Meet the Construction Experts Who’ll Mentor You

Charlie has over 40 years of experience in construction, design, electrical engineering, and project management. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, he advanced from an electrical apprenticeship (gaining his Master Electrician license) to senior-level facility management, primarily in hospital systems.

In addition to designing and overseeing large-scale construction projects, his responsibilities in hospital facility management included daily supervision, management, and employee training. While working full-time, he also started and managed a successful electrical company. Before coming to Build Smart Institute, his teaching experience included professional development courses, crisis intervention, safety management, and emergency management for hospital employees at all levels.

Charlie has always enjoyed sharing his skills and life experiences with others, especially being a mentor for those interested in electrical and construction project management. His trainees appreciate his emphasis on positive reinforcement and his mentoring approach in teaching them new skills and building their confidence.

Curtis brings over three decades of diverse experience in the construction industry to the classroom. As a Lead Foreman, he honed his skills in estimating materials, supervising crews, and performing hands-on work with shingle, metal, and built-up roofing installations. During his career, Curtis specialized in metal framing, acoustical ceilings, insulation, drywall, and flooring installation, later becoming a supervisor overseeing these trades.

His tenure at F&S Building Innovations from 2003 to 2017 as a Working Superintendent saw him manage remodels and new builds over $5 million. They encompassed all construction phases, including demolition, concrete work, framing, and finishing tasks, such as installing windows, doors, cabinetry, flooring, roofing, insulation, and landscaping.

As the Owner/Installer at W&S Contractors Inc., he specialized in Division 8 (doors and hardware) and Division 10 (toilet partitions, accessories, lockers, and wall protection). Returning to F&S Building Innovations from 2021 to 2023 as a Superintendent, he supervised residential and commercial remodeling projects. His comprehensive expertise in estimating, crew supervision, hands-on construction, and project management makes him a highly knowledgeable and practical instructor.

Jim’s introduction to construction began as a teenager when he assisted his father in remodeling their basement and completed framing, electrical, plumbing, painting, and concrete work. His summers included:

While serving in the Navy, Jim was a Construction Electrician assigned to the Plumbing shop. He worked on oil-fired boilers and space heaters, completing electrical and plumbing work. After college and getting a job, he volunteered to complete home repairs for several nonprofits. In there, Jim worked alongside volunteers and construction experts doing framing, electrical, and plumbing. They also handled painting, roofing, drywall installation, and masonry.

After moving to South Carolina in 2010, Jim volunteered for an organization that installed roofs and accessible ramps for people with limited financial resources and continues to volunteer with nonprofit organizations doing repairs on residential property today. Jim holds a Journeyman’s Card and Electrician License in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Shawn has ten years of experience in the construction industry and 20-plus years of teaching. One of his favorite teaching assignments was at an alternative education school. He loves to work with youth who are growing up and facing challenges.

Shawn has overcome tremendous obstacles, such as ADHD and dyslexia, to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. He has 30+ years of experience as a youth pastor and works with youth at Hoop Don’t Shoot in Danville, VA.