New Hire

Verdex Construction has appointed Ryan Ackner as Director of Special Projects. He will be based in the company’s West Palm Beach headquarters.

Ackner has been managing partner at two South Florida real estate development and construction firms. As Director of Special Projects at Verdex, he will manage interior renovations and buildouts, as well as smaller or specialized new construction. He will work closely with owners and design teams to establish best-in-class products and pricing along with safe logistics for work in occupied buildings.

Ackner worked on construction projects in occupied buildings while in high school, allowing him to gain practical experience before attending the School of Architecture at both the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University.

“With so many new companies relocating to South Florida, we anticipate significant growth in the number of companies that want to create their own spaces,” said Verdex President Rex Kirby. “Ryan has the experience to complete these projects with a focus on value for our clients.”

Verdex Construction’s recent projects throughout South Florida include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana. Verdex also has projects underway in both Tampa and Gainesville.

In just over five years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Builder of the Year by the AIA Palm Beach, and being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch”.

About Verdex Construction

Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business.  Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build.  Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community.  For more information, visit www.verdex.com

Verdex Construction has appointed Alex Smith, a construction industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience to its senior leadership team as Vice President of Operations. He will be based in the company’s West Palm Beach headquarters.

Smith has extensive management experience with some with the largest contractors in South Florida. He will manage operational oversight, establish high-quality training programs for staff, and extend efforts toward operational consistency, among other duties.

“Alex brings extensive experience and very valuable leadership skills to Verdex which is expanding its footprint across Florida,” said Verdex President, Rex Kirby. “His deep experience will bring many layers of added value to our clients around the state.”

Smith started his career as a carpenter and then project engineer while earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction at the University of Florida. He is a member of the Construction Executive Association and a prior board member of the Construction Association of South Florida.

Verdex Construction’s recent projects throughout South Florida include the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown; 1000 North, an upscale restaurant/club on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter; and Town Lantana Apartments in Lantana. Verdex also has projects underway in both Tampa and Gainesville.

In just over five years, Verdex has earned numerous awards and prestigious industry recognition, including being selected as a finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal, finalist for 2020 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Builder of the Year by the AIA Palm Beach, and being selected as a GrowFL “Company to Watch”.

About Verdex Construction

Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor based in West Palm Beach, FL, led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 35-year veteran in the construction business.  Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build.  Verdex is committed to “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers and the community.  For more information, visit www.verdex.com