IBS 2017 Scholarship Recipients

Age 35 

Nathan Cooper is the owner and president of River Valley Builders, Inc. in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas from 1999–2002 and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor degree in Construction Management in 2003. He has over 14 years of experience in the construction industry and over 12 years in the residential construction field. He is a past president and an active board member for the Greater Little Rock Home Builders Association and current board member of the Arkansas Home Builders Association. Nathan is also a Certified Green Professional as designated by the National Association of Home Builders. River Valley Builders, Inc. is a design/build residential construction company with a focus on Custom Building and Remodeling.

Age 34

My name is Chris Corder. My wife (Nina) and I own and operate Coastal Restoration in Gearhart, OR.  We have 3 children (Cash 12, Carly 8, and Allie 6) and we love to be busy with sports, projects and pretty much anything outdoors. We opened Coastal Restoration in 2009 out of our home and in 2014 moved into our new facility that houses our office, operations shop and storage facility. Coastal Restoration is a family owned and operated full service property restoration company and remodeling service that employs 6 full time employees, 2 owners and several sub-contractors. We do everything from the cleanup of water, fire, storm and mold damage to repairing the structure or simply improving an existing home. We work closely with insurance companies to restore damaged properties to the highest level as quickly as possible. We focus primarily on residential projects but occasionally the restoration services of commercial properties call for our help.    

Age 32

My name is Mark Disney, a second generation home builder with Disney Construction Company (DCC). DCC is a small custom home building company that has been in business for 33 years. We construct around 10–15 homes a year ranging $350,000–$1,000,000.

I act as the managing member for our company and help coordinate scheduling, pricing, onsite consultation with homeowners, and more. I have been active with the Greensboro Builders Association for over 10 years, and have been a Board member the last 4 years.

Age 34

I am Brandon Hines and live in central Arkansas. My wife and I run our residential design and construction business, Hines Homes. Our specialty is designing and building custom homes for our clients. We design houses to fit efficiently on our clients’ lots, taking into account size, topography, views, sun placement, and more. We love the creativity that this business allows us to use. We also love taking thoughts and ideas and turning them into a reality.

Age 31 

You must make the choice to take the chance for there to be change. I grew up in a home built in the 1920’s in the south part of Fort Worth, TX. Renovation was always a part of me, but I never discerned that a passion in home building/construction/ design was in my future. My work experience began in law, followed by four years in the medical field. I needed a change, doing something that I could be passionate about, so I made the choice to take some time off to find myself. After 6 months of enrolling back in school, an opportunity came knocking. A position to manage Victor Myers Construction, LLC. I knew this was a chance of a lifetime, so change happened and I am very glad I made the choice and took a chance.

Even having a background in management, this position was far different, a third language! We (3 man company) are building dreams—people’s dream homes. Every day presents a different hurdle, a different kind of problem solving. From an empty lot to building a luxury home and seeing the end result, I know this is what I am meant to do.

My name is Many Hing, 31, future builder.

Age 34 

Hello, my name is Josh Jackson. I am owner and operator of DelMonaco Construction LLC. I am a contractor in Cookeville, Tennessee. I have three children and a beautiful wife who helps me run the company. I am currently serving on the board of the Upper Cumberland Home Builders’ Association and am grateful to have been President in 2011 and 2012.

I am mostly focused on carpentry, specializing in framing. We operate very efficiently with an average of 10 full time employees. The demand for carpenters in our area is very high right now, therefore we have focused solely on framing over the past couple of years. We build anything from large apartment complexes to small additions as well as a bit of commercial framing each year. Every year our small business tries to give back to the community in some way. Yearly we help with the Habitat for Humanity Builder's Blitz house. We also like to help with our local school, church, and community projects.

Thank you for honoring me with this scholarship. I look forward to attending the International Builders’ Show in 2017.

Age 34

I started in the remodeling business at the ripe age of 10 helping my Father. I am a 4th generation contractor who loves my craft. At the age of 20, I started working full time for my family business swinging a hammer. After several years of learning the basics, I began estimating and basic project design. Now with 14 years of experience, I’ve managed $250k+ remodel projects, designed & drawn $500k homes, perfected my skills with Chief Architect & 3D renderings, received the “40 under 40” for NW Arkansas, served on our local HBA Board of Directors, Chaired the “NWA GreenBuild” Committee, served as “House Captain” for (3) Rebuilding Together projects and completed the HBA designations for RCS, CGP, CAPS. In 2007 I became the youngest person to ever receive the Certified Graduate Remodeler and now I have also received the Graduate Master Remodeler, making me the youngest person to ever receive that designation as well. I am currently continuing my education in Construction Technology at our local community college. I believe education today will help expand our industry for the future!

Age 31

Annette Jeffers is a Sales Coordinator at Vanguard Homes in Colorado Springs. Her focus is supporting the sales team in improving their productivity; she also works closely with marketing to ensure that sales and marketing activities are integrated. She has a passion for building relationships with clients to give them value not only in their homes but through their customer service experience. She has played a role in the Parade of Homes since 2011, where the company has successfully won the Peoples’ Choice Award every year! An active member of the Housing and Building Association, where she is excited to be receiving the 2017 Builders’ Show Scholarship from the National Association of Home Builders.

Annette is a native of Colorado, a wife, and mother of two beautiful children. Their family loves to be outdoors hiking, snowboarding, playing sports, and capturing the beauty of our colorful State!

Age 34 

My name is Matt Jenkins and I am the owner of Jenkins Construction in Shreveport, Louisiana. I started my company in 2010 with a focus on new residential construction. We have since expanded into commercial construction and remodeling. Before starting my company, I graduated from LSU – Shreveport earning a degree in Finance and then worked for a construction company as a project manager. Professional growth and industry development are important to me. I have obtained several certifications including NAHB Certified Graduate Builder and NAHB Master Certified Green Professional. In 2013 I was asked to be on the board of directors for my local HBA. I am currently the vice president of my local chapter and will serve as president in 2017. I also serve on the board of directors for the Louisiana HBA and as an alternate for the NAHB. This will be my fourth time attending the International Builders Show and I look forward to all of the benefits the show has to offer.

Age 27

My name is Brian Ki and I joined my current company, Team Engineering (New Hampshire), in September 2013. Currently, I am responsible for the structural evaluations for many residential and commercial projects. Through my education, I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and my background includes approximately (5) years of engineering experience (and growing). I am currently approved to take the upcoming Professional Engineering Exam for my professional license. 

My work includes plan reviews, beam calculations, computer-aided drafting, architectural/structural design, construction monitoring, and much more engineering services to complete any construction project from start-to-finish. With my architectural background, I am capable of designing many residential structures, including attached garages, additions, and complete residential building designs. I am also responsible for on-site structural consultations, which include evaluating the structural integrity of existing buildings, cracks in foundations, assessment of load bearing walls, and designing improvements when necessary.

Prior to working at Team Engineering, I gained valuable experience from a small engineering and surveying firm. During this time, I performed engineering consultation services as well as gained experience in the field of land surveying. This experience included deed research, property surveys, drafting of site plans, and the laying of monuments.

Age 28

My name is Jennifer Knotts, and I am the Sales Representative for Old Republic Title (ORT) in Cleveland County, Oklahoma—which includes Norman, Moore, and South Oklahoma City. In my 4 years with ORT my main duties have been to educate Realtors, Builders, and Lenders on all of the things Old Republic Title offers, along with providing spectacular customer service for them and their clients. I strive to bring the building, lending and realty communities together by organizing multiple events and fundraisers throughout the year. I am currently focused on getting more involved in local associations and communities to see how Old Republic Title can better serve them. In addition to all of these things, I am also certified to teach numerous continuing education classes for Realtors in Oklahoma, and would love to get certified in education for our Certified Professional Builders in order to better help our members expand their knowledge of industry standards and issues in professionalism. I look forward to the International Builders Show as an exciting opportunity to meet others in related industries from around the globe, and use their wisdom and experiences to learn how to better serve those I work with back home.

Age 27

Allison Littman works for the Northern California division of Toll Brothers as an Assistant Project Manager. She is currently involved in unveiling the company’s newest signature community—Iron Oak at Alamo Creek in Danville, California. Allison is one of the participants of the Project Management Rotational Training Program, which includes hands-on stints in project finance, land acquisition and development, construction management, and sales and marketing, all applied directly to the homebuilding industry.

Prior to Toll Brothers, Allison began her career as a project coordinator for a multi-family developer in San Francisco. She earned a master of civil engineering from Stanford University with a focus in sustainable building design and industrialized construction.

In her free time, Allison enjoys hiking, live music, reading biggerpockets.com, researching investment properties, and scheming about her future portfolio of residential rental units.

Age 26

My name is Sara Majzun-Garwood and I am the Office and Sales Manager for BCT Alarm Services. We are a local alarm company who specializes in residential and commercial burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control and surveillance systems serving all of North East Ohio. I am a 3rd generation member of the North Coast Building Industry Association as well as the chair of their membership committee. I grew up in the building industry, as my father owns Majzun Construction Company that was started 1974 by my grandfather. I went from playing in model homes as a child to working alongside my father and other builders helping to provide them with all of their security needs. I am very active in my community as well. I serve on the board of directors for the Amherst Rotary Club and I volunteer with some of the local Girl Scout troops in my area. I am an avid golfer and have been playing since I was 8 years old. I currently reside in South Amherst with my husband Kenton and our dog Barley. 

Age 28

Hello! My name is Michael McArthur and I am a third generation home builder. I grew up in the industry as my dad, grandpa, and uncles started building homes together when I was young. I got some experience throughout the years working in model homes, helping the accounting team, and working as a real estate agent though college. I have always had a love for building and the sense of accomplishment that comes from helping someone make a house into a home. This last year my sister and I decided to start our home building company and bought our first land to get started on. I have primarily focused on working with the bank, land acquisition, bidding and scheduling. I look forward to IBS and learning as much as possible to help our company have a successful start. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity the Young Professional Scholarship Program has given me to attend this year! 

Age 28 

My name is Jordan Okimura and I'm a financial analyst for Brookfield Residential. Brookfield is a land developer and homebuilder with projects throughout the US and Canada. Within Brookfield all of the regional divisions operate relatively independently. Each division brings a variety of different products to market based on where they operate. In Hawaii, we focus primarily on the development of resort and vacation communities throughout the state.

My responsibilities as a financial analyst include the building of financial models, pro-formas and cash flows with regard to current and potential future development projects. In addition, I assist with various cost analysis and project management duties for our land development and sales and marketing teams.

Age 32 

Laila Coelho Reilly is a Client Relations Manager at MaGrann Associates, an energy engineering and green building consulting firm headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ. She is responsible for all aspects of marketing and business development for residential new construction and existing building retrofit projects seeking sustainability and engineering consulting work. Laila started her career at Community Energy, Inc., a wind and solar renewable energy developer, as a Program Manager working with utility companies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to manage and grow support for wind and solar power programs. From there, she transitioned to the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), where she was responsible for marketing and business development activities, working directly with 500+ business owners in Greater Philadelphia, to advance triple bottom line business strategies.  Laila was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and educated in Philadelphia. Her dual world background has provided her a unique lens in how she views the world. When she’s not working, you can find her playing soccer, cooking, laughing and planning her next adventure.  

Age 35 

I am a Queens NY native that finished school in Florida. I started working in the construction industry when I was 23 years old as an estimator/purchasing assistant for a local custom home builder. I continued to strive and made the move to a semi-national builder as a purchasing agent. Four years ago I found an amazing opportunity to go back to my roots, this time in the role of a purchasing manager for a local custom home builder who has been in business of over 35 years! Currently, I am transitioning into my operations role as we grow—we are slated to close over 350 homes in 2016!

Age 31

Dan Souther is the owner of Round Here Renovations, LLC (RHR), a residential contracting business servicing the vibrant and diverse communities of Atlanta, Georgia. His firm can handle the entire spectrum of residential construction, from smaller, custom renovations to entire homes and additions. While he enjoys the challenges of creating new spaces in all varieties of homes, it is an attention to period-specific detail that has led to an unparalleled excellence with regard to homes from yesteryear.

A sampling of the services RHR offers include:

• Design/Build
• Custom Homebuilding
• Whole House Renovation/Remodeling
• Custom Additions/Expansions
• Custom Kitchen/Bath

With extensive experience working with both homeowners as well as local investment companies, his firm’s expertise resides in identifying the key parameters of success for each client and project. RHR then works with clients through the renovation and construction process, offering a balanced act of cost-cutting and quality-enhancing recommendations for the client to consider.

Age 31

Ebony Jasmine Stephenson, CAPS is the owner of Designs by Ebony in Newport News, VA where she specializes in design for residential remodeling. Ebony is from Virginia Beach, VA and graduated from Virginia Tech.

Ebony has received many national awards and recognition including:

• National Kitchen and Bath Association 30 Under 30 (2014)
• Professional Remodeler 40 Under 40 (2014)
• Greenfield Cabinetry Star of Excellence in Design
• K+BB Magazine Editorial Advisory Board Member
• Sherwin-Williams Advisory Pro Panel Member
• Virginia Tech Residential Environments and Design Industry Board Member
• CAPS (Certified Aging In Place Specialist)
• National Kitchen and Bath Association State Executive Board Member: Vice President of Technology and Communications (2013-2014)
• GE Monogram Designer’s Forum Promo Video Featured Speaker 2016
• Recognition from VA Senator Mark Warner

Ebony and her work have also been featured in many publications and magazines including:

• Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine
• Kitchen and Bath Design News
• Plumbing and Mechanical Magazine
• Professional Remodeler Magazine
• Houselogic.com
• The New York Times

Age 35

Andrea is the Marketing and Operations Manager for KGA Studio Architects, PC, a nationally recognized residential architectural firm located in Louisville, Colorado. KGA is comprised of 2 design studios, one specializing in custom homes and whole house remodels while the other studio focuses on production housing. She has been with KGA since 2014, where she is involved with all facets of the firm’s marketing including the website and blog, social media, graphic design and media relations.

Andrea is a board member of the Denver HBA Sales & Marketing Council and Chair of the 2016 Denver MAME Awards.

Age 22

Born and raised in North Carolina, I moved to Wilmington in 2012 from Greensboro to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington to study Business. I graduated in May of 2016 with a Bachelors of Science in Business—Major in Marketing and a Minor in Spanish. I began an internship with design-build home contractor, Tongue & Groove LLC, during June of 2015 and accepted a full-time position after graduating in May 2016.

As the Marketing & Sales Director, I thoroughly enjoy the personal interactions through the sales aspect of my job, as well as my marketing responsibilities as I get to channel my creativity and upbeat personality through promotions and designs. From managing social media accounts, distributing E-blasts and writing blogs, I am also involved in the project planning when it comes to Sales. This involves organizing and handling the customized process for each client, which generally involves obtaining quotes, land surveys, permits, samples, etc. Being involved in more than one sector of the company creates variety and the opportunity to have a better understanding of the insides and outs of the home building industry.