Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Wroten.
Hi Sunny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Sunny Wroten and I am born and raised in Jacksonville Beach, FL. I have a passion for construction and helping my community.
Family Legacy:
My heart for service is part of a long family legacy. My father, Billy Cooper, served as a Jacksonville Beach councilman in 1989. My grandmother, Arlene Cooper, broke barriers by developing a retirement community in 1973 called Cooper Holt Manor—a rarity for a woman in her era. My grandfather, Steven Powell, was a beloved park ranger at Hanna Park and a Fletcher
football team captain. And my great-grandmother, Lena “Tweetie” Ramsdale, was one of Fletcher High’s very first teachers.
Family:
My daughter, Layla, now 8, is in third grade at Atlantic Beach Elementary (ABE). While my son Dylan, 18, is working at a home medical supply store helping deliver medical supplies to the community in need. I grew up right here in the Jacksonville Beaches, attending Atlantic Beach Elementary myself. It’s awesome to think my daughter is walking the same halls I did as a kid. And fun fact—Kimberly Gallagher, the principal at ABE today, was one of my teachers at Fletcher High School!
Community:
In 2023, I served as PTA treasurer for ABE. In 2024, I stepped up as PTA president and took over running the fall festival for the school (our largest fundraiser). This year, I have taken on the role of VP of Fundraising and took over the school garden, where we have the kids plant herbs and veggies to eat at home and go to the local food bank. I also rebuilt the wooden arch that goes over the little gate going into the garden.
Construction Background:
After high school, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Everglades University and have spent the last 12 years building a name for myself in the construction industry. As the owner and general contractor of Magnolia Lane Builders, I specialize in architecture, design, and construction — building new custom homes and remodels.
Non-Profit
I just founded Building Next Chapters, a nonprofit that provides young adults aging out of the foster care system with hands-on training in trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. And our projects will serve seniors, veterans, and families in need in the community. It’s about building purpose and community.
Podcast:
I have a YouTube podcast called Women Built Right, where I interview women thriving in male-dominated industries, offering real advice, honest stories, and inspiration for those considering nontraditional career paths. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenBuiltRight
Girl Scouts:
I founded and co-lead the local Girl Scout Troop 64617 in 2024 with 40 young girls—future leaders who meet at Community Presbyterian right next to ABE and get to experience what it means to be a force for good.
Stroke:
On October 15, 2025 I had a stroke in the middle of the night (video of the full story here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FJrBRC7Ap/
I was out of hospital and rehab 10 days later and went back to work and volunteering 3 days after that. On November 15, 2025 I led the fall festival, Dolphin Fest, at the school and raised $31k in funding for the school.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been full of bumps my whole life. At 16 and a junior at Fletcher High School I was pregnant with my son, Dylan. I’ve been divorced twice (the last one after dealing with a husband with an opioid addiction and helping him get completely sober). My brother died a few years ago, leaving behind his 4 boys. Their mother ended up with an alcohol problem and left them. So I have 2 of them living with me now. And a month ago I had a stroke which could have killed me! But I can’t dwell on anything negative if I want to continue moving forward in life and being happy!
As you know, we’re big fans of Magnolia Lane Builders. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Magnolia Lane Builders is a construction company that is breaking the mold. I realized in my 12 years experience of building homes that construction is a very confusing and frustrating process for most homeowners. And I wanted to do whatever I could to make that process easier. So I came up with a two-phase approach.
Phase 1 (Pre-Construction):
In this phase, we handle the architecture, structural engineering, surveying, interior design selections, and cabinet drawings for the homeowner. They get to work directly with me and I hold their hand through the entire process, making it super personal for them. Once that work is done, I completely price it out and give them a fixed price (as opposed to cost plus where you never know the true cost until the end of the project). The homeowner will know exactly what they’re getting and the total cost. I also do a 3D render of their project with the design finishes we chose together so they don’t have to wonder what it’s going to look like once it’s build. And the best part is that we do this at our cost. So we don’t make any money off of the first phase. We do this in hopes that it gives the homeowner a chance to get to know and trust us, so that when it’s time to start permitting and construction they feel comfortable. This is a way better process than the other builders just giving a “rough cost” for the project and then the homeowners blindly signing a contract where they’re locked in with the builder without knowing who the builder really is, what the project will look like, and what their total cost will be.
Phase 2 (Construction):
Once we’ve done all of the hard work, now the fun begins! The homeowner has made all of their selections, the know exactly what they need to pay, and the vision starts coming to life. They are assigned a project manager to be on their jobsite every day and send them weekly updates with photos. I will make weekly visits with the homeowner to check on everything, answer any questions, and help with anything needed. They have access to a custom project portal online that shows their live schedule, all financials, weekly updates, photos during construction, etc. The purpose is to keep the homeowner informed and in control!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mag-lane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnolia_lane_builders/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnolia.lane.builders and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579459259306
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnywroten/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenBuiltRight
- Email: [email protected]
