After graduating with a Building Science degree from Auburn University in June of 2000, Chris moved to the west coast and worked for a large commercial construction firm working as a project engineer. Three years later he returned to Auburn to pursue an MBA & a minor in economic development and began building single family homes in his free time. In March of 2005, he co-founded Grand Bay Construction, LLC in Seagrove Beach, FL with the goal of establishing a premier residential & commercial construction firm along the Gulf Coast.
Since then, Chris has been heavily involved in custom residential, light commercial, and various renovations. In addition to holding a certified general contracting license, Chris has a home inspection & real estate license (currently inactive) & enjoys all aspects of architecture, engineering, and construction, as well as the finance side. Chris is actively involved in his community and church. Chris is a founding and board member of World Changers Student Missions (Formerly Lifeway - World Changers) 501c3 non-profit based in Lynn Haven, FL. Their goal is to equip students to a lifelong of missional living thru light construction projects.
Matt Walker serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Grand Bay Construction through Warren Averett's consulting divison. He has 12 years of public accounting experience. He previously worked as a Senior Associate at Price Waterhouse Coopers, LLP and as a Manager at O’Sullivan Creel, LLP. While taking a few years off of public accounting to coach collegiate and professional tennis, Matthew opened Matchpoint Advisors, LLC and Matchpoint Business Services, LLC, where he focused on serving professional athletes, sports academies and family-owned businesses. After transitioning his business back to the Gulf Coast in 2014 from South Florida, Matt expanded his accounting and consulting services into areas of construction, real estate and professional services, while continuing to serve clients throughout the United States and Europe. Matt resides in Miramar Beach, Florida with his wife and son.
Matt Ellington joined the team in the fall of 2010 focusing on Grand Bay Construction’s commercial involvement. Currently Matt manages commercial tenant and landlord projects as well as custom residential properties. Matt obtained his B.A. from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Matt and his wife reside in Dune Allen beach.
Cara joined the GBC team in October of 2014 and has worked in the construction industry for nine years. She spends most of her free time with her family, mainly her two young sons whom she loves watching and cheering on in various sports.
Mike has been in the commercial construction industry for over 10 years with direct project management experience consisting of more than $300M in projects across the Southeast. His background involves a diverse range of industries such as Commercial, Industrial, Hospitality, Multi-Family, Healthcare, Federal and Mixed-Use. With an expertise in estimating, pre-construction planning, project management, and scheduling, Mike utilizes these skills to deliver a successful project and ensure client satisfaction.
After graduating from Auburn University’s Building Science program in 2008, Mike spent the first decade of his career as a Project Manager with a top ranked international general contractor that built in a variety of environments. Mike founded CALA Projects in 2018 before relocating his family back to the Gulf Coast where he assists Grand Bay Construction with project management and expanding their commercial portfolio. Mike currently resides in Seagrove Beach with his wife Kaylon, and his two daughters, Layla and Camille.
Amanda joined the GBC team in April of 2017, providing office management and project administration services. She joins us with over 15 years’ experience in business administration. Her prior work experience has been in healthcare and construction settings.
Amanda is a life long resident of Walton County. She and her husband, Ben, live on a small farm in North Walton County with their three teenage boys who keep her very busy.
Joseph Berkenbile joined the GBC team in October of 2017 offering site supervision and project management services. He joins us with over 10 years of experience in the construction industry. He obtained is BBA from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Joseph, his wife Rashelle, and their two sons live in Santa Rosa Beach.
“Gary” joined the GBC team in April 2014 and is our Customer Loyalty Manager. It is believed Gary is a native of the Pensacola area, though this still remains a mystery. Gary is one tough dog. He’s survived a bear fight, getting hit by a truck on Highway 98, and getting trapped under a deck only to be rescued by skill saw. Gary can be found visiting GBC jobsites & is always willing to lend an extra paw when he can. When he is not working, he can be found frequenting some of his local favorite Grayton Beach spots, such as Franks Cash N Carry, Chanticleer Eatery, and Black Bear Coffee, hanging out with the locals.
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