Our Story 

     I began my construction career in 1992, as a 16 yr old kid, working summers as a laborer for Ron Queer Contracting in Ligonier. I learned a lot about sweeping, loading dumpsters and stripping lath and plaster. It was hard work, but you have to start somewhere. I graduated from LVHS in 1995 and went to work as an apprentice to Chris Zarganis. Chris is a Master Carpenter, Cabinet and Furniture maker. I studied design at Penn State while working for Chris full-time in the summers. I learned all phases of building construction and finish work including custom casework, millwork, flooring installation and finish, production and installation of complex trim packages, rough carpentry, door and window construction while working in some of the finest custom homes in Ligonier. I worked for Chris until I finished my studies at PSU. I moved to Pittsburgh, bought my first home and joined the Carpenters Union (WPBCJ Local 165) as an apprentice in 2000. I learned the ins and outs of commercial construction, focusing on heavy concrete formwork. I left the Carpenters Union after the economic down turn of 2002 and returned to work for Chris. This time around, I was able to work with Master Electrician John Solari, learning residential and commercial wiring. In 2004, I moved back to Ligonier and took a job working for a childhood friend, Jason Jones, at his company Jason Jones Contracting. My time with Jason proved to be a great opportunity to become a more well rounded carpenter, honing my skills in deck building, roofing, siding, painting and interior finish. I also learned basic business infrastructure, job site management and customer service. After 2 years with Jason, I decided it was time to go out on my own, although he has remained a good friend and an important advisor. I formed Grace Construction in 2006. I started, as most folks do, as a one-man band with a pick-up truck and a circular saw. Over the years I have continually worked to expand my skill set.  Since 2015, I have been writing trade articles published in Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Each year, I complete a wide range of projects from the occasional deck or full-scale “gut job” remodels and everything in between. Please take some time on the Gallery page to view our projects.

     In 1999, I met my wonderful wife Molly. We were married in 2007. My son David was born in 2008, my daughter Bridget in 2010, my daughter Cate in 2015 and my son Miles in 2018. We live in Ligonier Borough.