From Public Service to Building the Future of Housing

Two years ago, I walked away from a career in public service to pursue what many called a crazy idea: launching a company that could reshape how we think about homes. Two years to the day since I left the State Department, that journey came full circle. We had the honor of welcoming a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines to our modular housing factory. Among them were Tom Pohlman, who succeeded me as the "trade guy" in the Embassy’s Economic Section, and Senior Commercial Officer Paul Taylor. Their visit was not just official. It was deeply personal.

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A Life of Service and Purpose

For nearly a decade, I served as a U.S. diplomat, working to strengthen alliances, expand trade, and promote economic development. Before that, I wore a different uniform, serving as a U.S. Air Force officer and advancing American science and technology. Those experiences shaped the way I lead, the way I build teams, and the way I think about impact. I discovered that true economic growth comes from the private sector, the real engine of development. Leaving government was not about stepping away from service. It was about continuing the mission with different tools.

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Reimagining Housing Through Modular Construction

At Hive, our mission is clear: to transform how homes are built. Through modular construction and prefabricated construction methods, we are bringing innovation, precision, and speed to an industry that needs modernization. Our approach to modular housing focuses on delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions without compromising design. Whether it is modular homes in the Philippines or models for international markets, we believe this method of building can redefine what modern housing means.

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Building Beyond Walls: Jobs, Skills, and Communities

We are not just producing modular homes. We are creating jobs, training workers, and building a skilled workforce that will carry this industry into the future. Every modular build adds value to communities by providing affordable, efficient, and sustainable housing. Our design philosophy emphasizes versatility. From modular home design options that fit families of different sizes, to homes with 2 bedroom layouts that reflect the needs of today’s modern households. By scaling up prefab construction, we are demonstrating that you can build prefab without sacrificing aesthetics or durability.

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Gratitude and the Road Ahead

Their visit reminded me of a simple truth: missions do not end when you change uniforms. Public service gave me the foundation. Entrepreneurship gave me the engine to scale it. At Hive, every project is a continuation of the same purpose, serving people. With modular designs and innovative approaches to modular housing design, we aim to make homes more accessible, faster to build, and higher in quality.

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Scaling a Mission Through Entrepreneurship

To the friends, mentors, and former colleagues who visited yesterday, thank you. Your support means more than words can express. We are still in the early stages of this journey, but seeing the progress we have made reminds me how far we have already come. The future of modular homes and prefab construction in the Philippines is bright, and this is just the beginning.

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Let’s keep building. 🐝

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Written by John Avrett.

CEO and Founder of Hive Modular.