About Nelson Houseworks
Our Story
Family Ties, Shared Roots, and Perfect Timing
The Roots of a Partnership That Lasted
Jake and Laurel’s journey started long before they ever imagined building a business together. They first met as teenagers—Jake was 18, Laurel just 13—through a family connection that felt almost destined. Laurel’s sister went to college in Arizona, where she met Jake, who, as it turned out, shared the same hometown roots. Even their moms knew each other from La Leche League back in the ’80s!
Jake had moved from Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Phoenix, Arizona when he was six, growing up in the desert but spending weekends at his family’s getaway in Sedona. When Jake and Laurel met, there was an instant spark, though life had other plans at the time. They stayed friends for nearly a decade, catching up whenever they could, until the timing finally felt right in their twenties.
How Family, Career, and Purpose Shaped the Journey
From Coastal Rhode Island to Red Rock Country
By then, Jake was living on Block Island, Rhode Island, and Laurel was still in Massachusetts. After a year of long-distance dating, Laurel moved to Block Island, where they married, started a family, and built a life together.
Jake launched his construction career in 2006, building coastal homes in Watch Hill, RI, and later founded Nelson Houseworks on Block Island. Laurel devoted her early years to raising their boys, and when they started school, she pursued real estate, becoming a licensed agent in 2016.
From Coast to Coast, Guided by Family and Craft
More Than Builders — A Family Story
Sedona was always in their hearts. Every winter, they’d escape to Arizona, dreaming of sunshine and a slower pace. As their boys grew older, they realized they needed more resources and opportunities than island life could offer—especially for their neurodivergent kids. So, in the summer of 2024, they packed up their RV and headed west to start a new chapter.
The first year was all about transition: finding schools, building community, and keeping business afloat on both coasts. Today, their boys are thriving, and Jake and Laurel are hitting their stride. Jake manages projects in both Block Island and Arizona’s Verde Valley, while Laurel supports real estate clients in Rhode Island and Arizona.
For them, this isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building a life they love and helping others do the same.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk Directly With Our Team Today
We help homeowners throughout the Block Island and Arizona Verde Valley with custom builds, remodels, and property management. Reach out today to start the conversation.