TEACHING TRADES FOR
THE NEXT GENERATION

Nathan Kain is Co-Founder and CIO of HPP Equity LLC, overseeing acquisitions, value-add construction, and asset management across a multifamily and student housing portfolio in South Bend and Northwest Arkansas. A Clemson University Construction Science graduate with deep roots in the trades, Nathan has been a passionate supporter of ConTech since its earliest days, serving as Board President.

Bryan Keve is the owner, builder, and architect at Traditions Custom Builders in South Bend, specializing in custom home design and construction across Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. A University of Notre Dame architecture graduate and an award-winning builder, Bryan brings a rare blend of design expertise and hands-on construction knowledge to the ConTech board.

Diane DeBlock serves as Secretary of the ConTech/BuildForward board, bringing organizational leadership and a genuine passion for career and technical education to the program. Her behind-the-scenes dedication keeps the board running with clarity and purpose, reflecting a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for South Bend students pursuing careers in the building trades.

Donna Simon is Office Manager at Wightman’s South Bend office, bringing over 30 years of experience in financial administration and client communications. She is honored to serve as ConTech’s Treasurer, believing passionately that empowering young people with skilled trades knowledge opens the door to profitable, rewarding careers that strengthen the entire community.

Rickardo Taylor brings years of hands-on construction experience to the ConTech classroom, where his passion for building extends far beyond walls and rooftops. As founder of 466 Works CDC, he has built dozens of homes on South Bend’s Southeast Side – and he channels that same drive into preparing his students for life after graduation, equipping them with skills, purpose, and confidence.

Kevin Houk teaches foundational Construction Technology through South Bend’s ConTech program, guiding students through the core skills of residential construction. He brings professional trade experience into the classroom, helping young people build confidence and competency from day one and establishing the hands-on foundation they will carry throughout their careers in the building industry.

Gerry Gardetto is a Construction Technology instructor in the South Bend Community School Corporation, giving students practical, hands-on experience in the building trades. Working alongside his fellow instructors, Gerry plays a central role in the daily work of ConTech, equipping students with the skills and work ethic that lead to high-demand careers in construction.

Joe Mayer represents Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky, a union with over 155 years of history representing skilled masonry tradespeople across the state. His involvement with ConTech ensures students have direct access to union apprenticeship pathways and the high standards of craftsmanship that define careers in bricklaying, tilesetting, and masonry.

Mike Kidd represents the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades in the Michiana region, connecting ConTech students with one of the building trades’ most versatile unions. His presence on the board strengthens the pipeline between graduates and apprenticeship programs offering strong wages, benefits, and long-term careers in painting, glazing, drywall, and flooring.

DJ Tavenier brings a working contractor’s perspective to the ConTech board through his work with River Valley Construction. With direct knowledge of what the South Bend construction market needs from its next generation of workers, DJ is a strong advocate for graduates who show up job-ready with real skills, real professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

Justin Romine serves as General Manager and Vice President at Goff Heating & Air Conditioning, a South Bend institution serving the community since 1937. His involvement with ConTech reflects a commitment to developing the next generation of HVAC professionals and ensuring the skilled trades remain strong, well-staffed, and respected for years to come.

Haven Russell is Branch Sales Manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage’s Mishawaka office, helping clients across Michiana navigate the home financing process. Haven understands better than most that every home a family buys was built by skilled tradespeople, making his support of ConTech a natural extension of his investment in the community he serves.

Brian Barber is a professional with Wightman, a multi-disciplinary consulting firm offering architecture, civil engineering, and surveying services across Indiana and Michigan. Wightman’s deep involvement in community infrastructure and educational facilities makes the firm a fitting partner for ConTech’s mission, and Brian’s presence on the board reflects that shared commitment to building a stronger South Bend.

Andrew Spitaels serves as Deputy Building Commissioner for the City of South Bend and is a former board member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. His role in municipal permitting and building inspections gives him a front-row seat to the importance of skilled, licensed tradespeople, and he brings that perspective directly to the ConTech board.

Quentin Marvin is a skilled bricklayer who brings the perspective of the working tradesperson to the ConTech board. His hands-on experience in masonry construction is invaluable to students learning the craft, and his presence sends a powerful message to young people that a career in the trades is skilled, respected, and worth pursuing.

Rick Stewart is President of R&J Home Improvement Inc., a roofing and siding company based in Osceola serving the greater Michiana region. As a small business owner in the trades, Rick understands what it takes to build a successful contracting company and is invested in helping ConTech graduates develop the skills and professionalism that great tradespeople share.

Courtney Vanslager is a REALTOR with Howard Hanna SB Real Estate, bringing nearly 30 years of experience and deep roots in the Michiana community to her work with buyers and sellers. Courtney understands that quality housing starts with skilled tradespeople, and her support of ConTech reflects her commitment to the people and neighborhoods that make South Bend home.

Jason Zook is a teacher and leader within the South Bend Community School Corporation, holding a Master’s in Teaching from Indiana University South Bend. As the SBCSC CTE Principal overseeing career and technical education, Jason bridges the worlds of education and industry, ensuring ConTech students graduate with credentials and hands-on skills that employers immediately value.