Derrick Pelletier found his passion for hands-on work early. After graduating high school in 2002, he jumped into the trades with local contractors—doing whatever the job called for, from site work and digging to supporting heavy equipment crews. That early experience gave him a solid foundation and an appreciation for how a jobsite runs when it’s done right.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Mike began working in construction while still in high school, gaining hands-on experience across residential and commercial projects—from demolition and roofing to finish carpentry and cabinetmaking.

Jeff Hatch grew up on Cape Cod and got his start in carpentry through the Cape Cod Technical High School carpentry program. He went on to attend the North Bennet Street School in Boston, studying Preservation Carpentry—where he developed a deep respect for time-honored building methods and the value of fine craftsmanship.

Brandon Davis grew up on Congamond Lake in Southwick, Massachusetts, where he was introduced to the trades at a young age—working alongside his father on flooring projects during summer breaks. Over time, he found himself especially drawn to tile work and developed a real interest in the craft.

A lifelong Connecticut native, Kris Connor found his lane in the trades through tile installation and bathroom remodeling. With a background in other detail-driven work—like automotive restoration—tile quickly grew from a skill into a full-time craft. That path led him to launch Tile Chief LLC, where he earned a reputation for precision, problem-solving, and consistently high-quality results across everything from everyday remodels to high-end custom installations.

Originally from Ukraine and raised in Rhode Island, Dmitry Gribov has been working with his hands from a young age. He started out in tree work and landscaping before finding his footing—and his long-term passion—in carpentry and construction.

Eric Jankowski brings years of hands-on experience and a steady commitment to craftsmanship to Heartwood Renovations. A Wallingford, CT native, Eric graduated from the carpentry program at Wilcox Technical High School and started working in the field at just 16, joining a major restoration company early in his career. He continued his formal training through the American Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program in Connecticut and earned his journeyman carpenter license.

Originally from Rhode Island, Carolina Escalante-Roy has been drawn to the visual arts from an early age. She attended St. Mary Academy – Bay View before earning her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the University of New Haven.

Marcos Bernardes is a longtime Connecticut resident and entrepreneur whose career began in arboriculture, training in evidence-based tree care and technical removals with Bartlett Tree Experts. Early on, he became one of the few climbers in the area regularly handling complex removals in tight locations where heavy equipment couldn’t be used.

Bryan Robertson was born in Scotland and proudly calls West Hartford—and the U.S.—home. His path in woodworking began in Forfar, where he grew up, and led him to Buckinghamshire New University in England, where he studied furniture design and craftsmanship.