Kenneth D. Garrett


Objective:

A position as a VP Operations, Director of Quality Assurance/Construction Specialist /Material Sales/Construction Manager/Field Supervisor/Other suitable position

Profile:

- Over 25 years construction experience
- Construction perspective as a builder and as a consultant
- Goal-oriented individual with strong leadership capabilities
- Organized, highly motivated, and detail-directed problem solver
- Proven ability to work with field staff as well as corporate management

Education:

Bachelor of Science, Construction Engineering Technology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Relevant Experience:

Corporate Director of Construction Compliance/Construction Technology, Centex Homes Corporation, Dallas, Texas 2003-Dec 2008

- Conducted the corporate Construction Operations Review (COR) for code, industry, Centex construction standards and OSHA compliance for all Centex divisions throughout the U.S. (76 divisions in 26 states). (Approximately 75% travel)

- Corporate and division technical contact for code issues, industry standards, building materials and their use, and manufacturer specifications. Drafted and implemented the Technical Bulletins that were incorporated into Centex Supplemental Construction Standards and required construction practices by all divisions.

- Assisted Corporate and Regional Attorneys with building code and industry standards, materials use, and provided technical guidance as needed. (Examples: Radon in granite countertops, EMF, bonding of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, PEX plumbing issues)

- Provided recommendations to divisions for brick and mortar costs reductions while maintaining construction quality.





Owner, Quest Builder Support Services, Frisco, Texas 1994-2003

-Provided Quality Assurance inspections for volume home builders from foundation through final walk-through. Clients included KB Homes, Legacy Homes (Meritage), Ryland Homes, Beazer, and Centex Homes.

-Performed all Centex Homes construction operations reviews (COR) throughout all divisions in the U.S. (Centex Homes, Centex Destination Properties, and Wayne Homes). Properties included single family, multi-family townhomes, and condominiums (Conventional framing and concrete reinforced structures). During their largest volume year, over 5000 homes were reviewed.

-Provided training to Field Managers and Sub-contractors based upon results observed during field reviews.

-Performed initial structural evaluations of Ryland Homes structural warranty claims to determine if Major Structural Defects were present as outlined by their warranty documents. Worked with builder, engineers, and homeowners in completing repair of structural damage.


Warranty Manager, Ryland Homes, Dallas, Texas2000-2001

- Worked with Division President, VP Construction Operations, Area Construction Managers, and Customer Service Manager to evaluate major warranty claim issues and determine best course of action.

- Direct contact for homeowners with structural or other complex warranty claims that were beyond the abilities of the Customer Service Manager.

- Contact person for Home Warranty company for claims filed by homeowners.

- Scheduled and implemented major structural warranty repairs with outside consultants and engineers; including geotechnical and structural evaluations, and repairs performed by foundation repair companies.

- Responsible for completion of repairs to homes under the builders warranty.


Owner, Quest Construction Company, Desoto, Texas 1994-1996

- Single family home builder responsible for development of plans, materials purchases, sub-contractor, sales and completion of all stages of construction through homebuyer closing.

- Home sizes ranged from 1800 square feet to over 4500 square feet.



Senior Construction Risk Manager, Home Owners Warranty Corp., Irving, Texas 1989-1994

- Provided construction reviews for volume and national account builders throughout assigned regions of the U.S.

- Risk assessment of builders entering the warranty program.

- Presented training for builder members and others through the local council Home Builder Associations.


Owner, Ken Garrett Construction Company, Little Rock, Arkansas 1983-1989

- General Contractor responsible for site development, estimates, all aspects of construction through completion of the project.

- Single family custom homes and light commercial construction


Technician, Supervision and Inspection, Construction Operations Div., Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas 1981-1983

- Plan review and working with General Contractors regarding compliance and change orders on awarded contracts with the Corps. Inspection of Corps construction projects including storage facilities, roadways, bridges, and other related construction activities within the district.

- Reference and background check of those high bid contractors for appropriate qualifications to perform the required work.

- Assisted minority contractors (8A) in meeting the plan and specifications requirements for Corps work in the district.

- Received special award for work performed for legal department regarding contractor claim against the Corps.

Assistant Store Manager, Dillard Department Stores, Little Rock, AR 1977-1978

- Responsible for store budget

- Directed personnel issues including all hiring of sales associates

- Supervision of Department Managers and all support staff including maintenance and delivery.

- Managed all aspects of daily opening and closing of a 50,000 plus square foot department store.