The Why Behind Totten Construction

Why We Build the Way We Do

By Greg Totten, Founder – Totten Construction

Totten Construction didn’t begin with blueprints or business plans. It began with an idea—and then, unexpectedly, with a flood.

For years, I worked in the construction industry across Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and the west coast of Florida. I started in production—building condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. It was fast-paced and demanding, and it taught me the fundamentals: scheduling, trade coordination, quality control, and keeping momentum across dozens of moving parts.

As I grew, I pursued my MBA at the University of Maryland, knowing I wanted to someday build something different—something personal, intentional, and lasting. Eventually, I transitioned into managing large-scale custom homes, including 10,000+ sq ft residences in FEMA flood zones along Florida’s coast. I learned that true custom building requires more than technical knowledge. It takes patience. It takes communication. It takes listening closely.

In 2023, I co-founded Totten Construction with a vision: to create a design/build firm rooted in clarity, sustainability, and long-term trust. At the time, I was still a partner in another residential construction company, but Totten was the seed I hoped to grow.

That’s when Hurricane Helene hit.

Our home in Shore Acres flooded—along with the homes of close friends and neighbors. Overnight, we became responders. We were remediating, coordinating trades, and rebuilding homes side-by-side with people we care about. The experience was exhausting, but it also sharpened my purpose. Construction wasn’t just a profession—it was a responsibility. It was a way to restore peace of mind and rebuild lives.

Shortly after, my business partner offered to buy out my shares in our previous company. The timing was clear. Totten Construction became not just a vision, but a reality.

Today, we specialize in waterfront custom homes, and boutique commercial offices throughout Tampa Bay. Every project is deeply personal—whether it’s a ground-up build in a coastal flood zone or a full renovation for a growing family.

We build differently because we’re structured differently. My partner, Indhu, is a CPA who oversees our financial operations. That means every dollar our clients spend is tracked with precision. We’re a fully transparent builder—and that’s non-negotiable for us. We also bring a LEED AP mindset to everything we do, from energy efficiency and durability to thoughtful material choices that make sense in Florida’s coastal climate.

We don’t take on dozens of jobs at once. We stay selective so we can remain present, hands-on, and accountable to the work and the people who trust us to do it. Our goal isn’t to be the biggest—it’s to be the most trusted, the most consistent, and the most client-focused construction company in the region.

Even our branding reflects that mindset. Our logo, designed by the team at Ahvay Creative, blends forward-thinking Scandinavian design with subtle Sanskrit influence. The “T” mark is made of building blocks rotating in a forward windmill motion—symbolizing progress, sustainability, and strong foundations. It’s a visual reminder of how we build and why.

Totten Construction exists because of our community, our clients, and the belief that construction can—and should—be done better. We build with clarity, craftsmanship, and care.

And we’re just getting started.

If you’re planning a waterfront custom home, a boutique commercial office, or just need a builder who will guide you through the process with clarity and care—we’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to visit www.tottenconstruction.com to learn more.

Let’s build something meaningful—together.

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