Bios

John Whetsell

John Whetsell had a 20-year career in real estate lending and asset management for some of the largest banking institutions in the region, specializing in handling problem loans and under-performing assets. In 1994 he applied that experience to practical use, opening Potomac Investments, Inc. to broker, invest in, renovate and resell residential properties on Houston's near-west side.

When 30 successful renovations sparked his interest in new home construction, he went back to school to earn an honor's degree in construction management from the University of Houston. He launched Potomac Custom Builders in 2000. John obtained his Certified Graduate Builders (CGB) designation from the National Association of Homebuilders in 2005.

Denise Traylor

Denise Traylor built a 25-year career in commercial and residential real estate lending before joining John full-time as the design partner in Potomac Custom Builders. The pinnacle of her experience was as executive vice president and manager of the Houston Real Estate Department for Compass Bank.

In her long tenure at Compass and other major Houston banks Denise developed extensive relationships with top commercial and residential developers and particular insight into project feasibility, construction progress and marketing. At the same time, she cultivated her own design sensibility by pursuing home remodeling as an investment, hobby and personal passion. An honors graduate of the University of Houston, she earned her degree in accounting and finance.