The Team

Jessica Ford

Co Founder & Owner

The driving force behind day to day operations, Jessica has a passion and an eye for design and has her state certified residential contractor license. She was a labor and delivery nurse for 8 years before founding FD Build and has delivered over 1,500 babies during her career. Her passion for caring for families has translated into her role at FD Builds as she strives to provide the best homes for families in her community.

When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys traveling - especially to parts of the world with breathtaking architectural design – but she is most passionate about her family at home. She loves beach fishing with her husband Austin and their 200lb great dane Apollo. She is extremely grateful to work with her father, who was the inspiration that started the FD Builds journey.

Gary Bishop

Co Founder & Owner

Gary has been in the construction industry for over 40 years. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in civil engineering, he began his career as a professional engineer in the state of Florida. With a passion for serving people in his hometown, he ended up as the County Engineer/Public Works Director of Escambia county for 8 years. In 1992 he started independently consulting with a focus on structural and site plan engineering and brings his expertise to FD Builds as they work closely with his own firm.

Gary loves all things sports (especially Auburn football), and he values integrity and doing everything he sets his mind to with excellence and character. His greatest accomplishment in life is the family he has built with his wife. They have two daughters, two sons, and nine grandchildren.

Corey Kelly

Superintendent

Corey grew up on sites with his grandfather, a contractor, who taught him tricks of the trade early on. His father, Larry, worked at an architectural firm, and with a family so ingrained in the construction industry, it was only natural that Cory would end up a master field welder and jack of all trades. Cory has worked in construction since 2005, and holds certifications in Welding-FCAW, GTAW, SMAW- Structural and 6G pipe, and Occupational Safety Health. He brings a variety of skills to the team including carpentry, framing, welding, pipe work, and more.

When he’s not working, you’ll find Corey adventuring outside with a fishing pole, in a kayak, on a hike, or enjoying the beach with friends and family.

Larry Kelly

Production Manager

Larry has been immersed in the construction industry since age 12, when he would spend time on sites with his contractor father - who carried on the tradition with his son, Corey. Through adulthood, he held positions in residential roofing, concrete laying, residential framing, and site work and surveying. He has his CPBD certification and is an expert at visualizing space, form, scale, and balance.

When he isn’t on site, he enjoys spending time with family and being in the great outdoors fishing. He also enjoys going to the gym and is passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle.

Most of all, he loves to spend time with family and is the first to offer a helping hand with any projects around the house.

Dave Gilbert

Senior Construction Manager

Dave has been in the field of building construction since 1969. A military veteran, Dave was provided the opportunity to lead many projects around the world. He has built many of the commercial buildings in the area and has completed several large customs homes in his career. He has expert knowledge in building and construction management with his 50+ years in the

industry.

get your dream home started today!

Whether you want ready-for-you floorplans or a custom home design, FD Builds is your one-stop-shop for the best home building experience. Every step is handled with care, from the design process, to planning & permitting, to building out your perfect home with custom finishes that make all the difference.

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See What Our Customers Are Saying

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"If you’re looking for a home builder / contractor in Pensacola Florida - then you don’t need to look any further than FD Builds. They’re personable, professional, communicate with you every step of the way. They truly do build with heart. We have a beautiful custom home & we appreciate Jessica Ford & her team."

Glen and Larene F

"We love each and every corner. We love most the family we found in FD Builds and the relationship even after move-in! We have nothing but wonderful things to say."

Maci and Carter

"Love our new house! My husband and I love our new home it has everything we wanted. We get so many compliments in the house. Their attention to detail really add a personal touch. I highly recommend FD Builds."