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2024 GCBX Board of Directors |
CHAIRMANBRETT RAYMAKER ~ WILLIS SMITH CONSTRUCTION Brett Raymaker is a Project Executive and shareholder of Willis Smith Construction, a privately held construction management firm based in Sarasota since 1972. Brett is a graduate of the University of Florida where he earned a degree of Bachelor of Science in Building Construction and has been a Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida since 2007. Brett joined Willis Smith in 2003 and over the years has completed projects that range from educational and healthcare facilities to museums and performing arts venues. Brett and his wife Brigette have a daughter named Brynn. When not working or spending time with his family he is typically found enjoying some golf. | Immediate pAST CHAIRMANCHUCK JACOBSON ~ AQUA PLUMBING & AIR Here at Aqua Plumbing & Air, we take pride in the quality of our company and people. We employ a staff without equal. A team through and through, our professionals uphold NATE-certification, Carrier Factory Authorization and represent a depth of knowledge. With education and training as a priority, we remain current with progressing technology, proprietary protocols, and a widening range of capabilities. When given the opportunity to serve your needs, we earn loyalty through outstanding customer service and results. |
CHAIR-ELECT BURT WHITENIGHT ~ SERVICE CONTRACTING SOLUTIONS Burt Whitenight has been in the painting and waterproofing industry for over 30 years. He draws from a broad knowledge base and diversified business background that serves him well in providing clients with a professional and thorough product. After attending the State University of New York, Burt earned his Certification in Concrete Repair through the International Concrete Repair Institute and has received several other industry certifications. His vast knowledge and experience stem from when he first began his career working at a local, regional paint manufacturer and distributor, Flex Bon Paints. He started as an Assistant Manager and steadily climbed the ladder to become the Regional Sales Manager for Flex Bon Paints; he then stayed with the company for another three and half years during the acquisition/integration by Sherwin Williams Company. After learning the industry's product, technical, and application side, he took his skills and experience to Service Contracting Solutions (SCS). He entered a new role as a Project Manager. He became the Regional Manager for a tri-county area just two years later. In 2013, he became the Executive Vice President of the company. Burt has experience with numerous project areas, including large-scale municipal, high-rise condominiums, commercial, industrial, etc. As the Executive Vice President of SCS, Burt dedicates most of his time leading the sales team and sharing his knowledge and experience with the Project Managers, Estimators, and Business Development. He values strong leadership, continuously learning and improving, and strives to provide opportunities to those around him. Burt uplifts the company with his infectious spirit and hardworking demeanor. He currently serves in many capacities for multiple organizations, including as a Board Member for Gulf Coast Builders Exchange and a member of the Sarasota FL-based Argus Foundation. In addition to this, Burt provided leadership as a board member with the local chapters of PDCA, ICRI, and CSI in the past. Burt and his wife, Kris, are the parents of three wonderful children, Amber, Jacob, and Sienna; and recently grandparents to one very special little boy, Benjamin. When he isn't working or spending time with his family, you can find Burt out on the golf course, shooting sporting clays, or smoking some of his famous BBQ! | VICE cHAIRMANjOHN WISEMAN ~ JP Wiseman Construction Services LLCFounder & CEO John P. Wiseman, former President of one of Florida’s largest Construction Companies, John Wiseman has spent his entire career in the construction industry. John started his Construction career as a Project Manager. Then, from 1988-1991, he served as the Director of Operations and was significant in the development of Construction, as a leading contractor in the South and Central Florida markets. John became President and a shareholder in 1992. He was the company’s visionary leader, shaping its future and providing guidance for continued growth and success — especially in developing Integrated Project Delivery methods. John’s leadership and development skills were critical in his active involvement within several Florida communities. John’s contributions to growth within the State of Florida affirm his commitment to excellence and his diversified leadership abilities. |
TREASURER Bill North, Jr. ~ WEN Services llc.Bill is a semi-retired Certified Public Accountant and does consulting through his firm WEN Services LLC. He is a retired partner from accounting firm HBK CPAS and Consultants which is a top 100 CPA firm in the United States with offices in Florida and the Northeast. Bill provides tax and business consulting for the construction industry.
Professional/Civic Associations:
| SECRETARY TOM REES ~ HALFACRE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Tom Rees is Vice President and Partner of Halfacre Construction Company, a privately held Construction Management Firm based in Sarasota since 1970. Tom is a Sarasota native, graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota. After high school, Tom left the area to attend Niagara University in Lewiston, NY where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and was a scholarship tennis player there. Upon finishing school, Tom returned to the Sarasota area and joined Halfacre Construction Company in 2004. During his tenure at Halfacre Construction, Tom has been involved with all aspects of the commercial construction industry, including field supervision, project management, estimating, project executive roles and business development. Over the last twenty years Tom has completed a wide variety of educational, government, commercial and private projects. Tom has been a Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida since 2011. Tom and his wife Bridgette have three children: Brody, William and Charlotte. When Tom is not working, he is involved coaching his children’s sports teams, enjoying boating, and playing tennis. |
Ex Officio Board MemberJohn Brown ~ Attorney's Title Fund Services, LLCMr. Brown is a Florida board certified attorney in real estate and a member of both the Florida and Kentucky Bars. He earned his J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1981. Prior to joining the Fund, Mr. Brown has represented national retailers in purchase contract negotiations, leasing, site evaluation, engineering, permitting, land use, environmental evaluation and compliance, survey review, title and closing. He has represented private and public companies negotiating the terms of operational and construction financing. He has represented governmental entities through closing on multiple land parcel exchanges and during the issuance of municipal bonds for utility financing. His practice also included structuring and consummating 1031 exchanges, joint development projects, cellular tower site evaluation and closings, hotel project development and closings and a variety of commercial due diligence efforts. Mr. Brown is a member of the Real Property Probate and Trust Section of the Florida Bar, NAIOP, CREW Tampa Bay and the International Council of Shopping Centers. |