Our Team

Chris Decker, MSBC, CGC

Principal & Sr. Project Manager

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!

Michael Calsam, LEED AP BD+C

Principal & General Superintendent

Education/Experience:

• AA & AS Building Construction Management Santa Fe College 2009
• Active in Construction Industry since 2004

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

• LEED AP BD+C
• State of Florida Certified Building Contractor (Inactive)
• OSHA 30
• Asbestos Awareness Certified
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Board Member BANCF Apprenticeship Council, Xtraordinary Joy, and Humane Society of NCF

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

Any chance I get I’m outdoors, either on the Gulf Coast, in the woods, or on the baseball field coaching my two sons.  I love college football and attending Gator games.  The weekends are for soaking up the time we have with our kids and family and enjoying the moments as long as we can!

Highlighted Projects:

The Hartman House and Oakview Park were very rewarding ways to contribute to the community through the City of Gainesville Wild Spaces and Public Places.

Most proud of:

The relationships that our team has built with the local community and our industry.  We have been able to be honest, ethical, and hardworking to create a better quality of life for our team and our community; which was the main goal of getting into this business.  Being born and raised in Alachua County, it feels good to have made the memories that I have as well as continuing to support the local community and have a positive impact. 

Kris Terhorst

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.

David Williams

Foreman

Education:

• Highschool

Certifications:

• Certified Diver – Ocean Certification
• Commercial Fisherman
  
• Form Carpenter & Concrete Finisher
• CPR Certified – First Aid

Work History:

I have been working since I was 13 years old. I began as a helper to a Tile Setter. Then became an Apprentice Carpenter for the Union. Then Union Masonry doing bridgework in CA.

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

• Woodworking

Highlighted Projects:

• Martin Marietta
• Phillips Center Performing Arts

Proud of:

Everything I do. I take pride in a job done right. If I had to pick one project, it would be 2 bridges on I-5 in San Diego, CA.

Bob Bailey

Superintendent

Education/Experience:

• US Army Paratrooper 1st Bat. Ranger Support 1986
• Structural Steel Worker 1995
• Commercial Construction Industry since 2003 (18 years)

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

• CPR/First Aid
• State of Florida Stormwater Inspector (2019)
• State of Florida Advanced MOT Certified (2019)
• OSHA 10/MSHA24 Certified 2010
• Certified Unlimited Structural Welder 2001

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

In my spare time I enjoy canning food and food preservation, enjoy time on the river and doing river sports, and I am also a recording artist.  I also haven’t met a dog I don’t want to take home. 

Highlighted Projects:

• Oakview Park City of Gainesville WSPP 
• Red Lobster World Headquarters Orlando
• Capitol Cement Plant Expansion Martinsburg, WV

Most proud of:

• My contributions to Florida Original Music Recordings.

Nick Dickason

Assistant Superintendent

Education/Experience:

• Certified Carpenter by National Center for Construction Education and Research
• 8 years of Commercial Construction Experience

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

• US Army Combat Engineer R2C2
• US Army Basic and Advanced Leaders Course
• US Army Equal Opportunity Leader Course
• US Army Range Safety Officer
• US Army Soldier of the Month Feb 2011
• US Army Dept. of Public Works

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

Spending time with my wife and children outdoors.  We enjoy hunting and fishing throughout the year.  I also enjoy watching the Miami Hurricanes!

Highlighted Projects:

• Cancer Genetics Research Complex
• Pugh Hall
• UF Law School
• Town of Tioga Apartment

Most proud of:

My family, who are my biggest supporters in my life; especially my wife.  She never hesitates to give me the kick in the pants I need.  I’m also proud of my time in the Army; I’ve had the privilege to train and lead countless soldiers over my years of service. 

Karlin Warkentin

Project Manager

Education/Experience:

• Masters in Construction Management (UF)
• Masters in Urban and Regional Planning (UF)
• 8+ years in Commercial/Institutional/Healthcare/Municipal Construction Management in the Gainesville market

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

• OSHA 30
• HAZWOPER

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

• I enjoy being outdoors biking, paddling, and hiking with April and Chilly (Dog).

Highlighted Projects:

• UF Health/Shands LDR
• Bruton Greer/UF Holland Law
• Oakview Park
• Hartman House
• Tigert Hall UF Online Suite Renovation

Most proud of:

• I am proud to be a member of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation for over 10 years.

Richard “Pete” Peterson

Assistant Superintendent

Education/Experience:

• Retired Military – 20 years service
• 30 years certified crane operator
• 15 years of industrial & Commercial Construction Experience
• Graduate Santa Fe College Construction Management Program (2018)
• Columbia Southern University Currently enrolled in OSHA degree Program

Certifications/Professional Accreditations:

• Certified Crane Operator – 30 years
• Certified Signalperson / Rigger – 15 years
• 30 Hour OSHA Certified
• First Aid/ First Responder Certified

Hobbies/What you do for fun:

I enjoy hiking and golf as outdoor activities.  My other hobbies include drafting with Revit, and movies.  

Highlighted Projects:

• UF Holland Law 3rd Floor Renovation
• UF Bruton Greer Experimental Law Center
• GPD Building Interior Renovations
• Kiwanis Girl Scout Park/Oakview Park

Most proud of:

I am very proud of my 20 years of active Military Service as well as obtaining my Construction Management Degree.  The service and education will serve as a great foundation for my Construction career.

Eric Childs

Superintendent

Experience:

• ICRA Training
• AMOT Training
• Stormwater Management Inspector Training
• Confined Space Training
• Firestop Systems Training
• First Aid CPR/AED Training
• OSHA -30 Training
• 20 years in the construction industry  with 8 years as an owner/operator, 4 years as a Foreman and 6 years as a commercial Superintendent

Hobbies:

• Absolutely Love Fishing
• Playing Golf
• Coaching and Watching Baseball
• Collage Football ( Roll Tide !!! )
• Hunting

Most Proud Of:

First and foremost, my family, but also the ability to help others.

Samuel Thomley

Assistant Superintendent

Experience:

• 10 Years of Residential and Finish Carpenter Experience
• 12 Years of Commercial Carpenter Experience
• 8 Years Form Carpenter and Concrete Finishing Experience
• Certified Forklift and Lull Operator
• OSHA 10 Certified

Hobbies:

• Saltwater Fishing
• Trail Riding with Family
• Hunting
• Swimming.

Highlighted Projects:

• Ology Bioservices
• UF Health and Vascular Hospital
• Magnolia Ridge Rehabilitation Center
• The Promenade at Celebration Pointe

Most Proud Of:

4 amazing children and my wife, without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today!

Lori Brooks

Office Manager

Experience:

Involved in the Construction Industry since 1978 with expertise in the Heavy Highway Construction & Erosion Control, Underground Utilities, and for the last 5 years Construction Management.

Hobbies:

I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my grandchildren in my free time.  I also enjoy being outdoors hunting, fishing, and gardening. 

Most Proud of:

My growth professionally and personally in such a challenging and ever-changing industry over these many years.  

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.

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 1^st floor warehouse with three dock levelers and overhead doors, and 2^nd 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.

Ashlyn Conrad

Office Assistant & Intern

Education/Experience:

Graduated from Jensen Beach High School in 2020. Before college I was employed at a real estate office working on the MLS, open houses, and continuous office work. Currently a college student at Santa Fe College and working towards a degree in Construction Management with hopes of one day having my General Contracting license. Have been going to job sites with my dad since I was a kid.

Hobbies:

Training my Cane Corso puppy, traveling, hanging out on the river with my family/friends, hiking and reading.

Most Proud Of:

Being a part of the first generation in my family to go to college. Having the ability to travel over the last three years and move around to different cities in Florida until I found a place a really enjoyed living. Starting a career at Decker Construction in something that I enjoy doing.