About

Building Trust and Quality in Every Project

Our Mission

HM Kern is on a mission to produce a quality product that will ensure our customers' satisfaction and enable us to enjoy long-term success through new and repeat business; and to treat our subcontractors and suppliers in a fair and honest manner so that our customers can enjoy the highest level of quality at the most affordable rate. Through building an internal team of skilled talent that is compensated fairly and truly appreciated, this mission can be delivered consistently.

Our Vision

HM Kern has a vision to be the contractor of choice when an individual or group needs construction services, and to perform those services in a way that promotes safety, satisfaction, and the integrity of the company.

Safety

Satisfaction

Integrity

Safety

We take safety seriously at HM Kern. 

The safety of the employees, subcontractors, suppliers and all those that may be present on a job site is of utmost importance.

For over thirty years, HM Kern has implemented pre-employment and post-accident drug testing.

Our supervisors are OSHA 30 hour certified and have had extensive training in safety.  Ongoing areas of training include First Aid, CPR, Scaffolding, Fall Protection, Trenching, and Shoring.

Safety meetings are held weekly at the project sites by our supervisors.  Content includes updates on any regulations and is presented using professionally prepared materials.

NC Department of Labor Gold Award

For over 20 years HM Kern has attained the NCDOL Safety Awards. Since 2012, we have earned the NCDL Gold Award each year.

Carolinas AGC Awards

HM Kern has earned multiple regional AGC awards over the years that include the President, Gold, Summit and Excellence categories.

Association of General Contractors of America

National safety recognition is also among the HM Kern achievements having won both Safety Excellence Awards and Safety Certificates.

Safety Prevention and Achievements

Other HM Kern safety recognition includes insurance awards and various certificates of safety achievement.

Meet the Team

  • Todd Hodges

    PRESIDENT, OWNER

    As President and owner of HM Kern, Todd provides the framework in which the company can continue to fulfill its mission of providing a quality product that will ensure customers' satisfaction while well serving the subcontractors, suppliers and employees. Having been with the company since 1994, Todd strives to grow the organization and position it for the future. With a degree in Civil Engineering from NCSU, Todd serves in various ways in the community and also enjoys running his Locust Hill Cattle Company in Caswell County.

  • Peter Upchurch

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Peter provides leadership, management and team development in the construction department by reviewing project schedules, cost budgets and projections, safety, manpower, and training. With over thirty years in the construction industry as a Site Superintendent, Project Manager, and Estimator, Peter holds a BS in Industrial Relations – UNC-Chapel Hill, CSI CDT Certified. Peter resides in Caswell County and is active in his church as a youth leader. He also enjoys working on his cattle farm and spending time with family.

  • Jason Kepley

    VICE PRESIDENT - ESTIMATING

    Jason provides leadership management/team development overseeing cost estimates including hard bid and conceptual projects. Living in Rowan County, Jason is married with three children. He has spent years working with youth as a Scoutmaster. He has served as president of the Woodleaf Civitan Club and has also served leadership roles with the Scotch Ireland Masonic Lodge, Rowan Shrine Club and Oasis Shriners of Charlotte and the Salisbury York Rite.

  • Laura Phelps

    CONTROLLER

    Laura oversees all the accounting aspects of the projects and operations of HM Kern. She holds an associate’s degree in accounting and business administration. Laura grew up in Colfax, NC and lives in the Oak Ridge, NC area now. Married nearly 30 years, she and has three children and a French Bulldog, Blue. Laura enjoys football, drawing, and traveling in her free time.

  • Jamie Bladen

    PROJECT MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATOR

    Jamie provides vital administrative support to the Project Management Team. Her attention to detail helps all projects move smoothly. Originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, she and her husband have an elderly Beagle and college aged son. She spends her free time traveling, attending concerts and enjoying family (mostly on the lacrosse field).

  • Jonathan Inman

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Jonathan strives to be a servant leader in his responsibilities which include planning, coordinating and managing resources for projects ensuring they are completed on time. Making sure the results align with customer expectations is his focus. Jonathan holds a BS in Construction Management from East Carolina University and is married with two children. He enjoys fishing, golfing, hunting and spending time with family.

  • Amanda Hodge

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Fostering reputable relationships with owners and designers while equipping superintendents on the job sites to complete projects on time and within budget is Amanda’s focus. She holds a BS in Construction Management from UNC Charlotte. Amanda has adopted/fostered 3 dogs, 1 cat and a 12-year-old boy and enjoys being outdoors, training at the gym and helping people though CrossFit and her faith. Description goes here

  • Kyle Jeffreys

    ESTIMATOR

    As graduate from North Carolina State University, Kyle strives to prepare the best possible bids for the HM Kern team.  He is married with two children, and lives in Caswell County, NC. Kyle enjoys hunting, fishing and golf. He also coaches a local softball team.

  • Bridgett Markley

    MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR

    Coordinating the details of project administration and marketing, Bridgett lives in Alamance County and is a wife mother and Lolly (grandmother). She holds an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Drafting with RCDD Certification. Bridget enjoys working with nonprofit groups giving all people A Second Chance and enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities and refinishing furniture.

  • Kristy Pruitt

    ESTIMATING ADMINISTRATOR

    Kristy provides support to the estimating team with project set up, preparing bid documents and running bids. She oversees the critical bond and insurance needs for projects. Living in Kernersville, she and her husband of over 20 years, have two sons and her ‘soul dog Yorkie’, Baby Jack. Kristy enjoys traveling, going to Emerald Isle and singing karaoke.

  • Gwynn Thompson

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Gwynn leads and manages projects from start to finish ensuring the project work is managed efficiently and is completed on time. He holds a BS in Business Administration/Construction Management from the Office of Professional Development at NCSU. Gwynn is married with a young family and enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, building and spending time with family and friends.

  • Kyle Upchurch

    ESTIMATOR

    Kyle is a member of the Estimating Team at HM Kern and holds the responsibility of providing the pricing details for future HM Kern projects. Kyle earned a BS in Civil Engineering from North Caroline A&T, he lives in Caswell County and enjoys raising cattle and playing ball in his spare time.

Careers

Looking for a future at HM Kern?

HM Kern has a long-standing tradition of building a solid team of employees that work well together. We provide a comfortable work environment with a career focused culture.  We are always open to adding talented employees to our team.