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Cornerstone Custom Homes

About Us

From Mold to Mission: Built by One Family's Conviction

Cornerstone Custom Homes was founded by Gary Orth in 1998 in Fargo, North Dakota. Gary, an industrial engineer by education, entered the building world after his wife developed a severe mold allergy from an old home they were remodeling. The crawl space had a dirt floor, water got into the foundation, and the mold made her seriously ill.

That experience changed everything. Gary made a promise: if he was going to build homes, they would be built to protect the families who live in them. He brought engineering rigor and building science to every detail, from sealed foundations to 99% efficient furnaces to air exchangers in every home in every home.

His first two custom builds hit a wall when both concrete crews went bankrupt. Rather than wait for new vendors, Gary taught himself foundation work. “I’m not going to be held hostage to somebody else who is misbehaving in the marketplace.”

Today, Gary leads a lean 7 person team building 8 to 10 custom homes per year. He still personally oversees every build. His team has a simple standard: would you be proud to call this your own home?

Meet The Cornerstone Team

Gary Orth,
Owner
JoNell Orth,
Bookkeeper
Jon Walsh,
Foreman
Lawrence,
Project Manager
Suzanne Straus,
Designer
Richard Anderson,
Project Manager
Luke Orth,
Field Operator

The Cornerstone Goal

When we hand you the keys,
we hope we've gained a friend.

Cornerstone Custom Homes, is dedicated to being one of the finest home builders in Fargo Moorhead. Our team of devoted employees and professional trade contractors work hard to build some of the most beautifully handcrafted homes in the area. Our goal is to make building a new home an exciting and pleasant experience. We work hard to ensure that you have the home of your dreams.

We have more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. It is an eye for detail and quality control that make our homes exceptional. Since 1998 we have worked hard to develop energy efficient homes that exceed energy codes and save you money each month. Our homes are independently verified for energy efficiency and receive a score much like a miles per gallon for your car. Our clients are amazed at how comfortable our houses are, and surprised by their lower energy costs.

Gary Orth Cornerstone Custom Homes

The Cornerstone Approach

We provide our clients with the highest quality energy efficient home through a relationship based on trust, communication, and a focus on excellence. We strive to provide your family with a home that we would be proud to call our own.

 

Gary Orth Cornerstone Custom Homes Fargo
Gary, works one on one with our clients. He believes that each buyer is unique. As a result, he wants to establish a relationship with every client to meet their expectations. our goal is to still be friends after the build.

Credibility comes from our customers

"The best credibility is not us telling you we're great builders.
It's the people we've built for who will tell you that. "
Gary Orth Cornerstone Custom Homes Fargo
Gary Orth
Owner

Why Cornerstone Custom Homes

Healthy by Design

Air quality, humidity control, and construction that eliminates mold conditions

Remarkable Energy Performance

Documented monthly energy costs, independently certified on every build.

Your investment. Locked In.

Fixed price tracked in real time from first meeting to closing.

Crafted with intention. Delivered

A carefully limited number of build each year, by design.

Friends After the Build

Gary works hard to establish a friendship and keep that friendship long after the build.
Luke

Luke Orth

Field Operator

At Cornerstone Custom Homes in Fargo, Luke is leading the next generation. Luke grew up tagging along with Gary and learning about the craft and was hooked. He hopes to bring his passion and new ideas to the team to start his career. Luke was been busy setting up roots in the Fargo area and hopes to one day take over the family business. When Luke is not on the jobsite, you will find him riding motorcycles with his friends or spending time remodeling his own house.

 

Suzanne Straus, Cornerstone Custom Homes

Suzanne Straus

Designer

A mother of seven and grandmother to seven more, Suzanne knows the importance of creating spaces where families can truly thrive. Inspiration on sunny days, adventures to the lakes and the simple joys of life means Suzanne knows how design a home around your lifestyle. At Cornerstone Custom Homes, Suzanne pours warmth and creativity into every home she designs. Her ability to listen, support and craft beautiful, functional spaces has made her a favorite and a cornerstone of our team!

Lawrence, Cornerstone Custom Homes

Lawrence

Project Manager

At Cornerstone Custom Homes, Lawrence is the driving force behind our commitment to excellence, blending precision with enthusiasm. With a keen eye for detail and a steadfast commitment to quality, Lawrence collaborates closely with our trade partners to bring our clients vision to reality.

Beyond the blueprint, Lawrence’s connections with the trade community, and reputation for dependability make him the ideal project manager for crafting your dream home—and sharing a smile along the way. At Cornerstone, Lawrence embodies our promise to create not just houses, but enduring legacies.

When he’s not on the jobsite, Jon is a devoted father to his young son and an avid outdoorsman. Whether fishing at dawn or hunting for unique rocks—his passion for geology shines through—he finds inspiration in nature’s beauty. 

Jon Walsh, Cornerstone Custom Homes

Jon Walsh

Foreman

At Cornerstone Custom Homes in Fargo, Jon is the bedrock of reliability, anchoring our team as our longest-serving member. Nicknamed “Mr. Steady Eddie,” he brings a calm, diligent presence to every jobsite, ensuring each project reflects our commitment to enduring quality. With 17+ years of hands-on expertise, Jon’s meticulous craftsmanship shapes the homes we build, day in and day out.

When he’s not on the jobsite, Jon is a devoted father to his young son and an avid outdoorsman. Whether fishing at dawn or hunting for unique rocks—his passion for geology shines through—he finds inspiration in nature’s beauty. 

JoNell Orth, Cornerstone Custom Homes

JoNell Orth

Bookkeeper

JoNell brings both creativity and precision to Cornerstone Custom Homes, drawing from her degree in interior design from NDSU and her years of professional experience designing bank interiors. Now serving as our bookkeeper, she finds joy in the structure and problem-solving the role brings. As the wife of founder Gary Orth, JoNell has been an integral part of Cornerstone since the beginning—offering valuable insight into client needs and quietly shaping the company’s growth with her thoughtful input and unwavering support.

Beyond her professional role, JoNell is a devoted wife, proud mother, and passionate cheerleader for her family. She and Gary share a son who is the light of her life, and she treasures every moment spent around a campfire, with a good book, or surrounded by loved ones. Her dedication to both family and business is part of what makes Cornerstone feel like more than just a company—it feels like home.

A loving husband and devoted father of five children, Richard finds his greatest joy in family life—whether it’s backyard adventures, fireside chats with friends, or simply soaking in the everyday moments. A devoted Minnesota sports fan, he cheers with heart (and occasional heartbreak), always loyal and full of hope. Richard’s warmth, work ethic, and ability to connect make him an invaluable part of our team—and a big reason our clients feel right at home with us.

Richard Anderson Cornerstone Custom Homes

Richard Anderson

Project Manager

At Cornerstone Custom Homes in Fargo, Richard is quickly becoming a familiar and trusted face. With infectious energy and a genuine enthusiasm for the craft, he brings a spark to every project. Eager to master the Cornerstone way of homebuilding, Richard approaches each day with determination, humility, and a passion for excellence. His goal isn’t just to build houses—it’s to create places families can truly call home, where every detail reflects care and quality.

A loving husband and devoted father of five children, Richard finds his greatest joy in family life—whether it’s backyard adventures, fireside chats with friends, or simply soaking in the everyday moments. A devoted Minnesota sports fan, he cheers with heart (and occasional heartbreak), always loyal and full of hope. Richard’s warmth, work ethic, and ability to connect make him an invaluable part of our team—and a big reason our clients feel right at home with us.

Connect with Me
Gary Orth Cornerstone Custom Homes Fargo

Gary Orth

Owner

Gary Orth, the visionary founder and owner of Cornerstone Custom Homes in Fargo. Originally pursuing engineering at NDSU, Gary discovered his true calling in homebuilding, blending his love for science & math with a passion for construction. In 1998, he launched Cornerstone Specialties, which evolved into the Cornerstone Custom Homes. His guiding principle? To build energy-efficient, comfortable, functional, and healthy homes he’d proudly call his own.

Gary’s commitment to innovation keeps him at the forefront of the industry, exploring cutting-edge materials & techniques to deliver lasting value. With trust, integrity, and quality as his foundation, he works closely with homeowners to bring their dreams to life, always ensuring “No surprises in the end. I want us to still be friends.”

Gary is a devoted family man. He cherishes moments with his son, his self-proclaimed “favorite child”, riding motorcycles together. Gary also finds joy in crafting pens, learning new ideas for the sake of learning, and sharing laughter with loved ones. Gary’s passion and dedication shape not just our past but our future as well.

Connect with Me