Keith E. Fenn, PE | Carolinas Director of Land Entitlement and Development | Keystone Custom Homes
As the Director of Land Development in the Carolinas for Keystone Custom Homes (a luxury custom home builder), Keith leads all projects in the Charlotte MSA and South Carolina principally involved in entitlements and development while partnering with our acquisition team on due diligence. Working in locations such as New York, Massachusetts, Mexico, and for the last 20 years in North Carolina, Keith’s experience in the industry has spanned over 30 years. A licensed Professional Engineer, he began his career with an engineering firm in the Raleigh market before transitioning into becoming a consultant in the land development sphere. When he moved to Charlotte, he was employed by a private builder and gained valuable experience navigating the region’s diverse jurisdictions, municipalities, and trade base. Over the years, Keith has cultivated strong professional relationships and built a trusted network of tradespeople who he continues to support and rely upon.
His core competencies include acquisitions, due diligence, entitlement, pre-development, design, construction, and close-out of residential, commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family projects. I also have a proven record of delivering high-quality projects within budget and on time, while effectively collaborating with stakeholders, contractors, and regulatory agencies. He is passionate about leading and mentoring staff, and optimizing a balance of human resources, costs, schedules, and quality.
When Keystone Custom Homes sought a seasoned leader to establish standard operating procedures for land entitlement and development across North and South Carolina. Keith embraced the opportunity. “They are a great Christian-based company. I’m proud of their mission: Profit for Purpose.” The purpose he explains is to direct profits toward meaningful impact, with the majority supporting HOPE International. “That resonates with me. It’s not just about making money or acquiring more things. We are here to serve a higher purpose.” Operating in more than 24 countries, the organization reflects Keith’s belief in service and impact. He and his wife have been invited to join a mission trip this coming February, where they will serve as interpreters in the Dominican Republic.
Keith’s greatest strength—and passion—lies in orchestrating the creation of new communities from concept to completion. “I’m leaving a permanent legacy and an imprint of my reputation with each project, and I take that very seriously. Not only for the future homeowner, but for the town. I don’t want to build just to build. There must be thoughtful design and a collaborative spirit.” Guided by the philosophy, “…what I say, I mean, and what I mean, I say,” keeps Keith committed to integrity and transparency in the development process. Regulators recognize his projects as thorough and principled and see that he never takes shortcuts. At the same time, he is willing to challenge ambiguous ordinances when municipalities lack clarity, always ensuring compliance. Most recently, he partnered with REBIC to address challenges posed by a local municipality who were imposing unlawful practices during the rezoning process. “Rob Nanfelt was a tremendous asset in helping navigate this challenge,” Keith notes.
Keith also supports Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), an organization dedicated to helping young adults live out their faith in action. He has served as a guest speaker and currently sits on the Board of Directors, mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Keith is an active member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte and the Land Development Council, where he remains engaged with industry issues and collaborates with fellow industry professionals.
Lastly, Keith is most appreciative of his wife Martha of 32 years “She’s supported me in all my career changes. I couldn’t have done this without her.” They have three children that all live in the area: Mara, Kendra, and Mariana. “I’m very proud of the fine young women they’ve become.”