In Ahwatukee, homes are more than structures. They hold decades of stories, evolving alongside the families who live in them. For the team behind GBC Homes, that sense of continuity shapes every project, influencing how they build and how they connect with the people they build for.
For co-founders Carl Churchman and Geno Carr, the work has never been about volume or visibility. Instead, it centers on a hands-on approach that prioritizes communication, craftsmanship and respect for the people who call Ahwatukee home.
“Making changes to your home can be a very personal experience,” Churchman says. “Building a relationship with our clients to help navigate that journey is a huge part of what makes us different.”
A More Personal Approach
That philosophy is evident from the start. From the first meeting, clients are given direct access to both Churchman and Carr, a level of connection that contrasts with the layered communication often found with larger builders. It is not unusual for clients to call them directly or talk through decisions as they arise.
That accessibility helps remove some of the uncertainty from what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process and allows for more thoughtful decision-making.
“We provide our contact information and welcome the conversations,” Churchman says. “That dedication to building the relationship is a foundation in our core principles. It gives our clients the trust to know we are their advocate and have their best interest in helping them achieve their vision.”
For Carr, the impact of that approach becomes most clear at the end of a project.
“The moment the client looks at you and says thank you is what defines it,” he says. “When the sincerity shines through and they are so happy with the final product, there is a complete appreciation for all the hard work that it takes by everyone to achieve that goal.”
That moment reflects more than the finished home. It points to a process shaped by a strong team, clear communication, thoughtful planning and a shared sense of pride in the result.
Rooted in Ahwatukee
Ahwatukee itself plays a central role in that story.
Long known for its distinct geography and tucked-away feel, the community has evolved while maintaining a sense of identity that continues to draw both longtime residents and new homeowners. For Churchman and Carr, it has provided the backdrop for the more than 30 years of work that now spans generations of families and homes.
Their projects can be found throughout the community, often tied to homes that continue to evolve alongside the people who live in them.
“Being able to drive around Ahwatukee with friends and family and show them the many different projects we have completed over the years means a lot to us personally,” Carr says. “The long-lasting friendships we have established through our years of working here mean a great deal to us.”
That connection to place has shaped how they approach each project. Many of the homes they work on today are not new builds, but transformations, helping reimagine existing spaces for a new generation of homeowners while still reflecting the character of what came before.
Ahwatukee, Carr notes, has long held a unique appeal. Once considered one of the largest cul-de-sac communities in the country, its limited access and sweeping mountain views created a sense of quiet exclusivity that still resonates today.
“That special vibe made it a perfect place to build,” he says. “Now, as these homes transition to new owners, we are driven to help reshape them into something that fits the next family.”
Listening First
That mindset aligns with a broader shift in what homeowners are looking for today.
“I think the core thing they want is for a builder to listen,” Churchman says. “Listen to the vision and help articulate that into a plan that can be realized.”
It is a process that often requires slowing down. Rather than chasing trends or features designed for the masses, the work often involves guiding clients through the details, decisions and long-term impacts that shape the final outcome.
“There are a lot of details and terms that most people have not experienced,” Churchman says. “We take the time to explain options and their impacts so our clients understand what we are building for them. That gives them confidence.”
The Shultz home, pictured here, showcases how GBC truly listens to the homeowners. The build was a collaborative effort of the homeowner’s design and GBC’s execution.
In an industry often driven by scale and speed, that willingness to slow the process and prioritize listening and understanding has become a defining characteristic of their work.
Built on Trust
For Churchman and Carr, success is not measured in the number of homes completed, but in the strength of the relationships built along the way. It is reflected in homes that evolve alongside the families who live in them, and in a community that continues to grow while holding onto what makes it feel like home.
That long-term perspective continues to guide their work today. Learn more at gbc.homes.
Some call it a community. Carl Churchman and Geno Carr call it home. Meet the men who built Ahwatukee.
The Shultz home, pictured here, showcases how GBC truly listens to the homeowners. The build was a collaborative effort of the homeowner’s design and GBC’s exquisite craftsmanship execution.