Meet Meredith Kate Petrilli | Owner/Operator of Banks Builders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Kate Petrilli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith Kate, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We love where we live and want to give that same experience of coastal living to our clients! Our start with Banks Builders came from a passion for the small-town charm that makes the Crystal Coast feel like home, whether you’ve lived here forever or visit every summer.

We began with a desire to create something lasting, something personal. We well understood that the salt air, hurricane seasons, and thick summer humidity are no joke in Eastern North Carolina, and witnessed that not every builder takes the time to make sure a home can stand strong to all these elements and more year after year. We created Banks Builders to build homes that are beautiful and built to handle the coastal environment while still feeling warm, inviting, and special to you. We’re dedicated to our community, and that means making sure every home we build is as strong as it is timeless.

Justin and I are partners in both business and marriage. Our backgrounds in hospitality have shaped the way we approach building homes – always with people at the heart of it. Like building a family, building homes comes with its share of challenges and incredible rewards – and we’re grateful for all of it. One of the most fulfilling parts of this business has been the adventure of building it together – learning to navigate the ups and downs, support each other through the good and bad days, and appreciate the unique strengths we each bring to the table. Every day, we’re reminded why we do what we do—because family and community are everything, and a well-built home is where it all begins.

What should our readers know about your business?
Before we break ground, Justin and I take the time to truly understand our clients—their vision, their lifestyle, and what the future looks like for them. Whether it’s planning for a growing family, aging-in-place, or maximizing waterfront views, we think ahead so their home works for the years to come. Sustainability isn’t just about strong materials and building techniques; it’s about smart planning and executing, and that’s what we do best.

Banks Builders has grown thanks to our commitment to learning and our drive to show up every day. The challenges in this business are real, but they push us to find creative solutions, which are highlighted in the case studies on our website. We see every day as an opportunity to learn and improve. From the beginning, Justin made it a priority to be hands-on, not just present on-site. His focus on building trust with our crews allows him to keep projects efficient and on schedule.

Through it all, we believe in clear, consistent communication. Building a home is an exciting journey, and we walk every step of it with our clients, making sure they feel informed, heard, and confident. By the time we hand over the keys, we’re not just builders—we’re trusted partners, and often, lifelong friends. We love staying connected with our homeowners and celebrating the milestones that turn a house into a home. For Justin and me, a home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling, and we’re in the business of building just that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is such a fun topic! As I’ve previously shared, we absolutely love living on the Crystal Coast. Being at the beach means we’re always welcoming friends and family from out of town. Justin and I got married in October, and we both agree that fall is hands down the best time of year in Carteret County. Residents call it “locals’ summer” because, after the busy summer season, things calm down, the weather cools off just right, and all our favorite spots are still open for some fun.

In our free time, Justin and I are always out on the water. We love taking friends on a full boat day and checking out fishing spots and sandbars along the way. We’re also big foodies, so we make sure to bring home enough of our catch for a fish fry on the dock. One of our favorite things is taking guests on an evening cruise to dig for clams for linguine. It’s a fun and pretty easy way to grab dinner, and it’s especially entertaining watching everyone’s faces as they sink their toes into the slimy mud where the best clams are hiding.

When we’re not out on the water, we love visiting Carolina Home and Garden. We’re close friends with the family owners, and always recommend the beautiful space they’ve created. We take guests there for an afternoon coffee or cocktail, enjoy some live music, and let the kids play in the gardens. And you can’t leave the coast without a sunset drive along the beach. We love grabbing a pizza from Lazarra’s or a late dinner from Gaffer’s on Emerald Isle and cruising out to catch the sun’s last rays.

As a small business, we take pride in supporting other local businesses here in the area. Whether it’s grabbing a bite at our favorite restaurants, or spending an afternoon at a family-owned spot, we believe in celebrating and sustaining the community that makes the Crystal Coast so special. Living and working here isn’t just about building homes—it’s about fostering connections, sharing experiences, and ensuring that the local businesses and families who make this place great continue to thrive. It’s a way of life, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! We wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering support of family, the incredible teams we work with, our business mentors, and the amazing clients who have trusted us with their dream homes.

Justin and I both grew up in entrepreneurial families that instilled in us the work ethic and determination that drive us every day. That foundation has been key as we’ve built and grown Banks Builders.

Creating these stunning homes wouldn’t be possible without our trusted subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals. Building a home truly takes a village—typically, more than 100 skilled hands contribute to each home we build. That’s why we make sure every member involved is not only highly talented but just as passionate about creating a Banks Builders home as we are.

Of course, we must recognize the mentors who have shared their wisdom along the way. A few career builders and business owners have been by our side, offering advice and answering our questions. Their guidance has been invaluable.

And above all, we owe so much to our clients who have put their trust in us to build their homes. Their vision, excitement, and belief in what we do make this work so incredibly rewarding.

It truly takes a community, and I am so thankful for ours!

Website: https://www.banksbuildersnc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banksbuildersnc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557072971403&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BanksBuildersNC

Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/banksbuildersnc/banks-builders-llc