IBS 2022 Scholarship Recipients

Sequoia Development & Williamson Development

Ashley Atkinson Williamson began her career in commercial real estate and construction lending. She currently develops infill residential projects in the Salt Lake area. Her goal is to develop projects that serve under-supplied areas of the market. Ashley creates more attainable and creative housing without sacrificing design and quality.

She also owns Williamson Development, which focuses on residential development, sales and investments. She is the incoming President of the Salt Lake Home Builders Association (2022).

Ashley spent the past five years with Sequoia Development. She managed hospitality, office and residential development projects from land acquisition through completion.

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and MRED. She holds a graduate certificate of urban planning from the University of Utah. She chairs the Women’s Council of the Ivory Boyer Real Estate Center at the U of U. She loves to travel, do yoga and spend time in the Utah mountains.

Sequoia Development

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

My first project was a small reuse project in Salt Lake City. We converted an old fall-out shelter (it was an amenity to a 1960’s condo project) to studio apartments. It was so difficult finding an apartment after college that was in a nice area and didn’t take up your entire paycheck. I absolutely love driving down that street at night and seeing lights on in the windows, hoping that I made a difference to someone living there. I’m also inspired by making each street I develop on a little bit more beautiful than it was before.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I want to learn anything I can about new products and ideas that can help with affordability. The past two years have been such a challenge trying to build homes and projects that are attainable. Within just a few years, townhomes in the Salt Lake area went from a very affordable option that many people didn’t consider to a product that now many people earning average incomes can’t afford in desirable locations. What is next? How can we contribute to home ownership and responsible density?

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

One of my favorite quotes is: “If all your dreams came true, would they change just you, or would they change the world?”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

I love hiking, paddle boarding, yoga, backpacking, camping, snowboarding... anything outdoors! I also love traveling. My husband and I were married in the middle-of-nowhere Iceland and spent our honeymoon traveling through Europe. I love a good adventure!

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

My favorite TV show right now would have to be Ted Lasso. “Be a Goldfish!”

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK?

My favorite industry related book is “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond. I think it’s a must read for anyone in the housing industry and especially anyone advocating for affordable housing. Many of us fight for the missing middle, but there is an entire demographic of people who we can’t begin to relate to who really need our help.

My favorite podcast is Overhead at National Geographic. I also love Crime Junkies!

Beates Properties LLC

Asdal Builders

Lindsey is the co-owner of Beates Properties. It's a residential real estate management company in Jacksonville, FL and northwest NJ. She has been acquiring, restoring and managing residential and commercial properties since 2012.

After serving 11 years of active duty as a Naval Aviator flying P-3s and P-8s, Lindsey is now a Navy Reservist. She recently completed her third deployment.

Lindsey applies her “zero defects” standard to a growing portfolio of homes. She is especially interested in the intersection between homeowner behavior and high-performance homes.

Lindsey graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy. She pursued a Master of Construction Science and Management from Clemson University. The focus of her master's degree is on energy efficiency in home remodels. She now resides in Califon, NJ with her husband, daughter and two dogs.

SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

I love providing clean, safe, high-quality housing for my tenants at an affordable price.  I feel proud that I am doing my part to improve my communities and to help solve the housing crisis.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I am excited to understand the cutting-edge work in the field of energy-efficiency, specifically how it relates to and is impacted by occupant behavior.  I feel strongly that effecting widespread change in the green energy sector requires an increased adoption of technologies through "nudges," cost decreases, and occupant education.  I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to further our collective understanding of the issues and solutions available.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

"Never tell people how to do things.  Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." -- Gen. Patton

This quote speaks to me because our most creative solutions often come from the most unexpected sources.  Keeping an open mind and allowing everyone in the room to have a voice creates the most robust and successful solutions to the most challenging issues.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

I recently learned how to fly fish, and I enjoy the tranquility and challenge of being on the water and trying to outsmart some trout!

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

I'm pretty hooked on the Great British Bake-Off.  I'd never be able to pull off any of those creations, but I enjoy watching their creative processes.

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK? 

I love Planet Money!  The "how" or "why" behind the issues they investigate is fascinating to me.

Statement Homes Inc

Courtney Black owns Statement Homes Inc. She offers new construction, remodels and design-build services in the Permian Basin area. She fell in love with home building at an early age and knew a career in construction was for her.

In 2012, Courtney and her husband relocated to Midland, Texas. After settling in, she joined a local builder as an assistant to the production team. Over the years, she worked with departments from pre-construction to final punch lists. This experience inspired her to launch her own business in 2019.

Courtney works in remodeling, assisting clients in the redesign of their homes. She prides herself as a project manager that is “all in.” She's not afraid to pull up her boots, grab her tools and jump in to help wherever she can.

She holds an interior design degree from the University of Central Arkansas. Courtney is a recipient of the IBS Scholarship. She can’t wait to bring her discoveries back to West Texas to share with colleagues and clients.

Statement Homes Inc.

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Helping people to fall in love with their home, either for the first time or all over again, is what makes my heart beat. I love taking a space that was once the cause of stress and frustration and turning it into the client’s favorite part of their home.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I hope to discover new avenues for providing clients with the materials and products they want. The market today is full of extra hurdles around lead times, availability and cost, and I’m excited to see solutions that other professionals are finding to circumvent these issues.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Hurry, but don’t rush.” – My grandpa, Tom Organ. He originally gave me this advice when helping me learn the basics of basketball, but I’ve been able to apply it to so many areas of my professional life.  

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

I guess it’s still technically “working,” but I love to come home and work on our house. Last September, we bought a two-story farmhouse built in 1904. It’s a lot to tackle, but it’s been such a labor of love to make all the necessary improvements while also doing fun things to make it “ours.” We’ve become so attached to this place and can’t ever imagine living anywhere else!

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

 “Mrs. Doubtfire” will always and forever be my favorite movie. When I’m not stuck watching Disney+ with the kids, my recent TV favorites have been “Grace and Frankie,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Schitt’s Creek.”

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK?

“Stuff You Should Know” is my podcast addiction!

Front Street Millwork & Lumber

Marcie Franklund is an architectural drafter and designer for employee-owned Street Millwork & Lumber. She applies design and technical skills, creative thinking and problem-solving to residential projects.

Her love of architecture began in elementary school. It inspired the creation of many LEGO® houses and graph paper floor plans. Her interest continued through high school in hand-drafting classes.

Marcie designs hundreds of dream homes each year with home builders and homeowners. She also works on graphic design marketing projects for her company. Marcie manages the company website and social media pages.

She helped charter the first Professional Women in Building Council in North Dakota.

Marcie holds a Master of Architecture degree from North Dakota State University. When she's out of the office, she enjoys hiking with her fiancé and their border collie rescue mix, cooking and gardening.

Front Street Millwork & Lumber 

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

I often get to work with customers that have been sketching out their dream home for years, often on multiple pieces of graph paper taped together, and I get to take those dreams and draft them into reality. The joy that brings to the customers, and therefore myself as well, is an absolutely incredible feeling.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I want to challenge myself at IBS to “pull my drawings off the paper” to learn more about every piece that goes into their construction. The more I know, the better my designs can be and the more helpful I will be to customers.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Stay in the fight” – from my Krav Maga martial arts instructor. The “fight” might be literally a self-defense fight for your life, or maybe it is just challenging times you face in life. It is going to be difficult; it could scare you, but you have to stay in it and keep trying. You have to keep fighting.

My favorite quote is: “Every truly great accomplishment is at first impossible” – From a fortune cookie I received a few months before deciding to train for my first marathon many years ago. It reminds me to this day to dream big.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

This year my fiancé and I, with our dog Rizzo, decided to take on a state park challenge of hiking one trail each month all year. Through the challenge we have explored our favorite state park multiple times and four—soon to be five—state parks that were new to us. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, going for walks, and spending time outside.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

My favorite TV show that I love to watch just for fun is New Girl. It is a silly show that will always get both of us laughing.

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK? 

My favorite book that I have read and reread countless times is “Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes.

Barker Kappelle Construction

Will Gilbert is an Assistant Project Manager with custom home builder Barker Kappelle Construction. Will grew up in Minnesota and started his professional career working for a record label.

After five years, Will moved to Hawaii to begin a new adventure. He started at Barker Kappelle Construction in Oahu, Hawaii as an office assistant. He had no construction experience but was fortunate to find a company willing to invest in him.

His first lessons came from taking notes at owner-architect-contractor meetings. He learned the building process. He gained an understanding of the building priorities, shaping his approach to building. Over time, his role grew from office assistant to project coordinator. From project coordinator, he moved to project engineer and most recently project manager.

Will finds personal growth and mastering new skills to be the most inspiring part of his work. He feels lucky to have found a home in residential construction so he can master new skills.

Barker Kappelle Construction 

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Seeing lessons learned from a challenging situation on one project improve outcomes on the next project.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

Explore new material options suited for wet, corrosive and high UV index tropical climates. Improve knowledge of latest building techniques and materials.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Never be so sure of what you want that you turn down something better” ~ Chris Voss

“If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything” ~ Mark Twain

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

Woodworking with hand tools, collecting and restoring old tools - hand planes, chisels, etc. - and searching for old vinyl records.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

I love Ted Lasso, as well as a lot of Paul Newman movies.

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK? 

Freakonomics, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner

Jackson Brothers Construction Services LLC

Brandon Lamar Jackson began Jackson Brothers Construction Services, LLC after graduation. The company works in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, framing, repairing and constructing homes. This year, the company is set to complete 60 homes.

Brandon comes from a construction family. His interest in the construction industry began early. When he was in college, he was the president of Student Constructors. He also held a job and had his first taste as an entrepreneur.

Jackson holds a construction engineering degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Outside of work, he spends time with his wife and two sons. In a few years, he hopes to train the next generation of industry professionals.

Jackson Brothers Construction Services LLC

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Building homes that people are able to enjoy and providing job that help support others’ families.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

The way other companies get their information from the field to the office. 

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

James 4:2 “You do not have because you do not ask God.”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

Spending time with my family.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

Top Gun

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK?

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

Precision Homecrafters

Phillip McClain is the production manager for Precision Homecrafters. He coordinates schedules, works with designers/contractors and coordinates production. He has 15 years of experience in the construction industry. He enjoys problem-solving and interacting with his clients.

He was a certified automotive technician but in 2007, Phillip left the auto world. He began a career in construction as a trim carpenter and cabinet installer. He later worked for McKay Building Company where he became a Project Manager. Phillip joined the Precision Homecrafters team in 2015. He is now a licensed home builder.

He has worked on every kind of residential remodeling project. His favorite projects are extensive, custom kitchen remodels.

Phillip has an Associate of Applied Sciences. He lives in St. Clair County, Alabama with his wife, stepson and baby boy, who was born in 2020. Phillip enjoys the outdoors or creating something with his hands.

Precision Homecrafters

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Being able to help people customize their homes to fit their lifestyle. Sometimes it’s just making it more functional, sometimes it’s creating a space for someone with a disability or handicap.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

Just growth. I want to see other industry professionals and collaborate. 

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

 Do what is right, not what is easy.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

~ Winston Churchill

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

Love the outdoors and working or building something with my hands.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

Some of my favorite ones are 80’s and 90’s movies (Tombstone, Top Gun, Hunt for Red October)

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK? 

Love podcast. Current events, historical, hobby related. Current favorite is American Scandal by Wondery

Gilbane Building Company

Lakeland Community College

Jason Ohlsson is a project manager for Gilbane Building Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason is passionate about helping others and volunteers with many organizations. Jason grew up in a small town in Chautauqua, New York. After high school graduation, he wanted to experience the world.

While attending Kent State, Jason was president of the Construction Management Student Organization. As a member, he participated in student competitions including the NAHB student competition.

Jason is the national chair for the Gilbane Young Professional Employee Resource Group. He is the lead mentor and co-chair of the Education Committee for the ACE Mentor Program. He is a CollegeNow mentor and adjunct professor at two community colleges.

He is the advisor of a Construction Management Student Organization. The student chapter works with the Builders Association of Greater Cleveland.

He attended Kent State University for construction management where he graduated in 2014.

Gilbane Building Company 

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Lakeland Community College 

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Knowing an entire building in and out, seeing the different stages along the way, and knowing that I’m making a positive impact on the community.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I want to network with as many students and professionals as possible to continue my efforts in workforce development and grow my network.  

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

"Live life to the fullest: try everything at least once, always dream big, and never give up!" (2006)

~ Jason Ohlsson

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

I enjoy teaching and mentoring others, but in my free time I love to detail my cars, landscape, spend time on my family farm, and relax at my property out in the country in NY. 

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

Blast from the Past and Life as a House

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK?

I don’t have a favorite, but I like to listen to leadership podcasts.

Bald Cypress Builders LLC

Matt Pocta is the co-owner of Bald Cypress Builders LLC. The boutique builder works in Columbia, South Carolina. The company specializes in home additions, remodels and custom residential builds.

Matt was born and raised in the Richmond, Virginia area. From a young age, he loved working with his hands. While attending the College of William and Mary, he worked as an intern for a small custom builder.

He got his Residential Builder License on the production side of the industry. His sales work helped him learn the materials and distribution side of the industry.

Matt used his combined experience to start Bald Cypress Builders LLC in January 2020. Matt strives to help homeowners enjoy their well-crafted projects. He also wants to be a good steward of the environment.

Matt enjoys hiking with his wife and two dogs. He also likes spending time with friends and family and watching Cowboys football.

Bald Cypress Builders LLC

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Seeing our clients vision come to life at the end of a project and to see the stress of construction melt away into the joy of their new home.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I look forward to meeting like-minded builders who have tackled some of the challenges we face and learn how to better serve our clients and team members.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

“What is success?

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”

 ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

I enjoy spending time with my wife Amelia and our two dogs in nature, sports (Football & CrossFit), and talking. I love to talk to interesting people and learn from them.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

Favorite Show: Big Brother

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK?

The Joe Rogan Experience; Joe Rogan

 If I could have one job other than building homes it would be to interview interesting people.

Dickinson Homes Inc.

Caity Tefft is a project manager at Dickinson Homes, a modular construction company. While growing up, remodeling several family homes with her parents influenced Caity.

This, along with her passion for design, led her to a career in interior design and construction. She gained experience in civil engineering as an intern. After graduating, she worked as an interior designer to gain industry design experience.

She realized she wanted to use her design experience to build homes. This led her to Dickinson Homes where she has been able to pursue her passion as a project manager. She continues to expand her knowledge base and looks forward to continued growth.

Caity holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management. One of her great grandfathers was a Detroit Renaissance Center project manager. Another great grandfather contributed to the design for the Mackinaw Bridge.

Dickinson Homes Inc.

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

The most inspiring part of my job is watching the modules being set on the foundation. These are homes that you spend months to years working on so starting with a layout and bringing it to life while watching my clients beam with excitement is truly inspiring to me. 

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

The challenges that I want to tackle at IBS are to attend as many workshops and to visit as many speakers as possible. I feel that is where I will gain the most amount of knowledge. 

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

"A narrow focus brings big results" This advice constantly reminds me to focus on the small accomplishments versus focusing on the end result. Many people tend to give up as they look at how far they have left to go instead of how far they have come. Learning in this industry takes time and experience so I remind myself of this advice to reassure that the steps for success are the small wins along the way. 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

When I am not working you can find me either with my husband and puppy renovating our home, or enjoying time with friends and family. 

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

All American is my current favorite on Netflix but any show on HGTV is always a staple as well. 

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK? 

My favorite podcast would have to be Ted Talks Daily 

PBS Contractors

Daniel Thuman has been in the construction industry since the day he could pick up a drill, working for his father, who owns a cabinet shop. Daniel works as a high-end residential remodeling project manager for PBS Contractors in Naples, Florida.

While working for his dad, Daniel had an urge to learn more and get to know the entire building process. He soon left the family business in search of a superintendent role.

He absorbed all the knowledge he could but had a desire to achieve more. He knew his small firm wasn't going to be able to provide him with this knowledge.

Daniel attended Florida Gulf Coast University in pursuit of a pre-med degree. After learning his passion is in construction, he switched career paths.

He plans to grow with PBS and start to build luxurious custom homes and high-end commercial units. When Daniel is out of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family.

PBS Contractors  

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SNAPSHOT Q&A

WHAT’S THE MOST INSPIRING PART OF YOUR JOB?

Honestly, the most inspiring part of the job is being able to organize and mobilize multiple trades and companies to accomplish a common goal, creating a team that respects you as their leader.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU WANT TO TACKLE AT IBS?

I would like to learn and understand what some of the new products that are out there can solve some of the common problems that we face every day.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN OR A FAVORITE QUOTE?

 “If you don’t have the time to do it right, then you must have the time to do it over.”

“A mistake on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

 Being with my family.

FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE?

Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

FAVORITE PODCAST OR BOOK? 

 Art of War, SUN TZU