TW Construction, LLC

Dan directs the business development operations of the company, which include marketing, pre-construction planning, estimating and scheduling. In addition, his outstanding people skills have led to his leadership in advancing several very successful employee development programs.

What makes Dan tick?

“One of Dan’s internal roles in the company is to promote innovation in the TW family, including training and skill development of employees. He has a natural ability to connect with people and think outside of what’s ordinary,” said TW co-founder Jerry Therrien. “Dan also has the personality and ability to cultivate lasting partnerships with our clients and subcontractors, which has made him invaluable to the company.? His knowledge, experience and collaborative approach to challenges have made him a resource for solutions to Donnie, me, and the rest of the staff.”

Early influences

Dan’s father was an electrical engineer and a tinkerer who loved building and fixing things. His grandfather and uncles worked in the construction trades. Dan tagged along as often as he was allowed. Before he was permitted to drive, he had to demonstrate he could maintain and repair the vehicle. That is just the way it was and he loved it.  Following this passion, Dan went on to earn degrees in Construction Management from Montgomery College and the University of Maryland.?

Why construction?

With the influences from his early experience, Dan furthered his hands-on interest with the ability to innovate and discover building solutions. His tremendous need to understand how things work and share this knowledge with others provides his greatest satisfaction. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Dan has held roles as senior project manager and director of construction with Maryland-based firms. Dan’s working relationship with Jerry and Donnie began in 1985, and Dan has been an integral part of TW’s growth and success. He enjoys the most complex projects from ground-up construction through complex lab/science and medical facilities interiors.

Serving communities

Adjunct Faculty, Construction Management program at Montgomery College and The?University of Maryland Eastern Shore 

Member, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Education Committee 

Member, Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) DC/MD  

Member, Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI) 

Dan also volunteers his construction expertise for several nonprofit groups. 

After business hours 

Dan’s interests outside of work revolve around family and kids, teaching, working around the house in the yard or on home renovations, and indulging his passion for woodworking.

Donnie, co-founder of Therrien Waddell, is responsible for the production side of the business. His extensive experience, people management skills, and commitment to outstanding project performance drive the operational side of the business.

What makes Donnie tick?

According to Jerry Therrien, Donnie’s partner in the business, “Donnie has always been the tactician. He has a clear vision of the end result of a project, and is intensely committed to meeting schedules and quality, and has high expectations for the TW team. It’s also important to know that Donnie has a passion for testing boundaries and forcefully pursuing solutions to challenges in project requirements. As a result, his aggressive schedules achieve amazing results. Owners and subcontractors really appreciate his influence in achieving project goals.”

Early influences

Donnie grew up in Herndon, Virginia, and graduated from Herndon High School. Donnie enjoyed athletics in high school and his competitive nature led him into the field of construction at an early age, where he soon excelled and embraced full project supervision responsibilities at an early stage in his career.

Why construction?

Donnie’s work life began as a carpenter. Along with his carpentry skills, his ability to motivate teams and ability to manage schedules were noted early in his career.  These qualities led to an opportunity to work with a regional development and construction firm as an assistant superintendent. This position soon led to full supervisory control of a full-scale residential community project. Donnie’s career path blossomed into commercial projects and eventually top leadership roles.

After business hours

Among Donnie’s interests are hunting, racquetball, and the thrill of riding his Harley-Davidson on the open road. Donnie also enjoys traveling around the country to spend time with his siblings. But, his absolute favorite thing to do when not at work is spending precious time with his granddaughter, Ava. 

Jerry, co-founder of the firm, is responsible for the overall management of the construction company—inspiring, communicating and implementing the organization’s vision and strategic plan.

What makes Jerry tick?

Therrien Waddell’s co-founder Donnie Waddell knows Jerry well. “I’ve seen Jerry’s talents as a business strategist grow and flourish during our decades together. His focus on industry trends, technology, and relationships has been a key part of our success in growing a solid and successful business. Jerry is a Renaissance man—he likes to learn and implement, which keeps our business ahead of the curve.”

Early influences

Jerry grew up in New England and developed his work ethic as a youth, under the influence of his French-Canadian family and around his father’s residential carpentry background. After graduating from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania with a major in biology, Jerry set out for the Washington, DC area and took a “temporary” job in construction to fund graduate school. 

Why construction?

Jerry’s stint at his temporary construction job grew into a life-long love of the construction industry. For Jerry, the building industry has provided an opportunity to strategize, plan, innovate and create meaningful environments for communities. 

Serving communities

Past Chair/Current Board Member, Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce 

Member, Montgomery County and Reston, VA Chambers of Commerce 

Member, Board of Directors, Sandy Spring Museum 

Board of Directors member, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Metro Washington 

Member, Associated General Contractors of Maryland (AGC) 

Member, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) 

Member, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) 

LEED Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) 

2013 graduate of Leadership Montgomery

After business hours

Jerry enjoys reading historical novels, woodworking, fine art, travel, gardening, fitness, vineyards, single malt scotch, museums, and any outdoor pursuit.? 

Matt joined TW in 2004 and manages end-to-end construction operations including all project management teams in the office and supervision in the field. As co-director of the TW Safety Program, Matt makes working on a safe project site a top priority for both TW?employees and subcontractors.

What makes Matt tick?

Matt thrives on the supportive environment and opportunities for advancement at TW. He is committed to TW’s goal to have all clients remain partners for life.  According to Donnie Waddell, co-founder of TW, “It’s great to have Matt on our multi-generational leadership team. He has a high level of energy and an extraordinary degree of fortitude that has enabled him to rapidly rise through the TW ranks. He finds motivation through solving the challenges that no one else can, and has a passion for developing people and teams.”

Early influences

Matt grew up in Reston, VA and developed his competitive nature while excelling in multiple sports through high school and playing basketball in college. His motivation to win and succeed affected every aspect of his life and certainly continues at TW.  

Why construction?

Directly after college Matt went to work for a residential contractor and immediately found his passion for managing projects – from conception of the client’s initial vision through production and completion. In managing TW’s operations, Matt stays focused on the important partnerships earned by TW project managers and superintendents with their clients.

After business hours

Matt enjoys recreational activities with his family, and is active in the physical fitness program at his local CrossFit/Mixed Martial Arts gym.

Tom had more than 31 years of experience with industry leading contractors before joining Therrien Waddell in 2006 as Corporate Controller. Tom applies his prior hands-on experience in construction to his management of Finance, Office Administration and IT operations.

What makes Tom tick?

Tom just loves the construction business – in all its manifestations. While this passion may be rooted in his early hands-on career in carpentry, Tom’s precise need to measure and assemble quality work easily transferred to accounting for construction companies. TW co-founder Jerry Therrien observes, “Tom is not your typical ‘green visor’ CFO who just wants to run the numbers. He truly likes to mix it up with the operations team members, understand the issues they are dealing with, and help them come up with a solution that minimizes risk, increases profits, and leads to success.” 

Early influences

After spending seven years in the construction industry building homes, Tom went on to pursue a college education at Shepherd University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Computer Programming.?

Why construction?

Tom contributes uniquely relevant experience to TW because of his early career in construction as a carpenter. It was a natural career progression to apply his accounting and IT education to the field in which he began his career. 

Serving communities

Member, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Safety Committee 

Member, Washington County (MD) Chamber of Commerce, Business and Education Committee 

Member, Associated General Contractors (AGC) 

Member, Gaithersburg Germantown Chamber of Commerce 

Member, Construction Financial Management Association 

Member, Hagerstown Rotary International  

After business hours

Tom is always looking for opportunities to use his carpentry skills. His love for sports brings out his competitive nature, especially in basketball and racquetball – two of his favorite games.?Tom also enjoys outdoor activities including camping, hiking, boating, and skiing.