ARON JONES, RSE

Co-founder and supervisor at Big Dog Construction Inc. Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada with his first career in the military leading him to become a Construction Tech, Aron has been a teacher and mentor to apprentices in the carpentry trade for many years. Receiving his Carpentry Red Seal in 2002, Aron has always endeavored to build better whenever possible. He has a true passion for building science and strives to help others understand it so that the industry as a whole can become better. He features all his hands on experience on his social media platforms so anyone can learn from his experiences. Passing on his skills and knowledge to others, particularly the next generation, is very important to him. " It's not about being the best, it’s about making everyone better!"  He co-founded International Flashing Awareness Day in 2021, an annual Instagram event to demonstrate why flashings are important to a building and what happens when they are not installed or used properly. He is co-host of BS* and Beer Canada every month online. One of Aron’s favorite sayings is, “I like to be the dumbest guy in a room full of BS* people.” (*Building Science)

BARRETT SITES

Barrett was born and raised in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  He has been married for 35 years and has two grown daughters and 4 granddaughters.  He has always owned his own home and has done all his own repairs and remodels.

As a young man, Barrett has always loved working with his hands.  He was always fixing things by taking things apart and putting them back together.  He has been blessed with a mechanical mind.  Over the years, he has become very successful working with his hands.

In 2000, Barrett started his own business, Handyman Home Improvement, a small construction company doing home repairs and renovations.  He loves giving back and has been involved in missionary work in Latin America for more than 25 years doing various building projects.  During this time, he had the opportunity meeting Gary Streigler in Honduras, who is a master carpenter.  Barrett has had the opportunity to work with Gary over the years and considers him a great mentor.  He has had the opportunity to assist in many builders shows over the United States as well as helping with many classes on fine woodworking at Marc Adams School of fine wood working.  He has also had the opportunity to join the Grex team selling tools.  He is involved with Dewalt and Milwaukee tools, testing, and giving feedback based on his own experiences.  Barrett has also written several articles in the JLC Live (Journal of Light Construction)

He is a self-taught craftsman and a jack of all trades.  He gets his greatest joy helping others make their dream projects come true.

BENJAMIN BOGIE

Ben Bogie is a second-generation high-performance builder working as a project manager in CT and New York. He has a passion for the work he does that leads him to study his craft in an effort to push his skills forward in all areas of home building. His work has taken him from historical preservation of 18th century buildings to cutting edge high performance new construction.

CHRIS LAND

Chris retired from the US Army in 2019 and started Cutting Edge Home Repair and Woodcraft. Cutting Edge handles high end remodels, custom cabinetry, and live edge furniture in East Tennessee. Chris has written multiple articles for The Journal of Light Construction magazine. He has also helped present at the Deck Expo and JLC Live trade shows.  Chris teaches woodworking and remodeling based classes at his shop in Greenback, Tennessee. When he is not doing construction related task Chris enjoys spending time "Glamping" and learning from his two amazing grandchildren. Chris can be found on Facebook and Instagram @cuttingedge.woodcraft.

CHRISTOPHER RONDA

Christopher Ronda was raised in a home of hard-working immigrants from China on his mother’s side, with the spirit of determination to improve his trade skills of painting from his Brooklyn native father. Hard physical labor was not something that came easy as a city boy from Brooklyn, but after some hard life lessons, this was the way of life that was going to support his family and help support his goal of volunteer work which are the two things that bring the utmost joy in his life. At only 24 years old he has had the privilege of learning different trades such as doors and window framing and installations, painting, carpentry, kitchen remodeling, and electrical. Learning new skills makes life interesting and meaningful, but work isn't everything, the simple things of life like family time, hikes with friends and reading a good book keeps him grounded and happy, always looking forward to what tomorrow's adventures will be.

DAVID PARRAGUIRRE

David Parraguirre is an entrepreneur, builder, mentor, content creator and advocator for the representation and visibility of Hispanics in the building industry. David is originally from Veracruz, Mexico. He currently works in the Northeast region, mainly in the DMV. He is dedicated to quality residential construction with the most advanced standards in the industry. He supports Hispanic advancement and representation in the building industry. His mission is to motivate and inspire young people to be part of the construction industry.  He is committed to creating content in Spanish and encourages community participation. David wishes to serve as a voice for the Hispanic builders in the community by maintaining authenticity and empowering his roots.

David Parraguirre es un emprendedor, constructor, mentor, creador de contenido y defensor de la representación y visibilidad de los hispanos en la industria de la construcción. David es originario de Veracruz, México. Actualmente trabaja en la región Noreste, principalmente en el DMV. Se dedica a la construcción residencial de calidad con los estándares más avanzados de la industria. Apoya el avance y la representación hispana en la industria de la construcción. Su misión es motivar e inspirar a los jóvenes a ser parte de la industria de la construcción. Está comprometido a crear contenido en español y fomenta la participación de la comunidad. David desea servir como voz para los constructores hispanos de la comunidad manteniendo la autenticidad y potenciando sus raíces.

GARY STRIEGLER

Gary Striegler is the President of Craftsman Builders Inc., in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He has over forty years of experience as a home builder, trim carpenter, and occasional furniture maker. Gary has been a frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding, The Journal of Light Construction, Tools of the Trade, and This is Carpentry, as well as starring in several how-to videos on trim carpentry, and teaching classes at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking. Each year, he travels to Honduras and volunteers for construction projects with Mercy International.

JEREMY KASSEL

Kassel Construction was born in Syracuse, New York in 2005 and has been a vibrant business since. Although he loves new construction, Jeremy Kassel’s primary work is residential remodeling, with a customer-centric approach to jobsite-management and problem-solving. He excels at building relationships with vendors, suppliers, and fellow tradespeople. Jeremy resides outside Albany, New York with his wife and two daughters. 

MIKE KENNEDY

Mike Kennedy of Mike Kennedy Carving.com specializes in hand-carved tangent handrailing and custom stairs. His work can be found in some of the finest homes in New England. When not building fine stairs or carving handrail Mike enjoys building guitars, creating art and music, gardening, horseback riding, hunting, and just running around in the forest. Mike lives in Foster, Rhode Island with his wife and various animal friends.

MIKE SLOGGATT

Mike Sloggatt has more than 40 years’ experience in the trade starting right out of high school in 1972, taking a short break to get his college degree before opening his own contracting business in 1979. Mike is now semi-retired and is a consultant to builders, manufacturers & homeowners for challenging remodels near his home on Long Island. He is a contributor to the Journal of Light Construction and writes for Fine Homebuilding and Tools of the Trade. Mike has been the Frame-to-Finish (Rough) Carpentry presenter for the Katz Roadshow. He teaches seminars and clinics in all aspects of carpentry and remodeling all over the United States and is a regular presenter at JLC LIVE for the past 22 years, Remodeling Show and International Builders’ Show. When not on the road or enjoying his time with his grandchildren, you might find Mike & his wife Laura fishing the beaches of Long Island in their custom-built truck camper. 

MYRON FERGUSON

Myron is a fourth generation NYS Building Contractor, with 40 years as a drywall contractor. He is the author of the bestselling book, Drywall; Professional Techniques for Great Results, (4th Edition), as well as a 1-hour companion video. When he is not getting his hands dirty with his drywall contracting company, he travels the country teaching drywall and related topics at trade shows, lumberyards, tech schools and construction companies. Myron is BPI certified in building envelope and as a building analyst. He is also a green building verifier. Myron is currently helping the local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate as their construction manager. It’s a great fit for him in this position with all the years of experience he gained in the construction industry along with education from the construction management courses he took. Myron is a regular contributor to Fine Homebuilding, Journal of Light Construction, and Walls and Ceilings magazine.

PETER HEARD

Peter Heard is the owner of North Country Carpentry & Restoration, Inc. operating on the east end of Long Island, New York. More than 30 years, Peter has been restoring homes from the mid to late 19th century. Peter has built a solid reputation by satisfying the design and finish needs of purist homeowners.

RICK ARNOLD

Rick Arnold has been a hands-on builder for over 40 years. He has experience in both residential and light commercial construction. Rick has been a contributing editor to Fine Homebuilding magazine as well as The Journal of Light Construction, Tools of The Trade, and other publications. He is the author of books, articles, and videos of various construction topics.

For the last 25 years Rick has presented and taught at industry trade shows such as The International Builders Show, The Remodelers Show, The Deck Expo, and JLC LIVE. He has also given seminars across the US for manufacturers as well as for organizations such as NAHAB, NELMA and the Western Red Cedar Association.

ROSS TRETHEWAY

Ross Trethewey is the founder and lead engineer of TE2 Engineering, as well as the Home Technology Expert on the TV show, This Old House, and Ask This Old House.

TE2 Engineering is a consulting engineering firm that provides building energy analysis, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design, and renewable energy design for clients in both the residential and commercial markets. The company’s focus is high-performance HVAC design, renewable energy design and integrated smart home design.

Ross has lent his expertise to This Old House since 2011, contributing to stories about renewable energy that looked at solar power, wind power, geothermal, and off-grid storage. He became a regular presence on Ask This Old House in 2016 with the launch of “Future House”, a segment that looks at the impact technology will have on how we build and live in our houses.

Ross earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from Tufts University in Massachusetts. He is also a professional engineer. Prior to forming his own consulting company, he lived and worked in Germany for a manufacturer that specializes in high-efficiency HVAC and renewable energy equipment.

Ross lives in the Boston area with his wife and two young sons. He learned to sail at an early age and loves to spend as much time on the water as possible.

RYAN SMITH

Ryan Smith is a full-time framing carpenter who specializes in custom roof framing and cutting. Owner operator of Roof Cutters Inc. www.roofcutters.com. Ryan spends his days figuring and cutting complex custom roofs on some of the finest homes in his area Buffalo/Niagara Falls region of NY. (Western NY). Ryan has developed a system to figure and cut entire roof systems before all the walls are built and stood! When he isn't cutting roofs systems and framing custom homes, he enjoys spending time with his three children and his wife. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and model aviation. "Always do the right thing even if no one will ever see it again." 

TOM BREWER

Without our stage manager Tom Brewer, the JLC LIVE building specialists would have a difficult time getting anything built. Brewer handles, maintains, and tracks all the materials the JLC LIVE presenters require for their demonstrations on the show floor. Skilled with wood, fasteners and well-maintained tools, Tom is stage manager for the Katz Roadshow, traveling non-stop across the country. Not always behind the scenes, you can find Tom on stage at the Builders Workshop lending a very skillful hand to Mike Sloggatt.

TONY BLUE

Tony Blue earned a bachelor's degree in computer science. At his first job interview he was asked where he interned: "On a roof?" he answered. That experience during school breaks turned into a career as a roofer and remodeler (not a computer programmer) and he shares those experiences at his clinics

TONY MCKLEM

Tony began his construction experience by volunteering to a good cause and that lead him to discover his true passion... building dreams into a reality. With more than 15 years in the industry, Tony and his team have developed their skills to suit every customer and home. Starting each project with quality in mind, they never sacrifice desires and needs. After serving customers in both areas of Hollywood, California and Hollywood, Florida, they have realized that no two yards are the same. Its their goal is to build an incredible space in homes today, which the entire family will enjoy for years to come.

Tony comenzó su experiencia en construcción siendo voluntario para una buena causa y eso le llevó a descubrir su verdadera pasión... a convertir los sueños en una realidad. Con más de 15 años en la industria, Tony y su equipo han elaborado sus habilidades para adaptarse a cada cliente y hogar. Empezando cada proyecto teniendo en cuenta la calidad, nunca sacrifican los deseos y las necesidades. Después de haber atendido a clientes en las áreas de Hollywood, California y Hollywood, Florida, se han dado cuenta de que no hay dos yardas iguales. Su objetivo es construir un increíble espacio en las casas hoy, que toda la familia disfrutará en los años por venir.