DURHAM HOMES - Key Persons


Brent Dowell

Job Titles:
  • General Manager

Chase Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Estimator

Lloyd Cox

Job Titles:
  • Area Production Manager

Martin Childress - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
  • Part Owner
Martin Childress, Managing Partner for Durham Homes. Martin has been a SC Licensed Builder since 1989. In last 30 years Martin has been involved in building over 3000 Single family Homes and Town Homes. His experience ranges from Home Design to every aspect of building a home that includes Estimating, Production and Sales. Martin, a South Carolina Native has a passion for Home Building in the Upstate. Martin says, it just becomes a part of who you are and what you do! He also acquired his SC Real Estate Brokers License in 2004 and has managed On-site Real Estate Agents since that time. "Designing, Building and Selling Homes has been and continues to be my focus", Martin.

Paula Nicholson

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Manager
Paula grew up in Mills River, North Carolina, but relocated to South Carolina in 2002. Since becoming a South Carolina resident, Paula has had a career as a self-employed bookkeeper, working with small businesses, a software company and commercial construction. Paula attended Mars Hill College, where she received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Cecil's Junior College for an associate degree in Paralegal. During her free time, Paula enjoys taking care of her animals; two horses, three dogs, a parrot and a deer she's raised for 13 years. She has been known to rescue neglected dogs and horses, tend to her garden and has raised a beautiful daughter that has 2 boys of her own.

Rachel McKinnon

Born and raised in New England. Rachel made her way to the South in 2014, finally landing in picturesque Greenville in early 2018. With a Bachelor's Degree from Plymouth State University, Rachel always knew she wanted to be in Real Estate in some capacity. She found her interest in construction through her Father. For as long as she can remember, she inserted herself into her Dad's many house projects; helping install a new deck, floors, painting, demos, even a new addition. Rachel will claim wood shop as her favorite class in school saying "you could work with your hands, and had the freedom to be as creative as you wanted". Her creativity flourished when she broke into the home building field nearly 6 years ago and the rest is history! In her free time, you can find Rachel exploring trails throughout Greenville with her husband and two dogs.

Robert Childress

Job Titles:
  • Part Owner
Rob has been working in the custom home building field for almost 30 years. With experience in design, construction, development to finish. Rob's career in the building industry has been a wonderful, fulfilling experience

Tawny Palmer

An Upstate New York native, Tawny's background is strongly focused on Real Estate. With a Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate Law, Tawny has used her knowledge and skills for title searches, real estate sales and now new home construction. It's been a wild, but very enjoyable ride! When Tawny isn't being a rockstar at Durham Homes, she enjoys baking, cooking and spending time with her close nit family.

Tori Childress

Job Titles:
  • New Home Consultant
Although a former teacher in the education field, she is not unfamiliar with the Real Estate Industry. She grew up in the Upstate around the construction and real estate industry as her dad has worked in the building and sales side, her whole life. She made the choice for a career change that would be more challenging and flexible and to help people take one of the biggest steps of their lives. Tori is used to wearing many hats and accepting a challenge, which makes for a perfect fit in this industry that is ever changing. She is a great communicator and enjoys working with people by building good relationships. One of the most exciting parts of New Construction is the process from start to finish, where you can look forward to making memories in your new home. Tori enjoys spending time with my family which she is very close to and playing with 1 year old labradoodle named Ollie. A few of her favorite hobbies are home decorating, reading thriller and mystery books, and going to concerts.

Vickie Leonard

Job Titles:
  • New Home Consultant
Originally from Colorado, Vickie has lived in the Upstate of South Carolina for over 21 years. She calls Greenville her chosen home. She is happily married and has raised two beautiful girls here. Vickie loves serving her clients in real estate and has successfully done so for over 6 years now. Vickie is also an expert in assisting clients in the field of new construction homes. You can say its in her blood. Growing up her father was a commercial and residential contractor, so she was no stranger to the job site! From early on she appreciated the skill and hard work it takes to build a home, office building or retirement center. What a perfect fit to be a licensed Realtor specializing as a New Home Sales Consultant. Construction and design are her passion! When you are ready to build your new home give Vickie a call, you won't be disappointed!