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Hartbrook Development is a design-driven real estate development firm based in Auburn, Alabama.
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Built With Purpose.

Hartbrook is a boutique builder and developer crafting spaces defined by thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship. We create places that foster beauty, shared stories, and lasting connection. For us, building is more than construction — it’s an act of co-creation with God, a calling to shape the world through purposeful design and creative excellence.

Hartbrook Highs

1. Hard Work
We work diligently to bring order out of chaos by planning & creating thriving communities.
We believe that our Creator has called us to diligently work towards filling the earth and subduing it. Our purpose is to bring order out of chaos, to actively engage in the creation, building, and sustenance of a thriving human society here on earth.
2. Integrity
We act with integrity because it is our identity, not to "look good" in the marketplace.
We conduct ourselves with integrity, motivated not by self-interest or a pursuit of "good business" practices, but simply because it is a reflection of our core values and identity.
3. Glad Hearted
We are joyful people even when our circumstances are difficult; we are a grateful group.
We aspire to practice radical generosity, with both our finances and our time. Our conviction is rooted in the belief that our time, money, and talents are not our own but are entrusted to us for the purpose of expressing love and care for others.
4. Humility
We acknowledge that Jesus is King of all and that all are under His authority.
We believe that the gospel acts as a great equalizer. It prompts those in lofty positions to reflect on their inherent depravity without the redeeming work of Christ on the cross, while encouraging those in lowly positions to contemplate their righteousness and cherished status due to Christ’s redemptive work. Consequently, no matter our circumstance, our aim is to diminish self-focus and elevate our thoughts to Christ.
5. Stewardship
We practice stewardship by creatively transforming the earth's resources for society's flourishing.
Our calling to fill the earth and subdue it invites us to engage in the creative process of rearranging the raw materials of the earth to contribute to the thriving and flourishing of society and individuals. Yet, we must do so with great care for creation, vowing not to exploit nature. Our commitment is to operate with a relentless spirit of creativity and stewardship, striving to craft places and spaces that leave a lasting, positive impact on communities.

Our Team

Brandon Hays
Founding Principal
Cody Holly
Director of Construction
David Bell
Client & Business Development Manager
Gray Walker
Project Manager
Bryce Hogarth
Project Manager

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Brandon Hays

Founding Principal

Brandon serves as the founding principal of Hartbrook, where he leads the firm’s day-to-day operations while identifying and pursuing new development opportunities. His passion for real estate and construction began in high school while working for a custom home builder and continued throughout his legal career, where he pursued real estate investment opportunities on the side. After he and his wife, Andrea, relocated to Auburn in 2020, Brandon earned a Master of Real Estate Development from Auburn University and transitioned into full-time real estate development and construction. Today, he also serves as an adjunct instructor in Auburn University’s real estate development program, teaching the real estate development process and how it brings together design, construction, and finance. Through both Hartbrook and the classroom, Brandon is committed to creating enduring places that strengthen communities while balancing design excellence, human experience, and sound financial fundamentals.

Outside of Hartbrook, Brandon and Andrea are happily outnumbered by their three young children. When they have the chance to get away, you’ll usually find them at Lake Martin or the Emerald Coast enjoying time together as a family.

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Cody Holly

Director of Construction

Cody Holly serves as Director of Construction at Hartbrook, where he leads the execution of projects from vision to completion. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Cody earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science with a minor in Business and has a background in both residential and commercial construction. What started as a love for Lincoln Logs as a kid has evolved into a career dedicated to building places with purpose.

For Cody, building is about more than just delivering a project, it's about creating thoughtfully crafted spaces where people can gather, connect, and make lasting memories. He believes the best projects leave a legacy, not only through quality design and craftsmanship, but by enriching the communities they become a part of.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Cody now lives in Opelika, Alabama, with his wife, Karson and daughter, Selah. They love investing in the community they call home and when they're not building, you'll likely find them at Lake Martin surfing and making memories with family and friends.

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David Bell

Client & Business Development Manager

David and Cheryl married in 1990 and have built a full life together, raising two children, Austin and Lauren, both of whom are now married and beginning families of their own. That personal investment in family and community isn’t just background — it’s the lens through which David approaches every project he touches.

David has been in construction since 1999, bringing over two decades of hands-on experience to his role at Hartbrook. He is passionate about project management, setting expectations honestly, and seeing them through, believing that the process matters as much as the product. Alongside his work in construction, David owns an Atlanta-based event company that creates experiences for corporate clients, nonprofits, and professional sports organizations. Whether designing a space or crafting an experience, the through line is the same: people thrive when their environments are built with intention. At Hartbrook, David is drawn to the firm’s conviction that great design has the power to bring people together — and he’s glad to be part of a team that takes that seriously.

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Dennis Wright

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Dennis spent 40 years building a construction business from the ground up with much of his family and some of his closest friends. After selling the business, he set out to redeploy his experience by developing and supporting entrepreneurs as an investor. He is currently involved in several businesses and is ready to use his background and endless energy to help Hartbrook Development reach its full potential!

Dennis, Sherri, Hunter and Brandon (Haven, Jack (4) and Ward (2)) are an adventurous and fun-loving bunch primarily based in Germantown, TN outside of Memphis. Dennis & Sherri love fitness, the beach, and their church community.

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Gray Walker

Project Manager

Gray Walker serves as a Project Manager at Hartbrook, where he oversees the on-site execution of residential projects from groundbreaking through completion. His path to construction began after his time as a collegiate tennis player at Point University, where he competed before transitioning into coaching and ultimately discovering a passion for the building industry. Since then, Gray has built a strong foundation of hands-on construction experience that fuels his attention to detail and commitment to quality.

He and his wife, AJ, are proud parents to their daughter, Adair, and are deeply rooted in the Opelika-Auburn community. Gray brings the same discipline and competitive spirit that shaped his athletic career to every project he manages at Hartbrook.

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Bryce Hogarth

Project Manager

Bryce Hogarth is a Project Manager at Hartbrook, bringing a unique blend of business knowledge and hands-on construction experience to every project. Originally from Alpharetta, Georgia, Bryce earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Auburn University. Prior to transitioning into project management, he spent six years as a custom finish carpenter, where he developed a strong foundation in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality workmanship. His experience as a woodworker and furniture maker further refined his appreciation for precision, design, and well-executed construction.

Bryce is passionate about delivering exceptional results and building strong relationships throughout the project process. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly fishing and exploring caves. Bryce and his wife, Mackenzie, enjoy spending time with family and friends, and he values the strong relationships and sense of community that shape both his personal and professional life.

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