FOUNDER & OWNER – FRANK RIPA
Frank Ripa is the founder and owner of RIPA & Associates and has over 50 years of experience in the utility and construction industry.
He graduated from USF in 1973 and began working with the City of Tampa as an engineer and project manager. Frank went on to work with Housel and Associates, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, and Post, Buckley, Schuh, and Jernigan, where he became friends with land planner David Maltby and landscape architect Ed Czyscon. In 1981, they formed Florida Land Design and Engineering, and by 1989, grew the company to 250 employees. West coast engineering firm Dames and Moore came knocking with an acquisition offer, which they accepted.
Frank bought an infrastructure construction division and changed the name to Ripa and Associates, Inc. He was finally on his own, and his initial thought was that the company would stay small, but it continued to grow until 1999 – when the real estate bubble burst, and construction in Florida decreased immensely.
Now – the company has grown to over 900 employees and is stronger than ever. Frank attributes much of the company’s latest growth to son-in-law, President and CEO Chris Laface, and credits his wife, Jackie, for the company’s ongoing success.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PRESIDENT – CHRIS LAFACE
Chris LaFace, CEO of RIPA & Associates, earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Florida.
Before being named President/CEO in 2010, Chris served as Vice President of RIPA, overseeing operational aspects of the company. Upon taking over as CEO, Chris has grown the team from 200 employees to nearly 1000 today throughout Central Florida. During this time, Chris also founded Cement Treated Base and Florida Asphalt & Concrete, which provide construction services related to the industry.
Under Chris’s leadership, RIPA has been recognized by numerous publications, including Florida Trend, The Business Observer, and the Tampa Bay Business Journal. According to their reports, RIPA successfully ranked #1 as the Largest General Contractor for five consecutive years. Chris was also named Entrepreneur of the Year by The Business Observer in 2015.
Chris firmly believes in giving back to the community through numerous charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starting Right Now, and Nephcure Kidney International. Chris received the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Wishmaker of the Year award in 2018.
Chris enjoys traveling and attending University of Florida sporting events with his wife, Angela LaFace, and son, Cole LaFace.
Chief Financial Officer – Joe Pitre
Joe Pitre is the CFO of RIPA & Associates, and he’s been with us since 1998. He’s a graduate of LSU and a CPA, and he’s responsible for financial reporting, internal controls, insurance, and litigation. Joe has over 23 years of construction accounting experience, so he brings a lot to the table. As our company has grown over time—we’re lucky to have Joe managing all aspects of our financial reporting and internal controls!
Vice President – John Flinn
Since joining RIPA in 2008, Mr. Flinn has worked on complex projects and has obtained a thorough understanding of the required construction execution methods needed for this role. Mr. Flinn started as a Project Manager and has since been promoted to Vice President & Director of Project Management. He is well versed in managing contract terms and conditions, acting as a direct representative to the client and public, and implementing RIPA project management systems. He develops and maintains client relations and ensures that the safety program and processes are implemented and enforced. Mr. Flinn works with each level of the project team to provide for optimum communication and problem solving creating a safe and productive work environment for total Project success and client satisfaction.
Chief Estimator – Adrian Galloway
Mr. Galloway has 23 years of construction management experience and expertise, with a strong emphasis on estimating. He currently serves as Chief Estimator and oversees the estimating team. Mr. Galloway identifies bidding opportunities, coordinates points of responsibility for all estimates and budgets, and is involved heavily in proposal and contract negotiations. Adrian refines estimates and estimating procedures, assists with purchase orders and subcontract preparation, provides ongoing support to field management, and is heavily involved in client relations. Mr. Galloway has strong roadway, governmental and municipal construction and estimating experience, but his strength lies in private commercial & residential site development. From hard bids on fully permitted projects to conceptual budgets based on mere sketches, you can expect detailed estimates based on a wealth of knowledge and experience.
General Superintendent – David Drew
David Drew has 29 years of experience at RIPA, managing and supervising all facets of site development with projects ranging in value to over $20 million. He has a successful track record of delivering projects on time and on budget while maintaining rigorous construction schedules. David is a tireless and productive asset to any project team and works well under pressure to successfully complete the project. He holds safety as the highest priority and takes great strides to instill RIPA’s safety methodology and mindset across all projects.
David has an in-depth technical understanding in project start-ups, constructability review, cost control, scheduling, materials management, and process improvement. He has a proven track record of projects and demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of construction phases.
Fleet Manager – Casey Dowling
Casey Dowling has been with RIPA & Associates since 2021 and has been a key player in the growth of our fleet department. Casey is an organizational leader with the proven ability to influence cultural behavior, implement cost-saving initiatives, optimize operations, and establish financial strategies.
Casey has a diverse management portfolio, including management of capital asset profit/loss statements, establishing an organizational infrastructure, global asset/fleet management, workplace safety initiatives, construction technology innovation, and computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) design. He has a successful track record for strategic initiative implementation and program sustainability.
Wayne Baxter – Director of Health & Safety
Wayne Baxter is the Director of Health & Safety and has been at RIPA & Associates since March 2022. Wayne has over 20 years of experience in the industry, and his extensive experience working in safety & construction management gives him a unique perspective on how to keep things running smoothly at the company. Wayne is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving processes that ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Wayne has been instrumental in ensuring all safety policies and procedures are communicated to employees and contractors.
