Join our Team
Join our Team
TWYLA GARRETT
CEO & President
Twyla has over 28 years
of management
experience. She provides
overview support for
projects and the team in general while leading the
strategy of GMS General Contracting. She also leads
business development and professional/leadership
development. Twyla is a licensed NC realtor, VA, OH, TX,
and NC General Contractor, Independent insurance
adjustor, certified homeland security strategist, awardwinning author, and sought-after motivational speaker.
Twyla is known for her empowering and motivating
presence and for a no-nonsense approach to doing
business. She has a unique ability to develop and grow
team members, especially those who have faced
hardships related to abuse.
FEATURED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
- UNC Chapel Hill Surgical Tower
- Grapevine Hotel, Dallas Texas
- Olympic Relief High
- School, Charolotte VA
- STEM Building Western Carolina University
- UVA Engineering Building
- Duke University, Hollows Residence Halls
- North Carolina State D. H. Hill Jr. Library
- Duke University, Hollows Residence Halls
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- Executive Management Programs certifications from
- Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business
- Master’s degree in Organizational Management, University of Phoenix
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Ursuline College
- Equipment certified.
SHELDON GUNNELL
Director of Commercial Construction
Sheldon offers 24 years of
construction experience
and an extensive track
record of consistently exceeding project goals. He is
skilled at completing projects despite time constraints,
unexpected interferences, and limited resources. He is
knowledgeable in bid procedures and safety
requirements and has practical LEED experience. Sheldon
has outstanding interpersonal and communications skills
and is a talented leader who also serves as a liaison to
clients, engineers, and architects.
FEATURED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
- North Carolina State D. H. Hill Jr. Library
- NCSU Carmicheal Gym
- Harding High School Gym
- Ballentine Jail, Charlotte, NC
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- Construction Management Bachelor’s Degree, Rucker University
- Construction Management Certificate, Turner Construction, Skanska, and Gillane
- LEED AP
- OHSA 30HR
- Scaffolding Certification
- CPR Certified
- Equipment (various) Certified
MELISSA TURNER
Chief Operation Officer
Melissa has over 18 years
of experience and serves
as the Chief Operating
Officer of GMS General
Contracting where she assists in budget reconciliation
and all other aspects of the budget using Quick Books.
She prepares all pay apps and invoices for clients. Melissa
prepares minutes of meetings and conferences and
receives and reviews all incoming mail related to the
company. She maintains record and control of all mail
requiring reply by an established suspense date,
including follow-ups to ensure suspense is met or
extended as needed. She advises
supervisory/management personnel of proper
procedures on office procedure policies, provides payroll
support, and maintains time and attendance records for
all co-workers. Melissa is responsible for responding to
all customer inquiries, and she maintains a directory of
customers and other constituents who call the office
daily. She also supports all company projects. Melissa is
also responsible for the onboarding of all employees as
well as all other HR needs and requirements. She
graduated Suitland High School in 1999, spent a few
years a Prince Georges Community College and Bowie
State University.
FEATURED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
- Harding University High School Gym
- Duke University, Hollow Residence Hall
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- CPR certified
- OSHA 30HR
STEVE LOWERY
Safety Manager
Steve has over 28 years in
construction site safety and
security. He developed and
implemented
comprehensive safety programs, policies, and
procedures, resulting in a 98% reduction in workplace
accidents and injuries. He conducted regular site
inspections, identified potential hazards, and
recommended corrective actions to ensure a safe
working environment. He trained and educated
construction personnel on safety best practices, including
toolbox talks and safety orientations for new hires. He
collaborated with project managers to incorporate safety
considerations into project planning, design, and
execution phases. Steve managed and maintained safety
documentation, including incident reports, safety data
sheets, and training records. Conducted accident
investigations and root cause analysis to prevent future
incidents. He stays current with industry regulations and
standards, ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, and
local safety regulations. He participates in safety audits
and presents findings and recommendations to senior
management.
FEATURED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
- UVA Hospital Expansion
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- Safety Program Development
- Site Inspections and Audits
- Safety Training and Education
- Incident Investigation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Emergency Response Planning
- Hazard Identification and Mitigation
- Risk Assessment
- Communication and Leadership
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- (OSHA) 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
