Professional Remodeler's 40 Under 40 Class of 2013

The 40 young remodeling professionals featured on the following pages represent the Class of 2013 in Professional Remodeler’s “40 Under 40” franchise. Recipients were chosen from more than 100 applications to join the previous 80 recipients of this honor, dating back to 2011.

They are diverse in their professional and personal interests, as well as their service to professional societies and charitable organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Professional Remodeler is proud to present the 40 Under 40 Class of 2013, the industry’s next generation of leaders. PR

 Tony Szak
 Owner
 Empire Development & Construction, Onalaska, Wis.

 Education
 - Western Technical College

 Professional Credentials
 - Dwelling Contractor Certification
 - Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification
 - Lead Safe Renovator
 - Asbestos Supervisor Certification

 Accomplishments
 - Increased sales by over $1M between 2010-2011, continues to increase sales year-over-year
 - Recipient, WBA Rising Star Award, 2013
 - Winner, AIA Housing Award, 2011
 - Recognized for 10+ remodeling- and building-related awards

Extracurricular
- Member, NAHB, LABA, WBA, BBB A+, NFIB, ABC
- Executive Board of Directors, WBA
- WTC Wood Tech Advisory Council

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: bacon
- Can live without: political correctness
- Favorite movie: “Star Wars” trilogy
- Favorite book: The Bible
- Involved in KIDstuf, an hour-long production that teaches children and parents virtues
- Enjoys golf, cooking, and fishing

Secret Life
- Last name used to be Skryzpczak, used first letter and last three letters to create current name

David Kevorkian
Construction Specialist
Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, New Orleans

Education
- BS, Herzing University

Accomplishments
- Developing and implementing housing repair programs with the design/build team at Neighborhood Housing Services. The group works with elderly, special needs, and lower income clients that need proper guidance with home renovation/repair
- Developing and implementing an aging-in-place program with the design/build team
- Collectively assisting more than 100 low- to middle-income homeowners in maintaining and preserving their homes

Extracurricular
- Alumnus, Brian Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum, Committee for a Better New Orleans
- Volunteer, New Orleans Mission Homeless Shelter
- Volunteer, the Freret Neighborhood Center

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: hot boiled crawfish
- Can live without: New Orleans’ humidity and hurricanes
- Enjoys fishing, hiking, and caving
- Favorite movie: “The Matrix” trilogy
- Favorite food: His wife’s beef stroganoff

Secret Life
- Portrayed the character Martini in a theatrical version of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
- Stand-in for films including “Father of Invention” and “The Mechanic”

Mike Mahn
President
Mahn Custom Homes & Renovations, St. Louis

Education
- BA, Quincy University
- Masters of Science and Management, National Louis University

Accomplishments
- Oversees multi-million dollar firm specializing in historic renovations
- Increased company revenue from $300K to $2M over eight-year period; expanded company operations to include distributorship in 2009
- Recognized by City of Kirkwood, Mo., Landmarks Commission for historic renovation project; winner of Infill of Merit Award, 2009
- Winner, Webster Groves Historic Preservation Award, 2012

Extracurricular
- Volunteer, Rebuilding Together, St. Louis chapter
- Volunteer, “Extreme Home Makeover,” St. Louis edition

Off the Clock
- Hobbies: cross-fit training, softball, and running marathons
- Favorite movie: “Caddyshack” and “Pride of the Yankees”
- Favorite food: steak
- Favorite book: “When Men Win Glory,” the story of Pat Tillman

Secret Life
- Played college football for Quincy University’s national championship team, 1993
- Bungee jumped with the band Warrant during Spring Break
- Father competed for a running back position on the Chicago Bears. He was beat out by Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton

Mike Sheridan
General Manager
Owens Construction Contracting Co., Powell, Ohio

Education
- BS, Ohio State University

Professional Credentials
- CAPS, CGP

Accomplishments
- 20+ year employee of Owens Construction Contracting, started as a laborer and now responsible for production management and estimating
- Completed a finished basement for a young Leukemia patient as part of a Make-A-Wish project. Solicited and coordinated material and labor donations from over 30 suppliers and tradesmen at no cost to the patient’s family

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: coffee in the morning
- Can live without: television
- Favorite movie: “300”
- Favorite food: grilled salmon with butter topped with asparagus
- Favorite vacation spot: Ace Adventure Resort in West Virginia
- Enjoys being outdoors and SCUBA diving

Secret Life
- Former Marine and Iraqi war veteran, presently ranks as Lt. Colonel in Reserves specializing in communications. Currently serves as Operations Officer for the Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48 in Great Lakes, Ill.
- Father anodized aluminum frames for early versions of NASA space capsules
- Great uncle worked on the Manhattan Project

Scott Cross
President
SC Homes, Corona Del Mar, Calif.

Education
- BS, San Diego State University

Accomplishments
- Youngest builder to participate on the television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
- Named to Orange County Business Journal’s Top 10 Fastest Growing Firms in 2013
- Appeared in multiple remodeling-related television shows on ABC, HGTV, and DIY network

Extracurricular
- Volunteer, Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Volunteer, Teen Project
- Donates time and materials to FreeHab and Orange County Ronald McDonald House

Off the Clock
- Paddleboards in the harbor at Newport Beach
- Favorite movie: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
- Favorite vacation spot: vacation home in Arcadia, Ind.
- Enjoys lying in a hammock and listening to nature

Secret Life
- Has owned over 40 cars ranging from a Lamborghini Gallardo to a Nissan Cube
- Grandfather escaped the Holocaust by jumping off a ship that was headed to a concentration camp

Robert Kirsic
President
TimeLine Renovations, Maspeth, N.Y.

Professional Credentials
- CKBR

Accomplishments
- Started company in 2008 as single employee, grew into established business with multiple employees and positive growth with expected gross sales doubling between 2012 and 2013
- Winner, Chrysalis Residential Interior over $100K, 2013
- Winner, NARI – Regional, Residential Bathroom $30K-$60K, 2012
- Winner, Chrysalis Award, Bathroom Remodel $40K-$60K, 2012
- Winner, Professional Remodeler Design Awards, Bathroom Over $30K, 2012
- Winner, NARI NYC/LI Chapter, Residential Interior Element, 2012
- Winner, NARI NYC/LI Chapter, Residential Bathroom $30K-$60K, 2012
- Winner, NARI NYC/LI Chapter, Residential Bathroom $30K-$60K, 2011
- Winner, NARI NYC/LI Chapter, Residential Interior Specialty, 2010

Extracurricular
- Board Member, NARI, chairman of Programming Committee and Vice Chairman of Education Committee
- Member, NKBA

Off the Clock
- Favorite food: capellini primavera
- Favorite vacation spot: Croatia and Adriatic Sea

Secret Life
- Spent many years touring the country as a musician

Bradley Johns
CEO
Ready Decks Inc., West Monroe, La.

Education
- University of Louisiana at Monroe

Accomplishments
- Managed window and siding company that tripled revenue while still enrolled in college
- Launched decking company in 2000, company now has five franchises. Completed more than 6,000 decks/porches in four states. Total sales in 2012 over $4M
- Holds three patents and seven trademarks

Extracurricular
- Sponsor, Wish I Could Foundation

Off the Clock
- Owns a 1991 Ford Mustang, one of the few extravagant possessions owned by Johns, who considers himself a minimalist
- Enjoys the peace and beauty of nature especially canoeing and boating on the bayou
- Can live without: city life, would rather drive 30 minutes to work on country roads than spend 30 minutes in a traffic jam
- Favorite movie: “The Godfather”
- Favorite food: Ben & Jerry’s Karmel Sutra ice cream
- Favorite book: “Siddhartha,” by Hermann Hesse

Secret Life
- His home is made of 50 percent recycled and reused materials, including a staircase he rebuilt out of a fallen cedar tree
- Grandfather grew up farming with a team of horses, and was the first sharecropper to purchase a mechanical cotton picker

Benton Rooks
Owner
RBR Construction, Hendersonville, N.C.

Education
- Georgia Perimeter College

Accomplishments
- Started one-man remodeling business, the company currently generates more then $1M in annual revenue
- Developed new business segment within RBR Construction focusing on commercial remodeling projects

Extracurricular
- Active participant in the Brown Dog Foundation
- Regularly donates labor and materials to local charities

Off the Clock
- Enjoys skydiving, running, flying, mountain biking, and especially rock climbing. Rooks once summited Devil’s Tower in Wyoming twice in the same day. He has also climbed the tallest peaks in Costa Rica and Panama
- Can’t live without: satellite radio
- Can live without: television
- Favorite movie: “Smokey and the Bandit”
- Favorite food: tacos
- Favorite vacation spot: the Wind River Range in Wyoming
- Favorite book: “The Dharma Bums,” by Jack Kerouac

Secret Life
- Can walk a 10/12 roof wearing dress shoes

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Botond Laszlo
Owner
Marvelous Home Makeovers, Dallas

Education
- Architecture and Urban Design, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

Professional Credentials
- CR, CKBR, GCP

Accomplishments
- Winner, NARI CotY Residential Bath Under $30K, 2013
- Recipient of two NARI CotY Green Project Recognitions, 2013
- Winner, NARI Greater Dallas CotY Award Residential Bath Under $30K, 2012
- Winner, NARI Greater Dallas CotY Award Residential Kitchen Under $40K, 2012
- Recipient of NARI CotY Green Project Recognition, 2012
- Established BuildItGreenDallas.org, a website designed to share expertise in design, remodeling processes, and material choices that have a positive impact on the remodeling industry and the environment

Extracurricular
- Chair, NARI Greater Dallas Education Committee
- Member, NARI Greater Dallas
- Member, NKBA
- Member, USGBC

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: nature
- Can live without: stupidity and traffic
- Favorite food: gulyas, a traditional Hungarian meal
- Favorite vacation spot: Alaska
- Favorite book: “Two Years’ Vacation,” by Jules Verne
- Enjoys mountain biking, mountaineering, and running

Secret Life
- A techie at heart

Jon Cadorin
Owner
Cadorin Construction, Redding, Calif.

Education
- CMCP, University of California, Davis

Professional Credentials
- BPI Building Analyst Professional

Accomplishments
- Led company to 40 percent growth from 2011 to 2012
- Developed the Division of Small Jobs Experts within the company
- Expanded custom home building and business/retail remodeling segments

Extracurricular
- Active volunteer role constructing playgrounds at T.R. Woods Memorial Park and Veterans Memorial at Lake Redding Park
- Member, Redding West Rotary Club

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: travel, he has been to 48 states
- Can live without: the L.A. Dodgers, he’s a huge S.F. Giants fan
- Favorite vacation spot: Park City, Utah
- Favorite book: “The E-Myth Revisited” by Professional Remodeler columnist Michael E. Gerber
- Licensed airplane pilot
- Relaxes by mountain climbing and backcountry skiing

Secret Life
- Was sitting behind home plate in the upper deck of Candlestick Park during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
- Can recite the alphabet backwards

Anthony Slabaugh
Owner
Anthony Slabaugh Remodeling & Design, Stow, Ohio

Accomplishments
- Increased company sales from $480K in 2011 to $820K in 2012
- Opened a design center in 2011. Since opening design center, revenue has increased and is expected to reach $1.3M in 2013
- Published 18-page Buyer’s Guide as a lead generator to help change local perception of remodeling industry and client expectations
- Winner, NARI CotY Award for Additions Under $100K, 2013
- Winner, NARI CotY Award for Bathrooms $30K-$60K, 2010

Extracurricular
- Partner, Habitat Restore
- Participant, inner-city home reconstruction program, Akron, Ohio

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: wife and three sons
- Can live without: tuna casserole
- Favorite movie: “Evita”
- Favorite book: “Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand and “Markup & Profit,” by Michael C. Stone
- Enjoys playing the drums, percussion, martial arts, music, soccer, wine making, cooking, P90X, and running

Secret Life
- Of Portuguese decent. Grandmother born on Madeira Island, Portugal, came to U.S. in 1920, family tree eventually grew to close to 150 relatives

Awais Munawar
Vice President
Castlestone Construction, Long Island City, N.Y.

Education
- CMM, Columbia University
- Stony Brook University

Accomplishments
- At age 26, spearheaded company’s entire operation from business development to project management
- Doubled company revenue in 2011, currently guiding company to nearly $2M in revenue in 2013
- Implemented a strategic marketing plan for the firm’s Minority Based Enterprise Certification status among various clients which has helped secure additional construction contracts throughout the New York area
- Completed first large-scale public school construction project at age 24 on time and under budget

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: iPhone
- Favorite movie: the “Rocky” series
- Favorite food: steak and mashed potatoes
- Favorite vacation spot: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Favorite book: “Good Guys, Wise Guys, and Putting Up Buildings,” by Samuel C. Florman
- Enjoys traveling, weight training, and watching football and basketball

Secret Life
- Editorial contributor to the Under 30 CEO website

Thomas Sheppard
Project Manager
Strock Enterprises Design & Remodel, N. Charleston, S.C.

Professional Credentials
- CGR, CRPM

Accomplishments
- Worked with historic Charleston Foundation and managed the complete restoration of an 1860s home in Charleston, S.C. Saved original brick outer walls and restored entire wood structure, which was severely water damaged
- Increased job profitability by implementing and following through with Change Order execution
- Helped create new company branding profile and reintroduced 28-year-old company to a new generation of clients

Extracurricular
- Volunteer, Historic Charleston Foundation
- Volunteer, Coastal Conservation Association of South Carolina

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: the atmosphere of the marsh grass in low country waterways in the spring
- Can live without: heat and humidity of the low country in August
- Favorite movie: “Stand by Me”
- Favorite vacation spot: Asheville, N.C., and New York City
- Favorite book: “Atlas Shrugged,” by Ayn Rand
- Enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and playing the saxophone and piano

Secret Life
- Raised sheep while growing up in New Mexico

Jeffrey Moeslein
President
Legacy Remodeling, Pittsburgh

Education
- BS, Penn State University
- MBA, Robert Morris University

Accomplishments
- Implemented re-branding of company name and image in 2007 from Swing Line Windows to Legacy Remodeling
- Expansion into kitchens, baths, additions, porches, and decks doubled company revenue
- Started at company as a window installer, held numerous positions within the company, eventually named president
- Winner, Pittsburgh Business Times’ Diamond Award for Business Leadership, Small, For-Profit category, 2011
- BBB Torch Award Winner for Marketplace Ethics, 2009

Extracurricular
- Member, NAHB
- President, NAHB Remodelers 20 Club
- Member, Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh
- Firm contributes to organizations including Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Make-A-Wish Foundation

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: Internet connectivity, laptop, iPad, and iPhone
- Can live without: social media
- Favorite vacation spot: Hilton Head, S.C.
- Enjoys working out, hiking, snowboarding, snorkeling, and camping

Secret Life
- Big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers

Sam Gervais
Vice President
Prime Renovation Group, Williston, Vt.

Education
- BA, Castleton State College

Professional Credentials
- CGP

Accomplishments
- Second-generation employee in family owned renovation business and wears a number of hats on and off the jobsite
- Helped grow business by over 100 percent from 2012
- Working to achieve CGR designation

Extracurricular
- Serves as Northern Vermont’s secretary on the Remodeler’s Council
- Head, Marketing and Events Subcommittee, Remodeler’s Council
- Volunteer, Rebuilding Together

Off the Clock
- Favorite movie: “Ladder 49” because the film reminds him of his father
- Favorite food: Chinese
- Favorite book: “The Sentry,” by Ross Kasminoff
- Likes playing golf, basketball, and softball
- Enjoys math, friends randomly challenge him with math problems

Secret Life
- Uncle Mike was Vermont’s NAHB state representative for seven years
- Can read lips, he’s 35 percent deaf in both ears

John Ronay
President
Blue Moon Construction, Ashburn, Va.

Education
- BS, George Mason University

Professional Credentials
- CR, CPM, LEED Certified

Accomplishments
- Started company as one-man operation based out of his home in 2004. Firm grossed $350K from 35 jobs in 2009. Generated $3M from 121 jobs in 2012. In 2013, revenue is up 250 percent from 2012
- Launched two new divisions, Blue Moon Irrigation and Blue Moon Flooring, in the past three years
- Opened new showroom and office facility in 2013
- Winner of four NARI Capital Area CotY Awards from 2010-2013
- Winner, NARI National Award, 2011
- Winner, Chrysalis National Award for Best Bathroom $40-$60K, 2011
- Nominee, 2012 Loudon County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

Extracurricular
- Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
- Member, NARI

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: cell phone
- Can live without: traffic
- Favorite food: Chesapeake Bay blue crab
- Favorite vacation spot: St. Marteen, USVI

Secret Life
- Worked at the FBI for three years

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Ariel Hartman
President
AJH Renovations, Greenville, S.C.

Education
- CM, Greenville Technical College

Accomplishments
- Started historical renovation business at age 17, grew market share and revenue to $2M annually. First job ever was a $200K whole-house remodeling job on an estate located adjacent to a golf course
- Implementing effective field processes and subcontractor relationships that have streamlined the jobsite and made business more profitable

Extracurricular
- Member, Home Showcase Committee, HBA Greenville
- Board of Directors, Home School Resource Center

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: iPad and a daily news feed
- Can live without: political opinions
- Enjoys shooting skeet, golf, and fishing
- Favorite movie: “The Big Sleep”
- Favorite vacation spot: Edisto Beach, S.C.
- Favorite book: “A Winter’s Tale,” by Mark Helprin

Secret Life
- Great grandfather was a stone mason in Sicily, eventually emigrated to the U.S. after WWI

Brett Marlo DeSantis
President
Brett Marlo Designs Inc. and Brett Marlo Design Build, Gig Harbor, Wash.

Education
- BA, University of Arizona
- Masters of Interior Architecture + Design, Academy of Art University

Professional Credentials
- LEED AP, BD&C

Accomplishments
- Design Build business launched deconstruction services business segment in 2012 so clients could have less waste, benefit from tax deductions, and donate removed materials
- Named to Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal’s Forty Under Forty, 2012
- Winner, Best of South Sound, Best Kitchen + Bath Designer, 2012
- Winner, Siding Door Competition, 2012
- Runner-Up, Best of South Sound, Best Interior Designer and Best Remodeler, 2011

Extracurricular
- Board member, City of Gig Harbor Building Codes Advisory Board
- Chair, Tacoma/Olympia Branch, Cascadia Region Green Building Council

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: dark chocolate
- Can live without: building materials composed of harmful chemicals
- Favorite food: Chirashi bowl
- Designs in her sleep

Secret Life
- After undergrad, joined AmeriCorps and taught environmental education to K-5 students

Leslie Lee
Designer
Normandy Remodeling, Hinsdale, Ill.

Education
- BS, Indiana University

Accomplishments
- Cumulative sales during eight year career over $10M from more than 90 projects
- 71 percent of sales from repeat and referral business
- Named Normandy Remodeling’s 2012 Salesperson of the Year
- Winner of numerous awards, including two Chrysalis Awards in 2013; two Professional Remodeler Design Awards in 2012; two NARI Remodeling Excellence Awards from NARI of Greater Chicago, 2012; and a NARI Remodeling Excellence Award from NARI of Greater Chicago, 2011

Extracurricular
- Member, NARI
- Member, NKBA
- Member, Board of Directors, Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce
- Chair, Membership Committee, Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: the Olympics, glued to television coverage all day and night
- Can live without: cold weather
- Favorite food: sushi
- Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
- Favorite book: “Loire Valley Sketchbook,” a collection of watercolor paintings of chateaus

Secret Life
- Can read and write upside down
- Would rather swim five miles than run one mile

Chad Ruhoff
General Manager
Neil Kelly Home Performance, Portland, Ore.

Education
- BA, Pacific Lutheran University

Professional Credentials
- CMB, BPI Certified Building Analyst and Envelope Professional, Licensed Real Estate Broker

Accomplishments
- Started Neil Kelly Home Performance in 2009. First year revenue was $250K, sales reached $5.3M in 2012, expected to reach $8.2M in 2013
- Directed growth of firm’s Home Performance division from four employees in 2009 to 50 employees in five locations by 2013

Extracurricular
- President, HBA Lane County
- Board Member, Home Performance Guild of Oregon

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: wife and kids
- Can live without: Seattle Sounders beating the Portland Timbers in soccer, and Oregon State Beavers beating Oregon Ducks in football
- Enjoys playing and coaching soccer
- Favorite movie: “James Bond 007” series
- Favorite vacation spot: Kaanapali Beach, Maui
- Favorite book: “Jitterbug Perfume,” by Tom Robbins

Secret Life
- Ran a half-marathon in 1 hour, 40 minutes
- Brother-in-law is a NASA astronaut that flew the Space Shuttle and spent two weeks at the International Space Station

Jameson Asbridge, 31
Production Manager
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, Rapid City, S.D.

Education
- ITT Technical Institute Denver

Professional Credentials
- Certified Lead Renovator

Accomplishments
- Implemented a Lead Carpenter Program to reduce labor costs on jobsites
- Introduced numerous ideas to help increase company revenue year-over-year

Extracurricular
- Board Member, Black Hills HBA
- Volunteer, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: God and family
- Can live without: tuna fish
- Favorite movie: “The Goonies”
- Favorite food: shrimp
- Favorite vacation spot: Mexico
- Favorite book: The Bible
- Enjoys hiking and camping with the family

Secret Life
- Can easily lose two dozen golf balls during a round of golf
- Can eat a whole jar of pickles and will polish the jar off by drinking the pickle juice
- Grandfather invented the peanut roaster and gave the idea away. He also developed hybrid seeds still used today for growing wheat and corn

Bradley Fess
President & CEO
NuDesign Builders, Maitland, Fla.

Education
- University of Central Florida

Professional Credentials
- CBC, EPA Lead Certified

Accomplishments
- Grew revenue 600 percent between 2009-2012, one employee in 2009 to nearly 10 in 2013
- Named to Orlando Business Journal’s 2012 Top 40 Under 40
- Increased average job value from $45K to $150K in three years
- Implemented cloud-based construction management system for company, including tablets for field employees in order to increase productivity and client relations

Extracurricular
- Participates in annual mission trips to help less fortunate
- Active in Family Fun Day to benefit local homeless children

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: wife and kids
- Can live without: smartphone
- Favorite movie: “Bad Boys” series
- Favorite food: rib eye steak
- Favorite vacation spot: Cayman Islands and property in Shorterville, Ala.
- Enjoys offshore fishing, diving, gardening, and riding motorcycles

Secret Life
- Hunts alligators
- Actor that played Daniel Boone, Fess Parker, was named after his grandfather

Joe Smith
President
LeafGuard of Central Iowa/Midlands, Granger, Iowa

Education
- BS, William Penn University

Professional Credentials
- Master Elite Certified, GAF

Accomplishments
- Started own business, which has grown from four employees to nearly 50 and annual revenue of $10M
- Expanded business from gutters to include a full roofing line and a siding business segment
- Business has expanded into new markets in Des Moines, Omaha, and Oklahoma City

Extracurricular
- Member, HBA of Greater Des Moines

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: watching sports
- Can live without: eating peas
- Favorite movie: “Happy Gilmore”
- Favorite food: fresh mussels
- Favorite vacation spot: Lake Vermillion, Minn.
- Favorite book: “Lone Survivor,” by Marcus Luttrell
- Enjoys bird watching, muskie fishing, live music, playing golf, and ice hockey

Secret Life
- Expert pingpong player
- Great grandfather once played the organ at Westminster Abbey

Michael DiTullio
Architectural Designer
Landis Design/Build, Washington, D.C.

Education
- MArch, Tulane School of Architecture and Harvard Graduate School of Design

Professional Credentials
- LEED AP, BD&C, Associate AIA

Accomplishments
- Introducing Augmented Reality into the design/build process
- Invented a new form of motor to allow for more efficient dynamic façade functionality
- Developing new technologies to incorporate automated greenhouse systems into existing residential structures
- Part of a competition that received a Founders Award for helping to develop a new approach to community-based architectural design

Extracurricular
- Member, GSD Critical Digital Group
- Member, Society of Virtual Architects
- Member, Geospatial Data Integration Consortium
- Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: family and friends
- Can live without: intrusive commercial advertising
- Favorite movie: “The Prestige”
- Favorite food: Artisan breads
- Favorite book: “The Riftwar Saga,” by Raymond E. Feist

Secret Life
- Has never lost a limbo contest
- Builds own PCs

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Scott Brown
CEO
Brown Remodeling, Franklin, Ind.             

Professional Credentials
- RRP, NAMI, Certified Energy Auditor

Accomplishments
- Increased business 200 percent between 2006-2009 to current annual level of $750K
- Launched window and door business with wife Cori in 2012
- Winner, Best Historic Renovation, Franklin Heritage, 2013
- Winner, Best Basement Renovation Under $40K, Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis, 2008

Extracurricular
- President, NARI Central Indiana

Off the Clock
- Can live without: Being heckled by Indiana University basketball fans
- Favorite movie: the original “Karate Kid”
- Favorite food: filet mignon from Ruth’s Chris or St. Elmo’s in Indianapolis
- Likes to drive the back roads instead of interstates to see historic homes and craftsmanship
- Enjoys relaxing by Lake Michigan with family

Secret Life
- Occasionally asks his 8-year-old son for his opinion on complex business problems
- Relaxes watching University of Kentucky basketball games
- Wife’s grandfather started a Dutch kitchenette manufacturing plant, which made cabinets installed in the White House

Rick Bennett
Principal
Epic Development, Atlanta

Education
- BS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Accomplishments
- Renovated a 1960s contemporary home, including the entire floor plan, rooflines, and elevations with an updated, modern prairie design that included a 25-foot waterfall off a large existing rock into a creek
- Redesigned and renovated his own home, a 1930s bungalow
- Best of Houzz Award winner, 2013
- Winner of four Atlanta Homebuilder’s Annual OBIE Awards for renovation projects, 2012

Extracurricular
- Member, USGBC
- Member, Greater Atlanta HBA
- Energy Star Partner

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: fountain Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke
- Can live without: bad renovations
- Favorite movie: “The Gladiator”
- Favorite food: steak cooked medium rare
- Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
- Enjoys being outdoors, hiking, snowboarding, and his two English bulldogs

Secret Life
- An expert at “Seinfeld” trivia
- Bought, restored, and sold old cars to pay for college. Renovated apartments in college for discounted rent
- Great grandfather lived to be 107 years old

Todd Schmidt
President
Joyce Factory Direct, Berea, Ohio

Education
- BS, University of  Dayton

Accomplishments
- Co-founded and currently leads Joyce Factory Direct, the retail division of Joyce Manufacturing, a third-generation family-owned business
- Increased revenue at an average of 22 percent per year since taking over as president in 2009
- Winner of four NARI Design Awards for Residential Exterior Under $100K between 2008-2012
- Winner, five First Place National Sunroom Association Design Awards

Extracurricular
- Member, NARI Cleveland
- Member, National Sunroom Association
- Representative, NFRC and Energy Star
- EPA-certified contractor

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: family and annual vacations
- Can live without: excuses and negativity
- Enjoys playing ice hockey, weightlifting, and technology
- Favorite movie: “Old School”
- Favorite vacation spot: French Polynesia

Secret Life
- Former captain of University of Dayton ice hockey team
- Huge fan of the Cleveland Browns
- First memory of working at Joyce Manufacturing was at age 8

Paul Hammond
Owner
Hammond & Brandt Builders, Nashville

Education
- BS, Lipscomb University

Professional Credentials
- CGP

Accomplishments
- Helped lead restructuring of business with increased focus on large-scale addition/remodel projects
- Developed relationships with local architects and interior designers to provide a constant referral network
- Recently completed first addition and major remodel to the Montpier mansion in Franklin, Tenn., which was built in 1820 and lists on the National Register of Historic Places

Extracurricular
- Member, NAHB
- Member, HBA Middle Tennessee
- Member, NAHB 20 Club
- Supporter of Show Hope, Nashville Inner City Ministry, and Best Buddies Tennessee

Off the Clock
- Favorite movie: “Braveheart”
- Favorite food: pizza
- Favorite vacation spot: Singer Island, Fla.
- Favorite book: “Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand
- Enjoys wakeboarding, coaching basketball, exercising, and boating

Secret Life
- Wishes he could find time to improve woodworking skills

Todd Warner
CEO
Warner’s Home Improvements, Mercer, Pa.

Education
- BA, Penn State University

Accomplishments
- Third-generation employee of family-owned business. Since taking over the remodeling segment of the business, has increased sales every year for 15 years with total sales of over $1M each of the last 10 years
- Launched lead abatement work in 2008, increased sales by 35 percent. Sales increased 5-10 percent annually from lead abatement work
- Winner, Sharon Herald News’ Best of the Best Award every year since 2008

Extracurricular
- Member, NHBA
- Member, Pennsylvania Builders Association
- Member, Mercer County Builders Association

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: family, friends, and football
- Can live without: unreasonable people
- Enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins
- Favorite movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
- Favorite vacation spot: Aruba
- Enjoys playing tennis, golf, and hunting
- Has coached varsity football at Grove City High School for 12 seasons, led them to state championship game in 2004

Secret Life
- Cousin is the voice of Winnie the Pooh and other Disney characters

Jamie Malloy
Owner and Architect
Improve Consult LLC, Des Moines, Iowa

Education
- BArch, Iowa State

Professional Credentials
- AIA, LEED AP BD&C, NCARB

Accomplishments
- Led design on 50+ residential and commercial remodeling projects
- Launched new business focusing on residential remodeling and sustainable design in 2013
- Firm is a collaborative practice, working closely with other architects, engineers, construction professionals as well as homeowners and building managers. Adds value to projects with thoughtful design and open communication

Extracurricular
- Past President, Central Iowa Architects
- Chair, AIA Convention Committee, 2005-present

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: fresh air and daylight
- Can live without: codes, ordinances, and regulations
- Favorite food: BBQ pork ribs and coleslaw
- Favorite vacation spot: Cozumel, Mexico
- Favorite book: “A Clockwork Orange”
- Enjoys visiting cabin at Holiday Lake in Brooklyn, Iowa, boating, and tending to prairie grass and wildflower garden

Secret Life
- Grew up on a farm outside of Rhodes, Iowa, population: 300. Farm was named a Century Farm and has been in the family for 130 years

Kristin Traynor
President
Arizona Hot Dots, Scottsdale, Ariz. 

Education
- BFA, Miami University

Accomplishments
- Created product line of hand-cast metal mosaic products for kitchen backsplashes using a custom-developed manufacturing process that did not previously exist, eventually built a distribution network of more than 1,000 stores
- Works with management, sales and architectural representatives, architects, builders, and interior designers to drive tile sales and revenue in the U.S. and Canada
- Responsibilities include conducting product knowledge seminars for architects, builders, and designers and training seminars for distributors and installers

Extracurricular
- Volunteer, Helping Hands for Freedom

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: green juice in the morning
- Can live without: reality television
- Favorite hobby: yoga, especially flow and restorative
- Favorite movie: “The Big Lebowski”
- Favorite food: king crab legs
- Favorite vacation spot: Maui
- Enjoys making handmade gifts and crafts for friends and family

Secret Life
- Meditates almost every day in a purple massage chair nicknamed “Grimace”

Cesar Rosales
Owner
Unlimited Kitchens & Baths, New Carrollton, Md.

Education
- Montgomery College

Professional Credentials
- CR, CMRC

Accomplishments
- Started in remodeling as a laborer, eventually launched his own firm with his father
- Started remodeling kitchens and bathrooms then turned the company into a full-service renovation company. Now doing complete home renovations, government work, apartment renovations, stadiums, schools, and community centers
- Increased revenue year-over-year
- Currently working on CKBR certification

Extracurricular
- Member, NARI Washington, D.C. chapter
- MBE Certified, Certified Mold Remediation Contractor, Lead Safe Renovator, EPA Lead Safe Firm

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: family
- Can live without: dishonesty
- Favorite movie: “Cinderella Man”
- Favorite food: Salvadorean and Japanese
- Favorite book: “299 Days,” by Glen Tate

Secret Life
- Learned to play numerous instruments without ever taking a lesson
- Father dug tunnels for the Washington D.C. subway system

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Matthew Lucero
Owner
Lucero Builders, Denver

Education
- Westwood College
- Metropolitan State College

Accomplishments
- During the recession, doubled business profits over the course of three years
- Started in the construction industry at age 14; at age 19 frame/exterior trim bosses encouraged him to start his own remodeling business

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: family, work, music, and fishing
- Can live without: traffic, pollution, and whiners
- Plays in father’s band, The Mood Express, which has performed at Colorado’s Red Rocks amphitheatre
- Favorite movie: the mini-series “Band of Brothers”
- Favorite food: Mexican
- Favorite vacation spot: Willard, N.M.
- Favorite book: “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho and “The Pillars of the Earth,” by Ken Follett

Secret Life
- Grandfather, a former Marine turned sheet metal worker, helped build NORAD in Colorado Springs

Matthew Gomez
Vice President
Allwood Construction, San Carlos, Calif.

Education
- BS, BA, San Diego State University

Professional Credentials
- Real Estate Broker’s License, California

Accomplishments
- Led re-branding of company through new website and social media channels
- Re-launched estimate generation, estimate tracking process, cost database, and proposal documents
- Since 2008, average job has increased from $400K to over $1M; select projects nearly $4M
- Doubled number of company employees
- Designed and led construction of new company offices
- Currently developing a Special Projects Division to oversee regular home maintenance and small projects

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: California weather
- Can live without: traffic
- Favorite movie: “Troy”
- Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica and Aruba
- Enjoys motorcycles, water sports, softball, and traveling

Secret Life
- Won an Amateur National Championship in flat track motorcycle racing
- Plans to climb Mount Everest
- Distant relative to Abraham Lincoln

Owen Dake
Owner
Skywalker Construction, Durango, Colo.

Education
- BA, Fort Lewis College

Professional Credentials
- Lead Paint Certified Contractor

Accomplishments
- Jointly Started Skywalker Construction and won Durango Parade of Homes for renovation projects in 2006 and 2012
- Started Skywalker with two employees, now has 15 to 20 in-house employees that work on all different levels of projects whether its a multimillion dollar project or a simple bathroom renovation or new deck
- Recently created a new division of company that handles commercial renovations

Extracurricular
- Serves on several community board of directors
- Member, Elks Club
- Committee Member, 2013 Durango Parade of Homes

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: a good breakfast with a big glass of iced tea
- Can live without: people who pretend to be your friend
- Favorite movie: “Pulp Fiction”
- Favorite food: Mexican
- Favorite vacation spot: Ambergris Caye, Belize
- Enjoys playing ice hockey, SCUBA diving, dirt biking, mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with wife Emma and kids Evan and Ashby

Tim Capaldi
Vice President
Capaldi Building Co., Birmingham, Mich.

Education
- Lawrence Technological University

Professional Credentials
- CGR

Accomplishments
- Young Builder of the Year, BIA Southeastern Michigan, 2011
- Developed a new company website, introduced social media, and implemented new marketing plan, all of which have contributed to an increase in revenue over the past year

Extracurricular
- Member, NAHB
- Member, Michigan Association of Home Builders
- Board of Directors, HBA Southeastern Michigan

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: ice cream
- Can live without: negative press on the building industry
- Favorite movie: “Wedding Crashers”, “Anchorman”, and “Old School”
- Favorite food: lasagna
- Favorite vacation spot: Positano, Italy
- Favorite book: “Linchpin,” by Seth Godin
- Enjoys CrossFit, hockey, and golf

Secret Life
- Makes own limoncello
- Grandfather started Capaldi Building in 1945

Brian Brock
General Manager
Hullco Exteriors, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Education
- BS, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Accomplishments
- Led team to over $5.5M in sales in 2010. Since 2008, revenue has grown 300 percent
- Responsible for re-training sales team and procedures in an effort to grow revenue
- Sales efforts helped lead company to win a BBB Torch Award, 2009
- Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, 2013

Extracurricular
- Board member, Hullco Heritage benefiting the Hunter Worley Foundation and First Tee of Chattanooga
- Member, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: Coca-cola
- Favorite movie: “Austin Powers”
- Favorite vacation spot: Daytona Beach, Fla., and Savannah, Ga.
- Enjoys playing racquetball and watching UT football

Secret Life
- Enjoys heavy metal, a true head-banger

Joseph Irons
President
Irons Brothers Construction, Shoreline, Wash.

Education
- AAS, Shoreline Community College

Professional Credentials
- CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP

Accomplishments
- Opening new office space, showroom, and design center in 2013
- Firm continues to increase revenue annually, will exceed 2012 revenue of $818K
- NAHB Remodeler of the Month, 2013
- NAHB GMB Designee of the Year, 2012
- NAHB Safety Award for Excellence, Remodeler Safety Program of the Year, 2012
- MBA Remodeler Member of the Year, 2009 and 2011

Extracurricular
- NAHB Remodelers Board of Trustees, 2013
- Chair, NAHB CAPS Board of Governors, 2013
- Volunteer, Master Builders Care Foundation, Rampathon, 2005-2013
- Volunteer, MBA’s Painting A Better Tomorrow
- Donates service/materials for variety of scholarships and foundations

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: his iPhone. Also, wife Melissa, and daughters Venetia and Samaria
- Enjoys riding his new Harley, outdoor activities, and traveling

Secret life
- Rides a unicycle usually around the neighborhood or in local parades

Josh Fiester
Project Manager
Melton Design Build, Boulder, Colo.

Education
- BA, University of Colorado

Professional Credentials
- LEED AP

Accomplishments
- Helped increase company profits from $3M in 2008 to $6M in 2013. Increase in revenue allowed company to double the number of sales reps
- Served as project manager for first LEED Platinum commercial project in the U.S.

Extracurricular
- Board member, Blue Sky Bridge
- Participates in the Green Backs for Colorado, a trout and water conservation nonprofit group

Off the Clock
- Can’t live without: exercise
- Can live without: television
- Favorite hobbies: mountain biking, fly fishing, and motocross
- Favorite vacation spot: Aspen, Colo.
- Flying, once flew a small plane from Boulder, Colo., to Anchorage, Alaska

Secret Life
- Grandfather, Ellis Cohen, was a Major in the Army Medical Corp during WWII. He earned a Presidential Citation, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart
- Used to be a professional chef

John Paratore
Design Consultant
Marrokal Design & Remodeling, San Diego

Education
- BS Finance, BS Information Systems, Fairfield University
- MArch, Boston Architectural College

Professional Credentials
- CAPS, LEED AP, Assoc. AIA

Accomplishments
- Manages projects from initial client contact through design to completion of construction
- Increased gross revenue over 300 percent in three years
- Formulated the development of team selling which improved sales and client referrals
- Team member of firm’s multiple national and regional design awards including Professional Remodeler’s Remodeler of the Year, 2010; Professional Remodeler’s Market Leader, 2007 – 2012; and BBB Torch Award Winner 2011

Extracurricular
- Member, AIA, San Diego Chapter
- Member, NAHB

Off the Clock
- Favorite food: New York-style pizza
- Favorite vacation spot: Kauai, Hawaii
- Favorite book: “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” by Jane Jacobs
- Enjoys surfing, hiking, and snowboarding
- Competes in triathlons

Secret Life
- Met wife, Kristin, in California only to find out they grew up ten minutes away from each other in New Jersey

The 40 young remodeling professionals featured on the following pages represent the Class of 2013 in Professional Remodeler’s “40 Under 40” franchise.