About Us
OUR STORY
Learn how simply southern homebuilders began and the people who made it a top homebuilder in the low country
Lisa and Dave Cornelius are experienced entrepreneurs, business builders and managers. They moved from Michigan in 2004 and have embraced the Low Country; especially the weather and the charm Bluffton has to offer. They have been married for over 40 years, raised three successful adult children, and have four wonderful grandchildren, as well as their three dogs. They are members in a private golf community, love to cook and golf, and enjoy supporting several local charitable organizations.
After successful careers founding and growing two specialty retail businesses in Michigan, Lisa became involved in the real estate and homebuilding business here in the low country. She founded Simply Southern Homebuilder in 2008 and was immediately successful.
More About Our Founders
Lisa Cornelius
Founder and President
Lisa is the driving force of Simply Southern Homebuilder, LLC, a licensed general contractor and a licensed realtor. She has been involved in over 50 homebuilding projects. Prior to launching SSHB, Lisa was the VP of marketing and sales for two other local homebuilders (securing several contracts generating well over $20 million in revenue), before that she successfully sold real estate in this market (closing over $7 million in transaction in two years). In Michigan, Lisa started her career as an interior designer at a local high-end department store and then founded, and grew, two businesses. These businesses became well known for unique, high quality products, outstanding design, attention to details and outstanding customer service. Lisa is now ensuring the same holds true at SSHB.
Lisa’s experiences in design, retail, and real estate, combined with her innate “designer’s eye” and passion for customer service, enables Simply Southern to provide a very unique skill set to our customers. Customers are simply amazed at how quickly she understands their vision and can efficiently pull it all together.
Dave works closely with Lisa to manage and grow Simply Southern Homebuilder, you will often hear Lisa refer to him as her sounding board. As the managing partner at Simply Southern Properties LLC, Dave actively works with investors interested in securing attractive returns from Spec Houses. He is an experienced Global Business Executive, CEO, Venture Capital Investor, and advisor and consultant on growth strategies and new business building. Dave has a BS in Engineering, an MBA, and executive training from the Ross Business School at the University of Michigan and the Harvard Business School. His extensive background ensures a financially sound and stable company.
About Our Management
Paul Cornelius
Our Administrator
Paul, the son of Dave and Lisa, is responsible for office administration and management. He handles all accounts receivable and payables, correspondence with the Beaufort Building Department for the necessary permitting needed and sets up utilities with Palmetto Electric and BJWSA on all new homes.
He also works closely with our subcontractors; managing their contracts, monitoring payments, and preparing lien waivers. He spends any free time visiting jobsites to ensure their tidiness, working directly with subs to hold them responsible for this.
Paul is very active with his three children, especially in the local and travel Baseball and softball leagues.
Our Construction Manager
Larry Muething
Larry’s experience and knowledge is unsurpassed in Beaufort County. He has been active in construction for 40+ years and is a licensed General Contractor, and previously owned a framing company. He has been involved in everything from hospitals, libraries, 10,000 sq/ft. homes to 1500 sq/ft. cottages. Larry is very proud to tell you SSHB has an extremely high batting average at passing the Beaufort County building inspections on their homes, keeping in mind each home is inspected 16 times throughout the process. Scheduling is a crucial component for the timely completion of a homebuilding project. Our subcontractors greatly respect Larry for his accurate management to ensure the home is ready for them. An outdoor enthusiast, Larry enjoys sport fishing and hunting, and is the Past President of Ducks Unlimited, an organization he holds dear to his heart.
