Management
Brett Yates
Project Manger
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 Henry
Vice President
I began my career in paint with the Sherwin Williams Company in 1986; as a warehouse stock boy - little did 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.
Currently I am the vice president of commercial 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 help to support our management teams in the Savannah and Charleston offices, as well as spending 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 completing 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
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 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. 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 enjoy the outdoors hiking and camping in North Georgia's state parks, cheering on my kid’s Little League Baseball and Softball Teams and enjoying free time to unwind on the lake. I also enjoy all types of fishing, boating, diving and however else I can get out on the water.
Jeff Middleton
Senior Project Manager
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.
Michele Henry
Controller
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
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
Senior Project Manager
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
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
Senior Project Manager
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
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
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.
Terrie Apperson
Financial Administrator
After a 21 year adventure of living life and traveling, I decided to return to school and received a degree in Accounting and upon graduating, I left my home in Charleston and moved to the big city of Atlanta. I have since worked in the Accounting/Finance field for several large corporations in the Atlanta area and my many hats include business administration, payroll, human resource management and marketing.
I joined Graydaze in October 2010 after a very interesting and educational experience working for a large home improvement store.
Outside of work, I married a sweetheart from my past and now share a home with him and our blended family of 5 children and most recently, 3 beautiful grandchildren. Our home is surrounded by nature and I can most often be found sitting on my porch enjoying the peacefulness of living in “the tree tops”.
Brian Lockwood
Assistant Estimator
I graduated from Georgia Southern University in May 2011 with a degree in Construction Management in which I studied Quantity and Cost Estimating, Project Planning and Scheduling, as well as a variety of other construction related topics.
Prior to my employment, I was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, hunting, spending time on the lake, going to the beach and Braves baseball games.
Jacob Brumlow
Estimator
I began my career in the construction field straight out of school, working for a commercial general contractor. This allowed me to learn much about the industry including an understanding of projects from preliminary budgeting through close out. As I worked with different sectors of the construction business, I realized that I preferred those jobs that were completed with in-house labor versus subcontracting. This led me away from my first position to a commercial flooring company which installed resinous floors and other top coats. As my interest in coatings grew I again progressed my career by accepting a job with a painting company in Carrollton, GA which worked primarily in retail and school buildings. Seeking knowledge of more specialized coatings and their applications, I came to work for Graydaze in August 2011. In my free time I enjoy golf, fishing or most anything else out doors.
Jared McRae
Project Manager/Estimator
I began my career at Sherwin Williams in 2001 as a part time employee in Winter Haven, FL. In 2003 I was promoted to Assistant Manager of the industrial store in Lakeland, FL. Working at an industrial location helped me learn more about high performance coatings and how they work. After several years I wanted more, I went to work for an Industrial Painting Contractor in Florida. This increased my knowledge of industrial coatings immensely, learning about proper surface preparation, proper application of high performance coatings, estimating, and project management. In 2007 I received NACE Level 1 which helped me to better understand coatings in general. In 2011 I went back to school and earned NACE Level 3. I am proud to say that I am the first person at Graydaze to earn the NACE Level 3 certification. This has helped me tremendously in the coatings industry from quality control to product specification. In March of 2011 I started with Graydaze Contracting and I am eager to apply my knowledge and coatings expertise to expand our company into new market segments.
In my free time I enjoy fishing, working out, rock climbing, concerts, watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lighting, and Florida Gators.
Kaylee Reilly
Project Administrator
My career in the construction industry took off as I learned much about the trade over the course of five years with The Home Depot, beginning in my hometown of Ft. Myers, FL and transferring to Atlanta in 2009. After holding several positions, I realized I was ready for a change and a new challenge. This brought me to Graydaze in February 2011. I am enjoying the opportunities I have daily for continued personal and professional growth.
Outside of my work, I love to travel and would like to much more. I also enjoy being home in Atlanta because it offers the best of the city but is close enough to allow me the occasional trip to the mountains to visit family. I’m a truly adventurous spirit, but spend plenty of time curled up on the couch with a good book. Running, cooking (especially for friends) and spending time with my dog are other favorite past times.
Spencer Edwards
Project Manager
Grew up in Snellville, Ga. and worked for a local builder from the age of 13 to 16. I was in the first graduating class, 1982, from Brookwood High School.
Joined the Army where I was trained as a Chinook CH-47 mechanic and quickly moved up to crew chief. Spent 16 months in South Korea where I met my wife of 26 years. We have twin girls who attend local colleges. My father has been in the commercial waterproofing business most of his adult life and around 1989 we started our own company, Southern Waterproofing, where I was in charge of most aspects of running the company. We specialized in caulking/sealants, and leak repair. After my father retired I was seeking something different. As an early subcontractor of Graydaze I knew their work ethic and had seen their growth in the industry. As a small contractor for over 20 years I was ready for a change. I look forward to more growth with Graydaze.
In my free time I love to go rock crawling in my Toyota based rock buggy, camp, fish, kayak and enjoy Gods creation.
Kurt Lamon
Project Manager
I began my career in painting and construction management in 2002. Starting out painting for a residential contractor, I gained the knowledge and desire to start my own painting business and concentrated on new residential and small commercial painting. A few years later, I became a general contractor and focused on new residential construction. As the market turned, I shifted to commercial renovations, tenant improvements, and built and developed a small apartment complex. Once an opportunity arose with Graydaze, I quickly realized the benefit of working with an outstanding team and have been honored to be a part.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family whether we are sitting on the back porch or taking a road trip. I am very fortunate to have found my bride-to-be and best friend, Ashley. We are very happy to be in a new area and look forward to being here for years to come.