Chris Utano earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northeastern University, where he received the Wall Street Journal Award for academic excellence. He was also an active member of the university’s Men’s Hockey program.

He began his career in finance, spending eleven years at MFS and Evergreen Investments, where he was recognized with the Gold Vision Award and led community initiatives supporting United Way, Project Hope, and Habitat for Humanity.
Introduced to building at an early age through hands-on work alongside his father, Chris developed a strong foundation in craftsmanship and work ethic. In 2008, he joined Pine Cone Construction to dedicate his career to building custom homes, bringing a disciplined, detail-driven approach and a strong commitment to client service.

Chris is known for his ability to listen closely, anticipate client needs, and guide each project with clarity and intention. He approaches every home with a focus on precision, quality assurance, and accountability—ensuring that every detail meets exacting standards and that the client experience exceeds expectations.

The best custom homes are personally managed. Daily oversight, experienced judgment, and direct accountability ensure that decisions are made thoughtfully and issues are resolved immediately—not delegated or delayed.

His leadership, care, and unwavering attention to quality continue the firm’s legacy of trust and craftsmanship.

Born on the island of Stromboli, Italy, Frank Utano immigrated to the United States with his mother at the age of eight. By his mid-twenties, he had already established a strong foundation—serving in the U.S. Army, attending Boston University, opening his own restaurant, marrying, and starting a family.

In the early 1980s, Frank took on a hands-on project to build an addition to his own home. That experience sparked a deep appreciation for building and craftsmanship, setting the course for his career. He soon began constructing custom homes along Massachusetts’ East Coast, from North Andover to Martha’s Vineyard.

In 1997, Frank concentrated his work in the Newton area and founded Pine Cone Construction, Inc. Over the past three decades, he has built more than 100 homes and played an integral role in the growth and transformation of the surrounding community.

Asserting more than 40 years experience and a boundless work ethic, Frank is a mentor to many, and an industry leader in home building.

Guided by passion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Frank has always believed that anything worth doing is worth doing well. This philosophy—passed on to his children and evident in every project—has earned him a reputation as one of Newton’s most experienced, respected, and trusted builders.

Danielle is a dedicated mother of two and a key member of a custom home building team, where she seamlessly blends project management with interior design expertise. With a hands-on approach, she manages projects from start to finish while guiding clients through the design process with clarity and confidence.

She provides personalized interior design consultations, thoughtfully curating and presenting samples directly to clients—eliminating the need for time-consuming vendor visits and giving valuable time back to homeowners. Her attention to detail, organization, and client-focused mindset help make the building process not only smooth, but truly enjoyable.

Passionate about turning ideas into reality, she works closely with each client to understand their vision and bring it to life, creating homes that are both beautiful and functional. Her commitment to service, efficiency, and creativity ensures a positive and rewarding experience throughout the custom home journey.