Decker Construction

ABOUT US

Decker Construction is a trusted commercial construction partner serving North and Central Florida from our offices in Gainesville and Lakeland (CGC 1522815).

We provide Construction Management at Risk (CMAR), General Contracting, Design-Build, Preconstruction and Consulting Services and Plumbing & Mechanical Infrastructure for clients across higher education, healthcare, municipal, commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. From new construction and renovations to complex facility upgrades and occupied-space projects, our experienced team delivers thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, and proactive communication from concept through completion.

Our mission is simple: build lasting relationships while delivering exceptional projects that strengthen the communities we serve. 

OUR MISSION

BUILDING QUALITY for LIFE

OUR VALUES

Guided by GUIDES

At Decker Construction, our values are more than words—they shape every decision we make, every relationship we build, and every project we deliver. Guided by our GUIDES principles, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for our clients, supporting our employees and trade partners, and strengthening the communities we serve.

GRIT

We approach every challenge with determination, resilience, and a solutions-focused mindset. From complex renovations to fast-paced commercial projects, we remain committed to overcoming obstacles while delivering quality results safely and efficiently

UNITY

Successful projects are built through collaboration. We foster strong partnerships with our clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, and one another, working as one team with a shared commitment to excellence

INTEGRITY

Integrity is the foundation of everything we do. We communicate openly, honor our commitments, and conduct business with honesty, accountability, and respect—earning trust through every interaction.

DEDICATION

We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service from concept through completion. Every project receives our full attention, proactive communication, and unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations.

 

EXCELLENCE

Quality is never an accident. It is achieved through thoughtful planning, skilled craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and attention to every detail. We pursue excellence because our clients deserve nothing less.

 

SAFETY

Safety is our highest priority. We are committed to protecting our employees, trade partners, clients, and the public by fostering a culture where every individual is empowered to work safely and return home each day.

 

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

BUILDING QUALITY FOR LIFE SINCE 1931.

 

More Than Four Generations of Construction. Four Generations of Trust.

Since 1931, our family has helped shape communities across Florida through quality commercial construction. What began with J.L. Ewell Construction has evolved through four generations of family leadership into what is now Decker Construction—a company built on relationships, accountability, and a commitment to doing the right thing.

While the industry has changed dramatically over the past nine decades, our foundation has not. We believe the best projects are built through collaboration, transparency, and a relentless commitment to quality from the first conversation through final completion.

Today, Decker Construction proudly serves clients throughout North and Central Florida from offices in Gainesville and Lakeland. As a full-service commercial construction manager and general contractor, we partner with owners across healthcare, higher education, research, municipal, commercial, industrial, hospitality, and specialty facilities to deliver projects that strengthen the communities they serve.

Built on Experience. Driven by Relationships.

Construction is about far more than schedules, budgets, and buildings.

Every project represents someone’s vision, investment, mission, and future. Whether renovating an occupied healthcare facility, modernizing a university laboratory, or constructing a new commercial space, we recognize the responsibility our clients place in us.

That responsibility shapes everything we do.

Our team works alongside owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to identify opportunities early, solve challenges proactively, and keep projects moving safely and efficiently. We believe communication is just as important as craftsmanship, and that successful projects are built through trust long before concrete is poured.

Construction Management That Creates Value

Our expertise extends well beyond building.

Through comprehensive preconstruction planning, estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, budgeting, value engineering, and project management, we help clients make informed decisions at every stage of the construction process.

From Design-Build and Construction Management to General Contracting and Mechanical & Plumbing Infrastructure, our integrated approach allows us to deliver solutions that reduce risk, improve efficiency, and maximize long-term value.

We don’t simply build projects—we help clients achieve their goals.

Guided by Our Values

Everything we do is rooted in our GUIDES Values:

Grit — We persevere through challenges.

Unity — We succeed together.

Integrity — We do what’s right, even when no one is watching.

Dedication — We are committed to every client and every project.

Excellence — We pursue quality in every detail.

Safety — Everyone deserves to go home safely every day.

These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we serve our clients and communities.

Looking Forward While Honoring Our Legacy

Our story began in 1931, but we are focused on what’s next.

As construction continues to evolve, so do we. By embracing technology, investing in our people, expanding our presence throughout Florida, and continually improving how we deliver projects, Decker Construction remains committed to providing exceptional service for generations to come.

We’re proud of where we’ve been.

We’re even more excited about where we’re going.

KEVIN CASASNOVAS

Project Manager

Education/Experience:

  • B.S. Civil Engineering – University of Florida
  • 5 years of project management experience

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

  • Construction Quality Management for Contractors, USACE, 2018
  • OSHA 30
  • Procore Certified, Core Tools
  • American Heart Association Infant, Child and Adult, First Aid CPR AED Certified, 2019

Hobbies:

  • Target shooting
  • Trails Riding

Highlighted Projects:

  • MP06973 FL Gym RM 250 Renovations, 2022
  • MP07419 Stetson RM MG-43 Renovation, 2022
  • Rebuild Egmont Channel RRL & FRL USCG St. Petersburg, FL, 2021

Most Proud Of:

My career of delivering quality spaces to clients over the last 5 years.

ASHLYN CONRAD

Project Engineer

JIM DECKER

Sr. Project Manager - Hospitality, Special Projects

Key Skills

Construction Management | Project Management | Estimating | Budgeting | Procurement | Strategic Planning | Team Leadership | Cost Analysis | Quality Assurance | Safety | Hospitality Management

EXPERIENCE

Extended Stay America (Remote)

Regional Construction Manager (2018-2024)

  • Managed construction of 5 prototype hotels from start to completion.
  • Led repairs/maintenance for 600+ hotels, saving $1.5M-$2M over 20 months.
  • Developed ProTrack tool for competitive bidding on roof/parking lot projects.

Lendlease, LLC (Remote)

Project Manager II (2012-2017)

  • Managed hotel renovations and new builds for Intercontinental Hotel Group.
  • Completed renovations on 100+ hotels on time and under budget.
  • Created cost-estimation tool, improving sales team accuracy by 5%.

J.E. Decker Construction Group (Gainesville, FL)

Consultant/Qualifier (2012-2023)

  • Developed business model for nationwide low-cost shingle roof replacement.
  • Provided project management for home and business roof replacements.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • James E. Decker Construction (President, 1995-2010)
  • Lakeland Hotel Partners (Managing General Partner, 1985-2005)
  • L. Ewell Construction (President, 1981-1994)
  • US Navy (Engineering Watch Supervisor, 1970-1978)

EDUCATION 

  • Carl Matthew’s School of Construction
  • S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion and Engineering Schools
  • University of Florida (Attended)

CERTIFICATIONS

  • OSHA 30
  • Florida Certified General Contractor
  • Nuclear Plant Operator (US Navy)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft 365 | Procore | ProTrack (Quickbase) | Excel | Microsoft Project

AFFILIATIONS

  • American Arbitration Association
  • Vice-President, Association of Sheraton Owners North America (1996-2000)

JUSTIN DECKER

Project Manager

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Florida, 2004
  • 12+ years in the construction industry
  • 8+ years as a project manager

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

  • OSHA 10-hour certification
  • CPR Training

Hobbies:

Boating, cooking, and playing with my kids.

Highlighted Projects:

  • SVN Headquarters Interior/Exterior Office Renovation Project:
    • Fully renovated the exterior and interior of the two existing buildings.
    • Highly detailed project that included the addition of two new Nanawall operable glass partitions, new elevator, new storefront façade set in structural steel framing, custom Cypress beams with LED uplighting, stained wood trim and doors, and a complex lighting and lighting control package, amongst other building elements.
  • AquaCal Building 10 Addition:
    • Design Build project adding a new 28,000 SF building between two existing buildings, comprised of a 1st floor warehouse with three dock levelers and overhead doors, and 2nd floor office spaces.
    • Exterior of the building featured insulated architectural metal panels and decorative steel columns.
    • Interior spaces featured metal ceiling panels, skylights for natural light, several stacked stone walls, and interior storefront.

Most Proud Of:

  • Professionally, working on some very challenging and unique projects, helping to bring them to a successful completion, and the knowledge acquired during them, is something I take great pride in.
  • Personally, I got married and now have two wonderful kids.

CHERISH DECKER

Project Engineer

KRIS TERHORST

General Superintendent

Education/Experience:

  • Graduate of SFC Carpentry Apprenticeship Program 2009
  • 20 years Construction Experience; 10 years Construction Management Experience
  • Started in Construction doing side jobs with his father who was a Carpenter and has been growing his skill set ever since. 

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

  • CPR/First Aid Certified
  • OSHA 30
  • Hazwoper 40
  • HIPAA Certified

Hobbies:

Spending time with my family at the beach, fishing, and coaching my son in his sports adventures.  Obviously watching sports and cheering on the Gators!

Highlighted Projects:

  • Progress Center HVAC Upgrades
  • UF Health Shands Labor & Delivery Suites
  • Gatorland Toyota Dealership
  • Mercedes-Benz Dealership
  • Pugh Hall

Most Proud Of:

The growth I have been able to achieve both personally and professionally.  Professionally growing my career from a labor to a superintendent has been exciting and challenging. The Shands LDR project gives me satisfaction that the job will help impact lives in a positive way for many years to come.  Personally, the growth of my career has shown my son what people are capable of if they work hard and have good ethics, morals, and integrity. I enjoy being a good role model for him and watching him grow up.

SANDRA DECKER

CFO & Marketing Manager

Background and Residency

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UF – 2007
  • Minor in Heath Science Education from UF – 2007
  • Registered Nurse since 2007

Employed by UF Health Shands since 2007

Third generation resident of Gainesville, Florida

Years of experience with your firm and years in the field

17 years of healthcare experience as an RN

Safety Manager at Decker Construction since 2024

Discipline

  • Principal/Safety Manager
  • Registrations & Certifications
  • Registered Nurse in the state of Florida
  • OSHA 30 Safety Certification
  • American Heart Association BLS Certified
  • Line of authority

Principal, CFO

With 17 years of direct patient care experience in nursing for Shands at UF, Sandra is uniquely positioned to assist the Decker team recognizing challenges and identifying creative solutions in the healthcare setting.

Chris Decker

CHRIS DECKER, MSBC, CGC

President & Managing Principal

Education/Experience:

  • Master of Science in Building Construction (UF – 2011)
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing (UF – 2005) 
  • Active in Construction Industry since a Young Man (4th Generation Builder)
  • Active in Construction in North Central Florida since 2006

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

  • State of Florida Certified General Contractor (Active – CGC1522815)
  • Gator 100 Honoree (2021)
  • OSHA 30
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Member of BANCF since 2012
  • Board Member for Xtraordinary Joy and Humane Society of NCF

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

I enjoy working, and I really enjoy playing (work hard – play hard)!  Any opportunity I have, I love being on the water with friends and family.  I enjoy exposing our kids to the coastal lifestyle, and teaching them about sea life and how to fish.  I love college football and attending Gator games whenever I get the chance.  The weekends are for rejuvenating the mind, body and soul.  No better way to do that than by spending time with my wife and our kids, our friends, and enjoying our time together as much as possible!

Highlighted Projects:

  • The Hartman House (Historic Renovation)
  • Oakview Park 
  • UF Health Shands Labor, Delivery & Recovery
  • UF Law School Renovations 

Most proud of:

There is so much I am proud of and thankful for.  For the life my family and I have been able to build for ourselves.  For my friends and family who have supported us along the way.  For my friend and business partner, and the company we have built from the ground up.  For the team of dedicated professionals we have assembled.  For the relationships we have built with the local community and within our industry.   For keeping true to ourselves and our core values, and helping create a better quality of life for our team, our families, and the communities we serve.  And last but not least, I am proud and thankful to be part of the Gator Nation – GO GATORS!