An Eagle Scout, professional dancers, and a former hotel manager are among this year’s array of home building superstars picked as 40 Under 40 winners by the editors of Professional Builder. Once again, several honorees cited surviving the great recession as one of their proudest achievements, while many others were notable for not only starting their companies but for also launching and growing more than one business during the recovery. 

In addition to owners and principals, this class includes managers, team leaders, and associates who stood out as innovators because they found creative ways to cut overhead and enhance customer relationships; some even innovated by inventing apps or algorithms to simplify complex functions. Off the clock, these professionals are fighting blight, building homes for disabled veterans, mentoring low-income youth, and giving back to their communities by volunteering their many other services and talents. We proudly present our 40 Under 40 Class for 2017.

HONOR ROLL

Jason Adams, President & CEO, Arbor Builders

Stephen Adams, Owner &  Manager, Adams Craig Acquisitions

Ryan Anderson, Owner, RKA Construction

Regis Arnold, Director of Construction, Van Metre Homes

Tom Baldwin, VP Sales & Marketing, Caruso Homes

Katherine Bardis, President, Bardis Homes

Clint Bayless, Builder, Superintendent, Carpenter, Bayless Custom Homes

Aren Bazzocco, Division President, Taylor Morrison

Hillary Bonham, Land Manager, Goodall Homes

Vaughan Buckley, President, Vaughan Buckley Construction

Doug Carlson, Owner & Managing Partner, Dreamline Modular Homes

Roussa Cassel, Designer, The Artisans Group

David Clark, Owner, David Clark Construction

Rob Clemons, Operations Director/Broker-in-Charge, Dawol Homes and Carolina Bays Real Estate

Corey Craig, VP & Partner, Celebration Homes

Elaine Dai, Design Studio Manager, Van Metre Homes

Anthony D’Amore, Director of Construction, Sackman Enterprises

Will Duderstadt, Marketing Manager Web Platforms, M/I Homes

Chris Dunn, Operations Manager, Westport Homes

Brad Haigh, Principal, Norris Design

Tyler Jones, Founder & Owner, Blue Heron

Anna Keller, New Mexico Division Manager, Desert View Homes

Allison King, Division VP, Garman Homes

Ed Kubiak, VP Construction, Beechen & Dill / Summit Signature Homes

Jason LaFleur, Building Scientist & CEO, Eco Achievers

Ryan Lantz, Co-owner, Lokal Homes

John Leggett, Founder & CEO, On Point Custom Homes

Brent McCaffrey, President, The McCaffrey Group

Kristopher Megna, President, Dreamline Modular Homes

Andrew Modley, Project Manager, Habitat for Humanity

Annjielyn Narvaez, SEC Reporting & Compliance Manager, UCP

Michael Neal, Land Development Manager, Neal Communities

Rachael Overall, Director of Marketing, Goodall Homes

Julia Kaye Reinert, Marketing Manager, Homes by Dickerson

Vic Remmers, President & Co-owner, Everett Custom Homes / West Hills Homes Northwest

Rich Robinson, VP, Member Rebate Program

Tessa Smith, Principal & Co-owner, The Artisans Group

Lara Swanson, Division VP, Meritage Homes

Andrew Travars, Design/Build Project Manager, Stanton Homes

Daniel Whitehurst, Partner, Ten Oaks Homes

Jason Adams, 38

President & CEO

Arbor Builders

Bend, Ore.

Education

• BS, Business Administration, Oregon State University

Professional Credentials

• Data Analytics Certified Consultant through Domo

Accomplishments

• Started 40 homes in 2016 and plans 70 this year • Won 13 awards from 2014 to 2016 in the Central Oregon Builders Association Tour of Homes • Stayed in the real estate business through the recession despite being in Bend, Ore., the city with the nation’s fastest depreciating home values in 2009 • Speaks at national builder conferences about big data and home building • Founded and operates a home building company, a self-storage facility, a car wash, a data analytics consulting firm, and an apartment building

Extracurricular

• NAHB 20 Club Chair

Off the Clock

• Competes in an annual race that involves skiing, bike riding, kayaking, and running

Stephen Adams, 40

Owner & Manager

Adams Craig Acquisitions

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Education

• BSBA, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina; MBA,
W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University

Accomplishments

• Creates net zero homes with Superior Energy Systems, which include green features such as geothermal technology, recycled denim insulation, chemical-free finishes, and soy-based paint • Started two home building companies—Joseph Carl Homes (now AV Homes) and Adams Craig Acquisitions—during the recession. Helped grow Joseph Carl Homes to 26 employees and $70 million in value before selling to AV Homes • Currently working with the City of Paradise Valley, Ariz., to launch a program that will offer residents subsidized rainwater harvesting systems

Extracurricular

• National Consensus Committee Member of the National Green Building Standard

Ryan Anderson, 32

Owner

RKA Construction

Memphis, Tenn.

Education

• BS, Building Construction, Auburn University; MBA, Christian Brothers University

Professional Credentials

• LEED AP

Accomplishments

• Surpassed $10 million in annual sales in 2016 • Director of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association; serves as chairman of its Remodelers Council • Work­ed as a project manager and civil contractor before starting RKA Construction in 2011 • Projects include numerous high-end custom homes and renovations • Company has a staff of 15, from superintendents to carpenters, and has implemented a safety program

Extracurricular

• Serves on the board of the Heights Community Development Corp., a nonprofit in Memphis that purchases, rehabs, and leases blighted properties • Member of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors

Regis Arnold, 35

Director of Construction

Van Metre Homes

Ashburn, Va.

Education

• Carpentry degree, Triplett Tech Vocational

Professional Credentials

• Class A building license

Accomplishments

• In 13 years with Van Metre Homes and 20 years in the construction industry, has worked his way up from customer service technician, to construction manager, to production manager, to director of construction • Built and implemented company’s construction schedule used for every home, which has increased production levels each year • Managed building projects for HomeAid, a nonprofit that helps fund housing for families in need • Won PROs Award for top production manager for 121+ single-family units from the Maryland Building Industry Association in 2016 • Initiated and oversees Van Metre Trade Council, a collection of trade partners, to refine lean building practices

Tom Baldwin, 34

VP Sales & Marketing

Caruso Homes

Crofton, Md.

Education

• BS, Salisbury University

Accomplishments

• Named 2014 Sales & Marketing Manager of the Year by the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) • Won 2009 Presidents Award from Ryan Homes • Through his efforts since joining Caruso Homes in 2012, sales revenue has increased 171 percent • Led new processes for the company, including new traffic management techniques, electronic signing and processing of contracts, option-management tools, and standardized market analysis programs

Extracurricular

• Member of NAHB, Caruso Homes Trade Council, and MBIA 55+ Housing Council, Future Industry Leaders Council, and Sales & Marketing Council

Off the Clock

• Participates in Bike to the Beach for autism and raised more than $5,000 • Christmas in April house captain • U-5 GORC soccer coach

Katherine Bardis, 29

President

Bardis Homes

Sacramento, Calif.

Education

• BA, Communication Studies, Loyola Marymount University; JD, McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

Accomplishments

• Cofounded her company with cousin Rachel Bardis in 2012 and plans to build 100 new homes a year • Started one of Sacramento’s largest infill housing projects, The Mill at Broadway, which is expected to have more than 1,000 homes • Passed the California bar exam while also starting a business

Extracurricular

• Member of the North State Building Industry Association, Urban Land Institute, and InspireMidtown, a Sacramento community for female professionals • Volunteers for HomeAid and the National Charity League, a nonprofit leadership and service group of mothers and daughters

Secret Life

• Competed at the Grand Prix level in horse jumping • Family has built more than 45,000 homes over 50 years

Clint Bayless, 29

Builder, Superintendent, Carpenter

Bayless Custom Homes

Tyler, Texas

Education

• BBA, Business Management, Texas Tech University

Accomplishments

• Helped build a 4,000-square-foot home in five days when Bayless Custom Homes was on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition • Currently building an 8,000-square-foot home for Hope Haven of East Texas, a pro bono project • At age 24, started his own carpentry company • Planned and built a house from the ground up on his own, with his crew, also at age 24 • Second-generation builder who works under his father, Gary Bayless, company president and CEO 

Extracurricular

• Does volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity • Member of the Tyler Area Builders Association • Volunteers with the East Texas Food Bank

Secret Life

• Obsessed with the stock market • Doesn’t like the Texas heat

Aren Bazzocco, 39

Division President

Taylor Morrison

Sacramento, Calif.

Education

• BS, Business Administration, California State University, Sacramento

Professional Credentials

• Certified public accountant

Accomplishments

• Guided his division’s survival through the housing recession • Developed and retained a team of more than 75 employees who, based on employee engagement survey results, are among the most satisfied groups in the entire organization • Grew the division’s market share in Sacramento from the eighth largest in 2014 to the second largest in 2016, translating to a unit volume increase of more than 170 percent

Extracurricular

• Board member of the North State Building Industry Association

Off the Clock

• Founded the Payton Hadley Bazzocco Foundation to support children and families facing health crises

Secret Life

• Collects ticket stubs

Hillary Bonham, 27

Land Manager

Goodall Homes

Gallatin, Tenn.

Education

• BA, Sociology and Religion, Furman University; MS, Real Estate, Georgetown University

Professional Credentials

• Licensed real estate professional

Accomplishments

• Bonham (at right), led Goodall Homes’ application process for the National Housing Quality Award and won silver in 2015 • Worked as a member of the acquisition team after Goodall Homes was bought by Clayton Homes in 2016 • Conducts land acquisition analysis and purchases new sites

Extracurricular

• Member of the Urban Land Institute, Sumner Association of Realtors, and Retire Sumner • Participates in several community service and charity groups, including Second Harvest Food Bank and the Acorn Society

Secret Life

• Wants to inspire others who have Type 1 diabetes

Vaughan Buckley, 29

President,

Vaughan Buckley Construction

Philadelphia

Education

• Bachelor of International Hotel Management, Southern Cross University, Australia; MBA, International Business, Arcadia University; JD, Temple University

Professional Credentials

• Admitted to Pennsylvania bar

Accomplishments

• Started his own construction company at age 20 after managing a hotel in his native Australia at age 17 • Grew the company’s top line by triple-digit percentages every year • Built more than 100 housing units in 2016, earning more than $12 million in revenue • Passed the bar exam with just six days of study • Oversaw the development of several multimillion dollar projects • Won a 2015 NAHB Jerry Rouleau Award for Excellence in Home Design

Extracurricular

• Member of the Modular Home Builders Association, NAHB Building Systems Council, and the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia

Doug Carlson, 31

Owner & Managing Partner

Dreamline Modular Homes

Lexington, Mass.

Education

• BA, Roger Williams University

Accomplishments

• Company has won awards including MHBA Home of the Year 2015 and Home of the Month in July 2014, January 2015, June 2016, and October 2016 • Dreamline was ranked 1,653 in the list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine • Doubled sales on a consistent basis with Dreamline • Project featured on episode of Breakneck Builds on the DIY Network

Extracurricular

• Member of Modular Home Builders Association, Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, and the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce

Off the Clock

• Involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boston Children’s Hospital, Autism Speaks, and The Jimmy Fund

Secret Life

• Knows how to juggle

Roussa Cassel, 39

Designer

The Artisans Group

Olympia, Wash.

Education

• BA, Ecological Design and Art, The Evergreen State College; MArch, University of Oregon

Professional Credentials

• LEED AP Building Design + Construction 

Accomplishments

• Designed an energy-efficient modern foursquare single-family house in Olympia with contemporary materials and fixtures, vaulted ceilings, dramatic shed roofs, and an open floor plan • Self-employed for three years, during which she learned to navigate every part of the process including planning, design, permitting, drafting, and construction management • Designed commercial projects, including a coffee shop, market, and public space that revitalized downtown Olympia

Extracurricular

• Member of NCARB • Guest design lecturer at Evergreen State • Involved in planning processes to improve downtown Olympia

David Clark, 39

Owner, David Clark Construction

Germantown, Tenn.

Education

• BA, Management, The University of Alabama

Professional Credentials

• NAHB Certified Green Professional

Accomplishments

• Participated in the 2007 and 2013 Vesta Home Show, a showcase of the latest in home design and construction. Plans to participate in this year’s show • Served as president of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association, which allowed him to build relationships with other builders, trades, and suppliers and learn from working with elected officials and code offices • Restructured business during the recession by taking on remodeling, additions, and commercial projects to supplement new residential construction

Off the Clock

• Runs marathons • Ironman events

Secret Life

• Learned from his grandfather, who started building homes in 1942

Rob Clemmons, 39

Operations Director, Broker-in-Charge

Dawol Homes and Carolina Bays Real Estate

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Education

• BS, Business Administration, Coastal Carolina University

Accomplishments

• Master Builder designation in the state of South Carolina • Spoke at the 2016 Realtors Conference & Expo about building partnerships between real estate agents and builders • Established the first student chapter of the NAHB in South Carolina through the Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association • Received NAR Green Designation

Extracurricular

• Builds pet houses for Coastal Animal Rescue • Worked on downtown Myrtle Beach beautification project • Team leader for the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors (CCAR) Habitat for Humanity house • Member of the Home Builders Care committee and the CCAR Community Outreach group • Member of NAHB, NAR, and several South Carolina 

Corey Craig, 37

VP & Partner

Celebration Homes

Brentwood, Tenn.

Education

• BA, Business Management and Administration, Belmont University

Accomplishments

• Kept his company profitable throughout the recession • Led the company’s construction team in building sold and market homes for 12 years • Builds 100 homes per year, on average, across a variety of price points, from $200,000 to $2.5 million • Set up a new pay structure to motivate builders • Cut build times to 160 days per home • Founded his first company, Traceside Properties, at age 17 • Became the youngest broker and licensed contractor in Tennessee when he was still a teenager, in 1998

Extracurricular

• Chairman of the building committee and prayer group leader at Harpeth Christian Church, in Franklin, Tenn.

Secret Life

• Has collected 40 low-mileage, original-paint survivor cars and trucks with his dad and brother-in-law

Elaine Dai, 34

Design Studio Manager

Van Metre Homes

Ashburn, Va.

Education

• BA, Business Management, University of Maryland

Accomplishments

• Won 2011 Rookie of the Year at the Great American Living Awards • Managed the setup and integration of a new Sales Simplicity system, where she created options and rules for options and wrote a blueprint for the system that the sales team could easily follow • Started at Van Metre Homes as a sales intern in 2004 and advanced through the sales department before becoming design studio manager in 2016 • Will oversee a projected revenue of $16 million in sales in 2017

Extracurricular

• Member of NAHB • Ran in the Van Metre 5-Mile Run, which benefits the Children’s National Medical Center

Off the Clock

• Volunteers with Women Giving Back, a nonprofit that helps women and children in crisis

Anthony D'Amore, 39

Director of Construction

Sackman Enterprises

New York City

Education

• BBA, Finance, James Madison University; MS, Real Estate Finance, New York University

Accomplishments

• Directs development and construction management for a $300 million project pipeline of 800 residential units • Developed one of the first micro-apartment projects in New Jersey • Part of team that redeveloped Asbury Park, N.J., which included the rehabilitation of historical buildings • At Toll Brothers, managed two active-adult communities with 247 single-family homes and $160 million in revenue • Part of team that acquired a half-built community of 20 homes during the recession, introduced smaller homes at lower price, and sold them for a profit 

Secret Life

• Enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served six years in the light infantry

Will Duderstadt, 37

Marketing Manager Web Platforms

M/I Homes

Columbus, Ohio

Accomplishments

• Designed and launched a lead-generation quiz that has generated more than 1,200 unique leads, with an average CPL of $1.20 and a 39 percent conversion rate • Developed multiple lead-gen sources to grow the total new lead count by 15 to 20 percent each year • Helped increase total sales sourced from the internet channel by more than 55 percent since he joined • Oversees online content, online marketing campaigns, and lead generation for 15 divisions in 11 states • Selected to join Zillow Group’s New Home Builder Advisory Board in 2016 • Awarded Corporate Excellence Award at M/I Homes in 2013

ExtraCurricular

• Has instructed more than 150 merit badge classes for the Boy Scouts of America, helping nearly 2,000 scouts to learn swimming, pioneering, and orienteering

Chris Dunn, 27

Operations Manager

Westport Homes

Indianapolis

Education

• BS, Finance and Accounting, Indiana University; MS, Accounting, Indiana University

Professional Credentials

• Certified public accountant

Accomplishments

• Collaborated with production managers, superintendents, and trade partners in each of Westport Homes’ three divisions to implement Integrated Homebuilder Management System, a real-time construction scheduling software • Planned and introduced a series of homes for first-time homebuyers • Worked with a team of developers to create interactive site maps for each community

Extracurricular

• Member of the Indiana CPA Society • Remodeled his kitchen, with drywall, cabinets, countertops, and flooring, in less than a month

Secret Life

• Third-generation home builder, who works with his dad and brother at Westport Homes

Brad Haigh, 39

Principal

Norris Design

Denver

Education

• BLA, Iowa State University

Accomplishments

• Became an owner at Norris Design • Works on projects that include high-density housing, senior housing, neighborhood design, and regional parks • Leads Norris Design’s Opportunities Committee, which runs staff involvement in business and community organizations • Leads Norris Design’s national internship program, which hires around 10 interns per year • Takes on projects that help people, such as housing for veterans

Off the Clock

• Works with the Boys & Girls Club, Level 3 Community Garden, and The Odyssey family veterans housing project

Secret Life

• Brother-in-law won an Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Design for the show Dexter in 2007

Tyler Jones, 39

Founder & Owner

Blue Heron

Las Vegas

Education

• Attended architecture school, University of Colorado

Accomplishments

• Created a novel contemporary design philosophy called “Vegas Modern” to stand out from the Tuscan, Mediterranean, and other European styles that other builders have constructed in the Mojave Desert • Selected by NAHB to be the architect, interior designer, and builder of The New American Home in 2013 and 2015 • His green building and contemporary designs have won more than 30 awards 

Favorite vacation spot
• “Wherever I am going next. I’m not the type to return to the same vacation spot twice. For me the fun is seeing something new for the first time and learning about other people and cultures”

Off the clock

• Motorcycle racing, “It’s almost more than a hobby. I’m pretty obsessed with it.”

Anna Keller, 30

New Mexico Division Manager

Desert View Homes

Las Cruces, N.M.

Education

• Pursuing BBA, International Business, University of New Mexico

Accomplishments

• Opened her own real estate company at age 25 • More than doubled Desert View’s 2016 closings and gross revenue to 55 and $8.8 million, respectively, since being promoted last year to division manager • Helped builder grow to be No. 2 in the market • Serves on the board of directors for the Las Cruces HBA and secured Desert View to build that group’s annual Anniversary House, which generates proceeds that will be donated to local charities

Extracurricular

• Toys for Tots, Fur-Ever Pet Homes, American Red Cross blood drives, March of Dimes

Secret Life

• Professional dancer who’s accomplished in Mexican folk dance, Latin ballroom, ballet, and hip-hop. Performed at Carnegie Hall and for former President Bill Clinton and other dignitaries

Allison King, 39

Division VP

Garman Homes

Durham, N.C.

Education

• BS, Business Management, Arizona State University

Accomplishments

• Managed design and construction of Garman’s design studio and completed that project in 60 days • Helped design and build the Miracle Home for families of children staying at Duke Children’s Hospital • Helped create Fresh Paint, a new line of production homes with whole-home design packages • Preserved home life and grew career by bringing daughter, Maddie, to help stage homes and working with husband, Will, a Garman production manager

Extracurricular

• Managed fifth Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz home construction for immigrant Nigerian family • Regular Type O blood donor

Off the Clock

• Can make a mean batch of chocolate, s’mores, and peppermint cupcakes • Reading spy thrillers and chick lit

Ed Kubiak, 39

VP Construction

Beechen & Dill/Summit Signature Homes

Burr Ridge, Ill.

Education

• BA, Construction Management, Illinois State University

Accomplishments

• Collaborated with APA–the Engineered Wood Association to build a demonstration home using advanced framing techniques • Partnered with Environments for Living in 2006, making Beechen & Dill a market leader in high-performance homes long before energy efficiency/green building were cool • Helped organize processes within the organization and relationships with suppliers and trades, which were key to receiving the 2016 Builder Partnerships Employer of Choice and Builder of Choice awards

Extracurricular

• Compassion International sponsor 

Off the Clock

• Entertaining (claims to possess crowd-stopping dance techniques) • Grilling • Boating • Traveling

Favorite Read

• My son’s short stories

Jason LaFleur, 40

Building Scientist & CEO

Eco Achievers

Chicago

Education

• MEd, Instructional Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Professional credentials

• LEED AP Rater, HERS Rater, NGBS Green Verifier, PHIUS+ Rater, Certified Passive House Consultant

Accomplishments

• Interest in building science grew into a career during the several years he and wife, Jennifer, remodeled their century-old home. Founded his company and grew it into a resource for builders and homeowners for constructing high-performance, healthy buildings from single-family homes to multifamily high-rises • Getting accepted to and graduating from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program

Extracurricular

• Habitat for Humanity • Published scholarly articles about e-learning

Secret Life

• Played bass guitar during gigs at the House of Blues Chicago

Ryan Lantz, 37

Co-owner

Lokal Homes

Denver

Education

• BA, Business Administration, St. Mary’s College of California

Accomplishments

• Lokal was named fastest growing company by the Denver Business Journal with 2015 revenue jumping to $25 million compared with $2.4 million in 2013 • Became EVP of operations at age 26 for Richmond American Homes, a publicly traded national builder • Created capital structure that helped Lokal achieve year-over-year growth, and is on track to deliver 270 homes and generate more than $110 million in revenue for 2017
 

Extracurricular

• The Challenge Foundation, a nonprofit providing scholarships and mentoring for low-income students from middle school through college • Brent’s Place, housing facility for immune-compromised patients and their families 

Off the Clock

• Coaches youth football

John Leggett, 38

Founder & CEO

On Point Custom Homes

Houston

Education

• BS, Business Administration; MA, Accounting, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professional credentials 

• Certified Graduate Builder, Chairman of the Master Builders Group

Accomplishments

• Left investment banking to start his own business. Within a decade had launched four multimillion-dollar companies, sold two, and continues to grow On Point, with $20 million in annual revenue, and Frontier Title, which generated more than $10 million in 2015 versus $600,000 during its 2008 startup • Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 winner • Texas Association of Builders Excellence Under 45 Award

Extracurricular

• Conveys social entrepren­eurship values by mentoring start-up ventures • Contributing writer for Houston business and home building pub­lic­ations • Houston Food Bank and The Children’s Fund 

Secret Life

• Obsessed with Lululemon athletic clothing

Brent McCaffrey, 39

President

The McCaffrey Group

Fresno, Calif.

Education

• BS, Urban Planning and Development, University of Southern California

Accomplishments

• Developing more than 60 lots at South Hampton, his first community as construction superintendent • Secured approval for the first two villages with 2,734 residential units in a Madera County master planned community • Grew Building Industry Association (BIA) Fresno/Madera Counties membership and established forums to facilitate discussion between industry experts and the public

Extracurricular

• Chairman, BIA of Fresno/Madera Counties • Urban Land Institute Community Development Council • Catholic Professional and Business Club of Fresno • Young Presidents Organiz­ation of San Joaquin Valley

Secret Life

• Brent was the USC Trojans football team's MVP offensive lineman in 2000 and his father, Bob, won that honor in 1974 playing center

Kristopher Megna, 31

President

Dreamline Modular Homes

Lexington, Mass.

Education

• BA, Business Management, music minor, Roger Williams University

Professional credentials 

• Certified Modular Home Design Consultant

Accomplishments

• Company was listed on Inc.’s 5,000 fastest growing private companies in 2016 • Won 2015 Modular Home of the Year from the Modular Home Builders Association (MHBA) • Built more than 150 custom modular homes over six years • Best of Houzz 2015

Extracurricular

• Campus School at Boston College for children and young adults with physical, cognitive, and health impairments • MHBA director • Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children with Autism, the Jimmy Fund, and Boston Children’s Hospital • Featured on DIY Network’s Breakneck Builds

Off the Clock

• Piano, guitar • Working 

Andrew Modley, 35

Project manager

Habitat for Humanity

Washington, D.C.

Education

• BA, Political Science and International Studies, McDaniel College

Professional credentials 

• Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certified builder

Accomplishments

• Completing Empowerhouse, the first PHIUS-certified Passive home in Washington, D.C. and DC Habitat for Humanity’s first passive project • Project manager for six certified Passive houses in D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood • Part of team that hosted the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in 2010 

Extracurricular

• Traveling with group to Thailand this year for an international building project

Off the clock

• Restoring an old rowhouse • Chopping wood on parents’ land • Downhill skiing in Vermont

Secret life

• Painted the living room of a Habitat house with former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama

Annjielyn Narvaez, 33

SEC Reporting & Compliance Manager

UCP

San Jose, Calif.

Education

• BS, Accounting; MBA, San Jose State University

Professional Credentials

• Emerging Leaders Certificate Program, California Society of CPAs

Accomplishments

• Put UCP in the forefront of financial reporting by redesigning filings to be more reader friendly with charts, graphs, and other visuals replacing content previously presented using text and numbers • Streamlined the audit process by redesigning risk-control matrices and critical-process flowcharts for Sarbanes-Oxley Act documentation • Introduced new technology to SEC reporting and compliance, resulting in cost reduction and increased effectiveness

Off the clock

• Make-A-Wish • Hot pilates, vinyasa yoga, power yoga

Secret life

• Scotch connoisseur

Michael Neal, 27

Land Development Manager

Neal Communities

Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

Education

• BS, Finance, Boston College

Accomplishments

• Managed $14 million in land development operations and delivered more than 250 lots since joining the company in 2013 • Created and trained a team on environmental policies and procedures • Instrumental in helping construction team understand building practices, codes, and perfecting the Neal Communities process, resulting in an average build time of 13.8 weeks for units in the Grand Palm and Central Park master planned communities • Being chosen for the executive board of the Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association (MSBIA)

Extracurricular

• Secretary of the executive committee for the MSBIA; also serves on the group’s Developers Council • YMCA Bradenton Branch Improvement Board

Off the clock

• Golf, boating, tennis, being outdoors 

Rachel Overall, 39

Director of Marketing

Goodall Homes

Nashville, Tenn.

Education

• BA, Business Administration; MBA, University of Tennessee at Martin

Accomplishments

• Progressed from newspaper ad executive developing campaigns for more than 50 builders to the marketing director for Nashville’s largest builder • Expanded Goodall’s philanthropic efforts by partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to launch the Hunger Free Summer campaign • Built two mortgage-free homes with Operation Finally Home for disabled veterans. The second home was given to an army sergeant and his family during halftime of a Tennessee Titans game 

Extracurricular

• B of D member for My Friend’s House, which helps young men transition from foster care to a forever home 

Off the clock

• Cross country and cheer team coach • Half marathons

Julia Kaye Reinert, 37

Marketing Manager

Homes by Dickerson

Raleigh, N.C.

Education

• BA, History, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Professional Credentials 

• Master in Residential Marketing, Certified Marketing Professional, Certified Sales Professional

Accomplishments

• Achieved a 12-year-old goal by attaining the MIRM designation. She completed her case study while working full time, raising a family, and living with relatives while new home was being built • Created detailed marketing plan and calendar for nine communities • Freelance writer for industry magazines • Marketing Professional of the Year in 2016 and 2011 (Marketing and Merchandising Excellence Awards)

Extracurricular

• Inspire MEdia Network Communication Committee • Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz • Sunday school teacher • Member of NAHB Professional Women in Building Council

Vic Remmers, 34

President & Co-owner

Everett Custom Homes/ West Hills Homes Northwest

Portland, Ore.

Education

• BS, General Business, psychology minor, Oregon State University

Accomplishments

• Started Everett at age 26 with two employees and closed 11 homes. In 2016, the urban infill company had 25 employees and built 83 houses • Launched West Hills at age 33 to build in suburban neighborhoods. Completed 65 houses last year and plans to deliver 120 homes for a subdivision in 2017 • Invited to join Portland’s Residential Infill Stakeholder Advisory Committee; advocated for rezoning historically narrow lots to allow for affordable housing and to establish a Housing Opportunity Overlay Zone in select areas of the city 

Off the Clock

• Watching brother Mike play for the Carolina Panthers and second cousin Jeff Ament play bass for Pearl Jam

Secret Life

• Walk-on basketball forward at OSU 

Rich Robinson, 37

VP

Member Rebate Program

Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.

Education

• BA, Corporate Communication, Business Administration minor, College of Charleston

Accomplishments

• Chosen to be part of the leadership team for the inaugural NAHB Young Professional Committee • Helped expand its recruitment and engagement toolkit by creating a blueprint for local associations to create their own young professionals groups • Helped develop the committee’s first award program • Founded the Young Professional Council for the New Jersey Builders Association • Grew company from infancy in 2002 to a national HBA member benefit, providing builders and remodelers—regardless of their volume—with the same rebate from manufacturers that the top five builders receive 

Extracurricular

• Second vice chair of NAHB Young Professional Committee • Shore Builders Association of Central NJ

Tessa Smith, 30

Principal & co-owner

The Artisans Group

Olympia, Wash.

Education

• ATA, Computer Aided Drafting, South Puget Sound Community College; BLA, Sustainable Architecture and Fine Art, The Evergreen State College

Accomplishments

• Completing a grueling and  nontraditional path to become a licensed architect and subsequently produced work that won national accolades and played a major role in revitalizing downtown Olympia • Became a certified Passive House consultant at age 22 and led the company in building highly energy-efficient homes during the recession 

Extracurricular

• Guest building science and architecture lecturer at local schools and colleges • Volunteer for literacy programs and dog walker for animal shelter • Company sponsors numerous outreaches to homeless 

Off the Clock

• Building custom furniture • Learning to play the fiddle

Lara Swanson, 36

Division VP

Meritage Homes

Delray Beach, Fla.

Education

• BS, Civil Engineering; MS, Civil Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning minor, University of Florida

Accomplishments

• Launching Meritage’s new-home building division in South Florida • Helped grow the company’s Orlando division by acquiring 4,200 lots while working as director and eventually as vice president of land acquisition from 2012 to 2015 • Rode a train through the New River Gorge in West Virginia while working as a design and construction manager for CSX Transportation 

Extracurricular

 • Math tutor at local high school • Women in STEM mentoring program 

Off the Clock

• Rebuilt a Volkswagen bug for her first, second, and third car 

Secret Life

• Ballet dancer who once performed with The Royal Ballet of Great Britain

Andrew Travars, 29

Design/Build Project Manager

Stanton Homes

Apex, N.C.

Education

• AA, Wake Technical Community College; pursuing architecture degree at NC State University

Professional credentials 

• Aging-in-place specialist

Accomplishments

• Joined Stanton 10 years ago with no building experience and became senior employee and recognized innovator in designing floor plans from scratch, project management, and customer relationship building • Instrumental in company receiving two Best of Houzz awards for design and client satisfaction • Introduced Tech Tours where he takes potential clients though a house in progress to explain the construction process

Extracurricular

• Pro bono remodeling for needy families and building playgrounds

Secret Life

• Won national competition by building a Jaws-inspired boat

Daniel Whitehurst, 32

Partner

Ten Oaks Homes

Fallston, Md.

Education

• BA, Mount St. Mary’s University; MS Real Estate, Johns Hopkins University

Accomplishments

• Teaching graduate real estate finance at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies • Started a real estate firm with two partners in 2014 and has since acquired 190 lots for development and 30 rental properties • Started custom home builder sized to deliver a dozen homes per year • Developed algorithms: one calculates the construction cost of custom-built homes so design can be modified to fit customer’s budget; another scores land development opportunities

Extracurricular

• Arrow Child & Family Ministries • Mystery Toys“R”Us Santa for six families 

Secret Life

• Dressed as Santa and proposed to Meghan, a former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, during a game