Decker Construction

TESTIMONIALS

“Decker Construction is a Construction Management firm we

trust. When thinking of a word that best describes their

employees and their work ethic is “conscientious.” Decker

wants to do a great job as much as we want them to, and it

shows in their commitment to our satisfaction.”

Peter Miller

Associate Director for Facilities Operations, UF George A. Smathers Libraries

 

“In my experiences, Decker Construction is driven to provide

more than the final product. They diligently work to provide

quality customer service, good communication and

acceptable solutions which makes the journey to the final

product a smoother process.”

Daniel Morgan

Assistant Director of Operations, UF College of Pharmacy

 

“Decker Construction completed our latest restaurant build-

out and we moved into our larger, updated building in early 2016

Chris, Mike and their team were great to work with

during this process. We highly recommend this organization!”

Adam Brewer

Owner, Adam’s Rib Co.

 

“Decker Construction has completed multiple projects for

our department. Their attention to detail and thoroughness

with each project was exceptional and I look forward to

working with them again on future projects!”

Sean Mountain

Project Manager, IFAS at the University of Florida

 

“From value-engineering to project management and post-

project support, Chris, Mike, Karlin and Eric have gone above

and beyond to assist us with our renovations and ongoing

maintenance needs.”

Margot DeConna, MBA, CFRE

Director of Advancement, Humane Society of North Central Florida

 

“When presented with multiple requests to halt work at

various times, they obliged and altered the schedule even

when it presented additional challenges for them.”

David Lucier

Director, Facilities & Purchasing – UF Levin College of Law

 

“The workmanship has been first rate and their team has

consistently completed projects in a timely manner.”

Michael Reid

Dean & Professor, College of Healith & Human Performance at the University of Florida

 

“They are always professional and accessible to answer any

questions I have along the entire process. If I ever need to

adjust something or add something to a project, they are

very quick to do what it takes to get everything done right

and the way I want it.”

Austin Gresham

Vice President, Gresham Management Group, Inc.

 

“Decker Construction is a valued partner of UF Small

Business & Supplier Diversity. Their commitment and

support of the Mentor Protege Program is admirable as they

participate annually, while actively recruiting small

businesses to be protege participants. Their insight and

guidance are done with goodwill and sincerity.”

Dwan Courtney

Director, Small Business & Supplier Diversity at the University of Florida

 

“It is so refreshing to work with a group of individuals that

genuinely care about you and your business’s success. Their

team has been with us since day one, helping us create a

plan, solve problems, and making our dream become a

reality.”

Dr. William & Sarah Sapp

Owners, Perry Animal Hospital – Perry, FL

 

“When I think of Decker Construction, two words

immediately come to mind – “on time”, Decker gets the

project started on the agreed upon date and has the project

wrapped on the projected completion date with

consistency.”

Dow Van Arnam

Engineer, Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida

 

“I’ve worked with Decker Construction for a number of years

on several diverse projects. Their skill in navigating and

complying with our processes, while managing the many

trades needed to complete a project, makes our

collaborative efforts enjoyable and gives us confidence that

at the end of each project we will have a quality space.”

Dennis Hines

Director of Operations, Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Affairs – UF College of Medicine

 

“I could not have been more satisfied with my experience

with Decker Construction and our medical office remodel. I

was most impressed by the attention to detail. I could not

recommend anyone more highly for your building and

renovation needs.”

Dr. Ron Emerick

Owner, Little Pine Pediatrics

 

“Decker Construction helped us renovate our office space to

accommodate a growing team. They displayed a great sense

of humor, awesome work ethic, and were great to work with.

We’re now working in a modern suite, with room for all the

things we planned for!”

Florencia Otegui

Chief of Staff & Special Assistant to the Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online at the University of Florida

 

“Decker Construction helped the City of Gainesville with the

renovation of Oakview Park. This was a building renovation

and park development project. Their team treated this

building and park like it was their own. I was very impressed

with their attention to detail, concern for the customer and

commitment to excellence.”

John Weber, CPRP. CPSI

Park Operations Manager, City of Gainesville, FL Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs

 

“Their staff did an outstanding job of communicating with us

regularly, keeping meticulous documentation of the

progress of the work and cost, and making an extraordinary

effort to work around fully functioning labs and offices with

as little interference as possible.”

Sandy Burgess

Owner, Burgess Management Services, LLC

 

“A very professional and reliable Construction Manager.

Decker Construction is a detail and quality oriented

professional. Their team is a pleasure to work with!”

Francisco Oquendo

Assistant Director of Construction, UF Planning, Design & Construction

 

“Decker Construction is well suited to handle complicated

construction projects. The owners, Chris Decker and Mike

Calsam, are consummate professionals with a great team

behind them. I’ve been particularly impressed by the

knowledge and expertise of their Site Superintendents.”

Betsy Waite, P.E., CPRP

Director. Wild Spaces & Public Places – City of Gainesville, FL

 

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, 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!