Chris Parsell, the founder of Contour Construction, started in the trades at age 16 before founding the company in 2006. With nearly 25 years in construction, he began as a utility trench laborer and operator enjoying the freedom and sense of accomplishment construction provided. He went on to formalize his education by attending trade school for welding. After a failed initial attempt at becoming a world-renowned novelist, Chris honed his craft as a carpenter building custom homes, quickly moving up the ranks from assistant superintendent to project superintendent then estimator, project manager, and finally executive level. Chris holds multiple degrees and certificates, including Construction Management and Business Administration by putting himself through night school at Frederick Community College and Mt. Saint Mary’s. He holds contractor’s licenses in multiple states, including the NASCLA exam qualifier to work as a GC nationwide. His wide variety of experience includes site development, owner’s programs, new concept brand roll-out, historic preservation, and commercial real estate investment. When not operating his businesses, you might find him on a kayak in the Potomac or in the backcountry waters of Key West with a fishing pole in hand. An avid literary nerd and novice guitarist, Chris also enjoys taking in the occasional concert.