Management
Brett Yates
Project Manger
404-849-0252
Four years in the U.S. Navy H.T. 5, welder, fabricator, firefighter, worked on L.A. class fast attack submarines, assisted dive teams as well as other special ops teams. Five years as a painting and remodeling contractor, serving the high-end residential and light commercial market in Virginia Beach, VA.
Nine years as the senior project manager for an Atlanta based commercial painting and wall covering contractor, helped the company grow from two million to eight million in 6 years. Duties included safety officer, train all new project managers, assign jobs and crews to project managers, the hiring of all painting and wall covering crews. Keeping the company up to date on all new coatings and equipment. Manage 1.5 million per year in work, specializing in hotels, resorts, and large commercial projects.
Been with Graydaze since September 2001 as a Project Manager running projects mostly in and around the Atlanta area for some of our largest property management clients.
Family: Married to my beautiful wife Regan for 17 years. We are from Virginia Beach, VA, but moved to Atlanta 17 years ago.
Hobbies: In my free time during the spring and summer, I can be found on Lake Lanier, where I enjoy fishing and socializing. Fall and winter I spend time skiing and bow hunting.
David Donoho
Estimator
404-964-7380
I started my career in painting in the summer of 2007. I had been running a residential window cleaning business, in its fifth year at the time, and saw an opportunity to grow the business and provide new services for my customers. With some guidance from a friend and lots of hard work I began teaching myself the residential painting trade. However, come fall the weather in Minnesota isn’t conducive to any outdoor work that doesn’t involve a shovel or plow so I took a job with Graydaze to fill in the winter gap…little did I know. By the end of February I packed my prized possessions, gave away the rest and moved to Georgia to take a job in the Alpharetta office as an assistant project manager.
Meeting the daily challenge of learning a new trade and providing the distinguished level of service that Graydaze demands of its employees has been rewarding. I learn more about the trade and myself every day, which I attribute to the excellent tutelage and mentorship from the office staff and the people in the field. I’ve played bits parts in several projects from Tennessee to New Jersey and look forward to a perpetually expanding role in company operations as my talents surface and capabilities develop. In ten years of employment history, including working for myself, no job has snared my interest and attention like this one and the charge of living up to the company mantra “When only the best will do…”
On days when work isn’t the first priority I get into good cinema, non-fiction books (usually biographies and histories), and music. One of the best parts about living in Georgia is all of the excellent concert venues in every part of the state. I also dig traveling and seeing places and cultures I’ve read or heard about, and some that appear unexpectedly on the horizon. There’s nothing cooler than seeing what works for other people, taking away from those experiences what works for you and integrating it into your own bearing.
David Henry
Vice President
404-849-0228
I began my career in paint with the Sherwin Williams Company in 1986; as a warehouse stock boy - little did I know what type of journey I was embarking upon. Eight years later I had worked my way up to Operations Manager of the Atlanta based chemical coatings facility. The experience I gained along the way turned out to be invaluable. My exposure not only to architectural coatings, but also industrial and chemical coatings has certainly been useful throughout my career.
After eight years of working with Sherwin Williams, I realized my interests had shifted from the technical aspects of coatings to the applications of these coatings. In 1994 I went to work for a mid sized paint contracting company in Atlanta as a project engineer. By 1996 I had worked my way into Project Management, but the company was facing financial difficulties and eventually closed its doors.
By this point I had developed a strong interest in other aspects of construction besides finishes. I began working as a renovation contractor in the spring of 1996. My partner and I purchased distressed houses and self performed the renovation prior to selling the property. This afforded me the time to explore many different trades first hand and provided me with experience which I still use daily. However I soon realized the main problem with teaching yourself on the job is that the pay rate is too low and the tuition for the training is outrageous.
Currently I am the vice president of operations for the company. I primarily oversee the Atlanta office and act as a senior project manager for several projects. This allows me to work very closely with our newer project managers and office staff to maintain the level of quality that our customers have come to expect from Graydaze. I also spend time introducing new clients to the services that Graydaze has to offer.
Over the years I have managed or worked as part of the management team on numerous projects, but I am proud to say that as of this writing I hold the current Graydaze record (as a project manager) for largest project completed in terms of overall project square footage. I was part of the team that completed coatings, sealants, slab densifiers, line striping and epoxy flooring for the 2.1 million square foot Target Import Warehouse in Savannah, GA.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family either hiking, camping, boating, paddling kayaks or just relaxing at the beach. We all stay busy, but always seem to find the time to relax on our back porch with good friends, some Buffett in the background and a cold beverage.
Gary Gray
President and Founder
404-849-0244
I founded Graydaze Contracting in June of 1991 as a residential painting contractor while attending classes at Dekalb Community College and working as a Sales Representative for the Brookwood Decorating Center, a small Devoe Raynold’s Dealer in Lawrenceville, GA. It was at this time I marketed residential repainting projects to complete after store hours and on weekends during the summer of 1990 and 1991. Graydaze Contracting, Inc. was incorporated in 1994 as I realized an opportunity to continue growth in the commercial marketplace beginning with our first customers Koger Properties and a handful of small commercial general contractors. These humble beginnings began a company that has experienced many years of double digit growth to become the Nationwide Choice for Coating and Sealants installations.
My primary focus now is new business development sales and marketing, overseeing our satellite offices and goal setting for the company's future growth. I continue to manage a handful of larger projects in and out of Atlanta, with my most recent achievements being the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta, GA and a Manufacturing Facility for Alberto Culver in Jonesboro, AR.
I am an active member in the National Painting and Decorating Contractors of America and currently hold an elected position as a Trustee for the A.E. Friedman Scholarship Fund and Member of the Commercial Committee. My wife Kelly and I have attended National Conventions in several US cities and appreciate the opportunity to volunteer our time each year in March. Additionally I am a member of The Society for Protective Coatings and have fulfilled all class work and testing to earn recognition as a Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) and be certified by the SSPC. We remain active as a company in the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors and NAIOP taking time out for charity events, sponsorships and fellowship.
I spend my favorite times with Kelly and our children Ansley and Zachary. We enjoy the outdoors together hiking and camping in North Georgia's state parks, cheering on our kid’s Little League Baseball and Softball Teams or enjoying free time to unwind on the lake when the family has the time. I enjoy all types of fishing, boating and however I can get out on the water.
Jeff Middleton
Senior Project Manager
404-808-7471
My background in the painting industry has been a 26 year career experience. I started in the painting business doing residential painting with my uncle, Bill Middleton, who owned and operated his business for over 35 years in Columbus, Ga. This opportunity gave me hands on training in the residential painting field.
I then went to work for Sherwin Williams in Columbus, Ga. I held positions as Assistant Store Manager, then relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and progressed to Store Manager for several large, high volume stores and then moved to Commercial Sales Representative. Over my 15 years with Sherwin Williams, I had the opportunity to learn all the different aspects of the painting business. I have had certification and specialized training in Commercial and Industrial Coatings and Industrial Floor Coating application. Through my work with Sherwin Williams I had the opportunity to meet Gary Gray, owner of Graydaze Contracting Inc. I was more than happy to bring all of my past experience and extensive training to work for Graydaze Contracting, Inc.
I am married to my best friend and beautiful wife, Jackie and we have been blessed with 2 loving daughters Emily & Sarah.
I'm an avid Fisherman both salt and freshwater. But I get the most enjoyment spending time with my wife and girls. We all enjoy going to Lake Lanier for boating, fishing, and swimming. We also enjoy vacationing at the beach.
Kristy Jackson
Project Administrator
770-375-0632
I joined Graydaze Contracting, Inc. in 2008 when Graydaze acquired the previous company I worked for, Greystone Industrial. I was very excited as to what new challenges Graydaze might offer. I started in the commercial construction industry about ten years ago calling on receivables and collecting past due accounts, working my way up from there. My previous experience includes payables, payroll, reading plans and doing take offs, operations, sales and marketing.
When I am not in the office I enjoy spending time at home with my wonderful husband of 13 years, our 2 wonderful children and our 2 dogs. My interests include home schooling our children, Taekwondo, watching my children play sports and spending quality time with the ones I love cooking and watching shows.
Matt Fargo
Project Manager
757-576-8539
I began my career in the paint industry with the Sherwin-Williams Company in 1998. Shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia, I entered the Management Training Program and was soon placed as an Assistant Store Manager in Morrow, GA. During the next 4 years I served as a Branch Manager for the Griffin and Smyrna stores. My experience with Sherwin Williams allowed me to experience various facets of the painting industry, including new home construction, multi-family, commercial, and industrial coatings. In 2002, I accepted the position of Sales Representative for ICI/Glidden Paints. As my experience in the field increased, the more interested I became in the contracting aspect of the paint industry. Through my work as a sales representative for ICI Paints I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Graydaze Contracting. In 2005, I had the privilege to join the Graydaze team as a project manager and estimator.
Jill is the love of my life and we were married in March of 2008. We currently have no children, but have 2 large dogs that we love as our kids. Our hobbies include watching movies, football, working on my 1966 Mustang, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Michele Henry
Financial Administrator
678-570-3669
I joined Graydaze in January 2005 ready for the challenges of a new office and a new industry. Formerly I was employed as an Executive Assistant with one of the top designers/manufacturers of display systems for military aircraft. I also have experience in marketing and administration from my previous employment in the Atlanta sales office of a leading manufacturer/distributor of passive components. Prior to joining the working world, I spent my days at home with my two wonderful sons.
Outside the office, I spend time with the love of my life, my two boys, my beloved dogs, and my two cats. I have interests in many physical pursuits including hiking, biking, yard work & Pilates. In addition to my appreciation for many diverse types of music and books, I enjoy baking and warm evenings on my screened porch soaking up nature.
Nick Prater
Project Manager
912-667-7146
Following my service in the US Army (1988), I started working in the field as an abrasive blaster and coating applicator on tanks and steel structures in Savannah and the surrounding area, for American Blasting Company. After a couple of years in the field, my desire for knowledge of coatings grew, so I began studying any literature associated with the industry. My interest was recognized by the company owner, so he gave me the opportunity to estimate and manage projects. I loved the associated duties and began handling sizeable lead abatement/coating projects from West Virginia to south Florida. These projects involved military bases, municipalities, paper mills, and railroad bridges.
In 1998 I relocated to North Carolina and began working with Doyle Painting Contractors, managing DOT bridge painting projects in the Carolinas. I later returned to Savannah to work with Miller Painting Co. Here my duties included project management and estimating, including SSPC QP-1 and QP-2 Lead abatement/Coating projects of all types, as well as commercial, industrial, and military projects. In 2004 the business owners parted ways and developed into two competing companies.
At this juncture, I decided to establish Prater Painting Company specializing in coating applications related to the water/waste water markets. This has been incredibly rewarding for me and I have maintained an excellent reputation, however, it became apparent to me that I very much desired to be part of a team again. This would provide me needed backing and support from others with similar experience. It is with this in mind that I proudly join the Graydaze Contracting organization as of December 2009.
Russell Evans
Project Manager
912-508-8310
I started my career in the paint business during high school working for my dad’s company which specialized in residential remodeling. I moved to Atlanta in 1999 and I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2004 with a degree in Operations Management. After graduating I started working for Sherwin-Williams in their Management Training Program at the Alpharetta store. I then accepted a position as assistant manager at the Smyrna store and learned the new residential market. After a year there I was promoted to the Marietta Main commercial store where I was the operations manager and learned about the commercial segment of the paint business. After having an outstanding year there I was promoted to manager of the Market Square location and spent over a year there. At that point I heard about an opening at Graydaze and couldn’t pass up the opportunity, so in August of 2008 I began my career with Graydaze and I have enjoyed it thoroughly ever since. It has been an extremely valuable and rewarding experience thus far, and has given me the opportunity to move back to Savannah. My free time is spent with my loving wife Sara enjoying mountain biking, traveling, and playing golf.
Stephen Carswell
Project Manager
678-358-4866
I started in the paint industry in 1988 as a full time employee with Sherwin Williams Paint Company. I worked my way up through assistant manager to store manager to sales representative. I left Sherwin Williams in 1996 to start my own painting company. After 6 years as a contractor, I went back to Sherwin Williams and became a Technical Service Representative. This involved selling and technical assistance with large Commercial/Industrial contractors such as Graydaze.
I joined Graydaze Contracting in early 2007 as a Project Manager. My coatings knowledge and field experience as a sales rep has been a great benefit and helped me get quickly adjusted to this side of the business.
I have been married to my wife, Suzanne since 1988. We have 2 daughters, Leslie Rae and Charlotte and 1 son, Joseph. We enjoy being involved in the kids activities such as baseball, basketball, gymnastics, and theatre. We also like camping and being outdoors, and always have to get a beach trip in every year.
Travis Dyar
Project Manager
404-808-9633
I began my career at Sherwin Williams in 2003 as a part time employee in the Atlanta area. I progressed to Assistant Manager and then Operations Manager by 2007. My experience at SW taught me a great deal about both coatings products and the commercial and industrial painting industry. When the opportunity to join Graydaze arose in August 2007, I was eager to expand this knowledge while meeting the challenge of Project Management.
I have a beautiful wife, Debbie, along with our two wonderful children, Kelsey and Zachary. My favorite activities include spending time with my family, watching and participating in sports, and enjoying the summer months by the pool barbequing.
Nick Manning
Project Manager
678-438-8016
Mr. Manning has spent his entire career working in the Industrial Coatings Field.
During his career he has worked and honed his skills to become an expert in many applications including secondary containment, epoxy wall systems, engineered cements, and decorative systems. Mr. Manning is certified with many manufacturers including Dex O Tex, Tnemec, and Euclid. Mr. Manning currently is a Project Manager for Greystone Industrial Coatings the industrial division of Graydaze. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and fishing.
Wayne M. Dery
Vice President Industrial Division
404-388-3486
Mr. Dery has twenty one years experience in the coatings and concrete repair industry. Mr. Dery has a BS in Industrial Management from Georgia Southern University. During his career Mr. Dery has worked in both the technical sales and contracting sides of the industry. Currently he works as the head of the industrial division for Graydaze Contracting. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, boating on Lake Hartwell or at his cabin in the East Tennessee mountains.