Leadership team

Mike Caputo is the founder and CEO of 1st Choice Construction. In his role, Mike provides inspired leadership to our entire team while creating and overseeing the implementation of the company's development strategy.  His honest and thoughtful approach to decision-making is well-respected and has helped him build a reputation as a valued voice within the industry.  He received his collegiate degree at Loyola University of Maryland and has held several leadership positions prior to the establishment of 1st Choice Construction in 2010.  His most notable career accomplishment is earning a coveted ranking on the Inc 5000 list for four consecutive years.  Mike's passion for delivering superior quality and service is the reason why 1st Choice was created.  He is also no stranger to hard work and commitment.  Alongside 1st Choice, Mike also owns a cabinet wholesale business and lives on a farm with his family in Lexington, NC. 

Stephanie Pepp joined the company in 2012 and is responsible for corporate technology development and infrastructure management while overseeing the IT and Logistics departments. She began her career with 1st Choice Construction as Director of Operations and has played an integral part in the foundation of the company policies and project management processes. She introduced and developed our Smartsheet systems as the foundation of our infrastructure and continues development in this area. Stephanie is a member of the Executive Management team, specializing in the strategic development of the company. She possesses a NASCLA Commercial General Building License. Stephanie resides on Tybee Island, GA.   

Arlindo Santos received a B.S. in Business Administration from Pace University in 1996. He continued his education by earning an M.B.A. from Pace University in 2003. Arlindo joined 1st Choice in 2012 and has been the Chief Financial Officer since 2017. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations for planning, implementing and managing all financial-related activities of the company. Additionally, Arlindo oversees our Human Resources department.  He is a member of the Executive Management team, which is responsible for the design and implementation of business strategies, plans, and procedures.  

Jefferson Bell joined the company in 2013 and is responsible for the procurement and management of materials and equipment, developing relationships with trade partners, and coordination of interior renovation projects for the organization. He began his career with 1st Choice Construction as Project Coordinator and has played a critical role in establishing the company's policies and procedures with regards to procurement, materials management, and scheduling. Jefferson is a member of the 1st Choice Construction Leadership Team and currently resides in Charleston, SC. 

Earl Brown joined the company in 2015 and is responsible for leading our Estimating department. Earl oversees all projects in the bidding process, ensures that all RFP’s fall within our core competencies, validates that all budgets are comprehensive and accurately reflect each project’s scope of work, that they meet our client’s needs, and will be profitable for the company. Constantly searching for better processes, always teaching his team, and turning their mistakes into learning opportunities are the things that drive Earl to take 1st Choice Construction to the next level.  He is a third-generation licensed General Contractor with 30+ years of experience and his team of Estimators, Coordinators, and Managers are ready to deliver exceptional results.  Give customers a reason to do business with you.

Charlie Camomile joined 1st Choice Construction in 2019 as a Project Manager and is now the Regional Director for the North Carolina and Virginia regions. With over 25 years of experience in multiple aspects of the construction industry, Charlie has an enhanced perspective that helps in understanding the needs of both clients and trade partners alike. Charlie began his career as a structural steel welder/fabricator, before transitioning to owning and operating his own general contracting business, specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

Adé Herbert joined the company in 2019 and manages all aspects of warehouse operations. He partners with our Regional and Project Managers to coordinate material deliveries in all of the company’s operating areas and schedules those deliveries in accordance with the project calendars. Adé holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University and resides in the Lake Norman area of the Charlotte Metro region.