MEET OUR PRESIDENT
Corey Gray / President
Starting as a wide eyed fire sprinkler designer with Thorpe Design in 2007, Corey has since held Assistant Manager, Department Manager and Vice President positions with the company making him an infinitely capable President that understands every step of every process. He acknowledges the hard working team and family environment make it easy for him to lend his expertise wherever it may be needed. In addition to his years of experience, he is also NICET II certified in water based system layouts and is nearly complete with NICET III certification. When Corey is not overseeing day to day operations, reviewing bids and negotiating contracts, he will most likely be enjoying the company of his wife and children planning their next trip under the stars in Maui or playing poker with a few close friends over some cold brews.
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
John Bernardo / Director of Tract Homes & Marketing Divisions
Since 2013, John has not stopped delivering results for Thorpe Design, Inc. He has held various positions of increasing complexity over the years including working as a Customer Service Specialist & Inspections, Pipefitter, Tract Field Superintendent, Tract Department Manager and now as the Director of Tract Homes & Marketing Divisions. While John has provided his influence in every position he has held, it is in his current role where his talents culminate as he is responsible for our relationships with builders, submitting bids for projects, forecasting the required workforce, educating customers on how our products will benefit them as well as our marketing and brand awareness efforts. As a no-nonsense individual, you can be certain that John will always talk straight to you and explain the most complex things with enormous clarity. When John is not working, he enjoys the outdoors. He also can be found watching and playing sports or CrossFit training or working out at his personal gym.
Gonzalo Veran / Director of Custom Homes & Service Divisions
Starting as a fire sprinkler designer for Thorpe Design, Inc. in 2013, Gonzalo eventually became the Design Department Manager and then the Custom Homes Manager. Through hard work and dedication, he is now the Director of Custom Homes and Service & Inspections Divisions. With over ten years of experience, Gonzalo has consistently proven himself and is more than capable of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Customs, Service, and Inspections Departments. Because Gonzalo truly finds joy in the art of multi-tasking, problem solving and resolution, he not only performs his daily responsibilities with a smile but also leaves the Departments with a positive attitude that is contagious to all. When Gonzalo is not in the office or at a project site, you will find him relaxing at the beach or by a lake, spending time with his family. He also enjoys cooking and traveling.
Michael Klekar / Director of Multi Family & Commercial Divisions
Recruited into the construction business in 2011, Michael holds a solid foundation in the industry. Beginning with an entry level job in the Warehouse, Michael made his way into the Design Department where he held the position of Designer then transitioned into various manager positions until he became his current position of Director of Multi-Family & Commercial Divisions. His responsibilities include budgeting all Multi-Family and Commercial projects. He also develops and Executes strategies to optimize department and company growth. Michael strives to fulfill his duties while concurrently building an environment of collective responsibility and accountability. Michael enjoys working side by side with his team after all. Michael enjoys listening to feedback and working as one unit to create an environment where everybody is heard and works in unison to grow together while making his department the best in the business. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids and going to new places together. Michael also enjoys going to Church and spending time outdoors camping, hiking, or kayaking.
Dave Holler - Director of Field Operations
Having been in the fire protection industry for the last 25 years, Dave is an expert in running day-to-day operations in the field, training teams to strive for success, and delivering exceptional customer service through professionalism. He's an integral part of creating effective systems that have increased productivity within the company. When he's not at work, he can be found riding motorcycles, attending car shows, and putting a smile on his wife's face.
Robert Hammond / Director of Business Operations
With 15 years of experience in business operations, Robert is an expert in managing teams and overseeing critical functions including warehouse management, accounting, human resources, and administration. His values of clarity, integrity, and teamwork drive his success in ensuring the smooth operation of the company. When he's not in the office, Robert enjoys spending time with his family and hitting the golf course.
MEET OUR MANAGERS
Ryan Pruitt / Service & Inspection Department Manager
With his strong work ethic, communication skills, and willingness to collaborate, Ryan helps develop the team, perform job estimating and maintain client relations. He enjoys the autonomy and challenges his job brings. In his spare time Ryan enjoys playing paintball, wood working and going out with his family.
Victor Martel / Multi Family & Commercial Operations Manager
Since 2000, Victor has provided quality work holding high standards for himself and others at Thorpe Design, Inc. Victor was eager to develop new skills and felt fire sprinklers were the perfect fit. For over twenty years Victor has installed sprinklers and managed crews with expertise. Victor works to ensure builders are satisfied and everyone works safely and efficiently. Victor enjoys the collaboration aspect from beginning to the end of every project. From paper to conception, he endeavors to be in front of any problem and deliver every project with integrity as these are the actions that develop real. Long-lasting relationships in the building industry. When Victor isn’t working, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and 4-wheeling and camping.
Jake Harper / Multi Family & Commercial Project Manager
Jake started his career with Thorpe Design back in 2008 as an apprentice. He has worked his way up the ladder due to his work ethic, passion to improving and ability to think outside of the box. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 kids in their cabin in South Lake Tahoe.
Colton Anderson / Custom Homes Project Manager
As the custom home project manager, Colton is in charge of organizing project files, scheduling, overseeing assigned projects and maintaining a strong relationship with Thorpe’s clients. He began his career in the construction industry in 2015 when he was offered an opportunity. Colton enjoys playing cards, spending time on the water and hanging out with his pets.
Joey Sunseri / Tract Homes Project Manager
With roots at Thorpe Design, Inc. starting in 2010. Joey has enjoyed a couple promotions and thus holds experience valuable to any project. As a Project Manager, Joey takes the lead role in the team of engineers as he is responsible for organizing projects, reviewing designs, and scheduling and overseeing assigned projects. These are all tasks that Joey does with honesty, integrity and dedication. Outside of work, you could find Joey playing golf or watching the 49ers. He also enjoys spending his time with his wife, daughter, and golden retriever.
Stephanie DiDomenico / Financial Systems Manager
Stephanie began her journey in accounting 17 years ago when she wanted to pursue a career doing what she enjoys: working with numbers. When not in the office, Stephanie enjoys volunteering at the local food bank and watching baseball and hockey with her husband.
Ayla Laster/Warehouse Manager
alaster@thorpedesign.com
Ayla is the Warehouse Manager at Thorpe Design Inc., bringing over a decade of experience in the construction industry. She embarked on her journey in this field 11 years ago, thanks to an introduction from an old friend. Starting as a warehouse driver in 2013, Ayla's dedication and hard work saw her progress to warehouse puller and warehouse lead roles before assuming her current position as Warehouse Manager. She manages daily warehouse operations, including inventory control, order picking, material purchasing, scheduling deliveries, and overseeing warehouse administration. The values that drive her are dependability, consistency, spontaneity, and loyalty. She cherishes the familial atmosphere at her workplace, where colleagues feel more like family, making each workday enjoyable and fulfilling.
Outside of work, Ayla enjoys her downtime attending concerts, comedy shows, and baseball games, indulging in her love for live entertainment.
Kaila Walko/Office Manager
kwalko@thorpedesign.com
Kaila Walko serves as the Office Manager at Thorpe Design, bringing her expertise in general office operations, payroll, accounts payable, and human resources. Her career in the construction industry began in 2017, and she has shown a strong commitment to her role and the company. She is driven by her values centered around family.
One aspect that Kaila truly appreciates about her position is the dynamic nature of her work. She enjoys the fact that no two days are the same, allowing her to continuously learn and grow within the company. Outside of the office, Kaila enjoys spending quality time with her family and indulging in her passion for watching dirt car racing during her days off.
John Twardy/Alarm Department Manager
JTwardy@thorpedesign.com
John Twardy is the Alarm Department Manager at Thorpe Design, a leading company in the construction industry. He began his career as an Electrician in The Shipyards in San Diego after serving in the United States Navy. With over 30 years of work experience as an electrician, he has garnered over 25 years of expertise in The Fire Protection Industry.
As the Alarm Department Manager, John oversees the Fire Alarm Department, including Sales, Project Management, Product Procurement, and Installation. John is driven by his core values of accountability, respect for others, and empowering his team to succeed. He firmly believes that the achievements of those around him contribute to the overall success of everyone.
In his role, John takes great pleasure in sharing his accumulated knowledge and experience of the past 40 years. He enjoys the opportunity to educate others, providing them with the tools they need to achieve their goals, whether in their careers or personal lives.
Outside of work, John likes to indulge in recreational activities such as Bowling and Hiking. However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his family and making cherished memories together.