LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Corporate
leadership

Empire Homes, a Willowdale Asset Management Company, is supported by a dedicated leadership team with deep experience and a strong commitment to excellence. They shape our vision and guide the direction of the company, ensuring we deliver thoughtfully planned communities, quality-built homes, and a seamless experience for every homeowner.

Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Andrew Guizzetti
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Daniel Guizzetti
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Andrew Guizzetti
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Andrew Guizzetti
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Patryk Dawidowski
SVP, Investment Management
Sandeep Grover
Chief Technology Officer
Patryk Dawidowski
SVP, Investment Management
Sandeep Grover
Chief Technology Officer
Michael Siltala
Chief Legal Officer
Michael Siltala
Chief Legal Officer
Rami Jurdi
Chief Financial Officer
Sean Taggart
Chief Marketing Officer
Rami Jurdi
Chief Financial Officer
Sean Taggart
Chief Marketing Officer
Kim Van Pelt
Chief People & Culture Officer
Kim Van Pelt
Chief People & Culture Officer

Regional
leadership

Leadership at Empire Homes exemplifies a commitment to operational excellence and a passion for building communities where people and families can grow. Focused on local insight and hands-on execution, our regional leaders ensure Empire’s vision is realized in every market we serve.

Mark Lopreiato
Chief Operating Officer, Canada
Wendy Hudson
Chief Operating Officer, USA
Mark Lopreiato
Chief Operating Officer, Canada
Mark Lopreiato
Chief Operating Officer, Canada
Wendy Hudson
Chief Operating Officer, USA
Wendy Hudson
Chief Operating Officer, USA
Don Luke
Regional President, Texas
Tracy Brown
Division President, Houston
Don Luke
Regional President, Texas
Tracy Brown
Division President, Houston
Terry Shuffler
Division President, Austin
Terry Shuffler
Division President, Austin
Vince Ruffino
Division President, San Antonio
Paul Corley
Regional President, Atlanta
Vince Ruffino
Division President, San Antonio
Paul Corley
Regional President, Atlanta
Todd Hager
Regional EVP, Atlanta
Todd Hager
Regional EVP, Atlanta
Jerry Fountain
Regional President, Carolinas
Grace Covington
Regional Co-President, Colorado
Jerry Fountain
Regional President, Carolinas
Grace Covington
Regional Co-President, Colorado
Ron Covington
Regional Co-President, Colorado
Ron Covington
Regional Co-President, Colorado

explore career opportunities at empire homes

1233 upper mar drive

$ 300,000

Phase 3 - Lot #40

Mls
w4630073

Beds

4

Baths

2.5

Garages

2

sq.ft

1,936

Phases

PHOTO GALLERY

Andrew Guizzetti

Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Andrew has 30+ years of experience in land development, homebuilding, condominium construction, accounting, and real estate finance, having overseen more than $3B total transaction values. He plays an integral role in setting overall strategies for long-term growth and investment. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies (Hons.) and a Certificate in Management Studies from York University in Toronto and completed the NAIOP-ULI Running a Real Estate Company Program from Harvard University. He serves as co-CEO of both Willowdale Asset Management and Empire Homes.

Daniel Guizzetti

Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Serving as co-CEO of both Willowdale Asset Management and Empire Homes, Daniel Guizzetti has over 30 years in residential, commercial, and industrial real estate, developing over 38,000 single-family homes and 21 condo towers. He is Director and Chairman of York1 Group Holdings. Daniel holds a bachelor’s in Applied Sciences & Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Michael Siltala

Chief Legal Officer

Michael is responsible for overseeing all legal matters pertaining to Willowdale and Empire Homes’ Canadian and U.S. businesses, with a focus on corporate finance and other essential corporate matters. He holds an LLB/MBA from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, bringing a robust legal and business acumen to his role.

Patryk Dawidowski

SVP of Investment Management

Patryk leads all investment strategies, acquisitions, dispositions, market research, and corporate development initiatives across North America. He holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from Western University in London and brings a strategic focus to growth efforts across Willowdale and Empire Homes.

Sandeep Grover

Chief Technology Officer

Sandeep leads technology strategy at Willowdale Asset Management and Empire Homes, overseeing infrastructure, IT operations, and tech improvements to drive competitive advantage across all functions. He holds degrees in both Economics and Computer Science from Delhi University, as well as progressive tech accreditations from McMaster University.

Kim Van Pelt

Chief People & Culture Officer

With over 25 years in Human Resource leadership, Kim shapes Willowdale and Empire Homes’ culture and talent strategy, driving engagement, growth, and alignment with organizational goals. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario and a Human Resources Management Certificate from Humber College.

Rami Jurdi

Chief Financial Officer

Drawing on 18+ years of experience in renewable infrastructure and asset management, Rami leads finance, accounting, and capital raising functions for both Willowdale Asset Management and Empire Homes. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce with highest honours in Finance and Accounting from Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business.

Sean Taggart

Chief Marketing Officer

With over 30 years of experience across various real estate asset classes, Sean leads sales, marketing, and customer experience strategies to drive revenue growth for Empire Homes and across all Willowdale portfolio companies. Sean earned an M.B.A. with distinction from Duke University, North Carolina, and holds a B.A. in Statistical Science from Western University, Ontario.

Wendy Hudson

Chief Operating Officer, USA

Wendy leads Empire Homes’ U.S. operations, with oversight across construction, sales, and growth strategy. She brings extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the homebuilding industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Math from Tennessee Wesleyan College.

Mark Lopreiato

Chief Operating Officer, Canada

Mark oversees the performance of Empire Homes’ Canadian operations, drawing on nearly 20 years in real estate finance and development. He joined Empire in 2016 and previously served as CFO. He holds a BSc from the University of Toronto and is a CPA.

Terry Shuffler

Division President, Austin

With 30+ years in the industry, Terry leads Empire Homes’ Austin division. He previously launched Trendmaker Homes’ Austin division and has remained active in local industry organizations. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from UT Arlington.

Don Luke

Regional President, Texas

Don has over three decades of experience in homebuilding, including senior roles at Ryland and Lennar Homes. Known for his leadership and results-driven approach, he inspires high-performing teams across Texas.

Tracy Brown

Division President, Houston

Tracy brings nearly three decades of experience in residential construction and now leads the Houston division. He previously served as Division President at David Weekley Homes and played a key role in Empire Homes’ growth in Houston.

Todd Hager

Regional EVP, Atlanta

As co-founder of Edward Andrews Homes, Todd played a key role in its 2019 strategic alignment with Empire Homes. Today, he leads operations and product strategy for Empire’s Southeast division, with a focus on driving efficiency and advancing thoughtful home design. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Vince Ruffino

Division President, San Antonio

Vince leads Empire Homes’ San Antonio division with a strong focus on performance and profitability. He brings over 29 years of construction leadership experience and holds a degree from Texas A&M University.

Paul Corley

Regional President, Atlanta

With over 30 years in homebuilding, Paul co-founded Edward Andrews Homes alongside Todd Hager. Following the company’s strategic partnership with Empire Homes in 2019, he has led growth, land acquisition, and regional strategy for Atlanta, while actively contributing to local industry boards. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida.

Ron Covington

Regional Co-President, Colorado

With decades of experience in real estate development, Ron has held key leadership roles at John Laing Homes and William Lyon Company. He is known for successfully launching divisions and building a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

Jerry Fountain

Regional President, Carolinas

Jerry leads Empire Homes’ Carolinas division, bringing over 35 years in residential construction. He has held leadership roles at Ryan Homes and St. Lawrence Homes, and most recently ran his own semi-custom homebuilding company. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from NC State.

Grace Covington

Regional Co-President, Colorado

With over 15 years in real estate and homebuilding, Grace co-founded Covington Homes and helped establish its 2025 partnership with Empire Homes. As Regional Co-President, she leads Empire’s Colorado division, focusing on growth, customer experience, and operational excellence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Pre-Law from Colorado State University.

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