Start-Up Zone Advisory Team

Patrick Coveny

Patrick is the Founder and President of Remora Construction Ventures LLC, a strategic advisor, investor and mentor to startups in the construction and real estate industry, providing many connections to those in the housing industry. Patrick has spent the last 38 years as a high-end luxury home builder, is deeply involved in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and is also a judge for numerous NAHB award programs. Previously, he was the co-founder of the Chicago Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and understands the many challenges that startups face. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from DePaul University.

Chris Langford

Chris is the Managing Partner of Home Technology Ventures, an early-stage investor in companies working to solve the biggest challenges in housing and the industries that support homes. Prior to Home Technology Ventures, Chris was an investment banker, corporate strategy and innovation executive, and founded and led Lowe’s Ventures. He holds a BS in Finance and MBA from the University of Florida and resides in Charlotte, NC.

Damien McBrien

Damien McBrien leads M&A and Innovation as a Director at D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder by volume in the U.S. His experiences span Business Acquisitions, Proptech, Innovation, Strategic Partnerships and Financial Structures and Diligence. As Director of Business Development, Damien spearheads the company’s pursuit of next-generation technologies, strategic business opportunities and builder acquisitions. Damien also sits as an advisor on the board of a number of cutting-edge startups in the Homebuilding industry.

Damien’s roots in finance are deep and diverse— as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) he has shaped financial strategy and reporting through various roles in public accounting and in the construction industry. His background and expertise bridge cutting-edge technology integration with fiscal discipline and operational excellence to advance corporate innovation.

Dennis Steigerwalt

Dennis has extensive innovation experience and a broad network of innovation leaders in the housing industry from the U.S. and around the world. He’s a boundary spanner, a connector and an investor in all things related to the built environment. Navigating complex networks of transactional relationships and promoting broader investment in research and development, Dennis seeks out opportunities to connect the dots on transformational initiatives to achieve objectives together that we shouldn’t, and likely couldn’t, tackle alone.