Meet the BMarko Team

Antony Kountouris – CEO

Antony Kountouris spent the first 18 years of his life in Athens, Greece. Seeing a much greater opportunity in the States he decided to study abroad. 

While obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego, Antony met Boris Jerkunica, the Chairman of BMarko, and teamed up with him to start the company. Boris, being a successful software entrepreneur, saw a construction industry that trailed innovation and technology by a hundred years. He identified the General Contractor model as a risk mitigation approach as opposed to a value creation approach, common in the software industry. The two of them started the journey to bring true value to construction through highly innovative approaches.  

His favorite part about working for BMarko Structures is seeing the modes that his coworkers operate in; challenging all industry norms, asking a ton of questions, and bringing loads of passion towards the company mission. 

Outside of work, Antony enjoys reading great books, playing not so great tennis, and learning new things

Matt McConnell – VP of Sales

Prior to joining BMarko, Matt McConnell spent time in the State of Georgia’s Industrialized Buildings Program where he learned a great deal about modular construction. 

His interest in the industry began during his time with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs where he reviewed and approved modular construction plans. Matt was also part of a team that created regulations for shipping containers to be included in the State of Georgia’s Industrialized Buildings Program and that’s how he initially crossed paths with BMarko Structures.

Since joining the team in 2017, he has embraced working in a team that faces challenges head on and is constantly improving and innovating.

Mateo Atwi – VP of Operations

Mateo originates from the Pelican State of Louisiana.

He enjoys the constant learning that is needed in the fast-moving modular construction industry.

What got Mateo excited about the modular construction industry is the fact that traditional construction is very painful and slow. He’s excited to be a part of an increasingly automated industry and one that creates better jobs for construction workers through factory working environments. Once he saw the social and environmental benefits that come with modular construction, he couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

Mateo’s favorite part about working for the team is the people. He loves being in a position to create jobs and help other people achieve their career goals along the way.

Prior to his time at BMarko, Mateo was an intern for NASA and Stuller.

Mateo holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Mateo is happily married and enjoys playing the piano, exercising, and traveling the world.

Heather Cohen – Architecture + Design Lead

BMarko has learned Nashville, TN doesn’t only produce country music stars; it also produces stars in modular construction. Heather Cohen brings expertise in Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, and mixed-use market sectors to the team.

She became interested in the modular construction industry due to its progressive approach in prefabricating the entire building envelope and the fact that it allows for far more innovative opportunities through the manufacturing lens as opposed to traditional construction.

Heather’s favorite part about working for the team is the number of different market sectors the company touches and the strong team player environment. “Not once have I heard someone on a project say, “We can’t.” It’s pretty phenomenal to be surrounded by like-minded individuals.”

Prior to her time at BMarko Structures, Heather led the Architecture and Construction work component launch of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) New Upper-Midscale Brand Atwell Suites™. She also served as the Architecture lead on the Food & Beverage re-launch of the EVEN® Hotels Brand.

Former to IHG®, she most notably served as the Senior Project Manager for Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) where she received experience working with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) on implementing regulatory compliance related to facilities management, statement of conditions, and environment of care/safety for the VUMC offsite campus properties.

Heather has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys culinary exploration, museums, live music, movies in a theater, traveling, and bourbon or craft beer tastings.

Mike Grimes – Engineering Manager

Mike is originally from Maryland, but spent the last 5 years in New Hampshire. He brings over 23 years of modular and panelized building experience to the team.

He is well-versed in residential and commercial building codes and building practices. His favorite part about working for the team is the innovation and how the team is constantly looking for ways to improve its methods as well as how to improve the industry itself.

Ever since he learned how to draw a two-point perspective at age 8, his love for architecture grew exponentially. Prior to BMarko, Michael held positions as a Drafter, Residential Supervisor, Design Manager, and Engineering Manager.

Michael holds a degree from York Technical Institute for Computer Aided Drafting and Design.

When he’s not working, Michael enjoys playing guitar and writing works of fiction.

Elena Bondari – Controller 

Elena is an integral part of the team and has been on board since the very beginning. She’s originally from Moldova

She loves business process optimization and is excited to be part of a company that is transforming the normal process of the construction industry. Elena’s strongest job assets include organizing financial data in a format that tells a story and helps all units of the organization track their performance and make decisions.

Her favorite part about working for BMarko Structures is the constant changes due to the rapid growth of the company.  She also enjoys the ability of the BMarko team to adopt and implement these changes.

Prior to BMarko, Elena was Chief Operating Officer at PQC International, a management consulting firm.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Clayton State University.

Tyler Wise – Marketing Manager 

Tyler is originally from Central Pennsylvania. He now resides in Brooklyn, NY. 

The innovative and progressive ways of modular construction were the main reasons Tyler wanted to join BMarko Structures. His favorite part about working with the team is everybody’s ability to continually learn new things and have a can-do-attitude.

Prior to his time at BMarko, he worked at a digital marketing agency. 

During his time at Kutztown University, Tyler received a bachelor’s degree in marketing while minoring in supply chain management.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys traveling, finding new music, frequenting comedy clubs, and cheering on Pittsburgh sports teams.