Professional Remodeler's Forty Under 40 Class of 2012

The 40 young AEC professionals featured represent the Class of 2012 in Professional Remodeler’s “40 Under 40” competition.

They were chosen from nearly 100 applicants to join the 40 previous recipients of this honor, dating back to last year. They are diverse in their professional and personal interests, as well as in their service to professional societies and charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

Professional Remodeler is proud to present the industry’s next generation of leaders.

 

Jamie Hsu, 36
President, Lakeville Homes, Bellevue, Wash.

EDUCATION

• BS, Architectural Studies, Washington State University
• BArch, Washington State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• April 2012 NAHB Remodeler of the Month.
• Co-chaired relaunch of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA K/S) Professional Women in Building Council, increasing membership by 500% the first year—the only council with a growing membership. The council’s work acknowledged by NAHB’s Council of the Year in 2009.
• Helping change the perception of the remodeler in a positive manner. “A remodeler is professional, well-spoken, and worthy of respect. Gone is the perception of the fly-by-night guy with a truck who is unreliable and has no accountability.”

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Vice chair, MBA K/S Remodelers Council.
• Head, MBA K/S Community Outreach committee responsible for building ADA-accessible ramps, organized clothing drives for women, and yard clean-up projects for local non-profit group.
• Team co-captain, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Washington’s Annual Walk.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: Family and friends.
• Favorite hobbies: Photography, gardening, traveling, and reading.
• Favorite vacation spot: Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, Wash.

SECRET LIFE

• Used to be a wedding planner.
• Parents met in architecture school in Hong Kong. “My father used to do my mother’s homework.”

 

Matt Hullander, 39
President/owner, Hullco Exteriors, Chattanooga, Tenn.

EDUCATION

• Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Business Management

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Second-generation business owner that has “worn every hat in the company.”
• Grew business over 100% in five years through developing sales, production, and other systems and practices to help with the success of the business. “The systems are the solution.”
• Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, 2011.
• BBB Torch Award Winner, 2009.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity.
• Started the Hullco Heritage, a two-day charity event benefiting the Hunter Worely Foundation and The First Tee.
• Chairman, Hamilton County, Tenn. Zoning Appeals Board.
• Hosts “HouseChatt,” a local TV and radio show on remodeling.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Friends, golf, boating, and travel.
• Favorite foods: Anything smoked on a green egg, and peanut butter.
• Favorite vacation spot: The beaches of Sandestin, Fla.

SECRET LIFE

• Has lived on London Lane in Apison, Tenn., for his entire life even after tornadoes destroyed much of the property in 2011.
• World’s fastest three-finger typist. 

 

Scott Frankel, 31
Vice president, operations, Frankel Building, Houston

EDUCATION

• BA, University of Texas at Austin

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• NAHB GMB
• NAHB MCGP
• CGP

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• One of the first two registered Certified Master Green Professionals in the U.S., the first in Texas.
• Led initiative that ensures every custom home constructed by Frankel Building participate in the USGBC’s LEED for Homes program.
• Business received 2011 GHBA Custom Builder of the Year.
• Recognized as a Green Hero by the USGBC Texas Gulf Coast chapter.
• Dedicated sustainability activist for residential construction in the Houston area. “I am in my 30s. I should be building homes that will outlive me.”

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: iPhone.
• Favorite vacation spot: South Texas.

SECRET LIFE

• Likes to hang out with his dog Rue, which he’s had since sophomore year in college.

 

Nick Castjohn, 35
President, Renovate Inc., Kenner, La. 

EDUCATION

• BBA, Texas A&M
• MBA, Tulane University

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• NAHB, GMB
• Louisiana Licensed Insurance Adjuster.
• Certified Dispute Resolution Mediator and Arbitrator.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Growth of family renovation business has increased 85% in the last three years.
• Proud of the creating, building, and maintaining relationships with friends, family, and peers.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Instructor for NAHB class curriculum.
• Volunteers as an independent arbitration guide for the local Better Business Bureau.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Favorite hobbies: Texas A&M football, reading.
• Favorite food: Good BBQ.
• Favorite vacation spot: Jackson, Wyo.

SECRET LIFE

• Applied for “The Apprentice, Season 2.” Received callback for additional interviews but did not make final cut.
• Cousin was in charge of rebuilding the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

 

David Caldwell, Jr., 38
Vice president, Caldwell & Johnson Custom Builders and Remodelers, North Kingston, R.I.

EDUCATION

• BA, Political Science, University of Rhode Island
• MA, Political Science, Columbia University
• MBA, University of California, Irvine

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Overseen remodel of 1952 ranch-style home that was certified by Energy Star, DOE Builder’s Challenge, LEED for Homes, and National Green Building Standard. The first remodeling project in New England to receive all four designations.
• Served as PM for 18-month restoration of 5,000-sf home that required an entire structural overhaul.
• Regularly consults with NAHB, USGBC and members of Congress on legislation and policies related to building and remodeling industry.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Executive committee, Rhode Island Association Board of Directors.
• Board of directors, HousingWorks Rhode Island; Rhode Island Builders Association; Builders Helping Heroes.
• Residential green building advocate and co-chair of advocacy committee, Rhode Island Green Building Council.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: My wife and ESPN.
• Hobbies: Gardening, raising pure bred English Mastiffs, rugby.
• Favorite food: Sushi.

SECRET LIFE

• Commissioned office, USMC 1998-2006, part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Andy Lindus, 33
COO, Lindus Construction/Midwest LeafGuard, Baldwin, Wis.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Started working at family business at age 12, eventually became sales manager, and now COO. With a company-first business philosophy, business has continued to compound annual growth.
• Self-starter, at the age of 19 opened LeafGuard franchise where he sold and installed every job.
• Nominated for various Roofing Contractor of the Year and Replacement Contractor of the Year awards.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Company participates in the Adopt-a-Platoon program.
• Member, St. Croix Valley Builder’s Association.
• Member, Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities.
• Member, Lion’s Club.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can live without: Anyone with a negative attitude.
• Favorite movie: “Caddyshack.”
• Favorite food: Prime rib.
• Favorite vacation spot: Northwest Angle, Lake of the Woods, Minn.

SECRET LIFE

• Educates the public on home construction and remodeling by hosting an hour-long Saturday morning radio show on WCCO. It is the top-rated show in the timeslot.
• Maintains a remodeling blog at http://lindusconstruction.areavoices.com [1].
• Enjoys making musky fishing lures.

 

Katie Jayden, 36
Lead interior designer, Castle Building & Remodeling, Minneapolis, Minn.

EDUCATION

• BS Interior Design, Art Institutes International Minnesota

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• NCIDQ Certified.
• Member, ASID.
• Member, NARI Green Remodeling Task Group.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• As part of her role in NARI Green Remodeling Task Group, designed the first GreenStar Pilot Program Certified Remodel in Minnesota.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Volunteer mentor to young interior designers.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can live without: Negative people.
• Favorite food: Anything Asian.
• Favorite movie: “Moonrise Kingdom.”
• Favorite vacation spot: Italy.

SECRET LIFE

• Enjoys reading People magazine, “I have to keep up on my current events.”
• Takes long walks with her dog Lucy to relax.

 

Jason Gettum, 37
Vice president, Gettum Associates, Greenwood, Ind.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Purdue University

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
• CGR
• CGP

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Board member, Remodelers Council for the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis. Also served as secretary and on the association’s Membership Committee.
• After learning website design and Internet marketing, company’s website recognized for MAME award sponsored by the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Participates in Remodeler’s Council functions with the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Cannot live without: Live music, especially Phish.
• Can live without: Technology when spending time with family.
• Hobbies: Gardening and landscaping, the Indianapolis Colts.
• Favorite movies: The “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series.
• Favorite read: The Road (Cormac McCarthy).
• Enjoys the TV show “Storage Wars.”

SECRET LIFE

• Master at multi-tasking. “Something most in the remodeling profession can relate to regularly.”

 

David Powers, 37
COO, Ocean Breeze Exterior Remodeling, Surfside Beach, S.C.

EDUCATION

• BA, Biblical Studies
• Masters of Theology
• PhD Theology

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Author of eight books and over 500 magazine articles.
• Under David’s leadership, the company has won a Blue Ribbon for Small Business Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for five years in a row.
• Awarded the EnergyStar Small Business Award from the EPA.
• Finalist for Small Business of the Year from Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Can’t live without: A book.
• Favorite movie: “Fight Club.”
• Favorite food: Spaghetti with homemade chili sauce.
• Favorite vacation spot: A cabana on the water in the Florida Keys.
• Favorite reads: The Bible, The Barbarian Way (Erwin McManus), and Wild at Heart (John Eldridge).

OFF THE CLOCK

• Member of Highpointers Club; climbed highest point in seven states, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia.
• Grand Strand Area Coordinator for American Mensa.

SECRET LIFE

• Viking re-enactor, experienced in European martial arts, and sword fighting.

 

Jason Parsons, 35
Remodeler project designer, Design Build Pros, Toms River, N.J.

EDUCATION

• Rutgers University-New Brunswick

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Completed a whole-house remodel for HGTV in 4½ days, under budget, and ahead of schedule.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: “Any sports my sons are playing.”
• Favorite movie: “Old School.” “I love a movie with a deep plot and suspense, but I can only watch it once. ‘Old School’ is not that type of movie, and can be watched over and over again.”
• Favorite vacation spot: Disney World

SECRET LIFE

• “After the kids are asleep, I like to sit on my patio, next to the fire pit, with a glass of wine. I enjoy the quiet.”

Rich Estes, 37
Team leader, Landis Construction, Washington, D.C.

EDUCATION

• BS, Public Health, University of South Carolina

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• LEED AP

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Working toward MBA at Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business.
• Built the first-ever Energy Star certified home in Charleston, S.C., in 2002.
• Passion for sustainable construction shared by firm, which now incorporates sustainable building technologies into every remodeling project.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Advocate of LEED for Homes.
• Founded Community Development Studio to educate community businesses and residents about the value of improving their neighborhoods.
• Active member, Think Local First DC, promotes benefits of choosing locally owned businesses.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: Spending time outdoors.
• Favorite hobbies: Offshore fishing, and more recently fly-fishing.
• Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.”
• Favorite food: Thai and steak.

SECRET LIFE

• Originally planned to attend medical school, following summer internship in a hospital his attention turned to sustainable construction methods.
• Father, who passed away a few years ago, started a business selling lumber in a vacant lot; the business is still going 37 years later.

 

David Lloyd, 35
President, Lloyd Construction, Ketchum, Idaho

EDUCATION

• BA, Geography/Land Use Planning Policy, University of Nevada, Reno

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Recently constructed a new addition/remodel for a man with Parkinson’s disease who wanted the freedom to live at home again. “Seeing him enjoy the new space was very rewarding.”

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• CGP

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Regional president, NAHB.
• Zoning and planning commissioner, Hailey, Idaho.
• Registered master builder, NAHB-Idaho Building Contractor Association.
• Member, USGBC.
• Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: Ketchum, Idaho. “There is no other place I’d rather be.”
• Favorite hobbies: Avid collector of antique decoy ducks.
• Favorite vacation spot: City of Rocks, Idaho for rock climbing.

SECRET LIFE

• Lived in Norway during senior year of high school.
• Completed the Boston Marathon with his wife, now competes in ultra-marathon trail running races. 

 

Chris Kimbro, 38
President, Kimbro Renovations, Montgomery, Ala.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• CGP
• CGR
• GMB

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• First place, Bathrooms under $20,000, 2012 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards (AREA).
• Third place, Bathrooms $20,000-$50,0000, 2012 AREA.
• First place, Bathrooms over $50,000, 2012 AREA.
•2011 Best in Show winner, AREA.
• First place, Kitchens Over $80,000, 2011 AREA.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Board of Directors, 2011 Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association.
• Immediate past president, GMHBA Remodelers Council.
• Volunteer and board member, White Water Camp.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: Diet coke.
• Favorite hobbies: Hunting, saltwater fishing, playing guitar.
• Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.”
• Favorite food: White tuna nigiri sushi.
• Favorite vacation spot: Any comfortable deer stand.

SECRET LIFE

• Avid guitar player—can even mimic the moves of Jimi Hendrix.

 

Brad Burgin, 39
President, Burgin Construction, Santa Ana, Calif.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• CAPS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Over two decades, grew a small, one-person shop into a reputable and innovative general contracting business with multiple employees.
• Places emphasis on communication with customers in order to be successful. “Customer service is our number one priority.”

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: Family.
• Can live without: Cable television.
• Favorite hobbies: Fly-fishing, golf, and target shooting.
• Favorite movie: “Star Wars.”
• Favorite food: Thai.
• Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii.

SECRET LIFE

• Grandfather, Wendell Renken, manufactured sailboats.
• Avid gardener with wife Rhonda.

 

Chip Crawford, 39
Co-owner, Crawford Builders, Lexington, Ky.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• CGB
• CGP
• CGR

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Home Builders Association of Lexington (HBAL) Remodeler of the Year, 2008.
• Helped local Remodelers Council rewrite bylaws, policies, and procedures. Assisted council to grow membership from 45 to 185 in two years.
• Currently involved in the restoration of a historic building that houses a local crisis center.
• Grew company’s remodeling revenue to an average of $2.5M per year for the last seven years.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Treasurer, executive committee member, HBAL.
• Chair, HomePac chair for HBA Kentucky.
• Board member, NAHB, HBAL.
• Board member and vice president, Realtor Community Housing Foundation.
• Past chair, Local Remodelers Council.
• Member, Home Builders Care and Home of Excellence steering committees.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: My family, and my dog Abbey.
• Favorite hobbies: Sailing and anything to do with water. Coaching baseball and football.
• Favorite food: Fresh wahoo or tuna
• Favorite vacation spot: On my boat in a small lake in Kentucky
• Favorite read: Cornbread Mafia (James Higdon). “It is weird to read a book about people you kind of knew as a kid growing up.”

SECRET LIFE

• Team finished third in their sailing division in the 2003 Key West Race Week Regatta.

Brian Nevins, Jr., 36
Sales manager, Total Renovations, Union, N.J

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Instituted regiment of training and provided design-build selling system within the company’s sales organization. As a result, company sales doubled in the second half of 2011.
• Closed out 2010 with more than $2 million in total design-build, exteriors, and remodeling personal sales.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Established “One-A-Days” to encourage ongoing learning, a commitment to reading one industry-related article each day, and sharing this article with colleagues.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Enjoys leisure time with kids, which have taught him to “not take life too seriously.”
• Can’t live without: A proper balance of family, fitness, career focus, and plenty of laughter.
• Favorite hobbies: CrossFit training.
• Favorite movie: “Goodfellas.”
• Favorite food: Steak and sushi.
• Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks, N.C.

SECRET LIFE

• As a youth, played the drums for ten years.

 

John Miller, 32
Sales/general manager, James Barton Design Build, Apple Valley, Minn.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Has been with James Barton Design Build for 12 years. Started as a green carpenter, promoted to lead carpenter, then production manager, and finally current role as sales/general manager. “I have grown with the company and learned a lot moving up the ranks.”
• Spearheaded the seven-month renovation of a home for an Iraq veteran wounded in action.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can’t live without: Wife and three daughters.
• Hobbies: Enjoys riding his 2011 Harley-Davidson Street Glide with wife Sadie.
• Favorite food: Beer brats or a good steak dinner with cheesy potatoes.
• Favorite vacation spot: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

SECRET LIFE

• Grandfather, Don Pursell, was in General Patton’s personal band. Wherever the General went, so did his grandfather.

 

George Hodges-Fulton, 37
Vice president, BOWA, McLean, Va.

EDUCATION

• BA, History, University of Virginia
• MS, Construction Management, Colorado State University

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• Member of firm’s leadership team where he has led several corporate annual goals, including marketing study analysis from which the firm’s corporate goals for the next 5-10 years were developed.
• After being named leader of small project remodeling division, implemented new systems for sales and estimating, and package preparation for production and production management.
• Sold more than $40M of high-end residential remodeling and construction, averaging more than $5M per year.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Developed Camp BOWA, a one-day event designed for neighborhood kids in area where the company is conducting business.
• Volunteer, Ducks Unlimited

OFF THE CLOCK

• Favorite hobbies: Enjoys driving and working on an inherited 1965 Ford Mustang.
• Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.”
• Favorite read: The Old Man’s Boy (Robert Ruark).

SECRET LIFE

• Five-time finisher of the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, 4.4 miles.
• Was a child actor appearing on televisions shows including “Different Strokes” and “Mama’s Family.”

 

Gino Streano, 36
President, Lifetime Remodeling Systems, Portland, Ore.

EDUCATION

• Central Washington University

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• RRP Certified Renovator

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Successfully guiding company through post-recession years. Increased focus on quality construction, customer service, and a team-learning environment with employees as well as integrating technology at every level of the company.
• Led a 30% increase in sales in 2011; projected to increase sales an additional 30% in 2012.
• Recently took many key aspects of the business “into the cloud” using  Google Apps for Business.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Musician, fly-fishing, and camping.
• Favorite movie: “The Godfather.”
• Favorite food: Angel hair pasta with prawns.
• Favorite vacation spot: Camp Sherman, Oregon.

SECRET LIFE

• Was a working musician throughout his 20’s, played bass guitar.
• Commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay Alaska during college years. “Best thing I ever did to determine who I was and what I could handle. I rely on those experiences to help me deal with the challenges I face every day running a successful remodeling firm.”
• Boy Scout Den Leader, and assistant baseball coach for son’s team.

 

Troy Pavelka, 38
Design manager, Normandy Remodeling, Hinsdale, Ill.

EDUCATION

• BS, Architecture, Southern Illinois University
• MArch, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• Licensed architect
• LEED Associate

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Being promoted to Design Manager with Normandy Remodeling four years ago. “It demonstrated an appreciation for my contribution to the company and transitioned my role within the company into a stronger leadership position.”
• Contractor of the Year 2009-Design Award, NARI.
•First Place, Remodeling Excellence Award, 2010, Residential Interior category and Kitchen Under $60K category.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Design commissioner, Village of LaGrange, Ill.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Master walleye fisherman. “Just don’t ask my dad and brother to confirm.”
• Favorite hobbies: Fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and travel.
• Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.”
• Favorite food: A hot dog at Wrigley Field or fresh walleye from the English River in Kenora, Ont.
• Favorite vacation spot: Queenstown, New Zealand.

SECRET LIFE

• Completed five Olympic-length triathlons.
• Enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Bryan Henson, 35
President, Allen Associates, Santa Barbara, Calif.

EDUCATION

• BS, Environmental Science, Humboldt State University
• Masters, Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Started Allen Associates’ building performance division and grew it into a regional leader.
• Consultant and LEED AP on two LEED Platinum, net-zero projects.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Surfing, hiking, and exploring new places.
• Favorite food: “Right now it’s pad sey yew with tofu and a Thai iced tea.”

SECRET LIFE

• Once water-skied on the Amazon River in Peru while volunteering on an engineering project. “Deep in the Peruvian jungle is a small village full of people that believed I could walk on water.”

 

Heather Shuster, 37
Project development director, Renewal Design-Build, Decatur, Ga.

EDUCATION

• BA, Art History/English Literature, University of Georgia
• Masters of Art History, University of Georgia

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Worked with company ownership to develop and oversee Renewal’s own in-house design department.
• Led and developed sales and design team that went from 70% to 90% contract conversion over the last two years.
• Oversaw $10 million plus in sales over the last three years.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: “I love hunting for unusual furniture and decorations. Salvage yards, garage sales, and online sites help fuel this passion.”
• Enjoys taking photos of road signs from the 1950s and 1960s.

SECRET LIFE

• She and her husband met BB King in a hotel elevator in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

Sven Gustafson, 38
President, Revision LLC/Stonewood, Minneapolis

EDUCATION

• B.S., St. Olaf College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Fourth-generation homebuilder grew small family business into high-end custom home builder.
• Earned 2011 Room of the Year award from the American Society of Interior Designers.
• Developed and launched BuildTools application for clients to track construction budgets and progress.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• For every Stonewood home built, makes a donation in the homeowner’s name toward construction of a home for impoverished families in Guatemala.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Snowboarding, wakeboarding, and learning any new sport that involves a board.
• Can’t live without: Apple products.
• Co-owner of an organic clothing manufacturer.

SECRET LIFE

• Grandfather, a friend of Minnesota Vikings co-founder Max Winter, is credited with naming the team.

 

Ben Templeton, 31
Vice president, Templeton Building Co., Birmingham, Mich.

EDUCATION

• BS, Technical Communication, Lawrence Technological University

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• Michigan Builders License, CGB, CGR, CGP.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Implemented successful marketing program that includes traditional and social media.
• Opened Templeton Commercial Division to expand the company, which already offers residential remodeling, new homes, a service division, and a custom cabinetry and furniture division.
• Started a business networking group, Business Professionals of Birmingham Bloomfield Hills.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member/vice-chair, NAHB Remodelers.
• Board member, Building Industry Association of Southeast Michigan.
• Board member, IIT Swartz Creek.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Detroit Lions football, golfing.
• Favorite vacation spot: Traverse City, Mich.
• Favorite food: Burger from The Forest Grill, Birmingham, Mich.

SECRET LIFE

• Great-grandfather had six fingers on one hand (completely functional second thumb between thumb and index finger).

 

Matt Millsap, 36
President, Building Co. No. 7, Nashville, Tenn.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Launched Building Co. No. 7 as the recession started and then guided the company to 500% growth in four years.
• Sponsor of the East-Centric Pavilion, a community-based music venue in East Nashville.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member, NARI.
• Energy Right Certified contractor.
• EPA-certified contractor.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Backpacking, fly fishing, and canoeing.
• Favorite vacation spot: A secret beach on the Emerald Coast in Florida.
• Favorite reads: Winning (Jack Welch) and What Matters Most (Hyrum Smith).

SECRET LIFE

• Uncle, who has a doctorate in library science, has written three books about the Dewey decimal system.

Beth Johnson, 30
Preservation and planning specialist, City of Covington, Covington, Ky.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Urban Planning/History, Ball State University
• M.A., Historic Preservation Planning, Cornell University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Executive producer/script writer for award-winning video Historic Preservation: Saving Place for the cities of Covington and Bellevue, Ky.
• Co-founder of NKY Restoration Weekend educational event for restorative remodelers (first in 2012).
• Created a Home Journal and Tool Kit to help remodelers and homeowners plan projects and maintain historic homes.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Baking, refinishing furniture, and the Cincinnati Reds.
• Favorite vacation spot: Charleston, S.C.
• Favorite food: Black olives out of a can.

SECRET LIFE

• Norm Snead, four-time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback, was a close family friend and loyal client at grandfather’s service station.

 

Vincent D’Avena, 38
Owner, A.V. Remodeling & Construction/Intellectual Homes, McLean, Va.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Environmental Science, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Master of Environmental Science, Johns Hopkins University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Founded A.V. Remodeling & Construction at age 30.
• Company has won four NARI Contractor of the Year awards, D.C. Metro Chapter.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Annual Food 4 Trees food drive has donated more than $12,000 worth of food to local food banks and engages more than 200 families in the community.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Sailing, softball, coaching sons’ baseball and soccer teams.
• Favorite movie: “Rudy” or “Field of Dreams.”
• Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere on the ocean.

SECRET LIFE

• Was tossed around at sea 50 miles off shore in a 27-foot sailboat while serving as a deck hand. Picked up by the Coast Guard after a long day and night fighting 22-ft swells, 55 mph winds, and seeing hundreds of sharks and whales. Barely kept the boat from sinking in the storms.

 

Nathan Coombs, 35
General manager, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, South Ogden, Utah

EDUCATION

• BS, Weber State University
• MBA, Capella University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Led his franchise to the No. 2 ranking in DreamMaker’s current national franchise ranking.
• Also serves as salesman and designer with DreamMaker.
• Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
• Earned and holds a private pilots license.
• County delegate for his local precinct.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Favorite movies: “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
• Hobbies: Mountain biking, running, and backpacking (summited Mt. Whitney in Calif. last year).
• Favorite food: “A thick, juicy steak cooked to medium served with a sweet potato topped with butter and cinnamon.”

SECRET LIFE

• Served as a missionary for two years with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Dominican Republic.

 

Doug Lynch, 36
Owner, Exterior Additions, Indian Trail, N.C.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Started Exterior Additions at age 22; company now does more than $1.5 million in gross sales annually.
• Winner of 20+ Super Service Awards on Angie’s List, with 200+ reviews generated over the last decade.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member, NAHBA.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Does bodybuilding training 4-5 times per week at 5 a.m.
• Favorite food: Spaghetti. “I think I still could eat it everyday, but my family isn’t as much in love with it as I am.”
• Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas.

SECRET LIFE

• Built a 1967 Mustang as a track car. “It has yet to make it to the track.”

 

Adam LaLumia, 33
Operations manager, NewBath, New Orleans

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• Commercial contractor for the state of Louisiana; CAPS.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Started as an installer with NewBath and now leads a multiple-state installation force of more than 25 employees.
• Company has experienced more than 40% growth each year over the last five years.
• Dale Carnegie accreditation in Leadership Management & Skills for Success.
• NAHB Business Management accreditation.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Deep sea fishing, skydiving, cycling.
• Nickname: Squirrel. “I have an uncanny ability to climb almost anything without the assistance of any man-made devices.”
• Can’t live without: his two boxers, Kal-El and Due-Due.

SECRET LIFE

• Had to take a boat to get to the bus stop in second and third grade.

Michael Kamis, 39
Vice president, Absolute Roofing and Construction, Parma, Ohio

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Top 100 Roofing Contractor, Roofing Siding & Insulation magazine, 2005; Top 200, 2007.
• No. 50 in Roofing Contractor magazine’s Top 100 in 2011.
• Winner of six Professional Remodeler of the Year awards, NARI Greater Cleveland.

 

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member, NARI Greater Cleveland.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Four-wheeling, swimming, and camping.
• Favorite food: Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
• Favorite vacation spot: Deep Creek Lake, Md. “It’s probably the most picturesque place I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.”

SECRET LIFE

• Uncle is a Marianist Brother that met the Pope in 2011.

 

Kelly Anderson, 40
General manager, Ironwood Custom Builders, Salt Lake City

EDUCATION

• AA Building Construction, Salt Lake Community College
• University of Utah, Exercise and Sport Science

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Helped company compound revenue year-over-year starting 2008.
• Manages all aspects of the business, also performs trades such as framing, finish carpentry, tile setting, and painting.
• Winner, Spence Greer Volunteer of the Year from Habitat for Humanity.
• Winner, Golden Hammer Award and the President’s Award from the Salt Lake Home Builders Association.
• Maintained a 100% customer approval rating since hiring an independent third party to conduct customer reviews in 2008.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Board Member, Salt Lake Home Builders Association since 2002.
• President, Salt Lake Home Builders Association, 2011.
• Built four Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build projects. Procured all donated labor, materials, and completed construction on all four projects in less than 96 hours.
• Utah Department of Occupational & Professional Licensing-Building Codes, Architectural Advisory Committee.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Favorite hobbies: Hiking, fishing, and anything with the family.
• Favorite movie: “The Godfather” series.
• Favorite vacation spot: South Beach, Fla.

SECRET LIFE

• Can spin almost anything on his fingertip—basketball, football, plates, etc.

 

Nathan Cravens, 35
Owner, BathroomsIn1Week.com, Lexington, Ky.

EDUCATION

• Lexington Community College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Founded custom bathroom remodeling company in 2006.
• First person under the age of 30 to serve as chairman of the Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Lexington.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Has owned more than 40 vehicles in his lifetime.
• Favorite vacation spot: Charleston, S.C. “We love the beach, and my wife and I enjoy the history and beautiful architecture.”
• Favorite food: Little Caesar’s sausage pizza.

SECRET LIFE

• Enjoys high performance (track racecar) driving and; also teaches high performance driver education.

 

Josh Wynne, 37
Owner, Josh Wynne Construction, Sarasota, Fla.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Has designed and built two LEED for Homes Platinum certified homes that boasted the highest scores in the world at the time. “One was Florida’s first LEED Platinum certified home.”
• Power Haus residential project was named LEED Outstanding Single Family Home of the Year at Greenbuild 2011; recognized as most energy efficient home in the country.
• Other awards include: 2012 EnergyValue Housing Award; 2011 NAHB Best in American Living award; 2011 USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter LEED for Homes Outstanding Project of the Year.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Fishing, kayaking and hunting.
• Favorite movie: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
• Can’t live without: “I cannot live without my family…and I may go through withdrawal without my Big Green Egg [kamado-style grill] as well.”

SECRET LIFE

• Grandfather was an engineer at White Sands nuclear testing facility in the 1950s.

 

Jeoffrey S. Cudiamat, 38
CEO, owner, and lead structural & civil engineer, Structural Hawaii, Pearl City, Hawaii

EDUCATION

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Southern California
• M.S., University of Hawaii-Manoa

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Former director & chief engineer, City and County of Honolulu; youngest to hold the position at 34.
• 2009 Young Engineer of the Year, Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies.
• 2008 Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year, Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
• 2008 Engineer of the Year, Filipino-American League of Engineers and Architects.
• SHI named one of “Hawaii’s Fastest 50” growing businesses by Pacific Business News in 2009 (No. 19).

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member/former secretary, Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii.
• President, Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute-Hawaii Chapter.
• Member, Filipino-American League of Engineers & Architects.
• Opened Keiki Care Center of Hawaii preschool with his wife when local preschool shut down abruptly.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Playing ukulele, guitar and basketball.
• Favorite food: Chicken adobo.

SECRET LIFE

• Part of a band that won a recording contract with one of the top music producers in Hawaii.

Elliott Pike, 38
Owner/managing member, ELM Construction, Vestavia Hills, Ala.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Journalism, Troy University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Co-founded ELM Construction in October 2008, at the height of the recession; revenues have grown an average of 80% annually since then.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• CAPS, BBB, Licensed Commercial General Contractor.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member, Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.
• Member, National Association of Home Builders Remodelers.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Boating, skiing, and wakeboarding.
• Favorite movie: “Saving Private Ryan.”
• Enjoys mowing the grass.“I would love to spend a couple of weeks with the head greenskeeper at Augusta National to see how it’s really done!”

SECRET LIFE

• Grandfather flew under the London Bridge in a small plane during World War II.

 

Michael Armstrong, 31
Senior design manager, Baugher Design & Remodel, Birmingham, Ala.

EDUCATION

CAPS, Auburn University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Instigated the firm’s move to a computer design system, clients are shown their home in a virtual tour before a nail is ever driven.
• Winner of 12 awards from the Alabama Remodelers Excellence Awards program.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Volunteer, Rotary Club.
• Frequent guest on local radio show, “Our House.”

OFF THE CLOCK

• Can live without: People talking or texting on their cell phones while they drive.
• Favorite hobbies: Hunting, fishing, photography, and disc golf.
• Favorite food: Turkey and dressing.
• Favorite vacation spot: Enjoys going to the mountains of Tennessee and Colorado.

SECRET LIFE

• Enjoys cooking and baking. “There is something about the blend of art and science that appeals to me.”

 

Matthew Wendorff, 39
President/founder, RPI Design Build, Morris Plains, N.J.

EDUCATION

• B.A., Communication, Fairfield University
• MBA, Finance, Pace University

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• CGR
• CGB

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 2011 Remodeler of the Year, New Jersey Builders Association.
• 2010 NJBIZ 40 Under 40.
• Regular contributor/contractor host for “George to the Rescue” on LXTV’s Open House program (works on distressed homes/facilities for those in need).
• 2011 Remodeler of the Year, New Jersey Builders Association and Community Builders and Remodelers Association of New Jersey.
• Best of the Best Design Awards winner, Professional Remodeler, 2007 (Silver) and 2008 (Bronze).

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member, NAHB.
• Board of directors, CBANJ.
• Member, NJBA.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Sailing, surfing, jet skiing, lacrosse, and waterskiing.
• Favorite food: New York cheesecake.
• Favorite vacation spot: Hilton Head Island.

SECRET LIFE

• Took apart and fixed his grandmother’s cuckoo clock at age seven.

 

Jeff Ellis, 36
Owner/vice president of sales & production, Firstcall Construction, Grimes, Iowa

PROFESSIONAL

• CGR, GMB, CAPS, IICRC Certification in Water, Fire, and Smoke Damage Restoration.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Remodeler of the Year, Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines Remodelers Council, 1998, 2000, 2006.
• Better Business Bureau Integrity Award, 2004.
• Established home repair program offering free labor and materials to homeowners in Urbandale, Iowa.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Chairman, American Institute of Architects’ Allied Group.
• Board member, Urbandale (Iowa) Community Action Network.
• Board member, AIA – Iowa chapter.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Favorite food: Bacon cheeseburger pizza.
• Favorite vacation spot: “Any place in the Caribbean that my cell phone doesn’t work.”
• Hobbies: Watching son play hockey and daughter dance.

SECRET LIFE

• Can clap with his feet.

 

Heather Ferrier, 32
General manager, Ferrier Builders, Fort Worth, Texas

EDUCATION

• International Business/Spanish, University of Texas at Arlington

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Designed her own home as Texas’ first LEED Platinum home in 2006.
• Green remodeling of a historic home was named 2011 Green Remodel Project of the Year by NAHB; Heather named Remodeler of the Year.
• Implemented successful new marketing strategy that combines social media, home tours, and a revamped website (earned “Best Website” award from Building Systems Council).
• Named to the Building Systems Council’s 30 Under 40 in 2008.
• Named to Professional Builder’s 40 Under 40 in 2012.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Member, NAHB CGP Working Group.
• Blogger, ProudGreenHome.com.
• Member, 2012 NAHB Green Building Conference Planning Group.

OFF THE CLOCK

• Hobbies: Traveling, gardening, and working out.
• Can’t live without: Coffee. “I’ve tried and it’s not pretty.”
• Favorite vacation spot: Kauai, Hawaii.

SECRET LIFE

• Great grandfather imigrated to Texas from Scotland to help build the Texas State Capitol Building as a stonemason.