Meet Your Build Smart Instructors

David Baxter brings more than 17 years of experience teaching masonry and construction trades to the next generation of craft professionals. As a Masonry Instructor with Roanoke County Schools, he dedicated his career to helping students develop the technical skills, work ethic, and confidence needed to succeed in the construction industry.

A graduate of Western New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Science degree, David combines a strong educational background with extensive hands-on experience in masonry. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about creating opportunities for individuals to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

David believes that quality instruction starts with practical application and real-world relevance. His commitment to craftsmanship, safety, and professional excellence has made a lasting impact on the many students he has mentored over the years. At Build Smart Institute, he looks forward to sharing his knowledge and helping participants build the skills necessary for success in today's construction workforce.

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. 

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. Following graduation from college, Jim began a career as Project Engineer with Dupont and then Invista.

During his 40+ year career with these companies, Jim led the Electrical Maintenance Team, and managed the Manufacturing Area. In these roles, he completed design work for site projects including electrical infrastructure and installation. He was responsible for the management of projects from inception to design including construction management.  Examples of projects under Jim's leadership included, water intake screen replacement and fiber optic system installation. 

Jim gives back to his community through volunteerism including his work with nonprofit organizations doing repairs on residential property. Jim holds a Journeyman’s Card and Master Electrician License in the Commonwealth of Virginia.