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About Champion

OUR STANDARDS

Our team of safety experts works tirelessly to ensure compliance, effective communication and direct worker involvement.

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Commitment to quality is an essential part of Champion culture. And we’re constantly evaluating emerging quality trends to ensure ongoing improvement.

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At Champion, safety and quality are everyone’s job—and we’re each responsible for maintaining only the highest standards of both.

From reducing waste through minimal abrasive material loss to transitioning away from carbon-fueled equipment, we’ve made sustainability a chief priority.

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Being an industry leader means we’re committed to meeting or exceeding safety, performance and specification requirements for each and every project.

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Our story

Founded in 2006, Champion has elevated standards of safety, quality and accountability across projects, industries and continents.

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RANKED #3

by Engineering
News-Record 2021

15+ YEARS

of providing specialty services

500 OF
THE BEST

craft workers and staff

Our team

Our team is loaded with industry-respected professionals and experienced tradesmen across all aspects of the specialty services industry.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • Carlos M. Hernandez

    Carlos M. Hernandez

    Chief Executive Officer

    As President of Champion, Carlos Hernandez has grown the company to be a leader in heavy construction, specialty services, road and bridge, and military industries. He and Champion are firmly committed to their mission of delivering high-performance services to the public and private sectors while always maintaining the highest degree of safety, quality, and integrity.

    As president, Hernandez leads efforts in business development and building relationships. He also supports the sales, estimating, project management, staffing, and partnerships activities. Hernandez believes that team members are the backbone of the organization and leans into staff development by ensuring that his teams are well-trained and possess the tools to be successful.

    His interest in construction started at an early age through his father. He took that passion, founded a specialty coatings company, and led the organization prior to purchasing Champion in 2012.

    Before his professional pursuit of construction, Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps. From there, he led a highly decorated law enforcement career in South Florida that spanned more than a decade. Hernandez holds a bachelor's degree in professional administration from Barry University. He also holds certifications as SSPC Protective Coatings Inspector (PCI) Level 2, SSPC Quality Control Supervisor (QCS), and Florida Department of Transportation Advanced Maintenance of Traffic (MOT).

    Hernandez is an active community member and has lent his support to United Way, the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots, New World School of the Arts, DANCE NOW, Miami Children's Theater, and more.

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  • Kyle Hough

    Kyle Hough

    Chief Operations Officer

    Champion’s Chief Operations Officer Kyle Hough is an industry leader with over 20 years of experience in industrial coatings and construction specialty services. His vision for Champion goes beyond annual revenue, focusing on building a diverse footprint with resources that prioritize the development and well-being of their people. Hough believes in bringing great individuals to the team and has cultivated a culture and environment that values continuous improvement.

    With Hough’s expertise in business, customer growth and solving workforce issues, Champion has successfully expanded to multiple construction specialty services and construction craft companies in a wide range of industries, from power, pharmaceutical, and stadiums, to road & bridge, theme parks, and commercial construction. Hough’s vision has always been the same: develop an exceptional company culture and dedication to the people.

    Hough’s mindset for the growing company has always been to strive for perfection, knowing that it may never be fully achieved, and always aiming to get better. He strives to remain ahead of the industry trends and continues to push the boundaries and go beyond industry-wide expectations.

    After becoming an apprentice with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades at a young age, Hough has worked his way up through the industry’s ranks. He is a true thought leader and has contributed multiple articles to Coatings Pro Magazine and the Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings.

    Hough holds an SSPC-certified Level 3 Protective Coatings Inspector (PCI), a C 3 Supervisor/Competent Person, a Protective Coating Specialist (PCS), and a Master Coatings Inspector (MCI).

    When not working, Hough spends time with his wife, and their two adult sons. He also enjoys practicing his lifelong passion of martial arts.

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  • Charles Jeffrey “Jeff” Gibbons

    Charles Jeffrey “Jeff” Gibbons

    Chief Business Development Officer

    Jeff Gibbons, Chief Business Development Officer, leads the Champion Specialty Services division. He is a seasoned construction executive with more than 30 years of experience at all management levels of construction, maintenance, modifications, demolition, and plant upgrades serving the power industry — hydro, fossil, and nuclear, along with other industrial markets.

    Gibbons is involved in strategic planning, presentations, and execution related to sales, marketing, proposal writing, estimating, and contract negotiations. He has experience in industrial business market areas, encompassing conventional power, nuclear power, pulp and paper, chemical, food and beverage, U.S. Department of Defense, and Department of Energy industries. He is also responsible for maintaining and strengthening client relationships and developing new business opportunities.

    A proud Florida State University alumnus, he is a previous winner of the Bechtel Annual Award, issued for being one of the Top 50 Subcontractors in the world. Gibbons is a member of SSPC, NACE, NACE Nuclear, and NRCA. When he’s not championing our capabilities, he enjoys playing golf, working out, and spending time with his wife Shirley and their two adult children.

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  • Jenny Guzman

    Jenny Guzman

    Chief Administrative Officer

    With over 18 years of progressive experience in the construction industry, Jenny Guzman has consistently demonstrated a keen acumen for strategic management and process improvement. As the Chief Administrative Officer for Champion Specialty Services, Guzman works closely with the COO & CEO among other executives, playing a pivotal role in supporting business strategies, facilitating organizational growth, and successfully leading change initiatives.

    Guzman embodies the multifaceted role within Champion, orchestrating a symphony of responsibilities crucial to the organization's success. Her daily agenda revolves around fostering a culture of excellence, ensuring alignment across departments, and nurturing a "Champion mentality" among staff. She's the architect behind policies that unify teams and drive everyone towards the same goal. Guzman oversees the accounting, finance, procurement, information technology, and human resource departments in addition to managing other business functions.

    Beyond HR, Guzman wears multiple hats collaborating seamlessly within departments in efforts to improve process efficiencies and resource allocation. Her knack for problem-solving shines through as she delves into analyses, identifying issues, and solution-based thinking that propels the organization forward.

    Recognized for her exemplary leadership, Guzman is celebrated for her commitment to project completion, unwavering integrity, and tireless work ethic. She serves as a motivational force within teams, driving results through a combination of strategic vision and hands-on involvement. In addition to her Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business Management and Criminal Justice, Guzman holds certifications in Human Resource, Performance Management, and Employee Engagement. Guzman lives in South Florida with her two children and enjoys her free time reading, shopping, spending time with family and is dedicated to continuous learning in diverse areas beyond the professional realm.

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  • Duane Hough

    Duane Hough

    President of Champion Specialty Services - Special Operations Group

    As president of Champion Specialty Services’ Special Operations Group, Duane Hough has brought more than two decades of experience in business development, specialty protective coatings, and quality assurance to help develop Champion’s skilled global labor workforce. Combining his years of military training with his construction background, he uses cutting edge technology to build and perfect the systems that Champion uses for all its projects.

    Drawing from his experience as a Marine Infantry Sergeant, Hough incorporates lessons and principles learned from multiple deployments and humanitarian efforts into his problem solving and leadership approach. His keen project management skills have been the driving force to effectively lead diverse teams at Champion and successfully expand the company’s operations overseas.

    We Champion Quality “Our clients expect the highest-quality work, and we deliver. The longevity of the work we do is important to them, and so it’s important to us.”

    Hough is an SSPC certified Level 3 Protective Coatings Inspector (PCI), a Level 2 Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI), a Level 2 Concrete Coating Inspector (CCI), a C 3 Supervisor/Competent Person, a Protective Coating Specialist (PCS), a Master Coatings Inspector (MCI), and a SSPC BCI instructor. He previously served as a project manager/foreman for a large national contractor. In this capacity, he managed scheduling for projects, determined labor requirements, and oversaw team members.

    Prior to joining Champion, Hough served in the United States Marine Corps, where he led, trained, and counseled Marine Corps infantry. A decorated veteran, he has conducted combat and humanitarian operations throughout the world. Hough is a husband to Julie and father to four children. Outside of work, he enjoys working with philanthropic organizations such as No Kid Hungry.

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  • Anthony Maracic

    Anthony Maracic

    President of Champion Painting

    Anthony Maracic, President of Champion Specialty Services Infrastructure division, boasts a remarkable career spanning over four decades, with a particular focus on protective coating and paint systems for the structural steel industry. His unwavering dedication to leadership, quality production, and safety is at the core of his role, where he adeptly oversees a diverse team of over 200 professionals engaged in more than 150 global projects. Maracic's leadership philosophy places a strong emphasis on the significance of each team member's contributions, understanding that their collective efforts are pivotal to the company's success.

    Throughout his illustrious career, Maracic has been intimately involved in numerous high-profile projects, including iconic structures such as the George Washington Bridge and the towering 1,776-foot antenna of Manhattan's Freedom Tower. His crowning achievement came with the successful bid and execution of the monumental $168 million Queensboro Bridge project, which was the largest US paint project at the time. Maracic personally managed the estimation process and then directed the entire project to a triumphant conclusion, surpassing the owner's expectations.

    Before joining the Champion team, Maracic honed his skills and amassed extensive experience in the bridge painting industry. He began as an apprentice and gradually ascended to become a partner at a distinguished New York-based contractor, where he laid the foundation for his impressive career.

    Maracic's commitment to his field is not limited to his role at Champion. He is an active member of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, representing both the former SSPC and NACE. Additionally, he serves as a founding committee chairperson for FOP Ashley's Cure, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research on Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).

    Outside of his professional life, Anthony Maracic finds joy in spending time with his wife, Joanne, and cherishes moments with his four daughters, son, and grandson. He also takes pleasure in watching his son excel in collegiate baseball, a testament to his support not only in the business world but also within his family life.

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  • Kelly Powers

    Kelly Powers

    President Champion Nuclear Services

    Kelly Powers has more than 25 years of power & energy industry experience on major construction projects and programs in the government and commercial sectors. He has a proven track record of strong business growth and project/commercial performance.

    Powers attributes his history of success on endeavoring to be a servant leader, always focusing on the needs and support of those for which he is responsible.

    Prior to Champion, Powers worked as a Program Manager for Aircraft Carrier Nuclear Propulsion (joint DoE/DoD program), Corporate Functional Area Manager of Capital Projects for Entergy Nuclear, Vice President of Major Projects for Entergy Services, and President of Williams Industrial Services Group.

    Mr. Powers holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a Masters in Nuclear Engineering earned through Naval Postgraduate training. He also holds Project Management Professional (PMP) and Program Management Professional (PgMP) certifications from the Project Management Institute.

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  • Mat Bryant

    Mat Bryant

    Vice President of Operations Champion Painting - SE

    Mat Bryant brings more than 20 years of experience in finance, project management, operations, and supply-chain management to the Champion team. His eclectic expertise includes a 20+ year military career in the US Navy and various leadership roles with one of the country’s leading financial institutions.

    Bryant joined Champion Specialty Services in 2018 serving as Operations Director, providing financial oversight, reporting, and planning for all aspects of the company. Throughout his two years in this position, he played a key role in strengthening relationships with financial institutions, insurance providers and surety to ensure adequate resources during a successful period of significant year over year growth. As Vice President of Operations for the industrial division at Champion, Bryant is at the helm of developing and implementing organizational strategies to ensure divisional execution is aligned to corporate goals and objectives.

    A decorated US Navy Commander, Bryant’s two-decade active military career includes deployments to the Caribbean and Mediterranean and service as an Electronic Warfare Officer supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2010, during a six-year break in military service, Bryant obtained a Masters of Business Administration at Arizona State University with a focus in Finance and Supply Chain Management.

    He then began his civilian career with Bank of America where he held various roles in regulatory reporting, program and financial management, and operations during his eight-year stint. Most recently, he leveraged his civilian experience while serving as Comptroller for Fleet Readiness Center Command,, responsible for a $2.3 billion annual operating budget supporting the Naval Aviation Enterprise.

    Bryant is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. His many accolades include the Meritorious Service Metal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Today, he continues his military service as part of the US Navy Reserves.

    Bryant is married and resides with his family in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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  • Andrew Wieber

    Andrew Wieber

    Vice President of Operations Champion Painting - NE

    Andrew Wieber brings 20 years of experience in project management and engineering within the paint, coatings and contracting industry. He joined Champion as a Project Manager in 2021 under the leadership of Anthony Maracic, President of Champion Infrastructure. In his position as Project Manager, Wieber played a key role in supporting growth and expansion for the Infrastructure division of Champion Specialty Services.

    Now, as Vice President of Operations for Infrastructure, Wieber leads some of Champion’s largest infrastructure projects, while also recruiting and managing a support team for the division. In just two years as part of the Champion team, Wieber has successfully managed notable projects such as a $43 million project at the Bruckner Expressway in the Bronx, a partnership with respected NYC metro area contractor, El Sol Contracting, and an award-nominated project completed alongside Sherwin-Williams.

    Wieber started his career at Ahern Painting Contractors Inc., where he spent a combined 15 years building his acumen in leadership and project management. During his time at Ahern, he worked his way up the ladder from Field Engineer to Project Manager, ultimately managing over $100 million in contracts for the New York-based company.

    Wieber earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management Engineering Technologies from Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale, New York. He continues to live and work in New York, propelling Champion’s projects to new heights.

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  • Rusty Gasser

    Rusty Gasser

    Vice President of Operations Specialty Services

    Boasting 35 impressive years, Rusty Gasser has been managing maintenance and modification work across utilities and nuclear power plants throughout the country. As Vice President Of Operations for Champion Specialty Services, Gasser is a driven professional committed to achieving performance objectives and subsequent growth in the power generation and utility sectors. Gasser joined Champion in March 2022 as Vice President of Operations for the company’s Nuclear and Specialty Services division. In this role, he oversees all nuclear and other power generation sector services at operating plants as well as the company’s growing wind turbine sector. For more than 10 years, Gasser worked across various divisions of Williams Industrial Services Group. During his time at Williams, he held executive roles in plant services, where he was responsible for business development and management for customer expectations. Most recently, Gasser served as Vice President of Operations for Williams, where he was responsible for leading day-to-day operations and maintaining profit and loss statements for multiple business lines within the company, including decommissioning, fuel loading, tunnel maintenance and natural gas distribution services. Gasser began his career at Crane Nuclear, where he spent 18 years as a Project Director. His expansive resume also includes leadership roles at The Atlantic Group, Inc., and Shaw Stone & Webster, Inc. Gasser obtained an Electrical Engineering Technology degree from Georgia Southern University. He has also completed various training courses in construction safety, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Tools, Decision Influence Process, Valve Diagnostics and Valve Refurbishment. He resides in North Georgia, where he enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. When he’s not working, you can catch him rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.

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  • David Sharek

    David Sharek

    Vice President Of Decommissioning and Spent Fuel Services

    Vice President Of Decommissioning and Spent Fuel Services

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  • Barry Cooper

    Barry Cooper

    Vice President of Business Development and Strategy

    Barry Cooper has more than 30 years of experience in business development, cross-functional team leadership, and building strategic partnerships in the nuclear power and energy sectors. In his role as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Champion, Cooper is responsible for identifying target markets and prospects through strategic planning functions. In addition to client management, he specializes in risk analysis and developing infrastructure to respond to request-for-proposal and request-for-bid offers. Since joining Champion in April 2023 to help launch the Nuclear division, Cooper has achieved major successes including expanding the client scope at Fermi II Power Plant in Michigan, inclusion into Southern Nuclear, and has leveraged his network and insight to earn Champion a competitive edge in the wind energy market. Cooper began his career working with the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and professional loss control with nuclear power plants under construction, including the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Texas. He was also part of the plant management training program at the Savannah River Nuclear Power Site for 15 years. Cooper later went on to hold various executive leadership roles in the energy and nuclear power industries with companies such as Nexus Engineering, Kiewit Nuclear, Vulcan Specialty Services, and BHI Energy. Prior to joining Champion, Cooper served as Vice President at V Specialty Services, a labor management services company serving the construction industry. Cooper graduated Sum Cude Laude from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. During his free time, Cooper enjoys catching up with his three adult children, playing golf and cheering for the University of Tennessee at sporting events.

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