Our Story: It All Begins
In the spring of 2003, Brad Sawler and Justin Kelcourse founded Oxland Builders with a plan to design and build custom spec homes on family-owned land. At the time, Brad was running Brad Sawler Renovations, while Justin was looking for his next opportunity. With Brad’s construction expertise and Justin’s business acumen, the two joined forces—and Oxland was born. As for the name? We made it up!
Shifting Focus
When the housing market began to retract, high-dollar spec homes were no longer a viable business model. Instead, we shifted our focus to home additions and renovations, completing our first large-scale project and officially entering the world of remodeling. As we hired our first employee, we found ourselves navigating the economic downturn of 2008—but we remained committed to growing through the challenges.
As Oxland continued to serve clients throughout the Seacoast area, one of our founders, Justin, transitioned into real estate, leaving Brad at the helm of the company. With just one employee, Brad tackled a variety of remodeling projects while also starting a family and building his own home. These years were filled with hard work, learning experiences, and a deepened appreciation for craftsmanship and client relationships.
Time for Big Moves
Two key pieces of advice changed everything: move out of the basement office and start reading. This led to Oxland’s first office space and a shift in mindset from contractor to business owner. It was time to build a company that could scale while maintaining its dedication to quality.
With an increasing number of larger, more complex projects, Oxland expanded its team, bringing on a part-time administrative assistant and growing its field staff. As Brad transitioned from wearing a tool belt to focusing on management, Oxland outgrew its first office, then its second, leading to a move to Rochester, NH, in 2017, where the company combined its office and cabinet shop under one roof.
Developing & Strategizing
The move to Rochester marked an exciting time of growth. Oxland hired its first salesperson and full-time office manager, solidifying a strong operational foundation. As project demand increased, an in-house designer was added to the team in 2018. However, by late 2019, the Rochester space became too cramped, and Oxland relocated back to Stratham, NH. During this time, Brad joined Remodelers Advantage, an industry-leading peer group that helped refine the company’s processes and business strategy.
January 2020 brought exciting milestones—a new office lease and the start of our first in-house designer. But then, the pandemic hit. While some construction companies saw a surge in business, Oxland faced immediate project cancellations, forcing a brief layoff period. Despite the uncertainty, the team persevered, keeping most of the staff employed and learning invaluable lessons along the way.
Bringing You Our Very Best
As the housing market tightened and demand for remodeling surged, Oxland saw substantial growth fueled by marketing investments, process improvements, and a commitment to customer value. We moved through our 20th anniversary year without even realizing it, fully immersed in building some of the most stunning homes and renovations in the region. Today, Oxland Builders stands as one of the premier design-build firms in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire, constantly evolving and improving while staying true to our roots—exceptional craftsmanship, seamless project execution, and a client-first approach.
Brad Sawler
Formerly a bike mechanic, Brad is driven by the thrill of designing and building from scratch. He values communication and enjoys teaching carpentry skills, designing homes, and leading the company. He wants clients to feel truly heard and supported through the remodel journey.
Lynn Murphy
Lynn comes from a family of tradesmen and brings generations of experience to her work. Known for her joyful spirit and impressive singing voice, she loves creating beautiful homes and mentoring others. When she’s not working, she enjoys jewelry-making, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Matt Estep
With roots in independent construction, Matt thrives on trim and finish work—especially when it's challenging. Known for his critical thinking and dedication, he creates confident and comfortable experiences for every client.
Richard Sawler
Richard, a former CAD designer, brings technical know-how and a relaxed presence to the team. He’s prepared for anything, including emergencies, and enjoys quiet pastimes like reading and gardening when not on the job site.
Nicholas Lahure
Nicholas is a detail-obsessed craftsman who loves finish work and the satisfaction of a job well done. An over-thinker in the best way, he believes in taking time and thinking carefully. He brings a calm, thoughtful energy to each project.
Christina Mainhuber
With a BA in Interior Design and over two decades in both commercial and residential design, Christina brings creativity and compassion to every project. She loves connecting with clients, visualizing space in 3D, and incorporating natural elements into her work.
Michael Love
Michael finds deep gratification in giving old homes new life. With experience running multinational construction crews, he’s both methodical and approachable. Whether climbing rocks with his dog or problem-solving on-site, he always puts client communication first.
Kate Nolte
Born into a family of builders, Kate thrives in dynamic environments, combining technical precision with a passion for team collaboration. She’s always ready with a laser measure and a can-do attitude, especially when it comes to outdoor design and entertaining spaces.
Charlie
Charlie grew up in a family business and has done just about every role on a job site. He’s a confident and happy team player who enjoys framing, hardwood, and demo work. He brings fun and grit to every project, and tape and water to every truck.
