Meet The Team

Jacob Hamilton is a visionary leader in the real estate and remodeling industry, serving as the CEO of Character Companies Inc. With extensive experience and a passion for property transformation, he has positioned the company as a premier provider of remodeling services in the Northern Virginia area.

Jacob’s journey began at a young age when he obtained his Virginia Real Estate license at 18, displaying early aptitude and passion. Most of Jacob’s real estate sales career was spent working with institutional sized real estate investment companies and family offices, speculating on properties and analyzing what remodeling projects would yield the best return on investment for his clients. Jacob learned the remodeling business by assisting these investors in remodeling and repositioning their single family homes throughout Northern Virginia. As his career progressed, he too began purchasing lots to build custom homes and houses to perform large scale renovation projects.

Jacob’s expertise contributes to his ability to be able to advise homeowners on the best remodeling projects to perform with the highest return on investment. In his free time, Jacob serves the community as a mentor to local teenagers guiding on their own path through the journey of entrepreneurship. Additionally, he enjoys golfing, fly fishing, and spending time with his wife, Claire and their dog, Greg.

Omeed is driven by a passion for delivering high-quality dream homes and renovations that exceed client expectations. As Project Manager at Character Companies, he brings a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to every build, ensuring timelines are met and craftsmanship is never compromised. Known for his curiosity and hardworking nature, Omeed thrives on the dynamic nature of construction—meeting new people, solving new challenges, and constantly expanding his knowledge of the field. He brings a grounded, collaborative energy to every project and is proud to work alongside the talented team at Character.

When he’s not managing job sites, Omeed enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their dog, Pearl Jam. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or paddle boarding, he finds energy in nature and inspiration in new places. He also loves exploring local neighborhoods and restaurants throughout the DMV, always on the lookout for his next favorite spot.

Abby designs timeless, personalized spaces that seamlessly blend classic charm with everyday functionality, drawing inspiration from Old Town Alexandria. While aesthetics are essential to great design, she believes spaces should also be practical and tailored to how you live—thoughtfully balancing style, functionality, and budget.

As the visionary of the design team, she keeps projects moving by managing design scheduling and guiding clients through the key decisions that bring their vision to life. Because let’s be honest—making design choices can be overwhelming, and sometimes picking a paint color feels harder than naming your firstborn.

With her warm and approachable nature, Abby makes the design process feel easy and enjoyable—always ready to tackle design challenges, problem solve onsite issues and answer any questions along the way.

Rich is driven by a deep commitment to being a collaborative, strategic teammate who contributes to the long-term success of Character Companies. As a financial leader, he plays a critical role in maintaining the company’s fiscal health by anticipating challenges, supporting data-driven decisions, and equipping leadership with the tools they need to thrive. Known for his focus and reliability, Rich brings clarity and stability to an ever-evolving business landscape.

When he’s not immersed in numbers and strategy, Rich enjoys staying active through tennis, golf, and working out. He also finds joy in socializing with friends and unwinding with a good movie—balancing his analytical mindset with a vibrant personal life.

Claire is passionate about connecting homeowners with tailored solutions for their remodeling needs. With a background in cognitive science and architecture, she blends her love for design with an understanding of human behavior. Claire’s professional journey spans brand marketing to employee engagement, where she excels in creating meaningful connections that drive business growth and cultivate a positive company culture.

Outside of her role here, you’ll find her coaching fitness classes at [solidcore], running along the George Washington Parkway, and escaping to the beach when the weather is right. Together with her husband, Jacob, they are dedicated to making their community’s homes as remarkable as the people living in them.

Frank Sorto
Project Manager

As a Project Manager at Character Companies, Frank brings organization, precision, and steady leadership to every project – keeping timelines on track and budgets in check. Known for his collaborative approach and quick problem-solving skills, he works seamlessly with subcontractors, homeowners, and internal teams to ensure each build is completed with excellence and care.

Outside of work, Frank enjoys fishing, playing tennis, gaming, and exploring new places with his family. Whether learning something new or tackling a challenge, he approaches both work and life with determination, and a good sense of fun along the way.

Lauren is driven by a passion for thoughtful design and community. As Design Coordinator, she brings creativity and collaboration to every project, helping preserve the character of homes while shaping spaces that reflect purpose and place. She’s eager to continue honing her design skills and contributing to a like-minded mission that strengthens local neighborhoods.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys exploring local architecture, working on home projects, learning about plants, and giving new life to rescued furniture. She also finds joy in supporting her family’s business and connecting her love for design with everyday life.

Meet Greg Hamilton, our esteemed Outdoor Living Consultant at Character Companies! As a loyal canine member of our team, Greg brings a unique charm and perspective to our outdoor projects. With a keen nose for sniffing out the best design ideas and a wagging tail for every client meeting, Greg’s boundless energy infuses every project with joy and tail-wagging delight. Whether he’s lounging in the sun, chasing squirrels for inspiration, or lending a paw with design sketches (or rather, paw prints), Greg’s love for the great outdoors shines through. With Greg by our side, we’re sure to create outdoor spaces that are as fun-loving and relaxing as he is!