Justin Henry

Growing up in a family business, Justin Henry was exposed to the value of hard work, optimism and dedication before he was able to walk.

The year before Henry was born, his father and uncle launched Panhandle Builders & Excavating, Inc. Going to job sites in his early years and watching his parents work tirelessly during the business’ infancy, Henry understood the importance of working hard to achieve goals and grow a successful business.

Growing up surrounded by love and support from his parents, grandparents and other family members helped lead Henry to where he is today in his roles as chief operating officer for Panhandle Homes of Berkeley County, manager for Panhandle Builders & Excavating Inc. and broker at Panhandle Real Estate Group, Inc.

“I will be forever grateful for the way in which I was raised and to all the people that were a part of it,” says Henry. “Hard work was always expected, as well as being kind and respectful.”

Henry attributes much of his success to the influence his father had on him. While never pressuring him to follow in his footsteps, Henry’s father led by example—exposing him to all that goes into running a business and maintaining an optimistic outlook.

“I knew I always wanted to be a part of the business and expand and grow what my family had already done so well at,” says Henry.

Although Henry had been on the job for many years prior, he still remembers his official hire date at the family business—April 4, 2002—right after he turned 15. He went on to get his first professional job with the family business right out of college, working in business development and assisting in managing income producing properties for Panhandle Builders & Excavating.

Today, he is working on developing land projects for Panhandle Homes of Berkeley County and other builders, both residential and commercial, with a focus on building a stronger community. Working in a family business, there is a lot of overlap, and Henry describes his position as often doing whatever is needed wherever it is needed. Primarily, though, most of Henry’s job consists of operating the homebuilding division of the company that currently has a focus on building villa and ranch style homes.

“What I enjoy most about what I am currently doing is seeing the joy and relief we bring to a retiree that maybe had an older home or had a lot of property to take care of,” says Henry. “I love being able to bring value to a situation and project.”

Henry’s value is not limited to his work, though, as he is an outstanding community member who gives back in a multitude of ways. He serves the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce on the board of directors and the executive committee, while also holding the title of treasurer. In 2022, he is set to serve as vice chairman of the board. In addition, Henry also serves on the board of directors for the WVU Hospitals East Foundation and chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and COVID-19 Reopening Committee for Harmony United Methodist Church.

Henry has a soft spot for children when it comes to his community service, which is reflected in his role as a former board member for the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle and food drive organizer for Kidz Power Pacs and his support of many other youth-oriented programs and organizations.

Despite all his extraordinary accomplishments, Henry considers his greatest success to be finding balance in work, family and faith. His strong family values and faith in God have kept him motivated and driven to continue creating a flourishing and caring community.

“West Virginia is home,” he says. “For that reason, I want to create more opportunities for others.”