Wesley Yoder

Wesley comes to WCDB with a background of over 20 years in construction. Born and raised in Lewisburg, PA, Wesley graduated from West Chester University, where he met his wife. They fell in love with each other and with the town of West Chester and have been here ever since. When he’s not managing production for WCDB, Wesley is at home enjoying life with his wife and three children. Wesley is most driven by his pursuit of knowing Jesus, and thanks God for the creation of planet earth, coffee, diet coke, good food, and good movies – evidence that God is real and loves humans.

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

I arrived via Facebook. A friend of ours saw that West Chester Design/Build was looking for a lead carpenter and told me to check it out. Here I am, years later, incredibly thankful to be a part of this amazing group of people that make up WCDB.

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

My first job was with a framing contractor when I was 16. Through high school and college, I continued to work in new construction and renovation. I graduated with a teaching degree, but I enjoyed building and creating with my hands too much to give it up. My field experience included: framing, roofing, siding, door and window installation, hardwood flooring, tile flooring, finish carpentry, painting, cabinetry installation, tile backsplash, decks, and screened-in porches.

How long have you been doing what you do?

I have been in the construction world for over 20 years.

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

Bringing design into reality – my experience working in various fields of residential construction and my experience as a project manager has taught me that team collaboration is paramount to success. I love working with the WCDB team to develop and maintain efficient procedures that yield high-quality results for those that trust us with their homes.

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

Ideal clients say that I pay attention to detail and produce high-quality projects.

What are you most passionate about professionally? What most excites you about your work & the contribution you can make?

I am most passionate about working with a team to transform homes for families. Seeing people react to their new space and share how it has impacted their lives is a lot of fun. A great day is when we hear a customer share how much they love the space and that they are happy the project is done, but it is bittersweet because they’re going to miss seeing our team every day. That is a very good day.

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

I am passionate about pursuing any type of connection with the Creator of the Universe. When I am able to avoid distractions of this pursuit, this is what I can’t stop talking about.

I’m a pretty big fan of my family too. I love hearing my kids’ questions and hearing how they process things that come at them. They are all about fun and it is infectious.

I also like laughing. If I have any part in Laura (my wife) or any of the kids having one of those gut laughs that end up going silent and lasts a good amount of time, it is a very good day.

Good friends and good conversation are high on the list as well.

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

You can find me at home. I love being with my wife, Laura (my favorite person on planet earth) and our three children. Once a year, you will find me at an Eagles game (Go Birds!) with my brother and close friend. They were undefeated every time we were in the stadium until my brother-in-law came with us. He brought about our first loss. I have forgiven him – but things are different now.

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

I was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and raised by two amazing parents for whom I’m incredibly thankful. I lived in the same house my entire adolescence with my family (I am the youngest of four – two sisters and one brother – they are also amazing). After one year of college and a year and a half of traveling (China and Brazil), I came to West Chester to finish school at West Chester University. I met and married my wife while I was still in school. We loved this area, so we decided we would stay a while and make this our home. We are very thankful we made that decision and continue to love it here.

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

I want to be remembered as one who loved God and loved others – a great husband and father.

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?

I really enjoyed teaching ESL to adults.

Any nonprofits you love, & why?

Chester County Down Syndrome Interest Group. My son, Blake, has Down Syndrome; this group has been a huge blessing to our family.

Any awards or medals, or even medallions? Personal okay, too.

• The one I am most proud of is the Dad Joke Champion 2019. It stands proudly in my office.
• AA District Champions – shout out to 1999 Lewisburg High School Baseball Team – go Dragons.
• AMCC Academic All-Conference Award – for playing college baseball and getting decent grades.
• I Graduated West Chester University Cum Laude.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

A lot of pressure would have to be applied to make me give up coffee and good movies.

What is your favorite Movie?

The first Matrix and Braveheart are neck and neck.

What is your favorite TV Show or Series?

It has been a long time since I’ve seen it, but I’m pretty sure I binge-watched Breaking Bad more than any other show.

What is a personal favorite quote?

“Life is a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller

What is your favorite restaurant?

This is a very difficult question because I love pretty much any food from any place on earth. I have to put Kooma up there near the top. They have a great atmosphere and their food is great.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My family and I love OBX.

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

A memorable highlight occurred when our team was invited to a customer’s home after our work was complete. It was a house in West Chester where we built an addition off the kitchen. We increased the size of the kitchen, created an eat-in area with a wet bar, a side entrance mudroom, a laundry room (moved up from the basement), and a large deck off the back of the addition. The customers invited our team to their home about 6 months after we were finished as a thank you. Over some appetizers and drinks, they shared the impact of the renovation/addition. I am paraphrasing, but it went a little like this:

“This renovation legitimately changed our lives. We love meeting with friends, but we always went out to eat because our space was not suited for hosting at all. All we do now is have our friends over for dinner and have a blast. The two of us find ourselves here in this area together almost every morning reading together which we didn’t do much before. Just the other day, we were dancing together in the kitchen in the evening. Thank you for helping us with this space. It really has made a difference in our lives, and we had to let you know the impact.”

If I recall correctly, I’m pretty certain they both teared up while sharing the impact of the new space and how it brought them closer. It was one of the best thank yous we’ve received. Our team left there invigorated and excited to continue building happiness. It’s a highlight that will not be forgotten and a reminder that atmosphere has a big impact on people’s lives.

Anything else you would like to tell people about yourself?