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2023 GCBX Board of Directors


CHAIRMAN 

CHUCK JACOBSON ~ AQUA PLUMBING & AIR




Immediate Past CHAIRMAN 

MARK T. FREEMAN  ~ MCINTYRE ELWELL & STRAMMER GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Mark Freeman is the President and one of the shareholders of McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors, a Sarasota-based commercial construction company founded in 1987. Mark started with ME&S immediately after earning his Master of Building Construction degree from the University of Florida in 1998 and has been a corporate officer since 2008. Mark also holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and has been a licensed Florida contractor since 2000.

Mark has been responsible for providing Construction Management services on hundreds of projects including Skilled Nursing Facilities, Schools, Churches, Retail Buildings, Warehouses, Offices, Grocery Stores, and various other types of Commercial Buildings.

Mark and his wife, Stacy, are the proud parents of three children at UF and they spend much of their free time in Gainesville supporting Gator athletics. Mark is very involved in supporting numerous community and industry organizations including serving as an Executive Board Member for both the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange and the Manatee Education Foundation. Mark also serves on the University of Florida M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management Industry Advisory Board.

CHAIRMAN-elect

BRETT 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. 


VICE CHAIRMAN

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!

TREASURER
Bill North, Jr. ~ HBK CPAs & Consultants

Bill is a Principal in the Sarasota, Florida office of Hill, Barth & King LLC (HbK). He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1998 and joined HbK in 2009.
Bill has extensive experience in the areas of taxation and business consulting for the construction industry. In 2005, he became a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional. Bill also provides tax and accounting services to various closely-held businesses as well as individuals.
Education
  • B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida
  • Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional
Professional/Civic Associations
  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Member, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)
  • Board Member, FICPA
  • Member, Sarasota and Manatee County Home Builders
  • Member, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
  • Member, Sertoma Club of Sarasota
  • Member, Construction Financial Management Association
  • Treasurer, Argus Foundation

sECRETARY 

jOHN WISEMAN ~ JP Wiseman Construction Services LLC

Founder & 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.


Ex Officio Board Member 

John Brown ~ Attorney's Title Fund Services, LLC

Mr. 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.

2023 Board of Directors

Brian Leaver ~ Tandem Construction

Darrell Turner ~ Turner Business Development, LLC

David Karins ~ Karins Engineering Group

Jesse Hostetler ~ JHM Construction

John E. Brown, Esq. ~ Attorneys' Title Fund Services

Mary Forristall ~ Forristall Enterprises, Inc.

Maurice Opstal ~ Stellar Development, Inc.

Mike Bennett

Paul Stehle ~ Climatic Conditioning Company, Inc.   

Russ Bobbitt ~ Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency

Steve Padgett ~ Harvard Jolly/ PBK

Steve Panagiotakis ~ Bright Future Electric

Tom Rees ~ Halfacre Construction Company


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