Joe Kilgarif

Joe has decades of experience in managing construction projects. He specializes in making the complex simple and his favorite tool is communication. When Joe isn’t at a job site, you can find him spending quality time with his family or watching a Sci-Fi movie.

How did you arrive at COCOON, what path brought you here?

My very good friend, Barry Windle, who is like a brother to me, knew you were looking for Project Managers and I was looking for a job, so he connected me with Wesley, and well, here I am!

Who have you worked with in the past? And what have you done for them?

I have been a self-employed Builder-Contractor since 1983 with my wife and our two sons. When the housing market crashed in 2008, we closed our construction company to pursue another career path but I always really missed construction.

How long have you been doing what you do?

I started remodeling and finishing basements for family and friends in high school. I also worked as an apprentice plumber since I was 15. Then, we started our family Construction Company when I was 29, so for my whole life!

What are you known for professionally, what do you have a knack for?

I have a knack for managing complex construction projects the right way; with quality materials, workmanship at a fair price, utilizing every bit of space available while making our customers and communication a priority.

What’s the one problem you are best at solving for your clients? What do your ideal clients say about you?

I feel I have a calming effect on our customers during the building process. I like to take care of everything before it even becomes a problem and to always communicate and address any concerns, questions, or misunderstandings immediately.

What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?

God and my family are my priorities. If you are a friend, you are family. If you live within 50 miles, you are my neighbor. I am not very talkative but I will bend your ear if you ask me about my wife, my kids, and my grandchildren.

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Well, if you ask my wife, I am always working! We are usually always with family or friends, sharing time and meals together.

Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?

My wife and I grew up in the area and raised our sons here. We are blessed that their families have stayed in the area, so we don’t foresee ever leaving here.

In the end, how do you want to be remembered?

I would like my wife, children, and grandchildren to remember me fondly and proudly. Similarly, I would like my friends and acquaintances to be proud that they knew me as well. I don’t feel as if I have ever have grown up and I am always looking to forge a new path. I want people to remember that I was always fair, easy-going, and loved my family.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

My Family, Pizza, Soft Pretzels, and Twizzlers

What is your favorite Movie?

The Star Trek Series is my all-time favorite but in general, I love all Science Fiction films that have meaning and messages.

What is your favorite TV Show or Series?

Shark Tank, because it gives an entrepreneur and their imagination an opportunity they might not usually have. Also, Friends, because it’s about friends!

What is a personal favorite quote?

My personal quote is simple. It’s “No problem.”

I also like, “Everything will always resolve itself.”

What is your favorite restaurant?

Our favorite hometown restaurant is Pomodoros. Our favorite out of town restaurants are The Schooner/Lobster House in Cape May, NJ and Gillian’s in Lewes, Delaware. We love sitting at the water’s edge.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Disney is always a favorite, but we have been traveling to many of the National/State Parks and seeing the beauty of America. Alaska is on my destination bucket list.

What is a highlight or memorable story about working with COCOON?

Easy answer. I have received 2 hugs from two different customers, an adult and a child who I made happy. Nothing like it!