Leo Gannon of Seaway Development is a perfect example of the modern equivalent of a renaissance man. His technical aptitude coupled with creative talent and passion make spending time around Leo an enlightening experience.
While pursuing a degree in Architecture at Oklahoma State University, Leo realized that working at a drafting table could be exciting and satisfying, but he “couldn’t smell the dirt”, and felt too removed from the process. He made the transition to the Construction Management program in the School of Engineering and after receiving his degree, was hired by one of his former Architecture professors to help him construct his personal residence. This led to the parents of a classmate asking Leo to help their son build their dream home on a lake in Watertown, South Dakota. A great education and the practical experiences from these first two homes put Leo in the position to work for himself, designing and building fine homes. One of Leo’s early clients wrote a reference letter describing Leo as “a person who wants to do things the right way, not the expedient; who wants to honor his obligations, not talk them away." “I was young and inexperienced at the time”, he recalls with a smile, “but I’ve tried to let that philosophy guide my professional life”.
Almost fifteen years of building in the northeast and out west made the mild climate of the Beaufort area appeal to Leo. He persuaded his wife Kim Quixell to relocate to coastal Carolina where he designed and built their first home in the lowcountry. His capabilities were showcased and caught the attention of a local developer who asked him to serve on the Architectural Review Board of Callawassie Island. Then in 1991, the developer invited Leo to oversee and manage all the vertical construction for the Spring Island Company and to sit on the Spring Island Habitat Review Board as well. It was during his Spring Island days that Leo built a strong relationship with Larry Naylor, the eventual founder of the Seaway Development Corp. In early 2001, Naylor offered Leo a partnership and the opportunity to oversee the residential construction division. Upon his return to South Carolina's Lowcountry, Leo's primary task was to put the finishing touches on Coastal Living Magazine's 2001 Idea House. “Actually, I got there just in time for the party and all the picture-taking,” he says. The past two years have seen Seaway complete more than a dozen homes in Habersham and each one has its own unique finishes and details. While he does oversee and manage the construction, there is a great deal of creativity involved. He says, "Most of the people who come to live in Habersham see homes as something special rather than simply just another house, and that attitude gives a builder an opportunity to at least try to create something with integrity and lasting beauty."
Leo, Kim and their 14 year old daughter Logan, also reside here at Habersham. Leisure time pursuits include biking, swimming and music. An evening on the porch of their home could include listening to Leo and Logan play the guitar and piano, respectively. Leo said it all when reflecting on his porch, “This is a special place to live... and work.”
