INTERIOR DESIGN & RENOVATION TEAM

  • Joel Hess

    OWNER & PROJECT MANAGER

    Joel worked his entire adulthood through Tech College in the carpentry trade. He started working in exterior remodel, however after years outside and framing he found his interest peaked working with the intricacies of high end interior remodeling. Kitchens, bathrooms and tile setting offered a variety of skills and trade that kept his hunger for ever expanding expertise satisfied. He enjoys drawing on years of problem solving and trade expertise to lead Black Forest and interact with customers at many points throughout their experience with us.

    “I have four children 14, 13, 11, and 8 who are just hungry to learn, travel, and experience the world. I spend most of my time outside of work with them; showing them how to enjoy and grow in life.”

  • Elizabeth Schulz

    PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & PARTNER

    Beth has worked with Black Forest since its inception in 2015.  She has a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University.  She has worked in the design and construction industry for over a decade.  At home she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, exploring nature, and cooking.  Her other interests include running, yoga, playing basketball, painting, and traveling. 

    “I enjoy the challenge of creating a unique vision for spaces, while collaborating with our team of talented designers and skilled craftsmen to makes those ideas a reality.”

  • Caryn Hendershott

    DESIGNER

    Caryn joined the Black Forest team in early 2026, bringing over a decade of experience in the home furnishings and residential design industry. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health from KSU and beginning her career in the medical field, she discovered her passion for interior design and creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional.

    Caryn has specialized in residential design, working closely with homeowners to transform their ideas into thoughtfully curated spaces that reflect their lifestyle and personality. She believes great design is built on listening, collaboration, and attention to detail, creating homes that are as comfortable as they are timeless.

    When she's not helping clients create their dream spaces, Caryn enjoys spending time with her two daughters, gardening, cooking, and entertaining family and friends.

  • Sean Barry

    OPERATIONS MANAGER

    Sean started his journey with Black Forest early 2024. He joins us with an accomplished background and comprehensive Operations and Logistics experience. Sean’s passion for operational leadership began when he started his career in the event industry. He utilized his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from UNC Charlotte to manage and coordinate large-scale collegiate events and sporting functions around the country. After spending 12 years in the world of events, Sean made the move to the construction and building industry where he has come to appreciate even the smallest detail behind the design. Sean has a passion and dedication for being a people-leader and a goal of ensuring that everyone always has the tools they need to succeed. Outside of work, Sean enjoys playing and writing music, continuing to refine his skills as an avid gardener, and spending time in nature.

    “When I was early in my career, a respected mentor of mine shared that valuing ‘the people’, not just ‘the results’, and focusing on ‘We’ not ‘Me’ is the start to every great leader. It has been something that I have carried with me ever since.”

  • Megan Shirk

    OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

    Megan came to Black Forest in 2025 and brings a dynamic background in operations and management to her role as Operations Administrator. With prior experience as an Operations Manager in the retail sector, Megan has honed expertise in streamlining processes, supporting teams, and navigating fast-paced environments—all skills that translate seamlessly into the design industry. Known for adaptability and problem-solving, Megan thrives on the variety and challenges that come with supporting a creative workplace.

    Outside of work, Megan runs a small business curating and selling vintage clothing, blending an eye for detail with entrepreneurial drive. This balance of operational excellence and creative passion makes Megan a valued part of the team.

  • Caleb Smoker

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Caleb has been working in remodeling since 2005. Prior to joining Black Forest in 2018 he ran his own construction business for several years, where he gained an in-depth understanding of the processes as well as customer expectations.  Caleb appreciates the variety and challenges that this field offers, and finds enjoyment in expanding his skills and perfecting methods.

    “My wife, Melissa and I enjoy spending time with our three kids - Caiden, Kelsie and Lathan. We enjoy living outdoors as much as possible - biking, hiking, hunting and fishing.”

  • Dylan Ruggiero

    TEAM LEADER

    Dylan joined Black Forest in 2022, coming from the commercial construction industry. He was a whitewater rafting guide for many years and still tries to get on the water as much as possible. Dylan and his wife love doing anything outdoors with their 3 kids in their free time - hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, etc… 

    “The craftsmanship and attention to detail we strive for here is really something to take pride in and be proud of.”

  • Chris Coons

    TEAM LEADER

    For 7 years Chris has had an interest in renovations. He and his family relocated to the Lancaster area from Buffalo, NY in 2021, when he joined the Black Forest Team.  His passion is rooted from the love he has for being able to transform something old and outdated to something beautiful and full of life.  Chris has a passion and masterful talent for all things tile.  The more technical the better.

    “I love to spend time with my wife and boys. We love to have game nights and go on mini adventures. I also am a huge sports fan. It’s a big deal for our family during the NFL season rooting for our team.”

  • Justin Uleau

    TEAM LEADER

    Justin's passion for construction began at an early age. He initially worked in the field for several years as a residential and commercial carpenter prior to graduating from Pennsylvania College of Technology with an AAS in Building Construction Technology. His role as a Team Leader allows him to collaborate with the clients, which he really enjoys. Outside of work Justin likes to travel, listen to live music, and go camping.

    “At Black Forest, I enjoy helping to bring the client's vision to life. Our success is fueled by the genuine care of our team.”

  • Garret Brown

    CARPENTER

    Garrett joined Black Forest in 2022, coming to us from the remodeling/chimney sweeping field.  He attended art school at Delaware College of Art and Design, and has always had an interest in building something beautiful.  In his free time Garret will generally spend time working on children’s book illustrations and his comic strip, biking, kayaking, backpacking, and brewing mead.

    “When I saw the quality of work they were building with solid, beautiful designs, I really felt it was a good fit for me.”

  • Brandon Parker

    TECHNICAL DRAFTSMAN

    Brandon joined Black Forest in 2025, bringing with him a foundation in drafting and design. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from KSU and has several years of experience in the historic preservation field . With a background in drafting and an interest in architecture, Brandon has always been passionate about good design. Outside of work, he enjoys restoring antiques, attending living history events, taking road trips, and spending time with friends and family. 

    As a Technical Draftsman at Black Forest, Brandon collaborates closely with designers to translate their visions into detailed elevations and plans, helping to bring each project to life 

    He’s inspired by the idea that “we shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us,” believing that design should uplift and inspire the human spirit. For Brandon, the quality of craft and the passion of the team at Black Forest is second to none — and he’s proud to be part of it.

INTEGRITY

Integrity is the primary currency of our process. We are committed to a quiet transparency, ensuring you remain fully informed of every budgetary nuance and timeline shift as they emerge. By addressing complexities with immediate clarity, we protect the project from the friction of the unexpected. This shared idealism, defined by order, honesty, and an uncompromising standard of trust, is the very foundation upon which our firm was built.

Transparency

We are clear about how much a job will cost, how long it will take to complete, and how we intend to overcome challenges that may arise. It is our goal to make certain that our customers are never caught off guard, which provides for better outcomes.

OUR VALUES

Listening

Your input is important so that we understand what you desire your project to look like, how you feel about the progression of the project, and how your experience could be improved. By keeping our ears open we are better able to ensure that we are meeting your needs from the first appointment to the final day of construction.

Communication

Timely and continuous communication is the foundation to all of our working relationships. This allows us to better plan and execute jobs, while providing clients with more peace of mind by keeping them up to date with what’s happening in their home.

Caring

The more you care about your work and the people you are working for, the better that work will be. It is important to us that our employees, fellow contractors and vendors, care about what they do. We believe that the care we show in our work helps us to consistently meet and exceed your expectations.

Creativity

From experience, we know that thinking outside of the box leads to better outcomes. Creativity helps us to conceptualize unique and original designs, troubleshoot issues that seem impossible to solve, and makes our work both more effective and enjoyable.