What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
The biggest misconception about the countertops industry is that countertops are a commodity and price is all that matters. We believe experience, craftsmanship, transparency, and accountability make a huge difference when choosing a countertop company.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Currently our biggest challenge is continuing to win projects at a profitable margin while costs continue to increase and competition continues to drive prices lower. We rely on our relationships and reputation to win jobs, but many times that is not enough.
What keeps you up at night?
Things that are out of our control. We try to focus on what we can control, doing the best job we can in every aspect of our business - quality, safety, craftsmanship, efficiency, and profitability. However, the things outside of our control - increasing material and labor costs, tariffs, competition, are always a concern that keeps me up, and we do all that we can to mitigate those things.
What project is your company most proud of?
There are so many projects over the years that we are very proud to be a part of. The Liberty Harbor East project in 2020 on the Baltimore waterfront was a great project to be a part of. Woodfield Valley Forge in 2018 was our first multi-family project in Pennsylvania. Most recently Wardman Towers in D.C. was our largest project yet, with almost 900 apartment units. Very upscale, custom finishes with seven different packages, it presented a unique challenge. I am really proud of our team and how we handled the challenges and executed to achieve an amazing finished product.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Being an ABC member has opened many doors for us, introducing us to new clients and opportunities, as well as reinforcing our credibility with our clients. ABC has also been a great resource for us for hiring, safety, and management best practices, as well.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A professional athlete. I played several sports and always believed I could make it professionally. That didn't really pan out for me.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
I love to cook. It helps me relax and disconnect from the stress of the day.
What do you look forward to each day?
Getting up and having coffee with my wife, walking the dog and thinking about the day ahead, and seeing my kids off to school. That's usually the best part of my day.
What are you like to work for?
Probably overbearing and annoying at times, but I'm working on that. I try to not micromanage too much. I try to trust the decisions the team makes. I care about our people and try to do the best I can to make everyone feel that they are an important part of what we are doing.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
Artie's in Fairfax is always great, consistent. Usually my kitchen and living room are my hangouts, relaxing and entertaining at home is what I prefer.
What do you do for fun?
I love reading, working out, cooking, eating, and hanging out with my wife and two daughters, and our dog, Duke.
What book are you currently reading?
"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
What was your first job?
Working in the warehouse of a cabinet company, moving cabinets, loading and unloading trucks, and sweeping the floor, I was thirteen when I started and worked there for three summers, while all my friends were at the pool and running around. I hated it, but looking back, the experience was priceless. I am so grateful for that experience.