Who We Are
The Highland Team
Matt Padula
President
Matt has over 20 years of experience in construction project management, production planning, engineering and quality control. Matt began his construction career when he was 21 years old as a carpenter in his families Construction company. After spending many years in the field, he eventually held corporate roles in the construction and manufacturing industry, Matt holds professional certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Black Belt, Environmental Remediation, Leadership and Quality Engineering. Highland Design and Construction was formed with the sole purpose of providing clients with the very best quality and a unique home building experience.
Dan McFerrin
Vice-President
Dan has over 30 years of experience in construction project management, operations planning, communications, project controls, budget and schedule expertise with seven years of experience as an Operations Planner and Sector Manager. Dan has spent many years of his professional career living overseas in such countries as Italy, Czechoslovakia, Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan. Living and working in these regions has given Dan an appreciation and eye for old world architecture, colors and construction methods. He has brought these ideas back to the states and has been able to incorporate them into residential homes for clients. Dan retired from the United States Marine Corps after 21 years of service and moved to Landrum, SC.
JohnRobert Gimler
Project Manager
JohnRobert serves as Project Manager for Highland. He has a deep knowledge process engineering and construction methodology. Growing up in the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, he developed an appreciation for engineering and mechanical systems throughout his childhood. This appreciation led JR to attend the University of Rhode Island where he achieved a degree in Mechanical Engineering. JohnRobert has successfully overseen the construction and completion of 15 Custom Homes since Joining Highland. JohnRobert is married to Hailey Gimler and live in Landrum, SC.
Danielle Padula
Accounts Specialist
Danielle serves as the Accounting Specialist / Office Manager. She has over 15 years of experience in Logistics, Supplier Relations Management, Procurement, Quality Conformance, Supply Chain Management, Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, and Inventory Management. Danielle has worked in Indirect Purchasing and Planning for the BMW Group serving as the liaison with BMW AG and other BMW facilities regarding common purchasing strategy and processes. However, her first memories as a child were on the construction sites with her grandfather, as she comes from a long line of Carpenters and Builders. She now visits jobsites with her father, her husband, and her children, carrying the legacy of building into the 4th generation.
Hailey Gimler
Design Specialist
Hailey functions as the Design Specialist for Highland. She earned her degree in Interior Design at Converse University, she has specialized in design software such as Autocad, Revit and Sketchup. In addition to her work at Highland, she also owns an independent business that assists clients with complete interior decor services. Having lived her whole life in the home construction field, Hailey has had a long-time passion for design and architecture. As she continues her dream, she hopes to continue the family legacy and work alongside clients to achieve their goals for years to come.