Riverside Homes Principal and Vice President, Chris Wood, Named Among Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Honorees

It is with great pleasure that we announce Riverside Homes’ very own Chris Wood was selected as one of Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2021 40 Under 40 honorees!

Annually, the Jacksonville Business Journal accepts nominations for the best and brightest professionals under the age of 40. Honorees are selected based on business success, leadership skills and a high level of community involvement. But those who are picked go beyond even that high bar: They also must be involved in shaping the community in which they live and work. This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees were picked from a record number of nominees in consultation with a range of Jacksonville’s business leaders. The honorees represent a range of industries and background, but they’re united in their desire to help the First Coast grow into the best community it can be.

A native of Jacksonville and graduate of Auburn University, Chris Wood was raised with the understanding that there is no compromise in anything you put your name on. He is proud to carry on the family tradition by building the best homes possible for customers who trust in this family legacy of excellence. His background in real estate and new community development gives him a broader perspective on the homebuilding industry than the average builder.

As principal and vice president of a small, locally owned business, Wood is involved in every aspect of the operation, from overseeing day-to-day operations to managing personnel to land acquisitions. “I believe it’s imperative to have a hands on approach. It is equally, if not more important to me to place an emphasis on being a servant leader which is a company-wide focus for Riverside Homes,” expresses Wood. He strives to acknowledge his team’s perspectives, give them the support they need to meet their work and personal goals, involve them in decisions where appropriate, and build a sense of community within the team. “Serving customers, coworkers, trade partners, developers and investors as well as our community is where I focus my efforts,” continues Wood.

When it comes to community involvement, Wood focuses his personal and company efforts on giving back. By volunteering for and monetarily sponsoring local organizations including Hunger Fight, Rethreaded, The Healing Hearts Project, The Will King Foundation, Best Buddies, Early Learning Coalition of North Florida, and Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, his hope is to continue to show the importance of family, charity and work-life balance to his team. In August 2020, the Riverside Homes team was proud to support Rethreaded by donating $30,000 as a matching gift for their birthday fundraising celebration. For the past 9 years, Wood has served on the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA)’s Board of Directors. He currently serves on Rethreaded’s Band of Brothers Advisory Board and through this he values the opportunity to help contribute to providing a second chance at life through employment for survivors of human trafficking in the Jacksonville area.

“I am incredibly humbled to be included in this year’s class of 40 Under 40 that is filled with an impressive group of leaders,” shares Wood. “Thank you to Jacksonville Business Journal, and congratulations to all honorees.”

Chris’ selection as a 40 Under 40 honoree is a testament to the passion and unwavering commitment he brings to the new home construction industry, the Northeast Florida community, and beyond.

Learn a little more about Riverside Homes’ Principal and Vice President, Chris Wood below.

A Quote from Chris: “With every home we build, I feel fortunate that in some way, we are part of a family’s new chapter.”

Birthplace: Jacksonville, FL

Family: Wife, Chloe; sons Cooper, 7; Barrett, 5; Charlie, 3

Volunteer: NEFBA, Rethreaded, Healing Hearts, Hunger Fight, and The Will King Foundation 

Fave drink: Sweet tea 

Why do you do what you do? It’s simple. Because I love it! I am one of the fortunate ones who gets to wake up every day and do what I love. Homebuilding has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I get to build homes where people raise their families and create memories. With every home we build, I feel fortunate that in some way, we are part of a family’s new chapter.

Greatest accomplishment? The Editor of Southern Living, Sid Evans, said Riverside Homes was “a tireless group of perfectionists” and named our home the Best Idea House Ever. 

Job changes in pandemic? It has changed in so many ways but the biggest change for me is time management. Pre-Covid, my day consisted of being in the office all day with scheduled face to meetings & appointments. With the rise of virtual meetings, this has allowed me to spend more time with my family yet improve productivity.

Advice that shaped you? Honesty is the best policy. Even when the answer is not popular, honesty is the best answer.

Advice for others? I would strongly encourage the next generation of business leaders to focus on always maintaining a sense of community both internally within their respective company and externally with the local community that surrounds them. In challenging times like this past year, it can be easy to forget the power of culture, relationships, and community. By being intentional about facilitating an environment for your employees to get to know one another, you will create spaces where people want to work and thrive. It’s important as the leader to let people know what you stand for and believe in. People want to first know about the leader before they become a follower. Service to your employees as well as the local community is essential to be a sustainable business.

Excited about Jax’s future? The strategic investments being made in our downtown is exciting. Other major cities have vibrant downtown areas that are true destinations. We are on the path to a successful downtown  and I look forward to watching it happen.

Join us in congratulating Chris on this special recognition!