ABOUT US
Choosing the right builder can be a challenge in the competitive Custom Home market. And at Big Island Builders, we’d rather you take the time to examine who you want to partner with on your project, your investment, your home, your dream. Because this is a moment when the right decision will make all the difference.
As Naples premier concierge builder since 1999, we take things personally. In fact, every home we build is personal to us. Each year we focus on just a few exceptional projects in order to guarantee our purpose remains squarely on making the dreams of our clients a reality — and at the best possible rates. We do what we do for people who appreciate quality, commitment, accountability and attention to detail. We’re dedicated to customer service and being available before, during and after the process. In short, we’re dedicated to building it right.
With three generations of builders within the Bowerman family, it’s been ingrained in us to do exceptional work, in a collaborative manner, with a team that prides itself on looking out for our clients’ best interests. And while the numerous awards and accolades show our commitment to excellence, we’re prouder of the fact that our clients choose us time and time again, knowing that we are committed to quality, transparency and value.
At Big Island Builders, we’re dedicated to building lasting relationships… and stunning homes. We call it inspired luxury.
It’s the luxury of knowing you’ve made the right choice.
OUR PROCESS
We believe the build process should be straightforward, honest, and a team effort. Our commitment to building extraordinary homes, and our passion for earning long-time personalized client relationships, guarantees that you will love your new home now, and forever more.
Connect
Building something as personal as a home requires an understanding that we are taking your vision and turning it into the physical embodiment of your dreams. It’s a task we don’t take lightly. Nor is it a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s truly a collaborative effort. We want to learn everything about your needs, wants and style in order to help you create your dream home. No question or concern is too small and we pride ourselves on being available to you anytime. We can bring together the architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and, with a licensed real estate agent on staff, we can even help you find the perfect lot.
Budget
Our mission is to build the best house for the best price. You may find it hard to believe, but we actually try to save you money along the way. In fact, when we are brought onto a project early enough — meaning before architectural plans are finalized — we can aid in the process and offer “value engineering,” suggesting cost saving structural and cosmetic alternatives, helping to keep the vision in tact and the budget on point.
Build
We’ve made a commitment to create a group of professionals that is like family, and one who looks out for your best interests. And we come to work daily with one goal in mind: to build gorgeous custom homes we can be proud of. As Naples premier concierge builder, Big Island Builders is dedicated to crafting inspired homes by utilizing our strong relationships with talented subcontractors, our commitment to schedules, and our unwavering attention to detail. Best of all, we’re committed to transparency throughout the process.
Relax
We have shelves full of awards and numerous testimonials to prove we’re a team of experts, but they don’t mean as much as the satisfaction of our clients. Our secret is that every team member cares as much about the details you can’t see as the ones you can. So when you open the door to your new home, you can rest assured things were done right — by professionals who care.
OUR TEAM
Jay Bowerman | FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Growing up with a father who was a respected custom home builder in Miami, Jay Bowerman has building in his blood. As a young man, he learned every aspect of building by working with his hands as a master carpenter and concrete finisher. He returned home most days with hands turned orange from laying steel in slabs and footings. And when he moved to Naples in 1999, he assumed he would just roll into town and have every architect and Realtor recognize his talents and the work would just appear. But the “good old boy” network that existed back then made things tough. Once that reality sank in, he knew he was going to have to prove himself one project at a time. He drove the neighborhoods where he wanted to build, hoping for a break, and it came when he met a man by his mailbox. Jay asked him if he needed any work done on his house, and the man replied, “I actually want to tear it down and build a new home.” Shortly thereafter, the process of designing and building a new waterfront home began and word quickly spread about this honest, fairly-priced and talented “new” builder creating high-quality custom homes. All these years later, Jay has assembled a team of professionals who care as much about the clients as he does and have a passion for building exceptional houses at a fair price. Now, as the honors and awards for Big Island Builders have piled up, Jay remains grounded in the understanding that the business started from very humble beginnings … and he is thankful for every opportunity to do what he loves.
Cheryl Boot | OFFICE MANAGER & CONTROLLER
Cheryl joined Big Island Builders in 2020 as Office Manager/Controller. She has worked for various sub-contractors in the construction industry in Naples since 1986, so she knows the business better than most. She has more than 35 years accounting experience, having worked for a Department of Defense electronics manufacturer for 11 years, a tile/marble and granite subcontractor for 18 years and a landscape architect for seven years. This diversified background helps her easily navigate the process of working with clients and subcontractors. It also helps to bring an inclusive, team approach to Big Island Builders. Born in Paterson, N.J., she’s been married to her husband Dave for 41 years, with two married daughters and three grandchildren. Her hobbies include exercising, boating, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Jaclyn Sitarz | OPERATIONS MANAGER
In 2012 Jaclyn moved to Naples from Chicago with her Husband, in search of warm weather. She made sure to bring her Mid-Western work ethic! The last 6 years she has worked at a Luxury Remodeling Company, focusing on high rise condos along Pelican Bay and Gulf Shore. Managing the scheduling department and administrate support team, she understands the industry and the in’s and out’s of the build. She’s got a reputation for being detailed, organized, intelligent and engaging. You’ll be sure to smile at her “ray of sunshine” attitude. Jaclyn is currently having a blast raising her 3 year old son and attending classes at Florida SouthWestern. Her hobbies include reading, documentaries and yardwork!
Matt Derr | SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT
A graduate from Northeastern University, Matt got his start renovating residential apartments and commercial properties in Boston’s Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Fenway neighborhoods for several years. He was married in Naples, has family in Naples, and a five year plan to move to Florida became a four year plan once Covid hit.
In Florida he worked with a production builder for two plus years before making the switch to Big Island Builders. Attention to detail, high quality standards, leadership, and communication are a some of the skills that Matt possesses that has helped him throughout his career as a builder and site supervisor.
“Custom homes are challenging, and its that challenge that makes building for Big Island Builders so rewarding.”-Matt Derr
Robert Dotson (Robbie) | SUPERINTENDENT
Robbie was born in Ohio and raised around construction, his grandfather owned a woodshop and he would go to work with him. Robbie started using hand and power tools at a young age. His father owned several construction companies and he worked with him during the summers starting at the age of 12.
Robbie moved to Colorado and worked installing mirrors and shower door in custom homes. He moved to Florida in 2016 and managed the East coast operations for a mirror and shower door company. Robbie moved to Naples and worked for a residential new home builder as a superintendent, responsible for 20 – 30 homes at any given time before joining the Big Island Builders Team.
Christopher Pierce | PROJECT MANAGER / SUPERINTENDENT
Starting at 11 years old, Christopher began following in his father’s footsteps as a young, eager construction apprentice. Learning the craft from the ground up in the family’s construction business, he honed his passion for collaboration and quality craftmanship.
His experience began as a construction laborer, punch technician and superintendent and evolved to project management and ultimately to vice president of construction with a Naples-based company. With an emphasis on teamwork, he stewarded single and multi-family luxury real estate developments in high profile golf communities.
During this time, Christopher groomed relationships through collaboration with his partners, vendors, subcontractors and consultants. Through these effective relationships, he ensured high-quality construction throughout all stages, from budgeting/bidding to project management, closing and warranty operations.
Christopher also sharpened his leadership, creative and mentorship skills as a trained chef. As a previous restaurant owner in Saugatuck, Michigan, he has the experience implementing new ideas and systems to deliver consistent, high-quality construction.
Blake Youngblood | SUPERINTENDENT
Blake is a recent graduate of Texas Tech University and has been working in customer service, construction, and quality control positions for over 7 years. Blake prides himself for his work ethic and his attitude of putting people first to guarantee the best possible customer experience. He has recently moved to Florida from Texas and is excited to join the team!
OUR FOUNDER'S HISTORY
"Our commitment, passion, and attention to detail have been passed down from three generations. Our heritage of excellence will create your dream home."
When our founder and president Jay Bowerman started working for his father as a young man, he learned quickly that construction is a "hands-on" business. He learned every aspect of building from actually working with his hands as a master carpenter and concrete finisher, (most days his hands turned orange from tying and placing steel in slabs and footings). As the years progressed, he learned how build a team of subcontractors and help motivate them to the same kind of excellence and hard work.
Since 1999, Big Island Builders has been specializing in new luxury custom homes and an extensive range of remodeling projects with a passion for excellence unequaled in Southwest Florida. Big Island Builders is committed to providing every project with the very latest design and highest quality materials and finishes. We have a long-established reputation for making the construction process a smooth and gratifying experience. We build each home and complete each remodel project as if it were our own, which is why so many of our clients are repeat customers.