Westmoreland Group began in Virginia in1985.  Ric and Janice Hucks moved the company to Pawleys Island in 1996.  They brought with them years of experience, a passion for craftsmanship and the idea of developing a customer-driven system that makes building a custom home a truly unique and satisfying experience.  Today that idea is manifested in the Westmoreland Group building process.

Having been a Master Electrician along with working in every aspect of the building industry, Ric knew that everything in the building process, including the smallest detail, is important.  Janice had the administrative and organizational skills.  Together they shared a passion for honesty, integrity and "doing the right thing…even when no one knows the difference."

The Management Team

Janice Hucks, President and Director of Administrative Services

When Janice married Ric, she not only gained a husband but also became the bookkeeper for his construction company.  During the early years, she also worked full time as a paralegal in real estate law.  Her background of 20 years in real estate closings, mortgages and the laws surrounding them are a definite asset in helping clients navigate construction loans, draws and the money portion of homebuilding.  Janice became a full-time "construction worker" in 2001 and was soon after made the president of the company.  She is responsible for accounting, scheduling, project and office management.  Organization is one of her gifts, and Janice is the one who keeps everyone on schedule and accountable.

In her spare time, Janice keeps busy teaching Sunday School and mentoring, tutoring and otherwise mothering a young boy from the community.

Ric Hucks, Vice President and Director of Construction

While in college studying biology, Ric worked as an electrician and thus began a career that, after graduation, included electrical, framing, trim carpentry, cabinets, and HVAC work all within new construction.  In the 80's and 90's, he spent nearly 10 years in residential and commercial remodeling, giving Ric experience in every aspect of the building industry.  While taking existing buildings apart, he learned the things that didn't work.  Ric says that he didn't map out a course through all of this experience in order to become a builder, but by "wearing blue off his knees," he now knows what to expect from every trade that works on a Westmoreland Group project.

Since moving the company to South Carolina in 1996, Ric has been involved in the local NAHB chapter and has served on the Board of Directors for 4 years.  He is currently a board member for the South Carolina Homebuilders Association.  He has achieved the designations of Certified S.C. Master Builder, Energy Star Certified Builder, Certified Fortified Home Builder/Inspector and NAHB Certified Green Professional.  Building is a science, and Ric pursues many avenues in order to stay abreast of the current research in the industry.  He then works hard to assimilate this knowledge into the building of all Westmoreland Group projects.

Bob Negrin, VP of Construction Services

"Sometimes it seems like I have been everywhere and done everything", Bob lightly jokes about his extensive business background.  "I was born and spent the first fifteen years of my life in Cuba.  Then I moved to the U.S.A. and, after attending college in Seattle, WA, went to work for a company that gave me the opportunity to live and work in over 30 metropolitan areas in the Continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii managing a variety of companies."  Bob's travels have taken him to 49 of the 50 States.  Ask him some time and he may tell you which state he is missing.

Today Bob is a member of the American Society of Professional Estimators and his main focus is managing the design, purchasing and estimating functions for Westmoreland Group.  "One of the key roles I play in Westmoreland Group is to help our clients manage costs.  Years of experience in the business world have given me a keen understanding of how to manage expenses and hold suppliers accountable."  Bob loves his family, music and photography and is an accomplished percussionist.

Al Humphrey - Job Superintendent

Al (we call him Hump) came to coastal South Carolina as a member of the USAF where he was part of the Civil Engineers.  He traveled the world building facilities for the armed forces.  After leaving the Air Force, he stayed here and worked in many parts of the construction industry.  He framed houses, made cabinets and custom millwork (including spiral stairs) and, for a time when things were slow, built swimming pools.  He has a great eye for detail and some of the subs call him "The Finger" because he points out to them the smallest imperfections.

Hump grew up hunting and fishing and just spending time in the woods.  If you want to know the species of any animal or plant, just ask him.  He also has a love of the history of our area and is very well read on the subject.

Mike Coffey - Job Superintendent

Mike grew up near Boone, NC, and played collegiate basketball at Appalachian State.  After college, Mike worked in the construction industry for 2 years before coming to the South Carolina coast.  He was hired for his carpentry skills, but it was soon apparent that his administrative skills, along with his knowledge of construction, were best suited for being a superintendent.  Mike is a "Can Do" kind of person and he bends over backward to over-deliver on any client request.

Mike says, "When I started working with Westmoreland Group, not only did I feel like it was a privilege to work with the company, but after a short period of time, everyone felt like family.  Not only does Westmoreland Group over-deliver for the client, they do the same for their employees!"

Betty Hucks - Official Greeter and Office Protector

Betty is the 8-year-old golden lab who will greet you at the office door and who also needs lots of attention from any visitors.  She joined the Hucks' household when she was 3 months old and, as the office used to be in the house Betty was always underfoot.  When the office moved to Georgetown last year, there was no question but that Betty would be making the trip each day so she could continue as the official greeter.  She also welcomes other dogs who occasionally visit while their owners plan or make selections for their new home.