Leadership
GARRETT GILKEY
President & CEO
Garrett Gilkey was born in Illinois and spent most of his youth in the town of Sandwich. During his formative years, Garrett had a curious and analytical mind, he was often found expanding his knowledge by reading as many books as possible. He was on the scholastic team, math club, science club, and book club in school. Unable to participate in any sports as he battled and overcame Wolff ParkinsonWhite Syndrome, he, unfortunately, became the target of many school bullies as he entered high school. It was through these isolating and frightening experiences that he learned the importance of kindness and the true strength of being able to respond to adversity with a gentle heart. Garrett eventually transferred to Aurora Christian School at the end of his freshman year of high school where he was able to finally participate in sports and began playing football under Coach (and former NFL player) Don Beebe. Garrett observed the leadership of Don Beebe and it had a lasting impact as he would continue to excel and grow within football, eventually leading to being drafted in the 7th round by the Cleveland Browns. Throughout his professional football career, Garrett would witness the elite leadership of coaches such as George Warhopp and Lovie Smith and used lessons learned through observing these great men and translating that leadership style over to a business model.
After leaving the NFL due to an injury while playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Garrett immediately returned to higher education and received a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and started his MBA from Indiana University Bloomington. With the support of friends and the inspiration of family members who had careers in architecture and interior design, Garrett went on to obtain his General Contractor license and plumbing license in the state of Florida with the goal of creating and leading a design and build firm in the Tampa Bay area. This quickly gave rise to the creation of HGC Development Group, LLC which was built on the foundation of inspirational and impactful leadership while serving the community. Garrett’s vision was to include local nonprofit organizations such as Abe Brown Ministries, Timothy Initiative, and Created to give support to deserving individuals as they carve a new path in life.
Originally intended to serve the Tampa Bay area locally, HGC Development Group has quickly grown outside the immediate market and is expanding under the leadership of Garrett as sole owner and CEO. With a focus on transparency within our business, Garrett fully believes that with commitment and passion the team he leads can consistently deliver a beautiful and long-lasting product to its clients. Garrett pushes the diverse team of construction managers, designers, field team members, and other support staff within the organization to constantly grow within processes and challenge themselves in both professional and personal development. Garrett’s focus is not to be a directive-based leader but instead to guide and nurture his team similar to how his mentors lead him on the football field, through example, unique perspective, and inspiration. Garrett sees the value in unique talents that only strengthen the team as a whole and endeavors to continuously encourage growth through the individual to best support the ever-growing HGC organization.
RYAN JENSEN
Co-Owner
Ryan Jensen was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado, and began his football career as the center for his High School football team. Ryan attended Colorado State University-Pueblo, where he spent four years as a left tackle. During his college career, Ryan met his wife, Stephanie, and they share two wonderful children.
In 2013, Ryan was drafted in the 6th round by the Baltimore Ravens. He made his NFL debut in 2014 and eventually became their full-time starter in 2017. After a record-breaking season with the Ravens, Ryan signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL. In 2021, Ryan helped lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win and was honored with an invitation to participate in the Pro Bowl that same year.
Ryan has also been an avid community member supporting various organizations benefiting the military and animal rescue. In 2022, Ryan was nominated for his fourth consecutive Salute to Service Award for his contributions to various military support organizations, including TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). Ryan holds TAPS and the families involved with the organization particularly close to his heart after being introduced to a 5-year-old boy whose father gave the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation.
Ryan and Garrett’s friendship formed on the college football field while facing off against one another. Often mistaken as brothers, they share a passion for leadership while supporting their communities. When Ryan and his family began searching for their dream home, Garrett’s building science expertise and creative resources were by Ryan’s side. From initial conversations to scouting properties, their foundation of trust in one another allowed for an ideal collaboration. Ryan saw firsthand the unique processes that HGC Design Build utilizes and adapts for each client, and with his wife, Stephanie, he began to see the opportunity to become part of the HGC team. Ryan and Stephanie’s mission is to bring the processes currently used in Tampa, Florida, by HGC and expand into Colorado and beyond.
JEFF DOYLE
Chief Operating Officer
Jeff’s ultimate goal is to serve others in whatever capacity he finds himself. Servant Leadership is more than a catch phrase for him, it’s a lifestyle. Jeff has been in many facets of the construction industry over the past twenty years. Jeff has a very diverse educational and professional background and has led many organizations in the non-profit sector as well as for profit construction businesses. He has been at HGC since its formation and serves as the day-to-day operational leader of HGC. Jeff is the proud father of three sons, who he shares with his wife, Sandrine. Jeff and Sandrine have been married since 1997.
NORMAN GIOVENCO
Chief Financial Officer
Norman, a licensed Certified Public Accountant, brings over 15 years of experience in public accounting plus another 15+ years as a partner / corporate executive in a few other businesses to guide the financial division of HGC Design Build as the Chief Financial Officer. Norman’s experience in management, coordination of banking/investor relationships, financial accountability, and high-level strategy is a vital component to the continued growth of HGC Design Build. Norman is a native of Tampa, Florida, and is the proud parent of two children with his wife, Angie.
JIMMY TRENT
Chief Integration Officer
Jimmy was born and raised in North Carolina but has called Florida home since marrying Kelly in 2004. His education and professional experience brings a unique and diverse addition to the leadership of HGC. Jimmy has entered into critical organizational moments to bring greater clarity, helping to usher in healthy growth. In addition, his post graduate study and career has included professional counseling where he was able to master his abilities in people development. The mix of organizational leadership and people orientation is a great addition to the HGC family. Personally, Jimmy is married to Kelly and they have 5 crazy and wonderful children that keep the Trent house full of excitement.
Project Managers
DAN HILL
Senior Project Manager
Dan came to HGC when his childhood friend Garrett called him in 2017 with the pitch, “come build with me, bro.” Dan has been in the construction industry for 15 years and has worked on a wide range of projects, including nationally and internationally, commercial, and residential. Dan is originally from Chicago where he married his high school sweetheart, Laura. They have two children, which you can frequently find in the office or on job sites. Dan is the Senior Project Manager at HGC and is responsible for managing and developing the project’s budgets, timelines, and fieldwork.
SAM SPADAFORE
Project Manager
Sam is honored to be in the role of Project Manager at HGC. He uses his unique experience and abilities to bring a client’s dream to life. Sam particularly enjoys the collaboration required to have a successful project and healthy client relationship. Sam has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida, has been a member of Future Business Leaders of America member since 2020, Enactus since 2019, and has been a Student Ambassador for Feeding Tampa Bay since 2019. Sam is a former collegiate baseball player and is an avid supporter of the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, and Lightning.
JOE CARR
Project Manager
Joe was born and raised in Tampa and has explored and experienced various industries before finding his passion in construction. Joe finds tremendous joy in serving others and blended that with his building knowledge when leading a non-profit construction company, Initiative Builds, for four years before joining the HGC team as a Project Manager in 2022. Joe has been married to his wife, Lindsay, since 2019.
Interior Design
SARAH DETEMPLE
Interior Design Manager
Sarah fell in love with design when completing her first solo residential project in 2017. She started out at HGC as design assistant and has since gained the knowledge and experience that ultimately guided her to becoming the Interior Design Manager at HGC. Her favorite part of her position as Interior Design Manager is working hand in hand with our clients throughout the design development process. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors with her rescue dog, Daisy.
KIARA PENA
Interior Designer
Kiara grew up in Central Massachusetts before trading snow for sand and seeking her passions in Florida. She recognized her desire for a creative and artistic path. Paired with a deep appreciation and drawn to the beauty of architecture, her path led her to study interior design and receive her BFA from Miami International University of Art and Design. Now an ASID Allied Member, Kiara has worked for the past three years in high-end residential design. At HGC, she’s found her perfect balance between architecture and design through development and construction, while she brings her passions to life of promoting her vision to reflect the true and unique design style of each client through carefully curated interior spaces.
KEARSTEN DEGOYLER
Interior Design Assistant
Kearsten is a graduate of the University of Tampa with a passion for solving complex problems and implementing more efficient processes while utilizing her experience in operations and management. Kearsten joined HGC and the design/build field to be a part of the unique experience of seeing a client’s custom home dreams come to fruition.
Architecture
BRENNEN HULLER
Architect
Brennen has over fourteen years of diverse experience in urban design and planning, architecture, structural engineering, interior design, and fabrication. He has worked on interactive installations, as well as, residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design and has studied and worked on projects in the United States, China, Mexico, and South America. He also holds a Master in Design Research from The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), where he focused on advanced construction techniques utilizing robotics and composite materials. He is a licensed architect in Florida and has worked for internationally recognized architecture firms including Archimorphic, Stantec, Eric Owen Moss Architects, and Amphibianarc. Brennen is passionate about interactive design and creating dynamic spaces that encourage social engagement. When he isn’t designing, Brennen enjoys traveling, customizing and riding his motorcycle, attending concerts, and barbecuing with friends and family.
Office Staff
SOFIA GLASS
Office Manager
Sofia came to HGC after spending the majority of her professional career working within the theme park industry in roles ranging from operational leadership to sourcing and procurement. Sofia attended the University of South Florida and studied Anthropology and Studio Design. Sofia joined HGC Design Build in 2021 to further develop her interest in cultivating a dynamic and unique team to create a truly one-of-a-kind product for our clients. Sofia has been married to her husband, Chuck, since 2015 and they have two young children.
KAYLA PEREZ
Office Assistant
Kayla utilizes her organizational skills to ensure the day-to-day office tasks are completed. She is the first face our guests see as they enter our headquarters in Tampa and loves learning about everyone that comes into HGC and assisting the team as needed. Kayla is a native of Tampa and a proud dog mom to Kobe.