Freeport, Maine – One of Maine’s most iconic brands is ushering in a new era of growth this month as Lee Proscia takes over the helm as President of Houses & Barns by John Libby. The company’s founder, John Libby is retiring after a 53-year, trailblazing career in the industry—he will continue to sit on the organization’s Board of Directors.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our country and Houses & Barns by John Libby has demonstrated its resolve having succeeded for the last 50 years,” says Lee Proscia. “We are built for the long haul and want to carry that momentum long into the future.”
For half a century, HBJL has forged a reputation as one of the most respected and high-quality timber frame builders and general contractors in New England. It was first established in Freeport, ME, in 1971 by Presque Isle-born Libby, who had a passion for building barns using age-old traditions of wood joinery. Libby’s name soon became synonymous with timber framing; he was one of the founding members of the Timber Framers Guild in 1985. He also became known as an innovator—in the 1990s Libby brought architects and designers in-house to expand the business into a turnkey, full-service general contractor. Today, the company offers a uniquely bespoke and personalized approach to building elegant homes and barns.
“I see my role as President as being all about continuity,” adds Proscia. “There are few iconic brands in Maine that are known as makers—but craftsmanship and tradition are what we’re known for. I see myself very much in the role of steward.”
Proscia has spent more than 20 years in the Maine construction industry. He earned a degree in finance before engaging in formal training in preservation. Proscia worked for several years as a cabinetmaker Down East. He then spent a decade in managerial positions at Wright-Ryan in Portland, leading the millwork shop and heading up pre-construction management for the organization’s homes division. He was recruited by Libby in 2017, with the eye of taking over the leadership role, and has spent the past seven years leading operations.
“This company is now in much better hands with Lee leading it,” says John Libby of his shift into retirement. “Lee is extremely fine-tuned on the craft of timber framing, but he also brings a powerful business sense. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with our customers over the years, and I’m excited to see how this team will endure—just like our buildings—long into the future.”
