Kathy and Mike Long I moved to Wilmington in 1974, graduating from UNCW with the class of 1977. I received a BA in Earth Sciences, concentration in Geology. At that time it was a young program with not enough credits to form a BS! I did work in the oilfield for over a year, but missed my `hometown'. Even though I'd grown up in Charlotte, Wilmington felt more like home to me. My sweetheart Mike, a true local, had followed me out west, and we married in Green River, Wyoming! It was in Wyoming that he got his first job as a framing carpenter. Then, in Salt Lake City, he learned more framing skills working for another framer, whom he highly respected. But, back in Wilmington is where we raised three strong sons. And this is where we started a life long career of building homes for people. And, our sons have worked with us since their teens too, and have chosen the field as their own, as well. As the boys were growing, I went back to school to get a degree in education, but opted to be a more `stay at home mom', and substitute taught at nearby schools. I also enjoyed helping out at their school, volunteering at the then new computer lab, and also doing a stint as PTO President. It was during that time that their school joined the PTA, plus we had the first year round school (in the county) running at the same time as the regular session. Mike stayed busy framing until he accumulated the knowledge to take the general contractor's exam and passed! We were gloriously happy during the spring and summer, when our sons were playing Optimist ball. We loved watching them play, and socializing with friends. Somewhere in the 90's my husband suggested I get my contractor's license and I took a blueprint reading class, a seminar, and then passed the test! Little did I know it was so I could do more of the permitting process, paperwork, etc., so he could spend more time on the job. But, we work well together, the whole family. It was around the turn of the century when I finally rounded out our needs with becoming a real estate agent. I have enjoyed helping out friends and family with the knowledge, and have grown with the experience. But, mostly, I sell the homes we build, and try to add special touches so the houses look `custom'. Mike adds his own special touches, too, with the details you see inside. I hope anyone reading this will look further, at the pictures I have submitted of the houses we have built lately on our special web page, Mikel F. Long Construction.