Foundations & Futures
Delve into the woodwork of our company’s history, molded by experience and innovation, as we introduce you to the dedicated personnel who have been instrumental in shaping our journey from inception to becoming a trusted name in the construction industry.
A Narrative of Our Past and a Glimpse into Our Future
Carpenter Construction’s roots go back more than a century, to a company started by B. R. Fulmer. In the 1920’s, Mr. Fulmer established B. R. Fulmer, whose principals were B. R. Fulmer, C. E. Wohler, and L. P. Wineman. The company operated under that name until the death of Mr. Fulmer in 1943. At that time, L. P. Wineman became full owner and operated the business under his own name until 1957.
In 1949, R. M. Carpenter (Bob) became an employee of the business, and in 1957 was made a partner. The company’s name was changed to Wineman & Carpenter, Inc. In 1991, Bob’s son, Will, returned to the Pittsburgh area and together they established Carpenter Construction, Inc.
The dynamic partnership between Bob and Will Carpenter was a driving force behind the remarkable growth of Carpenter Construction. Together, father and son worked hand-in-hand, combining Bob’s seasoned expertise with Will’s fresh perspective to navigate the complexities of the construction industry. Their collaboration was marked by a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. Bob’s wealth of experience provided a sturdy foundation, while Will’s forward-thinking approach brought a modern edge to the company. Their complementary skills and mutual dedication fostered an environment of continuous improvement.
Although we mourn the loss of Bob Carpenter, his legacy lives on through the enduring impact of their collaborative efforts, and Will continues to honor and build upon the foundation they created together.
Our Team
Our extraordinary teams frequently encompass not just individual talents but dynamic family legacies, where multiple generations seamlessly collaborate across various facets of our business. However, we take immense pride in emphasizing that, despite these familial ties, our team-building process is unequivocally grounded in the principles of merit, individuality, and hard work. Every team member, whether a family connection or not, is recognized and celebrated for their distinct skills, personality, and dedication, affirming our commitment to a diverse and merit-based workforce.
Will Carpenter
Owner / Partner
Will’s journey in the construction industry began during his high school years at Hempfield Area Senior High School, where he actively contributed summers and holidays to his father’s construction firm. Keeping up with the work until his graduation from the University of Colorado in 1984, Will decided to pursue a graduate degree in English Literature in San Francisco. His resolute commitment to the trade led him back home in 1991 to assume a full-time role within the family business. With the formation of Carpenter Construction in 1993, Will ascended to the role of partner, a testament to his exceptional leadership and expertise. Holding the position of President since then, Will continues to shape the company’s trajectory, embodying a legacy of excellence that extends from his formative years to the present day.
Bob Dean
Partner / Estimator / Construction Manager
Bob has been with Carpenter Construction for over 37 years and is now a full partner in the company. A remarkable journey that began as an intern at the Central Westmoreland Vocational Technical School during his time at Mt. Pleasant Area High School. Transitioning to a full-time carpenter post-graduation. He earned the title of foreman in 1995. Evolving with the industry, Bob has strategically added the prestigious titles of Estimator and Construction Manager to his extensive and distinguished resume in recent years, showcasing not only his longevity with the company but also his multifaceted expertise and commitment to excellence. Spearheading multimillion-dollar projects from conception to completion, showcasing leadership and project management prowess. He collaborates closely with architects, engineers, subcontractors and regulatory authorities, fostering productive relationships and ensuring seamless project execution. With a steadfast dedication to craftsmanship, innovation and leadership, he has forged a career spanning over three decades in the construction industry.
Debbie Kniss
Office Manager
Debbie joined Carpenter Construction immediately following her graduation from business school in 1977. Commencing her journey as a receptionist, Debbie’s unwavering dedication and exceptional capabilities propelled her through diverse roles within the organization, culminating in her role as Controller. Presently, she holds the pivotal position of Office Manager, overseeing the intricate workings of our operations with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence accumulated over the years. Debbie’s impressive ascent within the company underscores her profound commitment and invaluable contributions to our continued success..
Desmond Carpenter
Materials Officer / Coordinator
Desmond had his first day working on the job site as a Freshman in high school, though he was already familiar with the terrain from a young age — visiting numerous sites with his father in the early mornings before school. Many summer and winter holiday breaks were spent working under foremen at the various job sites in order to give Desmond a feel for the ins and outs of the demanding trade. In 2022, Desmond moved back from living outside the U.S. and began working with his father, as well as Bob and Debbie, first as a materials officer, and later gaining the roles of assistant project manager and coordinator. By working with long-time partners and forming new relationships in the greater Pittsburgh community, Desmond is bringing a “new generation” perspective and adaptability to the job; helping to take Carpenter Construction into the new age while preserving the qualities that have kept it at the forefront of quality building all these years.
“Working with the Carpenter family was a marvelous experience for me. I felt that both Will and Bob had my best interest at heart. They communicated well in that they listened intently and then researched ideas and followed up with creative suggestions. I would – and do – recommend Carpenter Construction Inc. because they also have good and talented carpenters working for them. To name a few, the brothers Bob and Mike Dean are as professional about their work as they are talented.”