NEWS
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Christopher David Eccleston for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Christopher David Eccleston is recognized for his expertise in construction management in the commercial sector
SALISBURY, MD, April 17, 2024, Christopher David Eccleston has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Eccleston is the founder and president of Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), an award-winning commercial general contracting business he established in 2013. Under his leadership, the company has become known for its expertise in many different sectors of the construction industry some of which include municipal, institutional-type projects and hotels. Mr. Eccleston's dedication to excellence in construction management is evident through his achievements and the high standards he sets for his organization. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, DVB has grown from a one-person operation to a thriving commercial company that prides itself on maintaining a family-like atmosphere where everyone strives to provide unparalleled service and expertise.
Before establishing DVB, Mr. Eccleston was a project manager at Gillis Gilkerson from 2007 to 2012. His tenure there was marked by significant professional growth and development, leading him to ascend from an entry-level position to one of considerable responsibility. Mr. Eccleston was named to Building Design + Construction Magazine's 40 under 40 Class of 2012. Prior to his career in construction management, Mr. Eccleston served with distinction in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist between 2000 and 2006. His military service notably included three deployments for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he honed his leadership skills and work ethic.
Outside of his professional contributions to construction, Mr. Eccleston is an accomplished writer. In 2023, he co authored "Grit Leads to Greatness" with Jenny Schroen, the creative developer at DVB. Taking the immense workforce shortage head-on, they penned a dystopian story where two children save a crumbling world that has forgotten the construction trades. The self-published book has sold nearly 10,000 copies with tens of thousands of kids hearing about the Power of GRIT and the magic of building. The authors are leading a nationwide movement to inspire the next generation into the construction industry.
Apart from his military contributions, Mr. Eccleston has been active civically with various organizations. After a tenured history with the Boy Scouts of America, he became recognized as an Eagle Scout. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Furthermore, Mr. Eccleston has been an impactful member of the Greater Salisbury Committee, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Eccleston's academic background laid a strong foundation for his professional endeavors. He earned a Bachelor of Science inconstruction management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2008 and a Master of Business Administration from Salisbury University in 2017. He also completed coursework in construction management at Old Dominion University. Well-qualified in his field, Mr. Eccleston has held certifications as a LEED-accredited professional since 2013 and as a certified health care constructor since 2014, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable building practices and specialized construction within health care facilities.
His civic contributions earned him recognition with a Lower Shore Distinguished Citizen Award from the DelMarVa Council of BoyScouts of America in 2023. Other honors include Secretary of Defense Freedom award, three consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list, 2 consecutive years on the Vet50 list, and the WeHeartSBY award.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
DVB presents first-ever "Grit Leads to Greatness" award to Dr. Donna Hanlin
DVB founder Chris Eccleston hands the “Grit Leads To Greatness” award to Dr. Donna Hanlin during her retirement ceremony at the Wicomico Yacht Club.
Salisbury, Marlyand– June 25th, 2022 Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) is a fresh, gritty commercial construction firm igniting potential and doing epic things. Launched in 2013 by Navy Veteran Chris Eccleston, it has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation while maintaining a 50% veteran and reservist workforce.
DVB created the Grit Leads to Greatness Award to highlight the “Grittiness” of individuals or organizations in our commUNITY. The award is a bronze cast Buffalo handcrafted by local artisan Laura West. The Buffalo is a visual representation of what it takes to achieve greatness in leadership. Buffalo is our nation’s mammal and also DVB’s spirit animal. When faced with an impending storm, a herd of buffalo’s instinct is to face the challenge head-on. They charge the storm.
Artist Laura West
DVB believes in the word GRIT. The company’s tagline is Grit Leads to Greatness, with its first core value being Operation GRIT- focusing on teaching future generations why it's the cornerstone to a well-lived life. To further this goal, a children’s book called Grit Leads to Greatness has been written and is currently under production with a release date of spring 2023.
DVB defines GRIT as having unyielding courage when faced with challenges. Grit embodies so many different traits and characteristics of leadership. It is messy, rough, and abrasive, but forces people to face any challenge and compels them to keep going.
As part of the retirement ceremony for Dr. Donna Hanlin, Chris Eccleston had the distinct honor and privilege to present this award on behalf of the team and families at Delmarva Veteran Builders. This is the first time DVB has given an award to a commUNITY member for their service and gritty leadership ability. Chris highlighted Dr. Donna Hanlin’s efforts to engage deeply with the commUNITY working to build strong relationships. Her ability to cast a vision for a better tomorrow for our local public education system led to higher graduation rates and a public school for the arts. Her greatness was solidified as she showed incredible leadership and courage in navigating the school system through an unprecedented pandemic.
Dr. Donna Hanlin showed us that Grit Leads to Greatness and we are forever grateful.
Read more about Grit Leads to Greatness and the mission of DVB at DelmarvaVeteranBuilders.com
Grit Leads to Greatness Award 2022
DELMARVA VETERAN BUILDERS ANNOUNCES $25,000 GRANT PARTNERSHIP
Salisbury, MD. – September 21, 2021 – Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced they are accepting area non-profit applicants for a grant partnership of up to $25,000.00.
DVB strives to inspire others to ignite potential and make an impact in the commUNITY. When brainstorming a name for this partnership, DVB was moved by a prayer written by one of the first explorers to circumnavigate the world- Sir Francis Drake. The words inspired the team to dream bigger; to venture on wider seas; to dare more boldly. Thus, the Endeavour Grant was born.
It's not like DVB to take the cookie-cutter approach; this is not your typical grant. The team is looking for a partnership with a non-profit in the greater Salisbury/Lower Eastern Shore area to help live DVB’s core values and spread the cause they are so passionate about.
In this partnership, DVB would not only provide financial help of up to $25,000.00, they would also be sharing in completing objectives and culture growth that includes learning and teaching opportunities for both organizations during the calendar year. Once the grantee has been awarded, DVB and the winner will work together to determine where help is needed: to enhance a specific project or initiative, or operating funds for the purpose of delivering core values. The grant will be awarded to a non-profit aligned with DVB’s mission, values, and vision, and will spark imagination and empowerment to identify new ways of approaching their core values. Working together, the collaboration will drive each other to greatness.
The grant winner will be determined by the end of 2021, and the funds awarded in 2022. Please read through the eligibility and application requirements located on the website.
For more information or press inquiries, email impact@delmarvaveteranbuilders.com
For more information and ways to apply, visit https://www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com/theendeavourgrant
Restoration of World War II Tower 3 to begin
August 19, 2021 From the cape Gazette
The restoration project of World War II Artillery Fire Control Tower 3 in Delaware Seashore State Park is expected to be completed by summer 2022. SUBMITTED PHOTO
After 15 years of fundraising and planning, the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation, along with its partners the Fort Miles Historical Association and Delaware State Parks, announced that the restoration of World War II Artillery Fire Control Tower 3 will be moving forward this fall with a projected completion of early summer 2022. The tower is in Delaware Seashore State Park on Route 1 just south of Dewey Beach.
This effort would not have been realized without the support of many individual donors and foundations, Delaware state legislators and Delaware State Parks.
The general contractor chosen for this historic project is Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. armed forces veterans.
Opening Tower 3 to the general public will promote tourism, interpretive educational programs, and social events in Delaware State Parks and Coastal Delaware. Once restoration is completed, Tower 3 will serve as a tribute to armed forces veterans who have faithfully served the country, as well as members who continue in service today.
While the tower restoration is moving forward, additional funding is needed for site improvements, exhibits and signage to complete the overall project.
To make a donation or learn more about the historical importance of Tower 3, go to restorethetower.org.
The Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation is a nonprofit friends organization created to preserve, protect and enhance the Indian River Life-Saving Station, and the parks within the Delaware Seashore State Park region including the Indian River Marina, Delaware Seashore, Fenwick Island and Holts Landing State Parks.
see full article here
Delmarva Veteran Builders hired by Plantation Lakes
Millsboro, De. – May 12, 2021 – Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announces its partnership with Plantation Lakes, to grow their golf maintenance facilities in Millsboro.
Set to break ground this summer, four buildings will be added for The Plantation Lakes’ Golf Maintenance Team, to utilize in their golf course operations. A total of 9,000 square feet, the new Golf Facility Campus will be located on the Northeast side of the community, as part of the community’s 18-hole golf course expansion. Two of the four buildings will be joined together to incorporate a 2-story building with space for maintenance staff and six maintenance bays. The remaining two buildings will be for material storage and maintenance wash bays.
“Lennar is excited to work with Delmarva Veteran Builders. Aside from their dedication to their projects, we are excited to build a relationship with a company who values veterans and service to our country. Our Director of Golf, Brian, is an Army veteran himself, and one of our most popular events honoring a late Board member and resident, Chris O’Halloran, was a Navy veteran with years of service”
Millsboro, Delaware has seen rapid expansion in the past ten years, with recent additions including Grotto’s Pizza, Starbucks and Texas Roadhouse.
DVB has been hired to renovate Salisbury University’s Fulton Hall.
Salisbury, MD. – May 12, 2021 – Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, has been hired to complete renovations at Salisbury University’s Fulton Hall.
Salisbury University’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts prepares college students for careers in the arts, humanities, and social sciences with a diverse undergraduate experience. The project includes new and renovated bathroom facilities on two floors. The students at Fulton Hall will receive new fixtures, countertops, light fixtures, flooring and more to provide better quality and more comfort.
This marks the 11thpartnership project between Salisbury University and DVB. DVB is excited for another partnership project aimed at supporting the liberal art efforts with the university. DVB puts a huge value on art, especially in the community, with its ‘Believe’ mural located on the side of its building in downtown Salisbury. DVB continued its efforts of linking art in construction through their rebranding efforts in 2020. Creative Developer Jenny Schroen sought inspiration from our greatest generation, to launch her Grit campaign, gaining her international recognition through a MarCom award.
DELMARVA VETERAN BUILDERS RECEIVE OCEAN CITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AWARD FOR PROJECT
OCEAN CITY, Md. – May 6, 2021 – Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, received the 2020 New Public Facility Construction Award from Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) at last night’s OCDC Award Dinner.
The OCDC 2020 Award Baquet was postponed last year due to COVID restrictions but was able to reconvene this May. With increased COVID safety precautions in place, DVB’s Project Manager Rich Hertzog and Director of Operations Kathryn Ellis accepted the award on the entire team’s behalf. The construction staff involved on this project were Founder Chris Eccleston, Project Manager Rich Hertzog, Superintendent Wesley Reed and Assistant Project Manager Amanda Everhart.
OCDC is aimed at supporting the Ocean City community through revitalization efforts. Celebrating their 20th year last year, OCDC has made countless strides to build up Ocean City while keeping its character.
“We envision an economically sound and socially healthy downtown Ocean City, Maryland where revitalization has capitalized on the positive aspects of the area to create a sense of character, charm, and community for both residents and visitors.”, said the Board of Directors cited in the OCDC Annual Newsletter.
DVB completed Ocean City’s Downtown Public Works Facility in Fall of 2019. The 22,000 square foot building is located bay side on St. Louis Avenue.
“This project was exciting to contribute to Downtown Ocean City. The finishes provide what would have been a standard public works facility, with a unique and charming style, seen all throughout downtown. We could not have done this without the efforts of Becker Morgan Group and Diamond State Engineering.”
Becker Morgan Group is a full-service design firm based in Salisbury, MD and offers a holistic design approach. Becker Morgan Group continues to raise the bar for the construction process. Diamond State Engineering is a firm based out of Dover, DE and offered insight and training for mechanical engineering during this project.
DELMARVA VETERAN BUILDERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK EFFORTS
Salisbury, MD – May 3, 2021 – Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) is marking the 2021 Construction Safety Week by creating community awareness of the topic, reinforcing the importance to our team and dedicating ourselves to being more ‘holistic’ in our safety efforts.
Construction firms across the U.S. and Canada band together for the annual Safety Week, a construction industry-wide education and awareness event. Safety Week 2021 will be held May 3-7. This year’s theme is “Holistic Safety - Be Present. Be Focused. Be Safe.”
DVB will share insight from its team to the community, for the public to gain a unique perspective into working on a construction jobsite. Our Superintendent Wes Reed said it best, “Safety is first, building is second.”. To align with this year’s theme, DVB will bring in a yoga instructor and a speaker on mental health for the entire company to participate and understand we support mental health in our company and across this industry.
Construction is a physically and mentally demanding occupation. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. Factors such as prolonged stress, anxiety, financial concerns or tensions with a family member, a boss or coworker can cause workers to lose focus. Let’s encourage everyone across our community to always be present, focused and safe.
Safety Week was founded by several leading contractors in the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) and the Incident & Injury Free Executive Forum (IIF). For a full list of Safety Week members, partners and sponsors and additional information, visit www.constructionsafetyweek.com.
DELMARVA VETERAN BUILDERS HIRED FOR NEW WAWA IN SEAFORD, DELAWARE
Seaford, De. – April 5, 2021 – Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB), the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announces its newest project in Delaware.
“Wawa is partnering with Delmarva Veteran Builders to open our new Seaford, DE store later this year.”
Bringing more fuel and quick service options to those traveling North on Route 13, Wawa will be returning to the City later this year. Located next to Grotto’s Pizza, the new 5,500 square foot building will also have a back entrance off Tharp Road. Construction begins the end of March and looks to hold its Grand Opening event late Fall 2021.
The property sold in 2019 but was put on hold during the pandemic.
“We are excited to have Wawa here in Seaford. People love their sandwiches and subs along with their great service. They are a great addition, and we wish them great success.”
This marks the 11th convenience store project for DVB’s portfolio in just 3.5 years.
About Delmarva Veteran Builders: Delmarva Veteran Builders is the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans. Launched in 2013 by Navy Veteran Chris Eccleston, it has become one of the fastest growing companies in the nation while maintaining a 50% veteran and reservist workforce. Located in Salisbury Maryland, Delmarva Veteran Builders is up for the challenge to provide an extraordinary customer service experience, while committing to innovation in quality and new construction techniques.
###