Building Relationships

Our Greatest Strengths

One of our greatest strengths and primary advantages over other homebuilders is the number of long-term employees on our staff. Our clients tell us they value and appreciate knowing they will be dealing with the same familiar people throughout the process of building their home.

Both executive director Jim Farlow and Bill Sellars have nearly 30 years of residential building experience each. Both are licensed by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and are designated qualifiers. According to state law, each firm must have one active qualifier. Because we have two, our clients are assured of a continuity of operation even if one of our qualifiers were to become inactive for any reason. We hold an Unlimited building classification, giving architects and clients virtually unlimited opportunities for their project while working with us.

The Farlow Group is a member of the National Association of Home Builders and holds to the highest professional standards. Jim Farlow participates in NAHB’s Builder 20 program, an organization which brings builders from around the country together to share their expertise with colleagues from non-competing markets to strengthen the performance of their individual companies. The Farlow Group is also a member of NAHB’s local branch, the Wilmington - Cape Fear Homebuilders Association and participates in its Remodeler's Council. We are also members of the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance, a group of professionals in building-related trades who share a common concern for the environment and pursue knowledge of low impact building methods.

In addition to their builders qualifications and standards, high on the list of client’s concerns are issues of cost. The Farlow Group is a member of a buying group, Custom Builders USA, which joins together custom builders in our area to gain access to pricing from subcontractors and vendors that may otherwise only be extended to much larger operations.

While some builders simply hire whichever subcontractors are available, we are extremely selective with our trade partners. We have established very long-standing, mutually respectful relationships with professionals in every field who appreciate our level of planning, scheduling, dependability, quality and cost containment. Like us, they seek opportunities to practice the highest level of their craft.

Key People and Orchestrators

Jim FarlowCEO

After graduating from Wilmington College (now UNCW) with a BS degree, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force and completed four and one-half years of duty, separating as a Captain. Upon returning to Wilmington, he joined a local real estate firm in sales, which lead to his interest in homebuilding. In 1975, Jim became a licensed contractor and started building in the Wilmington area. He and a former partner learned the art of homebuilding by physically completing every step, from digging the footing to installing the landscaping themselves. In 2000, Jim founded The Farlow Group, Inc.

Caron CampbellDirector of Internal Operations

After obtaining an associate degree in business administration, Caron became an administrative assistant for Jim Farlow in 1983. She has been a Wilmington resident since her junior high days, and has a love of the city and its friendly inhabitants. Exceptionally organized and enthusiastic by nature, Caron brings these traits to her position with The Farlow Group. Part of her responsibility is overseeing the firm's on-going commitment to increasing efficiencies and encouraging all members of the company to actively participate in their culture of continual improvement.

Bill SellarsProject Manager

A native Wilmingtonian, Bill has been in the construction business for more than 30 years, the past 25 in the residential realm. He has been with The Farlow Group since 1990, and is a designated qualifier for the company. The primary reason he enjoys working for The Farlow Group is that he is allowed to build houses the way they are supposed to be built.

Chris BunnProject Manager

Chris was also born and raised in Wilmington, although he traveled extensively in his 10 years in the U.S. Air Force civil engineering squadron, performing a myriad of construction projects. Chris, who has been with The Farlow Group since 1992, appreciates the teamwork and dedication involved in turning a homeowner's dream into reality.

Tim ShellhammerProject Manager

Tim grew up in upstate New York, where he worked extensively in the remodeling business. He moved to Wilmington in 1994, joining The Farlow Group that same year. He finds the process of remodeling and building superior homes very gratifying, and especially enjoys building great friendships with the clients.

Clark DildaProject Manager

Upon completing his bachelor's degree in Construction Management at East Carolina University in 2003, Clark moved to Wilmington. He joined The Farlow Group in 2006, fulfilling his personal goal of working with a custom home construction company that produces products that stand out among the competition. He believes The Farlow Group epitomizes the custom home market in Wilmington, and is proud to work among so many skilled craftsmen.