Meet the Owner
Jeff Henke founded Real Steel Homes in 2019 but his contracting career started early-on. His building interests began as a child with tinker-toys, blocks, and Legos and soon-after turned to forts and tree houses. His real work began with learning all-things concrete. Then he worked on both commercial and residential framing and remodeling. Shortly thereafter, he and his crew built 7 log homes in one year. In his early 20’s, after receiving an offer to be a superintendent, Jeff built several restaurants typically with a 90-day schedule and strict deadlines.
His commitment to learning and diverse construction experience served him well when he arrived in Jasper to build a Mrs. Winners restaurant in 60 days. It was during that project that Jeff fell in love with the mountains and founded Appalachian Design & Development. He started the business with the vision to grow alongside the community that he was now a part of. To this day, Appalachian Design & Development offers “quality projects at budget and on schedule”.
In 2010 Jeff began thinking of ways that the strength, and durability of steel structures might be used in the residential setting. It is out of years of dreaming, planning and passion that Real Steel Homes, LLC was born.
Jeff and wife of 25 years, Richie, raised their two daughters Kari & Laura on beautiful Grandview Lake in Jasper, GA. Both girls now attend the University of Georgia. Although Jeff misses the many years of coaching softball and basketball, he still enjoys hunting, fishing and adventure biking. The Henke’s have attended Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic church for over 30 years, where Jeff has served in many capacities.
