Retaining Wall Professionals to Know 2025

Raleigh is the Founder and Partner of Crescostone, a Tennessee-based concrete contractor with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial concrete construction. Since 2002, Crescostone has completed thousands of projects ranging from decorative stamped patios and driveways to structural slabs, foundations, and complex site work. In addition to structural integrity and drainage expertise, Kay specializes in exterior concrete design—blending function with aesthetics to create cohesive outdoor spaces that enhance architecture, property value, and long-term durability. She works closely with homeowners and project managers to ensure proper grading, water management, and visual integration with the home’s overall design. Kay frequently speaks on the hidden risks of improper concrete installation, including water intrusion, foundation damage, and mold issues caused by poor slope planning and site preparation—mistakes often made when design and engineering are treated separately. Under her leadership, Crescostone has built a reputation for craftsmanship, accountability, and standing behind its work. Kay advocates for higher standards in the concrete industry and educates homeowners on how to avoid costly installation and design failures. Her expertise includes: • Residential and commercial concrete construction • Site grading and drainage planning • Exterior concrete design and architectural integration • Decorative stamped and stained concrete • Foundation and slab installation • Contractor quality control and industry standards Kay provides expert insight for media on construction quality, drainage planning, outdoor design strategy, contractor vetting, and small business operations in the skilled trades.

Josiah Stoltzfus is the 3D Design Specialist at Sauder Hardscape Supply, offering an expert eye on all things hardscape and outdoor living design. Josiah specializes in walkway and patio paver design, driveway pavers, patio walls, fire and water features, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor lighting design.

Stuart Wilkinson is a Capital Asset Planning Specialist at PropFusion with over 20 years of experience helping HOAs, condominiums, and community associations plan for the long-term maintenance and replacement of their buildings and infrastructure across all 50 states. He specializes in capital reserve planning, HOA financial health analysis, special assessment prevention, and state-by-state funding legislation - including Florida's landmark Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) requirements enacted after the Surfside condo collapse. Stuart regularly provides expert commentary on construction cost nflation, building safety and structural integrity, and the growing funding crisis facing America's aging housing stock. He is available for interviews, expert quotes, data commentary, and legislative analysis.

I’m a construction executive, real estate developer, and entrepreneur based in North Mississippi with experience in commercial construction, residential development, and complex project management in both domestic and international environments. I founded EM Contingency Group and its residential division Hexalon Homes to deliver high-quality construction while addressing workforce housing shortages and supporting economic growth in rural communities across North Mississippi and Northwest Alabama. Before entering private development, I served in the U.S. Air Force and am a war veteran of Operation Northern Watch in Turkey during the late 1990s. Following my military service, I spent seven years in the Middle East as a contractor supporting U.S. government projects, working in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman on projects connected to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State. That experience provided firsthand exposure to international labor markets, supply chain constraints, and the logistical realities of delivering infrastructure in complex environments. Academically, I hold an MBA focused on Project Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering, and I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). I am also a licensed commercial and residential builder with multiple trade endorsements. I have also been active in civic leadership and public affairs. I previously served in elected roles within the Libertarian Party, including Regional Representative and State Chairman for Mississippi, and ran as a candidate for Mississippi State Senate. I was also elected as Commander of my American Legion Post in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and remain a Past Commander. I am a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and have previously participated in the Rotary Club. In my local community, I coach youth sports and founded Iuka Sports Academy, a youth athletic training facility in Iuka, Mississippi. I also organize and operate a local soccer league that serves families throughout the area. My professional work sits at the intersection of construction, housing supply, workforce development, and rural economic growth. I regularly provide commentary on topics including housing shortages, construction costs, labor availability, rural development, supply chain challenges, and infrastructure investment, drawing from hands-on experience in both government projects and private development.

Anton grew up in a family deeply rooted in the bathroom industry, gaining early exposure to its logistics and operations. His natural interest in creativity and innovation fuel his focus on the aspects that give a product its soul: material, design, functionality, and emotion. Leveraging his extensive experience with leading architectural firms on hospitality and multi-family residential projects worldwide, Anton ensures Watrline remains a leader in the outdoor shower and bathroom industry. By collaborating with groundbreaking manufacturers, Anton and his team bring cutting-edge, bold designs to life, setting new standards and providing a platform for innovative storytelling in the market.

Lane Pace is an insulation expert and building science professional specializing in building performance, spray foam insulation, and energy-efficiency solutions across the Southern United States (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas). Lane leads Louisiana Spray Foam & Insulation, the parent company behind LUAS Insulation, where he helps residential and light-commercial properties perform better through high-impact insulation and air-sealing strategies. His expertise includes spray polyurethane foam (SPF), attic systems, subfloor insulation, and whole-home thermal envelope performance—focused on improving comfort, indoor stability, moisture control, and long-term structural protection. Through his work at LUAS Insulation, Lane has overseen projects addressing air leakage reduction, thermal bridging challenges, and HVAC efficiency support, applying climate-specific insulation strategies tailored to hot-humid and mixed-climate conditions common across the South. His approach combines real-world field experience with building science fundamentals, emphasizing clean installations, safety protocols, and consistent quality control. Lane regularly creates educational content that translates building science into clear, actionable guidance for homeowners and industry professionals—covering topics like spray foam performance characteristics, attic ventilation insights, subfloor moisture management, and installation best practices. In addition to his work in insulation and energy services, Lane also operates and advises complementary property-service ventures—applying the same operational discipline and standards across each business.

Jeremy is the CEO of Willow Gates Home & Landscape. With over 20 years of experience, he is an expert in patio and hardscape design and installation, including outdoor kitchens, landscaping, lighting, and more!

Teale Hatheway is a Los Angeles–based wallpaper designer, artist, and founder of Pearl & Maude and StripedWallpaper.com. A fifth-generation Angeleno with a deep interest in historic architecture and preservation, her work is rooted in the belief that interiors should honor the past while feeling alive in the present. Hatheway’s wallpaper patterns for Pearl & Maude are derived from her paintings of historic buildings, ornament, and architectural details. These motifs are translated into richly layered wallcoverings that reference architectural traditions while remaining adaptable to contemporary interiors. All of her wallpapers are printed to order in her Los Angeles studio, allowing for careful color development, material selection, and quality control. This hands-on approach gives Hatheway a practical understanding of both the design and production sides of wallpaper, from pattern scale and color relationships to installation considerations. Hatheway later founded StripedWallpaper.com after noticing how often designers relied on stripes to balance and connect other patterns in a space, while also hearing frequent frustration about how difficult it could be to find exactly the right stripe. The platform was developed as a reliable design resource for the full spectrum of classic stripes, with both ready-to-order designs and custom options that allow designers to adapt stripes to specific palettes, textiles, and interiors. She frequently speaks about pattern mixing, the role of color in creating cohesive interiors, the historical lineage of decorative patterns, and how wallpaper can shape the experience of a room. Her perspective combines fine art, historic reference, and hands-on manufacturing with a focus on helping designers create interiors that feel intentional, personal, and enduring.

I specialize in cost estimating and quantity takeoffs for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the U.S. With 6+ years of experience, I help contractors win more bids through accurate trade-specific estimates. Passionate about construction tech, efficiency, and project success.

I am Jake Woods, a Florida-based Lighting and Interior Designer dedicated to creating spaces that unite functionality with aesthetic balance. I work with Residence Supply, where I focus on crafting customized interiors and lighting solutions that transform residential spaces with elegance and atmosphere.

I am a skilled roofing and construction professional at Weldon Roofing & Construction, with hands-on experience in both residential and commercial projects. I focus on delivering high-quality workmanship while maintaining strong safety standards and ensuring client satisfaction. I manage projects from initial assessment through completion, By making sure timelines, budgets, and structural requirements are met. I work closely with clients to understand their needs, recommend practical solutions, and deliver durable, long-lasting results. My expertise includes roof installation, repair, inspection, and overall construction coordination. I am known for clear communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to reliable, consistent service. I take pride in building long-term relationships with clients through trust, professionalism, and dependable performance.

Owner of BMR Belmax Remodeling, a licensed remodeling contractor serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Specializing in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, residential renovations, and value-driven home improvements with a strong focus on permits, inspections, and long-term ROI. I provide practical insights on renovation costs, remodeling mistakes, contractor best practices, and how strategic renovations impact home value.

Lydia Beaumont is a go-to expert in interior design, known for her knack for stylish table settings, blending houseplants seamlessly with home decor, and designing inviting outdoor spaces. She has a real talent for making spaces look stunning while keeping them comfortable and livable. Lydia’s creative touch brings a fresh and vibrant feel to any room or garden she works on.

I’m the founder of BrassOna®, a brand specializing in solid unlacquered brass kitchen and bathroom fixtures designed for high-end residential spaces. I focus on materials, finishes, and long-term performance—helping homeowners and designers choose fixtures that not only look premium on day one, but develop character over time. Unlacquered brass is one of the most misunderstood materials in home design. Unlike coated finishes, it naturally evolves, creating a living patina that reflects how a space is used. I regularly advise on bathroom and kitchen upgrades, material selection, and luxury design trends, with a focus on durability, aesthetics, and timeless design.

I'm a specialist commercial finance broker with 16 years of experience helping Australian business owners access commercial property finance. As founder of Smart Business Plans, I've overseen $550 million in commercial finance across more than 3,300 clients, with a 92% approval rate working across a panel of 60+ specialist lenders. My expertise sits at the intersection of commercial property, business finance, and wealth strategy — particularly for small to medium business owners looking to buy their own premises, invest through their SMSF, or fund development projects. I work exclusively in the commercial space, which means I specialise where the major banks often can't or won't go. I'm also the author of The Premise Effect (2026), which makes the case for why Australian business owners are leaving millions on the table by renting rather than owning their business premises. I'm available to comment on: commercial property finance, SMSF borrowing, business lending, commercial mortgage rates, Australian property market trends, and small business wealth building.

David Lofthouse is the Director of Lofthouse Construction Group and Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists, overseeing two divisions that reflect his passion for precision, innovation, and craftsmanship. With extensive experience in luxury residential construction and architectural design, David leads his teams in delivering exceptional bespoke projects across the UK. At Lofthouse Construction Group, he drives the company’s vision for sustainable, high-end homebuilding, combining timeless design with modern functionality. Meanwhile, through Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists, David has expanded into the world of sports construction, providing expertly engineered permanent and temporary padel courts built to international standards. His leadership is defined by quality, detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, both companies have earned strong reputations for creating enduring structures from luxury homes to world-class sporting facilities that embody craftsmanship, innovation, and client satisfaction.

I am a digital marketing specialist with expertise in the skilled trades, focused on creating strategies that connect technical achievement with broad audiences through SEO, content strategy, branding, and event marketing. My background centers on transforming complex subjects into clear, compelling stories that drive recognition, trust, and growth. At FINFROCK, a nationally recognized leader in vertically integrated design-build construction, I work alongside a wide range of highly skilled professionals in architecture, engineering, precast manufacturing, and construction. Because every discipline is under one roof, I have direct access to subject matter experts who are shaping the future of the industry. Whether the need is insight on design-build delivery, precast innovation, or the evolution of skilled trades, I can connect media with proven experts who bring both credibility and hands-on experience to their field.

I'm a marketer who works with small businesses in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. My clients are all the best in their field and are always available for content or expert insight on their respective subjects. My clients include mostly landscape designers and various types of contractors.

Chris Newton is the Director of Marketing at Sauders Hardscape Supply. With over 20 years of business experience, he brings a unique perspective to the hardscaping industry. Chris can speak to business and consumer trends on everything from walkway and driveway pavers to fire features, outdoor kitchens, lighting design, and more!

Peter Irvin is the Managing Director of Estimating Australia, a leading construction estimating and project cost consultancy serving builders, developers, and architects nationwide. With more than two decades of experience in the Australian construction industry, Peter has built a reputation for precision, professionalism, and results-driven leadership. His career spans both hands-on construction management and high-level estimating, giving him a rare depth of understanding across all stages of project delivery, from design feasibility and tendering through to cost control and value engineering. Under his leadership, Estimating Australia has become trusted by hundreds of clients for its accuracy, transparency, and ability to help projects stay on budget and on schedule. Peter is particularly known for his ability to merge technical estimating expertise with practical industry insight. He has worked across residential, commercial, civil, and industrial projects, consistently delivering cost strategies that enhance profitability and reduce risk for builders and property developers. As Managing Director, Peter continues to drive innovation in digital estimating systems, data-driven forecasting, and client-focused service delivery. His leadership has positioned Estimating Australia as a benchmark for quality and reliability in the sector. With an unwavering commitment to integrity and continuous improvement, Peter Irvin is recognised as a thought leader in construction cost management, a trusted partner who empowers clients to make confident financial decisions on every project.