Rob Skeen & Jacob Dinkins
Rob Skeen
Originally from Georgia, Rob Skeen has lived in and around Brevard since he graduated from Appalachian State University in 1996 with a degree in Recreational Management and Outdoor Experiential Education. He first picked up nails and a hammer to build skateboard ramps and tree forts, in his pre-teens. "I remember my dad driving us to the hardware store, where we spent our allowance."
Building onto those formative forays into construction, Rob became interested in carpentry and fine woodworking again, while pursuing a minor in Industrial Technology. "I chose the classes, where I could gain hands-on experience in things like woodworking, construction science, alternative energy and appropriate technology, which continue to be my passions." Following more than a decade of working for an outdoor learning camp and boarding school near Brevard, Rob went to work for a local contractor, working in the capacity of project manager on a variety of residential and commercial projects in and around Brevard for five years.
Making good on a personal vow to own his own business by the age of 40, Rob teamed up with Jacob Dinkins in January of 2013. Together they incorporated Bracken Mountain Builders, a full-service, state-licensed, fully insured construction company.
Married to Kim, a local pottery artist and teacher, and the proud father of Cedar Ann, 13, and Lilian, 7, Rob likes to balance work with time spent with his family outdoors. He is an avid road cyclist, mountain biker and loves a good road trip. When he is not outside, he likes to re-imagine the purpose of a quality piece of fine wood. His artisan cutting boards, made from locally-grown trees, are sought-after by Brevard residents and visitors alike.
Jacob Dinkins
A native of Alabama, Jacob Dinkins, remembers leaving his father's saw out in the rain after building treehouse in the backyard when he was 12. "It rusted, that was not a good start," he will tell you in his trademark no-nonsense, recalcitrant style. Jacob, who has worked as a groomer for a ski resort and a wrangler for a guest dude ranch in Colorado and spent 49 days riding a bike from Washington State to North Carolina in 2002, began his construction career as facilities manager for a summer camp in Mississippi. "Fixing things has always been satisfying to me. If you just consider how something is made you can rebuild almost anything."
Jacob, who has been building and renovating commercial and private properties on his own since 2006, loves a good professional challenge and is known for his critical thinking skills. He rarely meets a conundrum he doesn't like. It's the cookie-cutter patches that frustrate him.
In his time as a self-employed carpenter, Jacob has become interested in "building functional spaces that serve the lives they shelter" and with that in mind, he completed a workshop in passive-solar energy installation in 2007. He loves contemporary designs, the innovative use of new and recycled building materials and hopes to inspire more people to be brave and adventurous in their building projects.
In 2013, he teamed up with Rob and incorporated Bracken Mountain Builders as a full-service, state-licensed, fully insured construction company.
Jacob is married to Geraldine, a Swiss-native, and has one son, Gus, 7. He rides road and mountain bikes and enjoys distance running. He plays the guitar and is teaching himself the banjo and violin. He is a trained firefighter and volunteers for the City of Brevard.