Chris is a seasoned professional in the construction industry with over 30 years of experience. As the founder and president of Sleeping Dog Properties, he has led the company to great heights.

Chris's journey began as a carpenter and tradesman, providing him with a deep understanding and appreciation for the various aspects of the industry. He initiated his career in the construction industry by renovating homes and commercial spaces in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. Through persistence and hard work, he gradually secured larger, more sophisticated projects, quickly establishing his worth in the Boston construction industry. To solidify his mark, he founded Sleeping Dog Properties, Inc. in 1993, naming it after his old black lab, who could always be found covered in sawdust, asleep on job sites.

Over the last three decades, Chris has developed Sleeping Dog into one of the most highly regarded and thriving general contracting firms in the region. Collaborating with exceptionally skilled designers and architects, Chris and the SDP team have overseen projects exceeding $500 million in value across diverse sectors, including high-end residential, boutique commercial, and distinctive hospitality ventures. In his ongoing efforts to nurture and advance Sleeping Dog for the future, Chris diligently focuses on recruiting top-notch personnel, investing in cutting-edge tools, and promoting exceptional projects. He firmly believes in the power of cleanliness, communication, and competency as the driving forces behind the success of his team.

In his personal time, Chris thrives as a husband and father to three lovely children. While his weeknights and weekends are typically dedicated to coaching soccer, Chris also enjoys running, being on the water, and attending car shows. A lifelong dog lover, his family has two Portuguese Water Dogs.

Derrick has been an integral member of the Sleeping Dog Properties team since 2003. While pursuing his Bachelor of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology, he started as an intern and has progressed from Designer to APM, then to PM, and currently holds the position of Design Director, serving as our Chief Operating Officer.

As the Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the corporate offices, handling tasks such as contract negotiations, project management, and financial controls. Collaborating with the design team, Derrick plays a pivotal role in effectively prioritizing projects and addressing architectural details to ensure everyone's ideas are considered. Derrick consistently upholds a client-first approach, reassuring clients that their homes are receiving optimal care. Throughout his career, he has devoted himself to fostering a positive and productive working environment, built on the principles of mentorship and hands-on teaching.

Beyond his professional commitments, Derrick channels his ambition into various pursuits. Frequently seen on one of his bikes—whether on gravel or road—he trains for his next 100+ mile race. In addition to biking, he enjoys engaging in DIY projects, traveling back to his home in Maine, and exploring new craft beers.

A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Joe has ingrained himself in the local construction industry since a very young age. Growing up in a family deeply connected to construction, he absorbed valuable lessons about hard work, quality craftsmanship, and effective problem-solving. In his role as our Director of Construction, Joe brings extensive experience, seamlessly transitioning between roles as a site supervisor, project manager, estimator, and designer—all within the same day.

Over his 20+ year career in construction, he has overseen the implementation of projects exceeding $150 million in both residential and commercial sectors. Joe recognizes that the key components of a successful company lie in repeat clientele and a highly skilled on-site staff. Consequently, he dedicates himself daily to fostering high company morale and ensuring customer satisfaction in the field.

Michael has served as our Controller for over five years. As a Certified Public Accountant with more than 30 years of experience in financial leadership roles within the real estate and construction industry, he brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Hailing from Sharon, MA, Michael attended the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he earned a degree in accounting.

Michael, a proud father of three kids and owner of three dogs, has a penchant for sports and traveling. He particularly enjoys spending time with his family at his home on Cape Cod.

Blake, originally hailing from Connecticut, made his way to Boston through his college years at Bentley University, where he earned a B.S. in Economics-Finance. Initially uncertain about his desired career path, he eventually pursued his interests in construction and design. In 2017, he joined Sleeping Dog as an Estimator, demonstrating hard work and dedication to mastering both the role and the business.

Since the start of 2021, Blake has taken on additional responsibilities, managing our marketing department. In this role, he oversees our social media accounts, website development, branding, and photo/video content.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Blake finds relaxation in activities such as running, golfing, attending concerts, spending quality time with his family on Cape Cod, and supporting his beloved Liverpool.

Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, Jeremiah infuses creativity and energy into his role every day. Serving as our in-house Senior Digital Marketing Coordinator, he is responsible for capturing on-site photos and videos, as well as curating content for our social media pages. Jeremiah discovered his passion for photography early in life during his deployment with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan.

Throughout his 15-month deployment, Jeremiah managed to capture thousands of images, spanning from dramatic medivac extractions to portraits of Afghan soldiers and civilians, to candid moments of the everyday experiences of his fellow soldiers. Following this period, his work gained recognition, being published in prestigious outlets such as National Geographic, the Wall Street Journal, and BBC News.

Upon completing his three-year enlistment, Jeremiah earned a B.S. in Business Management from San Jose State University and later returned to Arizona, earning an MBA from the University of Arizona. He fully immerses himself in the construction world on our job sites, embracing the grittiness of the field. When not adorned in sawdust, he unwinds by spending quality time with his wife and daughter, and indulging in his love for movies.

Highly analytical and meticulous, Gene became a valuable addition to our team shortly after graduating from the nearby Boston College with a degree in Mathematics. Infusing energy and eagerness into his work every day, Gene is driven by a desire to absorb as much knowledge as possible in the design and construction industry.

His prior experience includes working at Suffolk Construction, where he gained exposure to their estimating, innovation, and talent acquisition departments. Beyond the office, Gene is an avid Boston sport enthusiast.

Joulien was born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island. He attended Johnson & Wales University, where he played collegiate soccer, and later earned his MBA from Bentley University. After graduation, he spent two years living and working in New York City before relocating to Boston to be closer to home and pursue a career in the construction industry. 

He brings prior experience in business development to his role at SDP. Outside of work, Joulien co-founded Ocean State Outreach with his twin brother, cousin, and best friend, raising over $50,000 since 2021 to support families in need. Inspired by his grandfather, a painter, and his father, a chef, he is passionate about bringing creative visions to life through luxury construction.

Sara provides support to our controller in day-to-day accounting duties and the preparation of financial reports. With prior experience at other commercial and residential construction companies, she adeptly transitioned to Sleeping Dog's standard operating procedures and culture. 

A native and resident of California, Sara finds joy in escaping to the beach and traveling to the mountains. There, she engages in activities like snowboarding, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

Zach, a true Vermonter at heart, spent much of his upbringing outdoors and in the midst of construction. Graduating from college with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in Project Management, he promptly entered the construction industry. Beginning as a carpenter, Zach rapidly acquired the skills needed to construct efficiently across various residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Progressing into a managerial position, he joined Sleeping Dog Properties, swiftly ascending to the role of Project Manager.

Beyond the professional realm, Zach finds pleasure in activities such as snowboarding, hiking, attending music festivals, and enjoying live comedy shows.

Born and raised in the culturally vibrant south of Brazil, Vinnie moved to Massachusetts later in his childhood. Despite having an educational background in Business and Computer Science, his true passion has always been design and construction. His journey began with dreams of becoming an architect, but he soon found himself excelling as a painter, carpenter, and project manager. In 2010, after five years of diverse trade experience, he proudly earned his MA CSL license, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.

An avid sports enthusiast, Vinnie's love for water sports is deeply rooted in his upbringing. He thrives on competition and is passionate about all sports. His interests are not limited to athletics; Vinnie also has a profound appreciation for the arts. He enjoys visiting museums, attending theaters, and experiencing the ballet. As a devoted parent to four children, Vinnie is deeply involved in their lives, from coaching their sports teams to cheering them on from the sidelines, always fostering a supportive and engaging environment.

Steve grew up in central Massachusetts and attended UMass Lowell, where he studied Economics before transitioning into the trades. He began his career as an ironworker before moving into carpentry, where he advanced into supervisory roles and now serves as a project manager. 

Steve originally joined SDP in 2016, later relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina for three years, before returning to Boston and rejoining the company in 2024. He brings a hands-on background and a range of professional licenses and certifications to his work. 

Outside of the job, Steve enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf.

Growing up in Santa Ana, Orange County, CA, Grace cultivated a passion for both the arts and sports, which led her to Harvard University. There, she earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Art, Film, and Visual Studies, while excelling as a Division 1 student-athlete and captain of the Harvard Women's Water Polo team. Her academic pursuits and athletic achievements instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and creativity, which she has carried into her professional life.

Grace's professional career began as a Land Acquisitions Analyst, where she specialized in sourcing land development opportunities, estimating project financials, and undertaking special projects to streamline the search for new developments. Concurrently, she pursued her passion for art as a commissioned artist and sculptor, which deepened her appreciation for craftsmanship. 

Outside of work, she is an avid surfer, fitness enthusiast, and outdoor adventurer, finding joy in creative projects, traveling, and culinary exploration. Also a dog lover and passionate foodie, she embraces a life rich with diverse experiences and personal connections.

Catalina is a design + construction professional originally from Cali, Colombia, bringing a vibrant, global perspective to her work. She holds an undergraduate degree in Architecture and is nearing completion of her Master of Interior Architecture at the Boston Architectural College. Catalina’s experience spans luxury residential, hospitality, and retail environments, where she has developed a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating spaces that are both functional and visually compelling. She is particularly drawn to design that enhances everyday experiences while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

Outside of her professional work, Catalina leads an active and creative lifestyle. She enjoys running and Pilates, and she loves to travel whenever possible, drawing inspiration from new places and cultures. Painting is another creative outlet, allowing her to explore artistic expression beyond the built environment. She also has a deep love for dogs, pizza, and dancing, especially salsa, which keeps her connected to her roots.

Catalina is currently working toward her OSHA 30 certification, continuing to expand her professional skill set and industry knowledge.

Conner is a construction management professional from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, with a strong foundation in both commercial and residential project delivery. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Construction Management with a concentration in Commercial Real Estate from Wentworth Institute of Technology, building a solid base of technical knowledge and industry insight.

He began his career as a Project Manager, leading commercial and industrial projects and developing strong skills in coordination, problem-solving, and delivering complex builds. Driven by a growing interest in craftsmanship and detail, Conner has since shifted his focus to the high-end residential market, where he can engage more directly with design-oriented work and help bring homeowners’ visions to life.

His interest in construction started early, inspired by watching This Old House and working alongside his dad on home projects. These experiences shaped his appreciation for quality, detail, and the process of creating meaningful spaces.

Outside of work, Conner enjoys spending time on Cape Cod boating, going to the beach, and exploring local restaurants. He values time with friends, family, and his Yellow Lab, Chatham, and is a dedicated Bruins fan.

Raised just outside of Boston, in Winthrop, Matt possesses extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the city and its surrounding towns. His early recognition of his interest in architecture and design led him to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. After graduation, Matt honed his design skills, ultimately finding his way to Sleeping Dog, where he has become an integral part of our design team.

Beyond the office, Matt finds joy in drawing and traveling - notably, serving as our office expert when it comes to cruises.

Yuchen, originally from China, has cultivated a diverse academic and professional background in architecture across multiple continents. He holds both a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from South China University of Technology, and later earned a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, Yuchen also explored data visualization at the Kennedy School, enriching his analytical approach to urban design.

Yuchen spent four years at Safdie Architects, where he contributed to a variety of high-profile international projects. His work included campus designs for major tech companies, large-scale mixed-use developments, and commercial competitions. While at Safdie, Yuchen sharpened his skills in parametric design, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration, combining aesthetics with technical precision. Driven by a passion for the integration of design principles with construction processes, Yuchen joined Sleeping Dog Properties to further explore the intersection of innovative design and real-world building.

Outside of work, Yuchen enjoys playing the clarinet, making cocktails, cooking, and drawing inspiration from the arts and local cultural events. He also stays active through sports like soccer and swimming, and loves spending time outdoors.

Brendan grew up in Berlin, Vermont and earned a B.S. in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He began his career as an architectural designer and advanced into a dual role as designer and assistant project manager with a design-build developer. His work has focused on modern new construction as well as historically sensitive renovations, preserving the character of existing homes while bringing new life to them. 

Outside of work, Brendan enjoys staying active through golf, biking, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Kaelan is an interior design professional from Frisco, Texas, with a strong foundation in custom residential architecture. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Oklahoma State University, where she developed a passion for creating thoughtful, personalized spaces that balance beauty and function.

Her professional experience centers on the design and management of custom homes across the country, with particular expertise in storm-resilient architecture. Kaelan has worked extensively on residences in hurricane- and tornado-prone regions, where she has honed her ability to integrate tailored architectural details with the structural demands of extreme weather conditions. Her work reflects a careful balance between aesthetic vision and durability, ensuring that each home is both distinctive and built to last.

Outside of her professional work, Kaelan enjoys an active and creative lifestyle. She spends her free time running and practicing Pilates, as well as exploring local parks with her two dogs. She loves traveling and seeks out opportunities to immerse herself in local culture wherever she goes. A dedicated sports fan, she cheers on the Texas Rangers and Colorado Avalanche. Kaelan also enjoys sewing, using it as a creative outlet to make clothing and quilts.