Our Staff

Joining in 2025, Chad Severson is an accomplished CEO leading RL James, Inc., a Hidden Harbor Capital Partners portfolio company and market leader in exterior maintenance services for condominiums across Florida. Specializing in structural renovation, concrete repair, painting, waterproofing, and window installation, RL James operates from offices in Fort Myers, Bradenton, and Deland, with over 25 specialized crews. Under Chad’s leadership, the company is building a platform of contractor service businesses to enhance customer service and expand beyond Florida, targeting acquisitions in roofing, plastering, exterior maintenance and concrete restoration, as demonstrated by the recent acquisition of Clearview Building Services.

Drawing on his extensive experience with contractor-focused products, Chad previously led divisions at Emerson Electric, including InSinkErator (disposal systems), Knaack LLC (jobsite storage), Emerson Tool Company (RIDGID wet/dry vacuums). He began his Emerson career at Copeland (air conditioning compressors). His strategic vision and operational expertise drove product innovations that empowered contractors, skills he now applies to scale RL James’ service offerings and deliver exceptional value to customers.

Most recently, during his tenure at Ergotron, Inc. in Eagan, MN, Chad drove a significant $300M increase in enterprise value, culminating in a successful business sale to a prominent private equity firm. His strategic vision and operational efficiency initiatives consistently delivered compound annual EBITDA growth and ensured alignment across the organization.

A people-first leader, Chad fosters collaborative, high-performance cultures that prioritize operational excellence and ethical leadership. His community involvement includes championing cancer screening initiatives with CEOs Against Cancer and supporting youth STEM programs as a former board member of the Wyman Center. Outside of work, Chad enjoys tennis, biking, strength training, and time with his three grandchildren.

CEO & Board Member

RL “Bob” James has been a trailblazer in the condominium restoration industry for over 36 years. Bob’s journey began with a role at a paint manufacturing company, followed by positions in estimating and project management for a regional waterproffing contractor. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish RL James, Inc. in 1988, with a mission to prioritize customer satisfaction, safety and superior craftsmanship.

Throughout the years, Bob’s unwavering work ethic and passion for excellence have been the driving forces behind the success of RL James, Inc. Under his guidance and mentorship, the company has cultivated a top-tier team of professionals and completed over 6,000 contracts across Florida. Bob’s dedication of fostering talent and innovation has positioned RL James, Inc. as a leader in the industry.

The company’s accomplishments include receiving the prestigious INC 5000 Award in 2007 and 2008, as well as a National ICRI Award. Bob has actively contributed to professional organizations, representing three separate chapters of the International Concrete Repair Institite (ICRI) and supporting the Community Associates Institute (CAI). He has also served on the PROJECT Vet Relief (PVR) board, a program of The American Legion, Department of Florida. He is deeply committed to PVR- a nonprofit organization commited to supporting veterans and their families. Through PVR, Bob has used his business acumen to guide the program and implement strategies to meet the increased demands of the veteran community.

Since 2013, RL James, Inc. has operated from offices in Fort Myers, Bradenton, and DeLand, with plans to expand its footprint throughout Florida. In 2023, the company took a significant step forward by partnering with Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, positioning RL James, Inc. as a platform company poised for growth beyond Florida’s state lines. This partnership supports the company’s mission to deliver unparalleled customer service and complete satisfaction while attracting top talent and building the industry’s best brand.

Founder/Board Member

Gary Wasser joined RL James Inc in 2003 as a regional representative in the Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte county areas. Gary earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Trenton State College in 1984 before relocating to Florida, In 1993 he earned his license as a Community Association Manager and worked for ten years as a condominium manager on Longboat Key. During that time, he developed a relationship with RL while working with them on several restoration projects his condominium associations had undertaken. Gary was a ‘customer first’ that valued the quality workmanship and professionalism of RL and was fortunate to find a role with them after leaving his CAM position.

Initially working from a home office, he was instrumental in growing the region to RL James largest market, which now serves as the company’s operation center. In 2008 he was promoted to the role of sales manager where he oversaw the company’s sales and estimating staff in addition to his own existing sales and estimating responsibilities. Gary has served on the board of directors of the Florida West Coast Chapter of the International Concrete Repair Institute and has elected to the board of directors several times serving in leadership roles as Treasurer, Vice President, and President.

Gary currently serves as a member of the companies Executive Leadership Team as the Vice President of Estimating & Sales with the primary responsibility of overseeing the sales team, interfacing and reporting to our Capital Partners, and the growth of the company.

Outside of work Gary is the proud father of two amazing daughters and enjoys golf, biking, and swimming.. His new version of the triathlon.

wasser@rljames.com

Vice President of Estimating and Sales

Robert “Bob” Branscombe joined RL James, Inc. in 1997 as a field employee. His skill set soon earned him the role of Project Manager where he oversaw thousands of projects before earning the Title of Senior Project Manager. Bob oversees the entire production operation for the state of Florida.

Bob is our resident New Englander where he grew up on an Oakfield, Maine farm before moving to Florida in 1983. In his free time, Bob enjoys cruising the Caribbean, golfing and spending time with his Wife, Son and Grandchildren.

Bob_branscombe@yahoo.com

Senior Project Manager

Seamus Devlin joined the RL. James, Inc, Team In 2013 as one of our regional project managers specifically for our East Coast division. Seamus is now the Vice President of Production as well as the East Coast Regional Projects Manager. Seamus is a Certified General Contractor and curently serves as the qualifier for RL James, Seamus has been working in the construction industry since 1989. He is a mason by trade, completing his apprenticeship in 1991. Seamus is an active member of ICRI and previously the President of the central Florida Chapter. He is a certifled installer of Watson Bowman/Acme and Emseal Expansion Joints as well as Sika Carbon Fiber.

Seamus was a licensed Florida EMT/Firefighter for a number of years. He currently resides in the Ocala area with his wife Roxanne. They have 5 children and 7 ( soon to be 9) grandkids (2024). In his down time he likes to be on the water/boat, play golf, and spend time with his family and friends.

sdevlin@rljames.com

Vice President of Production / Regional Project Manager

Todd Vail joined the RL James Team in 2021 as it’s Operation’s Manager. Todd previously worked for 10+ years as a CAM licensed Property Manager. He helped manage 20+ Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations throughout Lee County.

Todd was born and raised in Florida and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University in 1993. Todd is an avid golfer and pool player. He resides with his wife in Fort Myers and has four adult children.

Operation’s Manager

Steve joined RL James in 2025 as FP&A Manager, to help build the financial and operational infrastructure that will support the company’s next stage of growth. He brings a strong foundation in analytics, data management, and business intelligence. As FP&A Manager, Steve focuses on reporting, process improvement, and implementing modern financial systems that give leadership the insights they need to make confident, data-driven decisions. He’s passionate about designing smarter reporting models, streamlining workflows, and cultivating transparency so project managers, executives, and partners can confidently rely on company-wide data.

Before RLJ, he honed his skills at Harmony Outdoor Brands, the Tampa Bay Times, and PricewaterhouseCoopers—where he worked across corporate, media, and consulting environments. Steve holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a Master’s in Economics from Southern Methodist University.

Outside the office, Stephen is a part-time triathlete with a love for music, golf, and exploring Florida’s great outdoors.

FP&A Manager

Joseph Olszewski 1995-2004; 2016. Superintendent to Project coordinator oversaw hundreds of projects for south and east coast. Project manager for the south region along with assisting with the in-house estimators. OSHA certified and swing stage and scaffold erection certified, chemical grout injections. Blue print reading school. Certified in Sarnifil roofing/waterproofing heat welding systems.

At just 17 years old, Joe joined Iron Workers Hall in Orlando, Florida 272, and has been in construction ever since. He currently resides in Naples with wife Vivian, 3 children and grandchild. Spare time honey-do-lists, relaxing at the beach, gun range, NASCAR races, and participating in bowling leagues. A competitive model builder, he has had race cars winning a World of Wheels competition –1st Place Open Class NASCAR.

joeo@rljames.com

Project Manager

Dale started at RL James Inc in 2001. His Background is painting/waterproofing and restoration. He worked for his fathers painting/waterproofing company for 21 years. At RL James Inc. he started as a foreman and worked his way up to Sr. Superintendent taking on larger concrete restoration and impact window and door projects. In 2012 Dale was promoted to Project Manager in the South Territory. Dale decided to pursue different opportunities in 2015 and came back to RL James in 2020 as one of 3 Project Managers in the North territory. Dale enjoys fishing, boating ,camping and especially spending time with family and his grandkids.

Project Manager

Dan joined RL James as Project Manager in the North Division in 2024, as a Licensed General Contractor he brings many years of general construction knowledge in all phases of construction.

He enjoys spending time with his wife, three kids and now enjoying the experience of having a newborn granddaughter.

When not at work you most likely will find him at a baseball field watching his youngest son play the sport he loves. If not at the baseball field look for him to be relaxing in his RV with his family at a nearby campground.

Project Manager

Michaell joined RL James, Inc. in 2022, he previously worked with a different company in the restoration industry with 20+ years of experience in structural restoration, painting and waterproofing.

He enjoys his job and being part of a really good team, also he likes spending time with his family and his beautiful dog. Michaell is blessed with two daughters. Michaell also has a degree in marketing. Michaell likes to go out fishing and loves to go scuba diving.

Project Manager

Dean Vlachos joined the RL James team in 2024. He is currently an assistant project manager in our southwest division. His background includes concrete restoration, painting, waterproofing and general contracting. He is OSHA 30 certified and aerial work platform certified. He resides in Naples Florida with wife and three children.

Project Manager

Vic Dudash was previously employed with the company from 2006-2009 as Regional Representative before taking the leap and starting his own company. We welcomed Vic back in 2014 as, once again, Regional Representative for the southwest region of Florida. Victor has immersed himself in our local chapters with BMI, CAI, and ICRI.

vdudash@rljames.com

Regional Representative

Tyler joined the RL James team in 2021 as an Assistant Project Manager for our East Coast territory. Originally from Ft. Myers, he graduated from the University of Miami in 2006 with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History.

tylers@rljames.com

Assistant Project Manager

Laura Joined R.L. James, Inc, Bradenton in February 2018. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality management. Having worked in the aluminum window industry for 10 years, and the last 20 years in building weatherproofing, protection and restoration, as an Administrator and Office Manager, she is well versed in the administrative functions that keep our projects running smoothly. From Project Start to finish she has the experience to provide the organization with assistance in numerous areas.

She lives in Bradenton, with her 2 dogs. She enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters and family who have recently relocated from Upstate NY to Bradenton.

Administrative Assistant

Joyce Haras joined R.L. James, Inc. Fort Myers in May 2018 working as an Administrative Assistant responsible for day-today operations to include Reception, HR & Payroll. In summary Joyce wears several hats simultaneously to assure the smooth-running of the organization.

After her husband’s retirement they relocated from the Northern Suburbs of Chicago to Cape Coral, Fl. Where they enjoy year-round boating, motorcycle rides and traveling.

Administrative Assistant

Tierney Gallagher joined RL James, Inc in April 2022 as our Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Specialist but has since been promoted to Controller. She is based out of the Fort Myers office. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations. She has a strong attention to detail and a passion for business success.

She was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. She enjoys spending time with her family whether it be boating, kayaking, playing games, or watching movies.

tierney@rljames.com

Controller

Megan Gallagher joined RL James inc. in November 2022 as our Permit Administrator, based out of the Fort Myers office. She has great communication Skills, time management and work ethic.

Megan was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida where she and her fiancée raise their 2 kids. She spends a lot of time at the softball field watching her daughter play. When she isn’t at the field, she enjoys spending time with her family and getting together with friends for game night!

AP/AR Administrator

Warehouse Manager

Hurricane Relief & Recovery