H I S T O R Y

“As far back as I can remember I had a hammer in my hand.” Growing up with grandfathers who were talented craftsman and always had a project, Josh Murphey learned the basics for what would become a lifelong passion.

Josh Murphey of Magnolia Builders has worked in the construction industry for over 12 years. He had his first real construction job at 19 working with the terrazzo crew for American Tile and Terrazzo, a local commercial tile and terrazzo company. While in college he would work summers to help pay for school and the work allowed him to gain insight into what it means to have a strong work ethic. “The guys I worked with were old school, nose to the grindstone, do it right or don’t do it at all. I learned valuable life lessons, regardless of what you do.”

After finishing school and buying a house Josh decided to get serious about construction. “I bought a nice single shotgun house in Old Algiers. It was in good shape at the time, but I knew it wouldn't be long before it would need a little TLC. Not soon after my wife and I moved in, I decided to go to work with a neighborhood carpenter."

Josh earned his chops on numerous carpentry projects around Algiers and after a few years learning the ins-and-outs of renovating homes, he took on a more challenging role with a general contractor overseeing new construction projects.

"I took a job with a home builder as their project manager," he said. "The new job was an incredible learning experience. I had worked for so long on renovations that new construction was a brave new world to me. It was also an opportunity to focus and learn more on the business side of construction."

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the massive rebuilding effort taking place in Josh’s hometown, he felt it was only logical to pursue the business and civic opportunities that presented themselves after the storm crippled the city.

Josh Murphey formed Magnolia Builders LLC in the Spring 2006 and is currently working on several construction projects in the greater New Orleans area.

Please read the FAQ below for more information on Magnolia Builders.

F A Q

What is the most satisfying part of your job?
Creating or repairing something that is structurally sound and also aesthetically pleasing.

What separates you and the work you do from other contractors working in the greater New Orleans area?
Quality over quantity. I will not sacrifice quality for expediency.

What is the range of work that you can do?
I have done work in all trades. I have put my hands on every part of the construction process.

What are your specialties?
Project management. There are talented people in all trades but it takes a special ability to put all the pieces of the puzzle together in the right order to ensure a project is finished on time and within budget.

What are your core values in your approach to clients?
To be honest with them. If a job isn’t feasible for any reason they should know. We will not promise something we can’t deliver.

What do you consider the most important aspect of any job?
Planning. Quality time should be spent with a client in order to make decisions on specific aspects of the job. Deciding on the details beforehand lessen the chances for major oversights which waste time and money.

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. I am a licensed general contractor in Louisiana #88834 and carry both general liability and worker's compensation.