Our Team
Our team members are our biggest strength and most important asset. We believe in hiring and retaining the best talent through generous incentives, ongoing training, and opportunity for growth. Our team’s dedication to customer satisfaction is one of the major reasons we are the premier design and renovation company in the Brandywine Valley.
Joe
President
As President of First State Building & Design, Joe lives and breathes carpentry and construction. He started the company back in 2006 and has transformed it into the business it is today – a growing full-service home renovation company that designs and builds custom-crafted exterior and interior spaces. All with a customer-first approach. From meeting with clients to getting his hands dirty in the field, Joe continues to put his passion into what he loves.
Nancy
Vice President of Operations and Interior Design Divisional Manager
Nancy oversees all staffing and day-to-day office activities of the office, as well as key departments including marketing, sales, production, and customer service. As the team leader for the Interiors division, she manages all aspects of our interior design projects including initial consultations, proposals, production, and planning to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
Todd
Vice President of Sales
Todd joins First State Building & Design as the Sales Director, bringing over 25 years of sales management experience and a strong construction and home improvement background. With 15+ years in the industry, Todd is committed to helping clients complete their dream projects through expert guidance and a customer-first approach. For Todd, there’s nothing better than seeing a happy client with a job well done, and his passion for delivering excellence aligns perfectly with First State Building & Design’s mission. His leadership and dedication ensure that every homeowner’s journey is smooth, informed, and rewarding.
Ray
Project Consultant
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Ray Sundo brings five years of experience in home renovation sales, helping homeowners bring their dream projects to life. A graduate of J.R. Masterman and Saint Joseph’s University, Ray is passionate about guiding clients through the remodeling process, ensuring they feel confident and excited about their investment. He looks forward to contributing to the growth of First State Building & Design by connecting homeowners with high-quality, customized renovation solutions. Now living in Glen Mills, Ray enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children, Olivia and Owen. When he’s not helping clients transform their homes, you can find him cheering on his kids at their sporting events or spending time with the family’s beloved pets—a dog and two cats.
Jennifer
Project Consultant
A longtime West Chester resident, Jennifer has called the area home for 26 years. With a background in Art Therapy from Bowling Green State University and years of experience in the home remodeling industry, Jennifer is passionate about transforming houses into spaces homeowners can truly feel proud of. She enjoys the diversity of projects at First State Building & Design, from intricate interior renovations to stunning exterior transformations.
Outside of work, Jennifer loves spending time with her husband and three kids. A creative spirit at heart, she enjoys gardening, reading, and exploring artistic projects that fuel her passion for design. Whether she’s helping clients reimagine their homes or working on her own creative endeavors, Jennifer brings a thoughtful and artistic touch to everything she does.
Eli
Project Consultant
Originally born in Tennessee, and raised in Colorado, Eli brings over 8 years of construction experience and 4 years in sales to his role at First State Building & Design. As a high school graduate he studied Geology and then developed a deep appreciation for building and design—he enjoys being involved in every aspect of the construction process, especially planning and design.
Eli is excited to take on a new challenge with FSBD, looking forward to a more hands-on role in a detailed, customer-focused sales environment. He brings energy, curiosity, and a strong work ethic to every project he’s part of.
Eli enjoys life with his significant other, their daughter and their dog, Bear. In his spare time, you’ll likely find him golfing, fishing, or enjoying anything that gets him outdoors.
Tony
Project Consultant
Michael
Project Consultant
Michael is a Wilmington, Delaware native who brings four years of hands-on construction experience to his new role in sales at First State Building & Design. A graduate of McKean High School, Michael continued his education at Delaware Tech and later pursued studies at Drexel University, focusing on Industrial Engineering and earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
With a strong background across all aspects of home improvement, Michael is passionate about helping homeowners enhance the function, beauty, and long-term value of their spaces. He’s excited to begin this next chapter of his career at First State Building & Design, a growing company known for exceptional craftsmanship and phenomenal results.
Outside of work, Michael is a dedicated family man, married with a 17-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. He enjoys mountain biking, yard work, helping others, and creating lasting family experiences. He’s also a fan of sports and Formula 1 racing. Known for being organized and process-oriented, Michael is always looking for ways to improve and deliver the best possible experience for his clients.
Sunitha
Designer
With nearly two decades of experience in design/build remodeling and a strong foundation in fine arts, Sunitha brings a unique perspective to her role at First State Building & Design.Sunitha’s expertise in interior design, custom cabinetry, and realistic 3D renderings ensures that every project is infused with both creativity and precision. She believes that great design is more than aesthetics—it’s about creating environments that reflect personality, function, and beauty.
Sunitha finds the most rewarding part of her work when she sees her designs come to life as clients enjoy the finished results. At First State Building & Design, she’s excited to collaborate with a talented team, combining her eye for design with the company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation.
Currently residing in Delaware, she enjoys creating culinary and fine art projects in her spare time. Her blend of creativity, technical skill, and team-oriented mindset makes her an integral asset to the First State Building & Design design team.
Kent
Designer
Originally from Roslyn, Pennsylvania, Kent brings over 15 years of experience in interior design and project management to his role at First State Building & Design. A graduate of Abington High School and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Kent studied Interior Design and has built a career around transforming creative ideas into functional, beautiful spaces.
Kent finds the most rewarding part of his work to be seeing his designs come to life and watching clients enjoy the finished results. At First State Building & Design, he’s excited to collaborate with a talented team, combining his eye for design with the company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation.
Now living in Philadelphia, PA, Kent enjoys staying active at the gym and playing rugby in his spare time. His blend of creativity, technical skill, and team-oriented mindset makes him an integral part of the First State Building & Design design team.
Madhushree
Junior Designer
Madhushree is an architectural designer originally from Nagpur, India, now based in Philadelphia, PA. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from IDEAS, Nagpur, and went on to pursue her Master’s degree at Drexel University. With over a year of combined professional and internship experience, she brings a strong foundation in design along with a passion for creativity and innovation.
She particularly enjoys developing new ideas and seeing them come to life through thoughtful design. Madhushree values the structured and efficient work environment at First State Building & Design, where clearly defined roles allow for seamless collaboration and execution.
Outside of work, she enjoys sketching and illustration, using art as a way to explore and express her creativity. While her family remains in India, her brother lives in New York, keeping her closely connected to both home and her life in the U.S. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow and contribute as part of the First State Building & Design team.
Kevin
Junior Designer
Kevin is a Glen Mills, Pennsylvania native who brings creativity and enthusiasm to the design process at First State Building & Design. A graduate of Bayard Rustin High School, Kevin went on to study Landscape Architecture at Delaware Valley University, where he developed a strong foundation in thoughtful, functional design.
Kevin has two years of combined experience in the design and construction field, including time spent freelancing and completing internships, as well as working in interior renovation. Through these experiences, he has developed a passion for transforming ideas into beautiful, functional spaces. He especially enjoys the design phase of projects, where creativity and problem-solving come together to produce a final result that is both satisfying and inspiring.
At First State Building & Design, Kevin values the company’s family-oriented culture and collaborative environment, and he is excited to grow alongside the team. He is particularly looking forward to expanding his skills and becoming proficient in new design software as he continues developing his craft.
Kevin currently lives in Glen Mills with his grandparents. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym and has recently picked up golf, embracing any opportunity to stay active and spend time outdoors.
Kelly
Showroom Manager
Kelly is the first friendly face you see when you stop into our main showroom on Wilmington Pike. As showroom manager, she oversees the appearance and inventory of the showroom (among many other duties). And if you contact our office, it is Kelly’s voice you will traditionally hear first — reinforcing our philosophy of a personalized (human) experience.
Suzanne
Customer Relations Manager
Suzanne grew up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, before moving to West Chester in 1996, where she now resides. A graduate of Carlisle High School and West Chester University, Suzanne studied Speech Communications and has built a career spanning nearly two decades.
She finds great fulfillment in helping people find solutions to their challenges and enjoys the problem-solving aspect of her work. At First State Building & Design, Suzanne is excited about the opportunity to immerse herself in a new environment, learn the industry, and contribute to the company’s growth and success.
Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband, and their two four-legged “kids”—a dog and a cat. She is passionate about volunteering with To Love a Canine Rescue, crafting, and tackling projects around the house. Suzanne is eager to embark on this new chapter and looks forward to the journey ahead.
Anne
Executive Assistant
Born and raised in Newark, Delaware, Anne brings over 10 years of experience and a strong background in business to her role at First State Building & Design. A graduate of Howard High School of Technology and Delaware County Community College, Anne has built her career around connecting with people and creating meaningful client relationships.
Anne enjoys the people-focused nature of her work, meeting homeowners, understanding their goals, and helping them take the next step toward transforming their spaces. At First State Building & Design, she’s most excited about the opportunity to learn a new side of the business and contribute to the company’s continued growth and success.
Now living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Anne is a proud mom of five children, three boys and two girls, and a grandmother to one granddaughter. Her home is also shared with a dog named Rocco and a cat named Nylo. In her free time, Anne loves reading, watching sports, and spending time outdoors. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication make her a valued part of the First State Building & Design team.
Jonathan
Marketing Coordinator
Jonathan joins First State Building & Design with a strong background in marketing, graphic design, and web design. Originally from Newtown Square, PA, and now living in Wayne, he studied entrepreneurship at Eastern University. Jonathan is passionate about blending creativity with strategy, he is excited to be part of a growing team where he can apply his expertise. From a young age, he spent hours working in different graphic software, fueling his love for design. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his close-knit family, including his father, mother, and brother.
Ron
Computer-Assisted Design
Ron initially joined our team as a lead carpenter, honing his master carpenter skills to perfection. Now he leverages that expertise as our Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) professional. In this role, he creates all the structural and technical drawings for our exterior projects.
Matthew
CAD Technician & Field Surveyor
Originally from Drexel Hill, PA, Matthew brings over 11 years of construction management experience and a passion for turning vision into reality. A graduate of Upper Darby High School and Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he studied Residential Construction Technology and earned an associate degree in Architectural Technology, Matthew excels at problem solving and bringing 2D drawings to life with precision and creativity.
He was drawn to First State Building & Design because of its commitment to helping clients realize their dreams through thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. In addition to his love for drafting, design, and industry research, Matthew enjoys attending trade shows to stay on the cutting edge of construction trends.
Outside of work, Matthew values spending quality time with his wife, Lindsey, to whom he’s been married for five years, as well as enjoying time with family.
Ben
Permit & Purchasing Manager
Ben brings a strong focus on customer satisfaction as First State Building & Design’s Permit & Purchasing Coordinator. His dedication to enhancing efficiency is fueled by his high energy and drive to provide an excellent project experience for our clients. Ben’s enthusiasm makes him a valuable addition to the First State Building & Design team.
Christian
Pre-production Manager
Born and raised in New Jersey, Christian brings over 24 years of experience in residential construction to First State Building & Design. A graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and Valley Forge Military College, where he studied Criminal Justice, Christian learned the trades from his father and has spent his career mastering every aspect of the building process.
Christian enjoys that no two projects are ever the same, each one presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, grow, and create something unique. He’s excited to be part of First State Building & Design, where he values the company’s collaborative culture and the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that allow him to expand his knowledge and contribute to the company’s continued success.
Now living in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Christian has been married for 13 years and is a proud father of two daughters, Emma (12) and Kaley (9). His family also includes two beloved dogs—a Blue Heeler and a Golden Retriever. Outside of work, Christian loves tackling home renovation projects, traveling with his family, watching his daughters play sports, and skiing. He also hopes to get back into volunteer firefighting, something he was passionate about before moving.
Jen
Accounting Manager
A Delaware native, Jennifer brings over 10 years of experience in managing finances and ensuring operational efficiency. She holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in National Security from Rutgers University, along with additional studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Jennifer thrives on managing finances and seeing direct, measurable results from her work, and she takes pride in keeping projects on track behind the scenes.
At First State Building & Design, Jennifer is excited to expand her knowledge of home improvements while seeing client satisfaction firsthand. She values the opportunity to be part of a collaborative, growth-focused team.
Married for 20 years, Jennifer is a proud mom to two children and a loving caretaker to their three cats. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching NASCAR. She’s grateful for the opportunity to bring her skills and dedication to First State Building and Design’s mission of delivering exceptional results
Alexia
Accounts Payable Specialist
A lifelong local, PA resident, Alexia brings over 30 years of experience to her role, offering a deep well of knowledge and reliability. A graduate of Penn State with a degree in Liberal Arts, Alexia has built a career doing what truly suits her—providing structure, support, and consistency behind the scenes. She’s excited to be part of the First State Building & Design team, drawn to the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that sets the company apart.
Outside of work, Alexia enjoys staying active through exercise and hiking, and she loves winding down with a good movie. Whether she’s organizing workflows or exploring nature trails, Alexia brings dedication and balance to everything she does.
Donna
Staff Accountant
Cindy
Phantom Screen Coordinator
Retractable Phantom Screens represent one of our top product lines. Cindy is an integral part of that business, handling all facets of the operation from sales, quotes, and project scheduling for our clients.
Dave
Phantom Screens Installer
Installing a Phantom Screen may sound like a simple endeavor but there is a real science to it. As our main Phantom installer, Dave is involved in almost every screen installation for our far-reaching service region, making sure they operate to maximum efficiency.
Matt
Vice President, Pre-Production
As Vice President of Pre-Production, Matt manages all production aspects of our home renovation projects including our daily working crews and subcontractors with an emphasis on maintaining our high standards of quality in both workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Michael
Project Manager
Michael brings over 35 years of hands-on and managerial experience in construction, home renovation, and historic restoration. Starting his career framing houses and restoring historic homes, he gained extensive knowledge in building, customer satisfaction, and teamwork under the guidance of a national builder. Michael thrives on seeing clients happy with their completed projects and loves the daily variety and challenges that come with the job. As he joins First State Building & Design, Michael is excited to contribute to a growing organization focused on customer satisfaction and teamwork.
Tom
Vice President, Construction
Tom brings over 30 years of experience in construction and architecture to his role as VP of Construction at First State Building & Design. Tom holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Bachelor’s in Architecture, and a Master of Architecture, with education from Georgetown Prep, Mount Saint Mary’s University, and The Catholic University of America.
Tom thrives in environments where no two days are the same, and he enjoys the constant problem-solving and variety that come with leading complex construction projects. He was drawn to FSBD for its forward momentum and the opportunity to take on new challenges with a strong, passionate team.
Tom is married and spends his free time pursuing creative and adventurous hobbies including photography, music, and riding motorcycles.
Josh
Project Manager
Originally from New Jersey and now living in Pennsylvania, Josh brings more than 25 years of experience in architectural design and construction to First State Building & Design. A graduate of Twin Valley High School and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where he studied Architectural Design, he has built a career rooted in craftsmanship, precision, and thoughtful planning.
What Josh enjoys most about his work is seeing a project through to completion—especially the moment when homeowners see their vision fully realized. He takes pride in helping clients turn ideas into finished spaces that reflect their lifestyle and dreams.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. In his free time, he loves golfing and getting out on his bike whenever he can. His experience, passion for design, and dedication to client satisfaction make him a valued member of the First State Building & Design team.
Tom
Project Manager
Thomas is a lifelong resident of Lower Moreland in Huntingdon Valley, PA, and a proud graduate of Lower Moreland High School. With more than 30 years of industry experience, he brings deep knowledge, steady leadership, and a true passion for construction to every project he’s involved in.
Thomas especially enjoys seeing a project evolve from concept to completion — watching ideas take shape and ultimately come to life. He thrives on the daily challenges that come with delivering high-quality work and is committed to bringing every project across the finish line on time and within budget.
Married with two children, Marcus and Danielle, Thomas values time with his family just as much as time on the jobsite. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf with friends and making the most of every opportunity to be with those closest to him.
Harry
Project Manager
Harry brings more than 30 years of construction experience and over 25 years of leadership to First State Building & Design. Originally from Glenolden, PA, and now residing in Malvern, PA, Harry is a proud graduate of Interboro High School and Drexel University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering.
Throughout his career, Harry has combined technical expertise with hands-on field experience, leading teams and projects with precision and integrity. He thrives at the intersection of technology and construction, enjoying the balance of office strategy and on-site execution. His passion for leading and teaching—particularly when it comes to new technology and evolving building methods—has helped foster growth within teams and drive successful project outcomes.
Harry is motivated by opportunity: the opportunity to mentor others, to innovate, and to continually improve both processes and results.
Outside of work, Harry is a devoted husband and father of five. He also serves as a Scout leader, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship, community involvement, and developing the next generation of leaders.
Josh
Project Manager
Josh, originally from Elk Neck, Maryland and now residing in Oxford, Pennsylvania, brings over 20 years of hands-on experience to his craft. After studying design, art, and drafting at Cecil College, he developed a strong foundation that continues to shape his work today.
He thrives on the creative and technical challenges each project presents, taking pride in building strong relationships with clients and transforming their ideas into thoughtfully designed spaces. For Josh, the most rewarding part of his work is not just the finished product, but the process of creating something meaningful and lasting.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys staying active through running, mountain biking, and hiking—often alongside his rescue dog.
Cole
Assistant Project Manager
Originally from New York City, Cole brings 15 years of engineering and construction experience to First State Building & Design. A graduate of Unionville High School, Cole studied Engineering and has spent his career mastering the technical and creative aspects of construction—transforming ideas into reality through precision and problem-solving.
Cole thrives on variety, enjoying the fact that no two days are ever the same. He finds fulfillment in learning new things and tackling fresh challenges with each project. At First State Building & Design, he looks forward to expanding his knowledge and continuing to grow both personally and professionally within a supportive, collaborative team environment.
Now residing in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Cole enjoys life with his wife and their three children, ages 8, 4, and just 7 weeks old. Outside of work, he loves woodworking, especially building tables and spending time with his family. His passion for craftsmanship and continuous improvement makes him a valuable part of the First State Building & Design team.
Michael
Warehouse & Equipment Manager
Michael is originally from Wilmington, DE and now calls Elkton, MD home. With 21 years of experience and a background in Ag Science and Computer Science from McKeon High School, he brings a unique mix of hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills to the team.
He loves being part of a smaller, privately owned company like First State Building & Design, where he can help build a positive, enjoyable work environment for everyone. When he’s not working, life is anything but quiet—he has three kids and a full house with 2 horses, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 3 parakeets, and over 60 rabbits. In his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and baseball.
Andrew
Carpenter
Andrew brings 32 years of carpentry experience to First State Building & Design. His passion for quality craftsmanship matches his dedication to teaching and mentoring younger team members, ensuring the next generation of builders thrives. Outside of work, Andrew is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys his ongoing quest to perfect the art of homemade pizza dough.
Jonathan
Carpenter
Originally from Maryland, Jonathan brings over a decade of hands-on experience in homebuilding and residential construction. He graduated high school and has always enjoyed working with his hands and takes pride in creating finished spaces that make customers smile.
Now living in Delaware, Jonathan is excited to expand his skill set as part of the First State Building & Design team, contributing to a wide range of projects while continuing to grow in his craft. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his amazing wife, their two dogs, and one cat. He also loves cooking and occasionally gets his hands dirty in the garden.
Bennie
Lead Carpenter
A Philadelphia, PA native, Bennie brings more than 35 years of experience in building and renovations to First State Building & Design. After graduating from Olney High School, he continued his training at D.V.T.S., where he studied building and renovation, building the foundation of a long and successful career.
What Bennie enjoys most about his work is knowing that he’s contributing real value, creating lasting results that improve people’s lives. At First State, he appreciates being part of a company that’s dedicated to delivering quality service and products to its clients, and he looks forward to continuing that mission with his own expertise and craftsmanship.
Outside of work, Bennie considers himself a lifelong student, always eager to learn and grow. He enjoys the journey of continuous improvement, both personally and professionally, and brings that same mindset of curiosity and dedication to everything he does.
David
Lead Carpenter
Originally from Turloughmore, County Galway, Ireland, David brings 12 years of experience to his role at First State Building & Design. Now living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, David studied Business and has built his career with a focus on delivering quality results in construction and project management.
David thrives on being on-site, where he can stay directly involved in the work and ensure that every detail comes together as planned. At First State Building & Design, he values the opportunity to apply his skills in an environment dedicated to craftsmanship, organization, and client satisfaction.
Outside of work, David enjoys watching sports, working, and staying active through workouts. He also appreciates time with his girlfriend, Ciara, and his mother, Rachel Burke. With a passion for both his profession and his personal interests, David is committed to growing as a skilled, hands-on contributor at First State Building & Design.
Frank
Carpenter
Born and raised in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Frank brings 30 years of experience in building and design to First State Building & Design. Educated at Octorara High School and PCCC, Frank studied Building and Design and has dedicated his career to creating structures and detailed craftsmanship that stand the test of time.
What Frank enjoys most about his work is the satisfaction of building something from the ground up—transforming ideas into reality with precision and creativity. At First State, he’s excited to contribute his expertise in a professional, collaborative atmosphere while continuing to grow and add his skills to the team.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his close-knit family and their cat. In his spare time, he has a passion for restoring classic cars, blending his love for hands-on craftsmanship with his appreciation for timeless design.
Ervin
Carpenter
With over 18 years of experience in the construction industry, Ervin loves doing what he does. And his dedication to his craft helps keep our customer satisfaction levels very high.
Josiah
Carpenter
Josiah brings over 6 years of experience to the industry. His drive and dedication make him an invaluable member of our team.
Orion
Carpenter
Orion brings nine years of hands-on experience to his role at First State Building & Design. Originally from Newark, Delaware, Orion now resides in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Middletown High School in Middletown, DE, where he focused his studies on math and science, foundations that continue to support his problem-solving approach on the job today.
Orion is energized by the creative nature of his work, the opportunity to spend time outdoors, and the personal interactions he builds with customers. At First State Building & Design, he most appreciates the strong organization of the team and the fast-paced environment that keeps every day engaging and productive.
Outside of work, Orion is engaged and planning a wedding for next August. Much of his family lives in Florida, and he enjoys visiting whenever he can. In his free time, he loves music production, video gaming, and building LEGO sets, hobbies that blend creativity, focus, and a bit of fun.
Michael
Carpenter
Michael grew up in Darby, Pennsylvania, and now calls Clifton Heights home. He attended Triton High School before beginning what would become more than a decade of hands-on experience in the building and design industry.
With over 10 years of professional expertise, Michael is driven by a genuine love for the work he does. He thrives on tackling real-world challenges, building beautiful and functional spaces, and bringing homeowners’ visions to life. Returning to the type of work he loves most is what excites him most about being part of First State Building & Design.
Family is at the center of Michael’s world, he’s a proud husband and father of three. When he’s not on a project site, you can often find him spending time with his family or relaxing with one of his favorite hobbies: fishing.
Michael brings craftsmanship, experience, and heart to every project, making him a valued member of the First State Building & Design team.
Contact Us
Visit Our Showroom
258 Wilmington Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Areas We Serve
Pennsylvania
Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County
Montgomery County
Delaware
New Castle County
Maryland
Cecil County
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