LEADERSHIP TEAM
MIKE SMITH
PRESIDENT & CEO
When it comes to building technology, experts in the field agree: Mike Smith knows a thing or two about a thing or two. That kind of uber-experience and admired reputation only comes from decades of creative problem-solving …
When it comes to building technology, experts in the field agree: Mike Smith knows a thing or two about a thing or two. That kind of uber-experience and admired reputation only comes from decades of creative problem-solving and getting the job done right.
Launching WhiteSpace in 2015, Mike now focuses his drive, passion and expertise into providing technology solutions for his clients.
A techy guru, Mike is an expert in innovative industry technologies and has a clear understanding of how to leverage them for your desired outcome. Those who understand the industry know Mike knows his stuff. He served as co-chair of iBcon and as advisory council to Realcomm, NMHC, Broadband Communities and the Building & Energy Summit.
Mike believes strong relationships can, and will, solve complex issues and form long-lasting partnerships. He is a builder of “go-to-market” roadmap strategies that deliver results, increase bottom lines and give clients a competitive advantage.
We’re sure you will connect with Mike’s insight and easy way.
MATT PEMBERTON
VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Pemberton provides the critical link that connects our client’s vision to the completed project.
Matt joined WhiteSpace as our VP in 2018, but he’s no newcomer to our mission, having worked together with President & CEO Mike Smith for years…
Matt Pemberton provides the critical link that connects our client’s vision to the completed project.
Matt joined WhiteSpace as our VP in 2018, but he’s no newcomer to our mission, having worked together with President & CEO Mike Smith for years. With complementary styles and diverse skills, Matt teams with Mike to provide our clients a deep well of knowledge and experience from which to draw.
We count on Matt’s 22 years of experience in security operations, loss prevention, project management and building technology to give our clients peace of mind as we bring their projects to life. In addition, Matt provides extensive experience in identifying ancillary service possibilities and negotiating agreements with communication service providers.
From concept to construction to completion, Matt has been part of a wide range of development and building projects. Clients and peers know that his tenacity and eagle eye are assets that assure a smooth process.
GINA MCVEY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Gina McVey, who joined WhiteSpace in 2018, streamlines the business operations for our fast-growing and innovative company. Gina’s can-do attitude, paired with her strong communication skills, make her an incredible teammate…
Gina McVey, who joined WhiteSpace in 2018, streamlines the business operations for our fast-growing and innovative company. Gina’s can-do attitude, paired with her strong communication skills, make her an incredible teammate. When it comes to our projects, a job well-done is her bottom line.
With 25-plus years of experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, Gina has developed a comprehensive background in small business practices, strategic planning, goal-setting and project management. Add to that impressive list her thorough approach and expert communication prowess, and Gina strengthens our client relationships by managing our daily operations as well as our projects to guarantee our administrative business practices are as complete as our consulting services.
Think of Gina as your go-to app, keeping all your project details safe and sound.
BILLY MUSTARD
SR. PROJECT MANAGER
Billy Mustard has held positions in maintenance, carpentry, mechanics and general contracting before starting his real estate career with Forest City in 2012. In 2014, Mike Smith saw something special in Billy and hired him as a technician in the Building Technology Services department. In that role, he was responsible for helping support the portfolio of building technologies and later commissioning new construction projects…
Billy Mustard has held positions in maintenance, carpentry, mechanics and general contracting before starting his real estate career with Forest City in 2012. In 2014, Mike Smith saw something special in Billy and hired him as a technician in the Building Technology Services department. In that role, he was responsible for helping support the portfolio of building technologies and later commissioning new construction projects.
During his time as a technician, Billy immersed himself in various technologies. He obtained certifications in Green Professional Buildings, Niagara AX building management, exacqVision video management, and became an Axis Certified Professional.
After the Brookfield acquisition of Forest City, Billy spent almost 3 years with Brookfield Properties Development as Manager of Technology Design. His primary role was coordinating security and low voltage design with mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements to align with operating preferences. He keeps an openmind, strategically responding to the dynamic world of technology and now assists WhiteSpace clients with their overall technology strategy and objectives.
CRAIG HOLMES
SR. PROJECT MANAGER
Craig Holmes joined WhiteSpace as a Project Manager in September 2019. We knew immediately he would fit right in; he comes from the same place, in both career and character.
As a client-oriented professional, Craig brings vast project management experience, including low-voltage design, review and commissioning of building systems…
Craig Holmes joined WhiteSpace as a Project Manager in September 2019. We knew immediately he would fit right in; he comes from the same place, in both career and character.
As a client-oriented professional, Craig brings vast project management experience, including low-voltage design, review and commissioning of building systems. His collaborative approach ensures that construction, development teams and end-users alike are satisfied beyond their expectations.
Like Matt and Mike, Craig cut his teeth at Forest City, where he spent 14 years growing roles from Security Director at regional facilities to technician in the company’s Building Technology Services department, where he assisted with capital improvement projects, commissioned new development buildings, and provided technical support across the company’s national portfolio. So, Craig knows a few things too.
You will come to know Craig as a thorough and complete professional.
BRAD PARINA
PROJECT MANAGER
Brad Parina has wide-ranging experience in a number of industries, both in the public and private sectors. He began his career early, while still in high school, for a local municipality doing building maintenance. Brad continued to gain experience with stints at Majestic Steel USA, a large steel processing plant with several locations throughout North America, and corporate offices located in Cleveland, Ohio…
Brad Parina has wide-ranging experience in a number of industries, both in the public and private sectors. He began his career early, while still in high school, for a local municipality doing building maintenance. Brad continued to gain experience with stints at Majestic Steel USA, a large steel processing plant with several locations throughout North America, and corporate offices located in Cleveland, Ohio. Brad then went on to Residential Multi Unit Maintenance with Forest City Realty Trust Inc. Most recently, Brad spent roughly a decade with a local school district as a Maintenance Foreman. His many duties included, but were not limited to, Project Management oversight on building renovations and repairs, as well as overseeing and managing special events and sporting events, as they related to the buildings and facilities in his purview. Brad has a broad knowledge base to draw from, with a deep understanding of Industrial / Commercial HVAC Systems, Building Management systems, Access Control and IT systems integrations and refits.
Adding to Brad’s holistic portfolio, he is a State Licensed Home Inspector, having completed training and certification in 2020.
RYAN PALMER
PROJECT MANAGER
Ryan Palmer attended The Ohio State University, majoring in finance, before making the leap into the construction industry. He spent 7 years working as a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Coordinator, designing and modeling 3D plumbing and electrical systems for a vast array of commercial buildings, including the largest hotel in the state of Ohio.
Ryan Palmer attended The Ohio State University, majoring in finance, before making the leap into the construction industry. He spent 7 years working as a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Coordinator, designing and modeling 3D plumbing and electrical systems for a vast array of commercial buildings, including the largest hotel in the state of Ohio. During his time in BIM coordination, Ryan developed a comprehensive understanding of the entire construction process, priming him for his new role in project management.
As a WhiteSpace Project Manager, Ryan will work with clients to bring the project vision to life with thoughtfully designed low voltage strategy.
BRANDON CRAWFORD-BRAUN
PROJECT MANAGER
Brandon Crawford-Braun brings over a decade of expertise in the telecommunications industry to his role at WhiteSpace. As an Inside Plant Technician, Brandon spent seven years upgrading backend networks for providers nationwide, giving him valuable insights into the intricacies of fiber networks.
Brandon Crawford-Braun brings over a decade of expertise in the telecommunications industry to his role at WhiteSpace. As an Inside Plant Technician, Brandon spent seven years upgrading backend networks for providers nationwide, giving him valuable insights into the intricacies of fiber networks.
After transitioning to WiredScore, Brandon spent four years evaluating building technology for commercial and residential developments alike. Working closely with building owners and stakeholders, his goal was to create future-proofed infrastructures that met both immediate and long-term needs. Brandon’s ability to seamlessly translate technical knowledge into innovative solutions was a driving force behind the program’s success.
As a Project Manager at WhiteSpace, Brandon will be at the forefront of executing our telecommunications projects. He will play a central role in coordinating teams, resources, and timelines to ensure the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and network infrastructure solutions. And his expertise will be instrumental in guiding projects from concept to completion with efficiency, quality, and innovation.
VICTORIA SCHANTZ
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Victoria Schantz joins WhiteSpace after 20 years in process management with AT&T. Her track record speaks for itself.
Victoria Schantz joins WhiteSpace after 20 years in process management with AT&T. Her track record speaks for itself. Victoria creates strong relationships with clients with effective communication skills, steadfast reliability, and a solution-oriented mindset. Clients trust her proven ability to deliver on project goals as she pulls from a deep well of problem-solving and productivity aptitudes. Knowing that she has the ability to work effectively within complex systems, Victoria will immediately contribute to WhiteSpace’s operations spanning from internal process to client-facing initiatives.
