Who says building can't be fun? At Spain & Cooper Construction, we always have a good time with our customers. When we close on a house, many people tell us they feared the building process going into it, but had a wonderful time working with us to create their dream homes.

tom spain
Tom is responsible for the design and implementation of each construction project. He utilizes his 35 years of experience in carpentry, air conditioning, electrical, roofing, landscaping and all other aspects of construction to help customers realize their dreams. He is our resident problem solver and drafts plans for most of our clients, working with clippings, sketches or complete floor plans. He can design anything to suit our customers' needs. Tom has been a licensed contractor since 1971 and is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in journalism.

When I'm not at work I:

• Explore the back roads of Alachua County
• Work on my 51 Woodie (I have gutted the car and am completely restoring its interior and exterior)
• Enjoy landscaping and gardening in my yard

The most interesting thing about me is:

• When I was in college I wrote an article titled, "How To Rebuild Your Volkswagen Engine This Weekend for 60 Bucks," which was published in the World Car Guide

My commitment to the community includes:

• Board of directors for the Gainesville Community Foundation
• Board of directors for the Dignity Project
• Board of directors for the Rotary Club of Gainesville
• Past service on the boards for the Chamber of Commerce, Oak Hall School and the Builders Association of North Central Florida

susan spain
Susan is the chief financial officer and creative consultant. She is an expert at taking the abstract, intangible ideas of customers and making them into tangible dreams. Susan consults with clients on exterior and interior design--she is the purveyor of personalized creations. Susan has been a licensed contractor since 1974, is a former CPA and holds degrees in marketing and accounting from the University of Florida.

When I'm not at work I:

• Play with my dogs, Dougal and Murphy
• Work on the many English gardens in my yard
• Race my Porsche at the track

The most interesting thing about me is:

• I am a second-degree blackbelt in Taekwondo

My commitment to the community includes:

• Board of directors for the PACE School for Girls
• Board of trustees for Friends of Five and past president
• Treasurer and clarinetist for the Gainesville Community Band
• Rotary Club of Gainesville
• Past service on the board for Keep Alachua County Beautiful

mike cooper
Mike manages daily construction operations and supervises job progress in the field, anticipating every step of the building process to ensure it goes smoothly. He personally visits every job site multiple times per day to check that each stage is being implemented to our high standards. He also serves as our information technology expert. Mike is an Elon University graduate with a degree in business administration and a double concentration in finance and information systems.

When I'm not at work I:

• Watch my favorite sports teams play — the Steelers, Penguins and Gators
• Race my car at the track (Susan got me hooked)
• Play golf

The most interesting thing about me is:

• I insisted on naming our female rabbit after Pittsburgh Steeler Lineman Joel Steed

My commitment to the community includes:

• Board of directors for the Builders' Association of North Central Florida
• Rotary Club of Gainesville

betsy spain
Betsy directs customer service and coordinates the selection process and all post-construction follow up, letting no detail go overlooked. She is the "go to" person for our customers starting with the first client meetings and moving through the years after move-in. She also manages sales and marketing. Betsy has a degree in business administration and a double concentration in marketing and information systems from Elon University.

When I'm not at work I:

• Practice yoga
• Studio l'italiano (study Italian)
• Design and make jewelry

The most interesting thing about me is:

• I am a walking encyclopedia of grammatical correctness

My commitment to the community includes:

• Board of directors for the PACE School for Girls
• Rotary Club of Gainesville

cindy walker
Cindy manages our accounting and office activities. She has a degree in office management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

When I'm not at work I:

• Love to travel
• Enjoy music and movies
• Follow University of Alabama and UF sports

The most interesting thing about me is:

• I can juggle a dozen different projects and still manage to be organized

My commitment to the community includes:

• Former volunteer coordinator for Buchholz High School
• Served as vice-chair of Buchholz High School's Advisory Council
• Served on various PTA executive boards
• Served on the Alachua County Schools CREATE Council

dougal spain
Dougal is our most "laid back" employee. He greets everyone who comes to our office and has occasionally been caught sleeping on the job. Dougal is a graduate of the Alachua County Humane Society's "Beyond Basic Obedience Training" program.

When I'm not at work I:

• Chase lizards
• Eat (not just my doggie food, but anything)
• Lick my human friends while getting petted

The most interesting thing about me is:

• I am a pure-bred Norfolk Terrier and my father is a champion

murphy spain
Murphy is our youngest employee. He pitches in by taking out the trash (or eating it), serving as Dougal's secretary and walking Susan three times per day. Murphy is extremely innovative — he comes up with creative ways to jump on tables and chairs. Murphy has an associate degree in general mischief.

When I'm not at work I:

• Pester Dougal
• Dig holes in hope of finding China
• Eat things I'm not supposed to eat (muffin wrappers and earth worms are my favorites)

The most interesting thing about me is:

• I am Dougal's nephew, a pure-bred Norfolk Terrier, and my father is an international champion from Germany. Dougal and I are two years apart and have the same birthday — November 20.