Meet the Team
TODD KINDBERG
Company Manager, Founding Owner
I started building long before Equinox Woodworks—over 20 years ago, digging into carpentry and craftsmanship with a real hands-on curiosity. I founded Equinox Woodworks in 2013 and, inspired by living in an intentional community that values consensus and shared resources, transitioned it into a worker-owned cooperative in 2023. As a licensed contractor and the Company Manager, I’m passionate about building homes that are not just beautiful and lasting, but also ethical and eco-conscious—high-performance, energy-efficient places that truly fit their surroundings. While I spend a lot of time managing projects and the business, I still jump in with the crew whenever I can. At home in South Toe, I recharge in the forests and mountains with my family, drawing inspiration from the land that shapes both my work and life.
JON PERTEE
Design Manager, Co-Owner
I trace the beginnings of my woodworking career back to when I was 7 years old when my Grandfather built me a tripod with a plumb bob to help me build my Lincoln Log towers perfectly plumb. I lived at the time in a suburban neighborhood that was just getting built out, and my friends and I would spend our evenings climbing through the partially framed houses like a giant jungle gym (before OSHA). Over the last 40 years of my career, I have built boats, climbing walls, timber frame barns and shops, and more recently, certified green built homes. A highlight of my woodworking career was building a Grand Canyon dory with my son and taking it down the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon, on an 18 day trip with friends. I am fortunate to live in a wonderful community, and I continue to look for ways to ply my trade in support of my friends and neighbors.
BILL WEIR
Lead Carpenter, Co-Owner
I’ve been with Equinox Woodworks since the very beginning, bringing over 30 years of carpentry experience and a strong passion for natural building. I especially love plaster work and other earthen techniques, which I’ve spent decades mastering hands-on. I live in a straw-bale, off-grid home I built myself. When I’m not leading a crew or mixing clay, you’ll probably find me on the soccer field or in the kitchen experimenting with my latest batch of homemade chocolate. I bring the same energy and teamwork to the job as I do to the game.
ALEX JEPSON
Lead Carpenter, Co-Owner
I’ve been part of the Equinox Woodworks crew since 2019, bringing with me a background in the trades that goes back to 2012—and, before that, a stint in technical theater. I enjoy doing solid, high-quality work in a workplace that actually considers the needs of the people doing it.
Outside of Equinox, I’m raising my kid and steadily improving my house—so I can sell it, buy another one, and do it all over again. Whether I’m on the job or at home, I’m probably thinking about how nice it would be to take a nap.
DENALI BERRY
Carpenter II
I joined Equinox Woodworks in 2020 and have grown into a skilled, versatile carpenter. From framing to finish work, I try to bring thoughtfulness and precision to every task, but I especially enjoy the artistry and challenge of tile work. When I’m not on the job site, you can usually find me riding my motorcycle through the mountains or working on home improvement projects of my own.
MEGHAN LUNDY-JONES
Finance Manager, Co- Owner
Before joining Equinox, I spent over 20 years in education and nonprofit leadership, including time as Head of School at Spruce Pine Montessori. I hold a BA in Outdoor Leadership from Warren Wilson and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Duke. That background helped me build the skills to manage the systems, finances, and people that keep Equinox running smoothly. I enjoy problem-solving and making things work behind the scenes, but what I love most is the people—the clients and the crew. Outside work, I’m into traveling, trail running, and oil painting. Todd, the Company Manager, and I have been married for 20 years, and our son is already learning the tools of the trade while we talk shop over dinner.
SEAN SEGALLA
Carpenter I
I joined Equinox in 2021 with a background in remodeling and an early education in demolition, courtesy of childhood projects with my dad. Before carpentry, I earned a BA in international relations—an underutilized degree on the job site, I must say!
What I value most at Equinox is the variety of skills we practice, our commitment to sustainable methods, the camaraderie of the crew, and working outside in this incredible valley. Beyond the job, I’m building a house, helping to launch an intentional community, managing a small herd of cattle, and doing my best to be a good partner to Kam and a father to our 5½-year-old daughter. Also, my hammer’s name is Mjolnir, and I speak to the trees.
HANK ST. JOHN
Carpenter I
Before joining Equinox in May 2024, I worked as a picture framer. That background, along with a reliable tape measure, has made the transition to carpentry feel like a natural step. What I appreciate most about Equinox is being part of a team of skilled craftspeople who bring different perspectives and high standards to the work we do. Outside of the job site, I spend my time rock climbing and drawing. My partner and I relocated from Texas when she was awarded a residency at Penland School of Craft. We fell in love with the mountains and decided to make Burnsville home in 2024.
BEN CONWAY
Experienced Carpenter
I’ve been working as a carpenter for over 25 years and joined Equinox in the fall of 2024. One of the things I appreciate most about the job is the crew—it’s a good group of people to work with day in and day out. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on the water and have recently started developing my property, which I’m looking forward to turning into a hands-on hobby.
MICAH JAMES
Apprentice Carpenter
I am a novice woodworker with a love for learning (and attempting to learn) new things. I studied education in college, but after graduating I had a chance to work with a few builders, appreciating the feeling of creating something with my hands. I especially enjoy laying tile, and have really loved working with stone, something the South Toe river valley has offered an abundance of. When I'm not working, I love playing soccer, cooking, swimming in the river, and playing drums, clarinet and whatever odd musical instrument happens to be around. I’ve been with Equinox since the fall of 2024.
OSCAR ROUSE
Intern
I joined Equinox as a summer intern after graduating high school and will be heading to UNC Chapel Hill in the fall. Over the past few months, I’ve learned a lot and had a great time doing it—thanks mostly to the people. No matter who I’m working with, the crew brings good energy and a lot of knowledge to every job. When I’m not on site, you’ll probably find me playing soccer or tennis, or listening to music. My favorite tool (so far) is the oscillator.
JUSTIN SIKES
Carpenter I
Before joining Equinox, I spent nine years running a custom cabinet and furniture shop with my uncle, who brought over 40 years of experience to the craft. Working alongside him taught me a great deal about skill, precision, and the satisfaction of creating a finished product our customers can truly enjoy. I’ve appreciated seeing how projects come together from start to finish and take pride in well-crafted work. Outside of work, my wife and I, along with our three kids, love hiking in the Linville Gorge and exploring NC trails. I’ve also been an avid golfer since the age of seven.