Dave Savory, Founder; Licensed Construction Supervisor, Lead Designer

An Essex, Mass. native, Dave’s passion for carpentry, development, and design was sparked by watching his father build a thriving local business. His father, Ken, was a builder, fine finish carpenter, and real estate developer who founded Kenrich Builders and later Kenneth S. Savory Carpentry. Inspired by his father’s work and creativity, Dave grew up with projects always in motion—tree forts in the yard, redesign ideas for his childhood home, and woodworking experiments in the barn. He laughs, “I remember constantly badgering my parents about how much we ‘needed’ a wraparound porch and how cool it would be to expand the house and finish off the attic. It must have been exhausting for them!”

Dave eventually launched his own business, Savory Homes, where for many years he focused on buying, renovating, and selling homes. In 2020, he shifted the company’s focus to serving homeowners directly, specializing in kitchens and baths.

One of Dave’s biggest advantages is his unique role as both designer and builder. Many homeowners assume they need both an architect and a contractor, but Dave’s extensive background allows him to handle both seamlessly. His clients benefit from a unified vision—designs that are not only creative and beautiful but also practical, functional, and built to last.

Dave still resides in Essex and operates his business on the North Shore of Massachusetts. He lives with his fiancé Keri and their three children, Jackson (19), Molly (17), and Maya (16). When he isn’t bringing dream projects to life, he enjoys making the most of Cape Ann summers and skiing at Sunday River in the winter.

Ben Parisien, Head Project Manager

As our seasoned project manager, Ben has been a cornerstone of Savory Homes for more than 6 years. Also from Ipswich, MA, he combines a sharp eye for detail with a calm, client-focused approach that makes the renovation process smooth and enjoyable. Ben works closely with homeowners to guide them through each step, ensuring their vision for a new kitchen or bath comes together seamlessly.

His leadership keeps projects on track and our team aligned, while his approachable style makes him a trusted point of contact for clients. When he’s off the clock, Ben can usually be found on the basketball court, catching a country concert, or spending time with friends and family.

Pete Chandler, Lead Carpenter

Our resident problem-solver and lead carpenter, Pete brings a steady, practical approach to every project. With roots in Ipswich, MA, he’s known for his sharp wit and his ability to turn complex challenges into simple, lasting solutions. His craftsmanship and creativity are central to Savory Homes transformations, and he takes pride in seeing each client’s vision come to life.

Pete enjoys the variety of the work, no two projects are ever the same, and the satisfaction of building spaces that families will enjoy for years. When he’s not on a job site, you’ll likely find him outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the quiet of the woods.

Kyle “Tech” Butler, Project Assistant

Kyle first joined Savory Homes through an internship at North Shore Technical High School and quickly earned a permanent spot on the crew. Over time, he has become a great part of the team, known for his approachable nature and enthusiasm on site. He especially enjoys watching projects evolve from start to finish and being part of the hands-on process that brings them to life.

For Kyle, one of the best parts of the job is working alongside a crew he describes as both professional and fun, a combination that makes each day different and rewarding.

Outside of work, Kyle enjoys traveling to new places, reading comics, and watching movies.

Keri Gavin, Administrative Assistant, Client Care Specialist

A Manchester-by-the-Sea native, Keri has been deeply connected to Cape Ann her whole life. She has spent nearly 20 years serving local families through her lifestyle photography business, more than a decade mentoring creatives and small business owners, and—most recently—launched a sourdough microbakery in 2025. Across all of her ventures, she is driven by a commitment to creativity, community, and connection.

At Savory Homes, Keri helps to keep things running behind the scenes. She manages administrative tasks, organizes systems, and supports the team with marketing and day-to-day operations. She also loves collaborating and brainstorming with Dave on fresh ideas and structure to the business as it continues to grow. Outside of work, she enjoys time by the water with Dave and their kids, soaking up the best of Cape Ann life.