MEET THE WOODHILL TEAM
Our Founders
Jay Campbell
COO/Co-Founder, Woodhill Homes
There’s no question Jay Campbell loves what he does. In his youth, he first learned the craft behind design and construction alongside his family who spent weekends remodeling their old Connecticut home. It was a favorite childhood memory, and Jay took it to heart. He worked construction while earning his bachelor’s degree in English and American Studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. After graduation, Jay moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming—mainly to ski—and, there, he soon met his wife. In 1996, the two moved to Portland, Oregon, where Jay landed a position with D.R. Horton and learned the ins-and-outs of the major residential construction business. During those four years west of the Cascades, he met and clicked with George Hale, a real estate professional who would become his longtime friend and business partner…just not quite yet!
Read Jay's Full Story
Wishing to be closer to the mountains and Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle, Jay, his wife and their new, growing family moved to Bend. Jay initially worked for Palmer Homes’ large-scale residential developments. However, George soon approached Jay with a vision to launch their own residential construction and development business. The entrepreneurial venture called Jay’s name, the timing and partnership felt right, and Woodhill Homes was born.
At Woodhill Homes, Jay plays a major role in business planning and development, including working with brokers and the exciting prep work that goes into subdivisions. Even-keeled and a solid trouble-shooter, Jay also keeps the business operations on course and moving forward, focusing much of his energy on empowered personnel management. Committed to knowing Woodhill Homes is a great place to work, Jay makes sure the company invests in hiring and retaining the best people possible. For him, the ultimate reward as a boss is seeing his people reach their full potential.
Beyond the office, Jay spends time volunteering for the community and has served on the board and as past president of the Central Oregon Builders Association. He has three children with his wife. During his free time, he’s likely with them, enjoying the outdoors and, of course, winter-weather permitting, skiing. No doubt, this sport is clearly one of his passions, which is why if he won the lottery, Jay says that after first establishing a building fund to help people get into entry-level housing, he’d use whatever was left to—no surprise—buy a ski condo back in Jackson Hole.
George Hale
CEO/Co-Founder, Woodhill Homes
There are people in life who get the biggest thrill out of working for themselves, but this doesn’t mean they’re all about themselves. This is certainly true with George Hale, who had foresight, spotted an opportunity to pursue a progressive strategy to help people, and took action by co-launching a partnership: Woodhill Homes.
Read George's Full Story
George grew up in Portland, Oregon, noticing big gaps in residential living and, through a deep desire to accelerate his own professional and personal well-being, took the fate of his future into his hands. While attending Portland State University, his “hobby” was studying up on cutting-edge industries and companies, reading all he could about successful leaders, companies and industries. The efforts paid off. Before graduation, this self-starter had launched his real estate career, buying and selling properties and, consequently, building investment skills.
Around 2001, George turned his focus toward Central Oregon real estate, which was strong and showed loads of promise. Of note, he knew someone in that region: Jay Campbell, a proven building-industry professional and someone George considered a friend. George told Jay about his vision: a development company specializing in entry-level, high-quality homes and neighborhoods, built with integrity and backed by people who cared about their customers, their community and their employees. Within a year, the two formed Woodhill Homes, with George serving as CEO.
Talk to George and you’ll find he’s nearly fearless. He’s excellent at seeking out new deals, developing business relationships, and bringing a creative eye to what’s being built, whether a proposal or the property itself. George also has a rare gift for spotting emerging real estate markets. This—along with a little luck and loads of hard work—has played into Woodhill Homes’ long-term success.
From a high-level standpoint, George cares about big-picture issues: He believes in helping people achieve homeownership, in residences that make them feel great, even proud. That said, he’s tuned into details, such as how vaulted ceilings breathe life into living spaces or inviting kitchen islands draw in people for critical connection. As quality control is a must with Woodhill Homes, George scrutinizes everything and everyone who collaborates in building their neighborhoods and residences.
Given George never stops thinking or dreaming, his favorite word is “Yes!” A smart, strategic solutionist, he gets beyond life’s naysayers and “No’s.” And yet, as much as he works, George is a deeply invested, devoted husband and dad. He’s made many mountain drives to work in Central Oregon and be back home in time for dinner in Portland. And he’s totally great with that. Why? Because with the life he’s designed and a company he loves, that’s the deal. It’s how he keeps his dreams alive.
