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
Sales Director
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.
Tony
Project Consultant
Tony has a passion for helping homeowners achieve their dream homes and make educated decisions. His 38 years of sales experience has served to refine and strengthen his knowledge and dedication to the client experience.
Robert
Project Consultant
Robert brings 14 years of experience to First State Building & Design, specializing in helping clients turn their visions into reality. His favorite part of the job is seeing designs come to life and sitting down with clients to help them achieve their dream projects. Outside of work, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, coaching, and traveling. Dedicated to both client satisfaction and company growth, Robert looks forward to helping First State Building & Design expand in the years to come.
Phil
Project Consultant
Phillip joins First State Building & Design as a Project Consultant with over 20 years of experience in landscape design and construction. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Phillip is passionate about helping clients bring their dream spaces to life. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, staying active through exercise, and playing disc golf.
Jeff
Project Consultant
With 35 years of experience in sales, Jeff thrives on building strong relationships and helping clients bring their visions to life. He is excited to work on unique projects and guide customers through the process of creating their dream spaces. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys traveling, fishing, and golfing.
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.
Jonathan
Marketing Associate
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.
Chris
Designer
Chris may have spent the majority of his 30-year career as a graphic designer and web developer, but he has turned that passion into the role of our exterior designer. He is responsible for producing 3-D renderings of our exterior projects, including decks, pavilions, porches, patios, hardscapes, and landscaping.
Kalee
Designer
A member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Kalee is First State Building & Design’s lead interior designer. She serves as the point person for all kitchen and bath remodeling projects. She works with clients from initial consultation and proposal to the design stages and planning of the project, ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way. In her spare time, she also oversees our line of Phantom Screen products.
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.
Ben
Permit & Purchasing Coordinator
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.
Bill
Pre-Production Manager
Bill brings over 27 years of construction management experience to First State Building & Design, driven by a passion for turning dreams into reality. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Bill is eager to contribute his skills to help the company grow and thrive. In his free time, he enjoys boating, remodeling his homes, and spending quality time with his family.
Joe
Logistics Coordinator
Joe brings invaluable experience and energy to the First State Building & Design team as a Logistics Coordinator. He offers a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to delivering on our clients’ vision. Joe’s motivation and friendly demeanor makes him a trusted presence on our construction sites.
Abbie
Chief Financial Officer
Abbie joins First State Building & Design as the Chief Financial Officer, bringing 24 years of experience in financial leadership and expertise in aligning processes and procedures to drive efficiency and success. Passionate about fostering growth, Abbie is eager to immerse herself in First State Building & Design’s culture and contribute to its mission. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking scenic trails, exploring her culinary skills in the kitchen, and spending quality time with her family. Abbie’s dedication and vision make her a valuable addition to the First State Building & Design team.
Tia
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Originally from Dover, Delaware, Tia brings over 20 years of experience in accounting-related work, combining her love for organization with her expertise in financial management. A graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Business & Technical Writing, Tia thrives in structured environments where attention to detail is key. Her passion for efficiency and precision ensures seamless financial operations, contributing to the success of First State Building & Design.
Now residing in Wilmington, Delaware, Tia enjoys spending time with her child and significant other, along with their two cats. Outside of work, she finds relaxation in reading and chasing sunsets while riding on the back of her man’s Harley. Whether she’s balancing numbers or enjoying a good book, Tia brings dedication and structure to everything she does.
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.
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.
Sarah
Phantom Program Manager
Originally from Tennessee, Sarah brings over a decade of experience in coordinating and managing dynamic environments. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she studied Childhood Education and Diversity Education, Sarah thrives in fast-paced work settings where organization and adaptability are key.
Now residing in locally in PA, Sarah loves spending time with her husband, their two children, and two stepchildren. An adventurer at heart, she enjoys traveling and embracing the great outdoors. Whether she’s exploring new destinations or keeping projects on track, Sarah’s enthusiasm and energy make her an invaluable part of our team.
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, Production
As Vice President of 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.
David
Project Manager
Hailing from Northern New Jersey, David brings 25 years of expertise in business construction management, guiding homeowners through every step of their renovation journey. A graduate of James Madison University, David is passionate about integrating the latest technological advancements to improve efficiency and streamline the remodeling process. His ability to blend experience with innovation ensures that every project is handled with precision and care, making homeowners feel confident in their investment.
Now residing in Willow Grove, PA, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Dina, and their three children. An avid soccer enthusiast, he not only coaches but also serves as an executive board member for his local soccer club. When he’s not on the field or helping clients transform their homes, he’s spending quality time with his family and their beloved pets—two dogs and a cat.
Eric
Project Manager
A Downingtown, PA native, Eric has spent over 17 years in the construction industry, bringing passion and expertise to every project he works on. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Business Management, Eric finds fulfillment in physically creating structures that people can enjoy for years to come. His dedication to craftsmanship and quality ensures that every project is built to last. He looks forward to collaborating with a team that shares his enthusiasm for construction and the art of building.
Now living in West Chester, PA, Eric cherishes time with his wife and three kids. An adventurer at heart, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places with his wife, camping with his family, and embracing the outdoors. When he’s not working or spending time with his two dogs, chickens, and guinea pig, he’s hitting the ice to play hockey, snowboarding down the slopes, or playing the drums.
Tom
Lead Carpenter
A resident of Reading, PA, Tom brings over 15 years’ experience in the carpentry business.
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.
Edward
Carpenter
With 30+ years of carpentry experience, Edward, has been in and around construction since high school. He initially did interior finishing work, including drywall, painting, and finishing carpentry. This has expanded into general construction and home renovation, most recently with First State Building & 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.
Brian
Carpenter
Brian brings 20 years of experience to First State Building & Design and enjoys the creative process that goes into each project. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife.
Matt
Carpenter Apprentice
Matt brings four years of carpentry experience and a passion for delivering quality results to First State Building & Design. A graduate of Delcastle Technical High School, he enjoys the fulfillment of completing projects. Outside of work, Matt spends his time drag racing, fishing, cheering for the Eagles, and listening to country music.
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
Memberships
