Creating a successful company starts with a firm foundation, deep roots, and a vision for the future. For more than 25 years, BOLD Companies have proudly called Chapel Hill and Chatham County home. This community is the foundation upon which we have built BOLD Companies—one client at a time, one home at a time.
Firm Foundation of Building Dream Homes: BOLD Construction
The story of BOLD Companies begins in the late 1990’s. Chris Ehrenfeld, the CEO of BOLD Companies, always had a passion for construction. After graduating from UNC, Chris knew he wanted to build homes. Chris got into the construction business from the ground up, framing houses to raise capital to fund the business. Over time, Chris was able to grow the business from framing houses for other builders to building homes for clients.
In 2003, Chris recruited his best friend from pre-school in Pittsburgh, PA, Jason Dell, to join him in the construction company. These two best friends went from building homes together using Legos as children to building amazing custom homes as adults.
“BOLD Construction is built on a foundation of creativity and trust,” says Jason Dell, co-owner and Integrator of the company. “Our clients come to us with a dream, and we take great pride in turning that dream into reality—always with precision and passion.”
One of BOLD Construction’s competitive advantages lies in its ability to build on diverse and challenging terrains, a strength prominently showcased in the Governors Club community. This area features a varied landscape of lakes, ponds, trees, and a small mountain range.
“The Triangle region is generally very flat, but Governors Club follows the contours and 600-foot elevation changes of Edwards Mountain,” explains Jason Dell. “These lots feature varied topography and rocky terrain, presenting challenges that other builders often avoid. Our proven ability to successfully tackle these complex projects sets us apart—we’re not afraid to build on anything.”
Today, BOLD Construction continues to raise the bar, completing award-winning projects and earning recognition across North Carolina.
Deep Roots of Helping People Find their Forever Home: BOLD Real Estate
Fresh out of college and having just started his construction company, Chris realized the need for access to information on real estate. At the time, the only way to see real estate transaction information was to either go look through books at the Register of Deeds office or to become a real estate agent to be able to dial into the MLS.
When Chris wasn’t framing houses to raise capital, Chris created a website for his real estate firm, something that put him ahead of his local competitors in the mid 90’s. This website generated leads for Chris who became a top producing agent.
Over time, Chris recognized the growing demand for real estate in the rapidly developing Chapel Hill and Chatham County areas and added more agents to his team. He located the first physical office in Governors Village becoming the first general brokers firm in North Chatham County. The sales both inside and outside of the Governors Communities.
In 2013, Chris and his mom, Jill, purchased Governors Club Realty.
“At the time, Governors Club Realty was in a dire situation. We recognized the need to save the firm. The livelihood of real estate values of a gated community depends upon having a thriving on site real estate agency at the gate. We knew it was the right thing to do to help the Governors Club community,” said Jill Ehrenfeld.
Over the years, BOLD Real Estate has become synonymous with exceptional client service and deep local knowledge. With a team of dedicated agents who live and breathe the area’s culture, BOLD Real Estate has helped thousands of families find their perfect homes in Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and beyond.
Deep Roots Supporting Local Businesses: BOLD Commercial Real Estate
Recognizing the need for commercial real estate services in the area, BOLD Commercial Real Estate was launched to help local businesses find their ideal spaces.
“Our knowledge of the local market and dedication to building long-term relationships with our clients is what drives BOLD Commercial Real Estate,” says Chela Tu, CCIM with BOLD Commercial. “We are committed to supporting local businesses by helping them find spaces where they can thrive.”
From helping small businesses secure storefronts to working on large-scale corporate leases, BOLD Commercial has contributed to the growth and development of Chapel Hill’s business community. “One of our proudest moments in the last year was bringing global coworking space leader, Regus, to the Bold Building, which significantly boosted local economic growth,” adds Chela.
Deep Roots: BOLD Development Group
BOLD Companies expanded further with the launch of BOLD Development Group, focusing on shaping the future of the region through development projects.
Projects include much of the commercial development in Governors Village, a number of smaller residential developments with BOLD Construction custom homes and most recently 501 Landing - a shopping center located across from the Chatham Crossing Harris Teeter that features Chatham Pediatrics, Mi’s Nail Spa, Seeds of Wonder Daycare and Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center.
“Being a part of the purposeful development of the area allows us to bring services and amenities that further enhance our community. When we first moved here 25 years ago, there were almost no local businesses. We had to drive into Chapel Hill or Durham for everything” says Chris Ehrenfeld.
Deep Roots Sprout Goodness: BOLD Foundation
As the company grew, so did its commitment to giving back. Starting in 2015, when Chris realized that hundreds of kids in the local school were in need and were not going to get holiday gifts. He and his wife, Jana, immediately took over the “Holiday Cheer” gift giving at North Chatham Elementary. As a way to formalize BOLD Companies' charitable efforts, BOLD Foundation was born.
“Through the BOLD Foundation, we are able to give back to the community that has given us so much,” explains Board Member Kristine Holm. “Whether it’s supporting local schools, funding community projects, or helping local charities, our goal is to make a lasting, positive impact.”
All BOLD Companies donate a portion from all transactions to the BOLD Foundation to make sure the Foundation continues to be sustainable year after year.
BOLD Foundation supports the community in many ways throughout the year including donating thousands of books for summer reading, providing backpacks filled with school supplies, and providing countless volunteer opportunities for employees of BOLD Companies. The Foundation’s flagship event continues to be the "Holiday Cheer" and the program is committed to ensuring every child experiences a joyous holiday season. BOLD Foundation collaborates closely with local schools, providing winter clothing and thoughtful gifts to children whose guardians might be facing financial constraints.
Vision for the future
Brick by brick, day by day, client by client, our mission has stayed the same: to boldly build a better community for all.
“Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing our impact,” says Chris Ehrenfeld. “We have some incredible projects on the horizon, and we’re committed to do everything we can to enhance the community that we call home.”
Thank you to all of our staff, partners, and clients for making this journey possible.
The future is bright, and together we will continue to leave a lasting BOLD legacy in the heart of North Carolina.
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