Meet the team
Our team is comprised of fully insured, licensed, and dedicated team members. We are not handymen, we are craftsmen. We use the best subcontractors in the area. Designers, architects, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians are key members of the team. We are drug free, smoke free, explicit-language free, and care about the health and safety of your home as much as you do.
Joel
Joel started in the trades more than twenty years ago as a supplement to teaching secondary social studies. After bouncing between schools, he transitioned to full-time trade work before making the decision to start his own company in 2010. Since then, Joel has grown Sullivan Interior Finishing from a catch-all maintenance company and one-man operation to a high-end finishing company with seven employees. Today, Joel collaborates with clients, strategizes, and pushes his team forward together.
Derek
Whether he’s watching a YouTube video to perfect his craft, staying updated on world news through podcasts, or turning the pages of This Old House, Derek seizes every learning opportunity. Sullivan Interior Finishing’s most tenured team member, Derek has been with the company for more than a decade and currently serves as foreman. He specializes in plumbing and electrical and excels at problem-solving, approaching every challenge with a calm demeanor and measured pragmatism.
Mike
Mike started at Sullivan Interior Finishing in November 2021 with two years of experience. Specializing in tile and trim, he most enjoys whole-home remodels and is constantly working to hone his craft and skills. His favorite aspect of the job is the opportunity to perform quality work on a team that always strives to meet high expectations. As a lead carpenter, Mike’s best piece of advice is: "Before worrying about how long something is taking, first learn to complete it to the highest quality.
Pat
Pat has a background in electrical, drywall, and food service management. When it comes to problem-solving, he rises to the challenge, seeking out creative ways to get the job done. After six years in the industry, every day still feels exciting and new. That sense of optimism and eagerness has led Pat to his current role as lead carpenter. Pat raves about the company culture at Sullivan, noting: “You always have the confidence that somebody's going to be behind you.”
Ben
A transplant from Maine, Ben moved to Western New York with 8 – 10 years of experience under his tool belt. At the time, he specialized in cabinetry and framing, but he has since expanded his skillset to meet the high standard of quality set by Sullivan Interior Finishing. On the job, Ben’s eagerness and ability to dive in have made him an asset to the team and to every client he works with. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and learning about theology and politics.
Ka
A self-proclaimed generalist, Ka does a little bit of everything. He loves working in the trades because of how different each day looks and how little room there is to get bored. The best piece of advice he's ever received is, “Don’t rush. Get it done right the first time.” He takes that advice to heart at every job. Outside of work, you’ll find Ka playing soccer as a midfielder or watching his favorite team, Real Madrid.
Luke
Early in his career, Luke served in the Marine Corp before moving into positions as a welder and millwright. Though newer to interior finishing, he takes great pride in his craft and enjoys seeing projects progress from the ground up. He specializes in trim and framing, but his skills cover the gamut from flooring to drywall to painting and everything in between. Quiet in nature, Luke will talk your ear off when asked about his “green machine” – a 1977 Ford F100.