YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE
DRIVENBYOURMISSION
OUR GOAL
Porchlight is dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods by developing high-quality, energy-efficient, and resilient homes that bring lasting value and pride to communities for generations.
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HISTORY
Founded in Mobile in 2016 by Brian Giattina and Mike Rogers, Porchlight leverages over 60 years of combined experience in architecture, construction, real estate development, and community engagement. Mike and Brian envisioned a focused approach to redeveloping neighborhoods facing blight, inadequate housing, deteriorating infrastructure, and the absence of a strategic investment plan.
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AMERICANS COST BURDENED
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HOUSING UNITS SHORT IN THE US
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INCREASE IN MEDIAN AGE OF HOME BUYERS
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IN REPAIRS NEEDED TO EXISTING HOUSING
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DECREASE IN HOUSING CONSTRUCTION
OURTEAM
Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers is the President of Rogers & Willard, Inc. (RWI), a leading commercial construction firm based in Mobile, Alabama. In addition to commercial projects, RWI is renowned for its significant contributions to historic renovation and urban development. With a degree in Building Science from Auburn University, Mike co-founded Rogers & Willard in 1991 and has since played a pivotal role in revitalizing many of Mobile's historic structures. RWI’s extensive portfolio includes the restoration of landmark buildings such as the Staples Pake Building, The Steeple, and the Buick Building. The Buick Building, in particular, is a testament to his vision and dedication. Originally constructed in the 1920s and vacant for over a decade, the building was transformed under Mike's leadership into a vibrant office space, anchoring the revitalization of St. Louis Street and sparking further development in the area. Mike's expertise extends beyond construction to include strategic use of incentives and tax credits to make large-scale renovations feasible. His work on the Buick Building, for instance, involved leveraging Historic tax credits and collaboration with city officials to secure funding and support, ensuring the project’s success and setting a precedent for future urban renewal efforts. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike is actively involved in the local community, contributing to various development initiatives and co-founding Porchlight, which is focused on urban infill and innovative housing solutions. His commitment to preserving Mobile's architectural heritage while fostering economic growth makes him a key figure in the city's ongoing transformation.
Brian Giattina
Brian Giattina is the CFO of Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio, Inc. Along with his brother, Chris, they formed BLOX LLC (BLOX) in 2011 to develop a prefabricated modular business that started active operations in its current location at the old Pullman Railcar Facility Bessemer in 2013. Brian served as the Chief Financial Officer for BLOX from 2016 until 2020 and is continuing to work for BLOX as Chief Development Officer and is working primarily on the development of several new initiatives around attainable development and future product lines. Brian served on the Birmingham Board of Education for eight years and has served on multiple non-profit organizations, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Create Birmingham, Vulcan Park, and the Magic City Art Connection.
John Ruzic
John joined Porchlight officially in 2022 bringing ten years of real estate experience to the team. John’s unique career path has allowed him to gain knowledge in the areas of real estate brokerage, property acquisition, property management, historic preservation, and economic development. He started his real estate career in residential sales and brokerage in Mobile, AL and was part of the initial Porchlight acquisition team in that market. After moving to Birmingham in 2019, John held the role of Portfolio Director with Retail Strategies, working with communities throughout the southeast in retail recruitment and community development strategies. John is passionate about neighborhood revitalization, downtown development, and housing affordability. His particular interest lies in working with public and private entities to achieve mutually beneficial goals within those areas. A Louisville, Kentucky native, John graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He earned a Master of Real Estate Development at Auburn University in 2023. John received his Alabama Real Estate Salesperson’s license in October of 2016 and his Alabama Broker’s license in 2021.
Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers is the President of Rogers & Willard, Inc. (RWI), a leading commercial construction firm based in Mobile, Alabama. In addition to commercial projects, RWI is renowned for its significant contributions to historic renovation and urban development. With a degree in Building Science from Auburn University, Mike co-founded Rogers & Willard in 1991 and has since played a pivotal role in revitalizing many of Mobile's historic structures. RWI’s extensive portfolio includes the restoration of landmark buildings such as the Staples Pake Building, The Steeple, and the Buick Building. The Buick Building, in particular, is a testament to his vision and dedication. Originally constructed in the 1920s and vacant for over a decade, the building was transformed under Mike's leadership into a vibrant office space, anchoring the revitalization of St. Louis Street and sparking further development in the area. Mike's expertise extends beyond construction to include strategic use of incentives and tax credits to make large-scale renovations feasible. His work on the Buick Building, for instance, involved leveraging Historic tax credits and collaboration with city officials to secure funding and support, ensuring the project’s success and setting a precedent for future urban renewal efforts. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike is actively involved in the local community, contributing to various development initiatives and co-founding Porchlight, which is focused on urban infill and innovative housing solutions. His commitment to preserving Mobile's architectural heritage while fostering economic growth makes him a key figure in the city's ongoing transformation.
Brian Giattina
Brian Giattina is the CFO of Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio, Inc. Along with his brother, Chris, they formed BLOX LLC (BLOX) in 2011 to develop a prefabricated modular business that started active operations in its current location at the old Pullman Railcar Facility Bessemer in 2013. Brian served as the Chief Financial Officer for BLOX from 2016 until 2020 and is continuing to work for BLOX as Chief Development Officer and is working primarily on the development of several new initiatives around attainable development and future product lines. Brian served on the Birmingham Board of Education for eight years and has served on multiple non-profit organizations, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Create Birmingham, Vulcan Park, and the Magic City Art Connection.
John Ruzic
John joined Porchlight officially in 2022 bringing ten years of real estate experience to the team. John’s unique career path has allowed him to gain knowledge in the areas of real estate brokerage, property acquisition, property management, historic preservation, and economic development. He started his real estate career in residential sales and brokerage in Mobile, AL and was part of the initial Porchlight acquisition team in that market. After moving to Birmingham in 2019, John held the role of Portfolio Director with Retail Strategies, working with communities throughout the southeast in retail recruitment and community development strategies. John is passionate about neighborhood revitalization, downtown development, and housing affordability. His particular interest lies in working with public and private entities to achieve mutually beneficial goals within those areas. A Louisville, Kentucky native, John graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He earned a Master of Real Estate Development at Auburn University in 2023. John received his Alabama Real Estate Salesperson’s license in October of 2016 and his Alabama Broker’s license in 2021.
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