Contractors license.
Amidst the 2006 recession, Mike regrouped, acquired his General Contractors License, and developed a more direct and singular vision for his business focusing on quality instead of quantity, and with that, New Era Construction was born.
Today, New Era Construction stands as a testament to Mike Whalen’s experience, dedication to quality, perseverance, and unyielding determination. He has lived in the East Naples Brookside neighborhood for over 50 years, believes in the community and is committed to its development and growth. It is this community that has helped him grow professionally and personally, making The Grove Bayshore a passion project, a way for him and his family to leave their mark on an area that has been such a big part of their lives!
Jerry maxson
Born in Buffalo and raised in Fredonia, New York, Jerry Maxson made Naples his home in 1988 after graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Like many, he fell in love with Florida’s warm weather, idyllic beaches, outdoor activities, and overall community. Needless to say, he began to call Naples home and never looked back.
With a desire to be an entrepreneur and the realization that “corporate” life was not for him, Jerry pursued his license as a Building Contractor in 1989 and shortly thereafter found himself working alongside Mike Whalen, building custom homes. Here a friendship was built along with careers that would align again years later to develop The Grove.
In 1997, after accumulating over a decade of experience collaborating with esteemed builders in the Naples’ luxury custom home market, Jerry established Legacy Homes Inc., a home building company that has built and renovated an impressive portfolio of residences that embody the epitome of craftsmanship and sophistication.
Jerry’s journey has been one defined by keen vision and a commitment to excellence. It is with these traits that he and Mike will build The Grove Bayshore, a luxury community that will elevate an area that is so deserving of nothing but the best!
With over 30 years of friendship and a remarkable 100+ years of combined building experience in Southwest Florida, Mike Whalen, Jerry Maxson, and Jeff Harrell set the standard for custom luxury homes.
Jeffrey HARRELL AIA
Harrell & Co Architects (HCO) was founded in 1995 by principal and sole design architect A. Jeffrey Harrell. The current staff includes Mr. Harrell, one field coordinator/ project manager, and two skilled CAD technicians. All staff is trained in the HCO office and each employee has been with the firm for many years. Continuity in the design process and production procedures is important in an effort to maintain the highest design standards. Jeff Harrell is personally in the Naples, Florida Office for approximately 2 weeks every month, with the remainder of the month spent in Whitefish, Montana at a working office in that location. The Montana firm provides support, as required, to projects commissioned to the Naples firm. Travel intervals and coordination of work between offices has been in place since firm inception in 1995. Mr. Harrell graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and became a Florida registered architect in 1988. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Professional architectural registrations are obtained and maintained in states where projects are contemplated. Detailed information about state registrations is available upon request.
