CMSWillowbrook Congratulates Team Members Winning the Journal Record Excellence in Construction and Real Estate Awards

CMSWillowbrook celebrates the personal achievements of two fellow team members. Dennis Downs, Project Manager and Zach Parnell, Project Engineer received awards from the Journal Record Excellence in Construction and Real Estate Awards Program. Dennis won in the Project Manager category and Zach won in the Rising Star Category.

Dennis Downs, Project Manager was awarded in the Project Manager category. He recently helped complete the new Homeland Grocery Store on 36th and Lincoln in OKC, OK. Dennis has been with CMSWillowbrook for 3 years and has over 10 years construction experience. He graduated from John Brown University in Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and Minor in Business Administration. “I came to the US from Nicaragua to study construction management because my dad influenced me,” Said Dennis. “Working with him in construction growing up, is what made my passion for the industry begin. That is when I decided to come to America for college and it was obvious what I wanted to major in.”

Seeing a building being constructed from ground to completion gives Dennis great satisfaction and accomplishment to see the owner, architect, subcontractor and the community happy to see the project complete. “On the recent completion of the Homeland Grocery Store Project, it is nice to see the community and Homeland very happy with it,” said Dennis. Working with clients on projects, Dennis describes how they influence him on wanting to be a better Project Manager. “Working for an amazing client is always great, and I try to embrace the moment forever,” he said.

Rick Watts, Project Director of CMSWillowbrook shares his thoughts about Dennis. “Dennis is a very detailed, hardworking team player who gets the job done. With unique challenges the Homeland Project Team faced during the Global Pandemic, the project was still completed on time and under budget. I am very proud of his accomplishments.”

Dennis has two children. His 5 year old son wears his hardhat and says he wants to be a construction worker like him. “This fills my heart and makes me want to do better every day because I know he is watching me and modeling his life from me, said Dennis.”

 For volunteer service, Dennis is active in Habitat for Humanity.

Zach Parnell, Project Engineer was awarded the Rising Star Award. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science from the University of Oklahoma, Zach was hired by CMSWillowbrook and has been with the company for 4 years. Zach has experience in federal, educational, multifamily, sports and medical facilities. 700 West, a new housing development in OKC is Zach’s most current project. Another recent project he has worked on included Mid Del Public Schools Bond 35, a $135 Million Bond that included an extensive portfolio.

Zach explains what this award means to him. “It means a lot because it not only reflects the hard work put into projects the last several years, but also speaks to the incredible guidance and leadership that I’ve received throughout my career.”

“This young man is most impressive not only with his academic knowledge, but his positive attitude, his hard working ethic, and his teamwork approach,” said Cristy Callins Vice President of Pre Construction at CMSWillowbrook.

Zach is very active in his community and volunteers for the Mid Del Public Schools Foundation, Deer Creek Public Schools Foundation, The Homeless Alliance and Life Church. He also participates in many 5K charity runs including the OKC Memorial Marathon CMSWillowbrook Relay Team.