Built on Honesty.
Rooted in the Mountains.
40 Years of
Straight Talk
Powell Construction was built on a simple idea: tell the truth about what things cost, do the work with integrity, and stand behind it when it's done. In a market where low bids often lead to budget overruns and difficult experiences, that approach has made us the builder people come back to — often after learning the hard way with someone else.
We serve clients in Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, Highlands, Lake Toxaway, and Glenville — communities that demand a builder who understands the terrain, the trades, and the realities of mountain construction. That understanding comes from decades of experience, not brochures.
"We give honest estimates from the start. Some builders come in lower — but the final cost always catches up. Our clients come back to us because they know what they're getting." — Russ Henkel, Owner
Russ Henkel
Russ has spent over 40 years building homes in the Sapphire Valley and Cashiers area. He knows every ridge, every rock formation, every subcontractor worth calling in these mountains. That knowledge is what your project is built on. His commitment to honesty and transparency isn't a marketing position — it's how he's built his reputation over four decades.
Will Powell
Will brings a degree in finance and 7 years of construction industry experience to every project. He handles the business and accounting side — keeping budgets tight, books clean, and communication clear. The combination of Russ's deep craft knowledge and Will's financial discipline is rare in this market, and it shows in every project they deliver.
The Experience
Behind Every Build
NC Unlimited GC License
The highest GC license classification in North Carolina — required for projects of any size and complexity.
NC Home Builders Association
Active member of the NCHBA — holding ourselves accountable to industry standards and best practices.
40+ Years Mountain Experience
Four decades of building specifically in Western NC — not a transplant, not a generalist. This is our home territory.
Established Subcontractor Network
40 years of relationships with the best trades on the plateau. Scarcity of qualified subs is real — we've already solved it.