The Build Smart team is Committed to Building the Foundation for Construction Professionals

Michelle Ramaker became President of Build Smart Institute in January 2025 following her start in November 2022 as Director of Development and promotion to Vice President in 2024. In this capacity, Michelle is instrumental in building connections with industry partners to develop cutting-edge training programs tailored for the construction industry.

One of Michelle’s notable achievements at Build Smart includes spearheading a collaboration with Ferrum College to launch a program for an Associate Degree in Construction Management, which debuted in Fall 2024.

Before joining Build Smart, Michelle co-owned M&M Services of SML with her husband, Mitch. As a Class A Contractor, their company specialized in a wide range of renovation projects, from small-scale to large-scale endeavors.

Michelle is a New River Valley Home Builders Association member and serves on the Workforce Committee. She was recently appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Apprenticeship Council of Virginia. Michelle also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Roanoke Chapter. Additionally, she’s a member of the Expo Committee for the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association.

Passionate about changing perceptions of the construction industry, Michelle is dedicated to showcasing it as a lucrative field and highly rewarding field.

Michelle’s professional journey began in law enforcement, where she served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for six years before shifting her focus to raising her family, which includes four children aged 8 to 16.

Stephanie Höer is committed to delivering high-quality, effective training programs for those entering the construction industry and for professionals looking to advance their skills. Through strategic partnerships at Build Smart, Stephanie has expanded access to career training for in-demand trades, ensuring that aspiring construction professionals are set up for success.

With over 20 years of experience in workforce development, Stephanie has consistently worked to eliminate barriers to employment for people seeking employment. Prior to joining Build Smart, she served on the executive team of a large regional non-profit. She led teams in strategic planning, partnership development, fiscal management, and innovative service delivery, aimed at fostering self-
sufficiency and independence.

Stephanie is an experienced spokesperson who has represented local, state, and national organizations. Her deep commitment to serving others is reflected in her belief that equipping individuals with the right skills and training leads to collective success.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts focusing on leadership theory. She has served on the Employment Services Organization Steering Committee for the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. She is currently a Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board of Directors member and Treasurer for the Roanoke Valley SPCA Board of Directors.

Stephanie and her husband, James, a retired business owner, live in Cave Spring, VA, with their dog, Lido.

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.

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.