Ray was born in 1952 and raised in Charlotte, NC to a blue-collar family. His mother was a homemaker and his father was an electrician. In 1970 after graduating from Garinger High School, he joined the Army National Guard. He served until 1981, advancing in rank to Staff Sergeant.
In 1971, he started his lifelong career in the construction industry. From on-sight helper all the way to superintendent, he worked his way to the top of any job he was a part of. Contractor, remodeler, consultant, designer, architect, teacher, mentor, educator, commentator, radio host….these are all “hats” that Ray has worn over the years. In the early 90’s he was House Captain for Christmas in April and was also involved with the Charlotte Chapter of NARI. In 1998, he joined the CPCC Advisory Board at their Institute of Construction Technology where he is still an active member. Currently, Ray is also an instructor at CPCC for Habitat for Humanity’s Homeowners in Progress program. He’s also served as an instructor for If I Had a Hammer program through CMS.
In 1996, he created the Almetal Dryer Vent Corporation. As President and sole R&D, he has installed over 6,000 of the Quick Connect Periscope dryer vents in and around the Charlotte Metro area. His wide range of knowledge, given the over 40 years of experience, and his “gift for sharing” through education and information has been valuable to many. For over 20 years, he has shared what he knows and who he knows with combined on-air radio experience as host of About Your House now airing on Fox Sports Charlotte. When he’s not working (which isn’t often!) he enjoys spending time with his grandson, going to the beach or the mountains, and being outdoors. Hiking, walking, fishing, and just being around nature in all its splendor are all things Ray enjoys the most.
