Core States Group

What happens when you combine a love for science and a need for organization? You get Aaron, whose organizational acumen, management experience, and thoughtful, strategic mindset help improve our daily operations and map our path for the future.

Inspired by an enthusiastic science teacher, Aaron knew in ninth grade that he was going to pursue a career in engineering. But it wasn’t until his first college internship that he decided civil engineering would be the best fit for him. His experience encompasses more than 18 years of increasing levels of engineering and management responsibility. Aaron’s colleagues say one of his greatest skills is his ability to really listen—he’s considered a true mentor, one who works tirelessly for what’s best for our firm, our employees, and our clients. 

Off the clock, you might find Aaron watching Penn State football, playing video games with his kids, and generally working to perfect his work/life balance. 

Last time he danced: His wedding

Worst habit:  Staying up late so he doesn't miss anything (FOMO) 

Favorite dinner: His Grandmother's pizza casserole 

EDUCATION

Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

AFFILIATIONS

Professional Engineer (PE) | Licensed in Multiple States

National Council of Examiners for Engineers 

National Society of Professional Engineers

Dave has an extensive background in operations, sales, and information technology and he’s applying all that experience to grow Core States and lead the overall development of the company’s infrastructure. With more than 20 years of experience leading companies to greater growth and profitability, he has excellent analysis, innovation and problem-solving skills, and in his role at Core States, he is well-known for building effective teams and developing solid business solutions.

When he’s not busy running the company or meeting with clients and staff as he travels between all 15 offices, he treasures his time with his wife and two sons. They enjoy family time at their cabin in the Poconos however, work is never far from his mind—he’s always thinking about ways to grow Core States and make it the best.

Most unique job: Provided sideline technology to the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL

Air miles logged last year: 150,000+

Recommended reading: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

DYK? David is a member of Mensa International, the high IQ society

AFFILIATIONS

Vistage International

Business Clubs of America

Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center | Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Project Management

Information Systems Audit and Control Association 

Since he was a boy playing sports, John has always had a passion for leading and developing teams. He believes a great team consists of people who aren’t afraid to try anything–what he considers “multi-sport athletes.” His philosophy even inspired our mission statement:  “To bring an athletic and multi-disciplined approach to the built environment.”

John’s early career working in construction management for Hess, and as an engineer for Sunoco, motivated him to start his own company. He saw the need for a single firm that could provide everything companies need to design and build their presence anywhere in the U.S.–a “one-stop shop.” So in 1999 he started Core States, originally serving clients in four states, augmenting the firm year after year with more and more service offerings. Eventually, John’s idea grew into what Core States is today–15 offices throughout the country, serving brands large and small across North America and beyond.

When John isn’t working, he enjoys traveling with his family, playing and watching sports, and serving the community. He loves to spend time with his employees outside the workplace. He hosts an annual Core States softball tournament, and also volunteers with his employees, serving the non-profit organizations of their choice. Some of the organizations John is personally passionate about are the March of Dimes, One House at a Time in Philadelphia, and the Boys and Girl’s Club.

Guilty pleasure: Grey Goose martini

Most interesting place he’s visited: The Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, in Tanzania

Most irrational fear: Not being able to be athletic (though he has made peace with never dunking a basketball again)

EDUCATION

Valparaiso University | Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering

AFFILIATIONS

Professional Engineer (PE) | Licensed in Multiple States

American Society of Civil Engineers 

National Society of Professional Engineers 

International Council of Shopping Centers 

Petroleum Equipment Institute 

Since joining Core States in 2007, Brian has blended his passion for sustainability, his practical experience in multiple disciplines, and his talent for anticipating and meeting client needs to make energy one of the fastest-growing areas of our business.

He works closely with our engineering and construction groups to capture ideas and efficiencies that result in smarter ways to meet client objectives. His easygoing personality—a credit to his California upbringing—make him a welcome presence when pressures run high. When he’s not at a project site, Brian enjoys camping, fishing, racing tandem bikes with his wife, and spending as much time as possible with his four children.

Favorite book: Go Dog Go (his daughter's favorite bedtime story)

Best part of job: Mentoring and educating staff about the energy market

Memorable trips: Norway and the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains

EDUCATION

Biola University | Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, Minor in Business Administration

AFFILIATIONS

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) 

Project Management Training Institute 

Since joining Core States in 2010, Bryan has been successfully building integrated teams among all disciplines across the firm and continues to improve upon our processes. He has been a part of teams all of his life, growing up playing baseball, basketball, and soccer while working summer jobs in the construction industry as a teenager. 

After college, Bryan worked in his home state of New York in management roles at DHL Worldwide Express and M&T Bank before relocating to Florida and co-founding a construction management firm. He focused on customer relationships while providing CM services to a variety of clients, from small, independently-owned entities to large Fortune 500 corporations. 

At Core States, Bryan manages our Programs Construction Group, executing regional and national rollout programs, multi-site remodel projects, and CM services. He is especially proud of the partnership he’s helped build with McDonald’s, which is an account that involves every service Core States offers.

Last vacation: Cayman Islands

Favorite TV show: Any pro sporting event

After hours: Coaching little league, golfing, traveling with family

EDUCATION

State University of New York at Albany | B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance

AWARDS

Core States’ President’s Award, 2017

As a young athlete, Chris' dream of building sports facilities led him to his degree in Architecture. But after a decade of working for a large architectural firm in New York City, he caught the construction bug after being on-site, watching first-hand as projects came to life. He’s been an ace construction manager ever since.

Having worked on some very high profile projects across the country with prominent developers and architects like Frank Gehry, Chris knows how to build teams and manage large-scale projects. Today with Core States, Chris loves having the ability to use all the knowledge he's gained as an architect and construction manager to influence a project or a team. He still gets excited seeing a project come to life, but he’s even more inspired by the people he works with. 

When he’s not working, Chris devotes his free time to his wife and three children—he enjoys spending a simple day with his two daughters or watching his son play high-school baseball.  

Bucket list: Take the whole family to Italy

Super power he wishes he had:  To read minds

Personal project: Bathroom remodels at home

EDUCATION

New York Institute of Technology | Bachelors, Architecture

David was our first structural engineer when he joined Core States in 2010. Today, he manages a national team throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Drawn early to “work you can touch and see,” David began his studies in agricultural engineering at Virginia Tech—a special challenge for a New Jersey boy who’d never been to a farm. He enjoyed learning about mechanics, but was most interested in the soil with structures in the ground and he went on to specialize in structural engineering. In writing his thesis for his master’s degree, he researched wood-plastic composites as well as bolted connections on docks and marine structures for the U.S. Navy.

Today, David is excited about pushing our team to do work internationally and loves watching his engineers reach their goals and grow as people and engineers.

Craziest thing he’s done: Swimming with sharks in Mexico

If he could meet anyone living or dead:  Ben Franklin

Off the clock: Guitar, video games, remote-control cars 

EDUCATION

Washington State University | Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | B.S. in Engineering

AFFILIATIONS

Professional Engineer (PE)

National Council of Examiners for Engineers

Since coming to Core States in 2014, Jamie’s 20 years of engineering, management, and sales experience has made him a key player in the growth of our restaurant portfolio. As Director of Restaurants, Jamie is responsible for maintaining existing relationships while pursuing new and exciting clients with a focus on quick serve, food courts, cafeterias, fast casual, and fine dining.

Growing up, Jamie loved building and fixing things with his father—including the restoration of a 1973 Jeep CJ5. Understanding how things work has always fascinated him. Clients and co-workers alike say his friendly, outgoing personality and creative, problem-solving mindset make him a pleasure to work with.

When Jamie isn’t thinking about how to elevate the guest experience while simplifying the design and construction process for our restaurant clients, you can find him zipping down the ski slopes with his family, coaching his kids little league or soccer teams, or serving as a Cub Scout master. One thing is for sure, Jamie is a family man and he considers Core States part of his family. The feeling is mutual.

Latest Adventure: Moving his family cross-country from Seattle to Boston

Favorite Book: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, which he’s read over 100 times to his kids

Loves Most About Core States: The people and the culture!

EDUCATION

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering

AFFILIATIONS

Professional Engineer (PE)

International Council of Shopping Centers 

John leads our nationwide electrical engineering team, just shy of 20 years of design and management experience. John’s group often works closely with our energy construction team to develop solutions that are reliable, cost-effective and sustainable.

John’s friendly personality and depth of knowledge has proven time and again to be an added benefit to our clients. When he isn’t mentoring his team or developing new standards, you can find him attending conferences and client meetings all over the country. His love for math is what led him into engineering. Go figure. But what he loves about being an engineer is seeing his designs come to life in the field.  

Favorite musician: King George (aka George Strait)

Place I love to visit: Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri

First job: Hauling hay at a local farm

EDUCATION

John Brown University | Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Concentration

AFFILIATIONS

Licensed Professional Engineers in 42 States, the District of Columbia, and 3 Canadian Provinces

LEED Accredited Professional 

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 

Nation Society of Professional Engineers 

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers 

Illuminating Engineering Society  

AWARDS 

Core States President's Award, 2018

Since joining Core States almost 10 years ago, Kevin has expanded new aspects of the company’s various markets and operational functions, achieving client satisfaction throughout awarded programs. Kevin’s ability to manage the needs and expectations of Core States’ clients originates from his background in the A/E/C industry. He oversees all existing programs while working closely with account leads.

Prior to joining Core States, Kevin held several upper management roles for companies like Diversified Specialty Industries and Madison Industries, Inc. Kevin’s diverse background within the retail, restaurant, fueling, manufacturing, and healthcare market sectors contributes to his success in growing current Core States’ accounts across all sectors. 

Favorite activity: Golfing at Pebble Beach

Best vacation:  Italy and the Swiss Alps with my family

Off-the-clock: Supporting my kids at their sporting events

EDUCATION

Minnesota State University | Bachelor of Political Science

AFFILIATIONS

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) 

With over 30 years of experience, Trish has completed projects for clients all over the United States and some as far as China, but one thing always remains the same in her design process: She brings her clients’ visions to life in a cost-conscious manner to create memorable, functional spaces.

Starting at a young age Trish had a fascination with how a person moves through and experiences a space. As a child, her mother would find her drawing floor plans and moving things around the house to change the flow to create different types of experiences. Trish believes it’s the efficiency of the space we move through that creates the memory. If the space doesn't have the right flow, colors and tile patterns don't matter. 

Favorite place to shop: Container Store

Dream vacation: Turkey, Africa, Australia, India, and Japan (in one trip!)

Passionate about: Fashion, cultures, and industrial design

EDUCATION

Arcadia University | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design

AFFILIATIONS

National Council for Interior Design Qualification 

Shawn’s seller-doer approach and 20+ years of experience give him the tools to help our retail and financial clients meet their objectives. His primary focus is maintaining existing relationships while seeking new clients to work with. 

Shawn makes it a point to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in the retail and banking industry and uses his findings to help clients stay ahead of the curve. Shawn’s most memorable project to date is DragonMart, a 1.7 million square-foot, 1.2 kilometer-long, dragon-shaped marketplace in Dubai.

Favorite places to shop: Williams-Sonoma, Ikea, The Home Depot

Dream vacation: Anywhere in Asia

Off the clock: Baking, cooking, cars, and traveling

EDUCATION

Boston Architectural Center | Bachelor of Architecture

University of Delaware | Liberal Arts

AFFILIATIONS

International Council of Shopping Centers 

Tom has more than 35 years of experience as a civil engineer and more than 22 as a manager and program leader. He oversees all of our engineering work, with experience that spans the private, public and government sectors.

Tom has a deep understanding of projects of all types, sizes and complexity, and delivers invaluable insights on site assessment, land development, utility infrastructure, environmental impacts, and transportation. His father was a civil engineer and owned his own firm, so civil engineering is all he’s ever known. His greatest and proudest project was having the honor of being the Civil Engineer for the U.S. Slavery Museum in Fredricksburg, VA. The museum never got built, but the focus and presentation were true to its purpose.

Greatest fear: Drowning

Greatest phobia: What lurks beneath the water

Hobby: home remodeling or restoration; taking something old and making it new again

EDUCATION

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth | Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering

AFFILIATIONS

Professional Engineer licensed in 42 States and Canada

National Society of Professional Engineers 

Texas Society of Professional Engineers 

National Council of Examiners for Engineering   

Tim’s 31 years in fueling includes experience managing large-scale projects for convenience stores, corporate and commercial facilities, refineries and bulk holding tank farms.

With a focus on client communications, managing budgets and developing innovative design solutions, Tim leads our team in exceeding the demanding expectations of some of the largest fueling companies in the world. When he’s not at work, Tim enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling with his wife to food-related destinations (they're foodies!). 

What sparked his interest in the fueling market: Love for fast cars and tinkering with them

Last vacation:  Road trip to Kansas City for a NASCAR race

Last overseas trip: South Korea for a fueling station commissioning project (also his first overseas trip!)

EDUCATION

Oklahoma State Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Arts

AFFILIATIONS

Petroleum Equipment Institute 

Natural Gas Vehicle Institute