the origin story of
THE JACK + MARE

It all started when…

We first met in high school after Justin’s family moved to Columbia, Tennessee, which is Terah Beth’s hometown, also known as Mule Town USA.

We had an instant connection and even went to senior prom together! After high school, we went our separate ways to different colleges. During our junior year, we planned a camping trip together, and while sitting around a campfire, sparks flew... We fell in love and were soon engaged.

After graduating architecture school, we moved to Portland, Oregon (and got married in Hood River a year later.)

In Portland, Terah Beth gained experience working at architecture firms like ZGF Architects and PSE, while Justin spent those years honing his carpentry skills working with master carpenters.

Then, in 2013, we decided it was time to start our own design and build company and we needed a name!

We wanted a name that was both playful and symbolic of collaboration. That’s when we landed on “The Jack + Mare.” The name is inspired by the mule, which combines the strengths of a jack (a male donkey) and a mare (a female horse). It reflects our lighthearted approach and also gives a nod to the town that brought us together.

The name represents the blending of our unique skills to create something stronger and more versatile—just like the mule.

Yep, we’re sure-footed.