Behind the Build: Meet Seth Gardella, Customer Care Representative at McKinley Homes

At McKinley Homes, our people are at the heart of everything we do. In this new series, we’ll be introducing you to some of the team members who bring passion, skill and care to every home we build. First, we’d like you to meet Seth Gardella, a dedicated Customer Care Representative who has been helping McKinley homeowners since August 2021.

A Day in the Life 

As part of the McKinley Homes Warranty Department, Seth is often the first call when a homeowner has a question or concern. Whether it’s repairing a defective item, walking someone through home maintenance or pointing them toward a DIY solution, Seth’s goal is always the same: making sure homeowners feel supported and confident in their new homes. 

From Cars to Construction 

Seth’s path to a career in homebuilding wasn’t a straight line. After 15 years in the automotive industry, he was ready for a new challenge that still allowed him to work with his hands and help people. He soon found himself working with a national homebuilder, and a chance conversation with a homeowner (who worked at McKinley Homes) opened the door to an opportunity with the company. The rest (as they say!) is history. 

Why He Loves His Work 

For Seth, the most rewarding part of the job is simple: hearing a heartfelt “thank you” from a homeowner. Going the extra mile, whether it’s assisting with an out-of-warranty issue or offering proactive maintenance advice, makes the effort worthwhile. 

He’s also proud of the collaborative spirit at McKinley. By tracking common warranty issues and sharing insights across departments, Seth and his team help improve processes and prevent problems for future homeowners. 

Looking Ahead 

Seth is excited about the future of homebuilding, particularly the industry’s growing use of recycled materials and renewable energy sources. “The field is always evolving,” he says, “and it’s exciting to be part of that change.” 

Outside of Work 

When he’s not helping homeowners, Seth is all about family. He treasures time spent at family dinners, coaches his son’s little league teams and never misses a fall Saturday cheering on his favorite team—Go Dawgs! But when he isn’t watching sports, Seth admits he’s a sucker for a good Hallmark movie with his wife on a quiet weekend night. 

Stay tuned for more stories in our Behind the Build  series, where we’ll continue to highlight the amazing people who make McKinley Homes what it is today.