We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Winston Bodkin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Winston, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The heart of CASITA ADU lies in a story of community, family, and connection a story that is deeply personal to me. It’s the reason I started this company and the driving force behind everything we do.

Growing up in a small mountain town in Panama, I was captivated by the stories of generational families and the legacies they built within their communities. These tales were more than history; they were the threads that wove the fabric of our shared lives. Whether it was the creation of a beloved garden or the building of a cherished home, these stories brought meaning and warmth to our town.

Every day in that small community was special, but the evenings were truly magical. After a hard day’s work, the town would come together to share meals, play games, and listen to the elders recount stories that seemed to hold the wisdom of the world. Holiday festivities were even more extraordinary. Rainy Christmas evenings were spent huddled together, laughing, singing, and telling tales, while New Year’s celebrations dazzled us with fireworks and the promise of new beginnings.

This sense of belonging, safety, and joy was the foundation of my childhood-and the inspiration for my journey. It’s why I founded CASITA ADU.

The name itself reflects my vision. “Casita” means “small house” in Spanish, evoking warmth, intimacy, and a sense of home. I deliberately chose a name that begins with the letter C to represent community because that is the cornerstone of everything we do.

At CASITA ADU, our mission is more than designing and building accessory dwelling units; it’s about fostering connection, creating spaces that bring people together, and contributing to the stories that will be told for generations. We approach every project with four core values: Community, Education, Integrity, and Accountability. These guide our work and ensure we deliver not just homes, but legacies.

CASITA ADU is not just a company-it’s a commitment. A commitment to creating spaces that feel like home, to empowering families and neighborhoods, and to building a future where communities can thrive.

We are CASITA ADU because of you-because of the trust, dreams, and stories you share with us. Together, let’s continue to build something beautiful and meaningful, one CASITA at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.?

My name is Winston Bodkin, and I am the founder of CASITA ADU. My journey into this industry was inspired by deeply personal experiences rooted in my upbringing in a small mountain community in Panama. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories that highlighted the importance of family, connection, and the spaces that bring people together. The joy of seeing my community thrive from evening storytelling sessions to festive gatherings instilled in me a lifelong passion for creating environments where people can feel safe, connected, and part of something larger than themselves.

These early experiences fueled my desire to build spaces that aren’t just functional but deeply meaningful. When I founded CASITA ADU, I aimed to carry the essence of those cherished memories into my work by focusing on designing and building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that foster connection, independence, and comfort for families and communities alike.

What type of products/services/creative works do you provide, and what problems do you solve for your clients?

At CASITA ADU, we specialize in creating accessory dwelling units (ADUs) compact, functional, and beautiful spaces that serve a variety of purposes. These include housing for aging parents, rental income opportunities, or providing young adults a chance to live independently while staying close to family.

We also assist with remodeling and home improvement projects, ensuring that our clients’ existing spaces align with their needs and aspirations.

The problems we solve often revolve around maximizing the value of a property while addressing the growing demand for versatile housing solutions. Whether it’s helping a family care for an elderly relative or increasing property value through smart design, we provide solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and long-term goals.

What sets you apart from others in your industry?

What sets CASITA ADU apart is our unwavering commitment to community-first values. Our work is deeply personal it’s not just about building structures but about creating spaces that foster connection and belonging.

We prioritize:

Personalized Service – Each project reflects our clients’ unique needs and aspirations.
Integrity and Accountability – We take pride in delivering quality work on time and with full transparency.
Education and Expertise – We empower our clients by guiding them through the process and helping them make informed decisions. Additionally, our designs are inspired by the warmth and coziness of the small homes (“casitas”) I grew up admiring, ensuring each space feels inviting and purposeful.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the impact CASITA ADU has had on the lives of our clients. Seeing families come together, watching elderly parents find comfort in a space designed just for them, or helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals through thoughtful design these are the moments that make our work so fulfilling.

I’m also proud that CASITA ADU is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of the values I hold dear: community, connection, and care. It’s an honor to know that our work creates not just physical spaces but opportunities for families to thrive for generations.

What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you, your brand, and your work?

CASITA ADU is about more than just building small houses-it’s about building stories, legacies, and connections. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a contractor; you’re partnering with a team that values your vision, respects your goals, and genuinely cares about creating something meaningful for you and your loved ones.

Our mission is rooted in community. From the first conversation to the final reveal, we prioritize trust, transparency, and collaboration. Whether you’re seeking to build an ADU, remodel a space, or explore new housing possibilities, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ultimately, we want you to know that CASITA ADU exists because of you—our community. Together, we can create spaces that bring people closer, inspire connection, and stand as a testament to the power of thoughtful design.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our story.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

One of the key pieces of advice I can offer is to lead by example. Your work and commitment speak for you long after the task is done. Demonstrating consistency, multitasking effectively, and maintaining a sense of leadership sets the tone for the entire team. When your team sees you committed to the vision and willing to do the hard work, they’re inspired to follow suit.

Another important aspect is fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. This means actively listening to your team, addressing their concerns, and recognizing their contributions. Regular check-ins, opportunities for professional growth, and celebrating milestones-big or small-go a long way in keeping morale high.

Lastly, I believe in empowering the team with trust and autonomy. By clearly defining roles and expectations while allowing team members the freedom to make decisions, you create a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

At CASITA ADU, our focus on community extends not only to our clients but also to our internal team. A motivated and happy team is the foundation of every successful project, and we make sure to nurture that.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I’ll never forget the day I met Sondra Hooley at an event in San Diego. It’s one of those moments that seemed ordinary at the time but turned out to be life-changing. We were both attending for different reasons, but it quickly became clear we shared a mutual passion for building, creating, and making a difference. It’s crazy to think that, in that moment, I was meeting the person who would become my business partner.

Sondra brings incredible value to CASITA ADU, and I want to make sure everyone knows how much she contributes. Her vision, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence have been pivotal in shaping our company. She’s not just a business partner but a cornerstone of what makes CASITA ADU thrive.

Our partnership works so well because we complement each other. We share a belief in the importance of community, integrity, and accountability, which are the foundation of everything we do. Meeting Sondra was a turning point that elevated the business and allowed us to take our mission of creating meaningful, connected spaces to the next level. For that, I am deeply grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://casitaadu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casita_adu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casitaadu/
• Yelp: CASITA ADU

Image Credits

CASITA ADU