Blackdog Builders is a father-daughter run business offering a full spectrum of construction and design services
Break norms, building homes, bonding family
Winter/Spring 23-24
Written By: Evie Carrick | Images: Courtesy Blackdog Builders
According to The Family Business Consulting Group, less than one-third of family businesses survive into the second generation, and when they do, most are taken over by a son. These are two of the many ways Blackdog Builders goes against the norm and breaks stereotypes.
While owner Todd Evans is still heavily involved, the second generation has already added their touch to the company — a move that has more than doubled their business. And it’s all being done by Todd’s daughter, not his sons.
“My brothers are uninvolved — so it’s a funny joke that the sister and girl of the family is the one who stayed with it,” laughs Amanda Evans, who has joined her father in running the family business.
When Amanda got involved, she expanded her father’s construction company to include an in-house design team focusing on remodeling, new builds and some commercial.
“It’s a one-stop shop,” explains Amanda, who heads up the design division. Amanda and her team will get involved during the initial, imagining stage and help throughout the final installation of furniture and decor. Blackdog’s stone and landscape teams can handle any masonry or landscaping needs, delivering outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable.
“It’s been really fun to watch the company grow and become what it is today,” says Amanda.
Behind the scenes, Amanda and Todd work closely together — and get along, which is a tall order for most parent-child relationships. Amanda started working at Blackdog when she was 16 years old and moved back in 2019 after working as a project manager for a custom home builder in Newport Beach, California, and as a project manager for an HGTV show in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
“In 2019, I moved back and started working with Blackdog and my dad again and we decided to open up our design division. My heart has always been in the design,” says Amanda, who also helps out with marketing and sales.
As for working with her dad, Amanda says, “We have it down at this point. We’ve been doing it for 17 years or so now. I feel like we have a great working and personal relationship and we’re good at having those boundaries.”
Her working family includes Lucy, her dad’s dog and Amanda’s “little sister.” Lucy, contrary to what you might think, is not the black lab in the Blackdog Builders logo. Lucy is a tri-colored French Brittany, while her predecessor, Susie, was the dog that inspired the company logo and name.
Perhaps one day, Blackdog will be one of the 13 percent of family businesses to make it into the third generation. So far, they’ve proven they’ve got what it takes.
