Why Tiger?

Founder

Joe DeLaurentis, II

CT HOI #170

Joe DeLaurentis founded Tiger Group, Inc in 1992. Bringing his years of construction and industrial experience along with his many years as a successful business owner, Joe had a vision of growing a highly skilled team of inspectors to meet the diverse needs of the industry. Joe’s past experience includes residential remodeling and new construction as well as equipment and facilities engineering. While completing innumerable home and commercial building inspections and surveys since 1991, Joe also received Connecticut’s DEP “S” or Supervisory Certification for wood boring insects and is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

President

Joe DeLaurentis, III

CT HOI #169

As Principle of Tiger Group, Inc., Joe “Jr” is hands on in all facets of the business including staff management, daily operations, and business development. He still enjoys time away from the office to conduct inspections when time allows.

After graduating from Colorado State University with a BS in Construction Management, Joe built upon his construction knowledge with years of hands on experience in new home construction, remodeling and commercial construction.  Joining his father at Tiger Group in 1995, together they have grown and strengthened the family business. He continues his lifelong interest in construction through the inspection business by broadening his knowledge in construction methods and materials. His specific interests lie in timber frame, energy efficiency, and alternative construction. Along with a CT Home Inspection License, Joe is a member in the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), has the State of Connecticut Supervisory License for Wood Boring Insects, and National NRPP Certification for Radon Testing.

Joe and his family reside in Haddam, CT and enjoy spending time outdoors skiing, boating and cycling.

General Manager

Bill Rourke

CT HOI #153

Bill has been involved in the Commercial and Residential Construction Industries as a General Contractor, Building Owner, and Property Manager. While inspecting a variety of properties since 1997, he has over 9,000 inspections worth of experience to draw upon, coupled with years of practical, “hands-on” knowledge. With corporate and project management experience, and as a seasoned instructor and trainer, Bill has a unique perspective of both the building trades and customer service expectations.

State of Connecticut Licenses and National Specialty Credentials Earned Include:

• Connecticut Licensed Home Inspector, Building Official, and Commercial Supervisory Pesticide Applicator
• State Certified Foundation Inspector Through the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company
• Nationally Certified by ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) as an ACI Home Inspector, AARST, NRPP as a Radon Measurement Provider and Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector, through BPI (Building Performance Institute) as a Building Analyst and as an Energy Auditor by the CMC Energy Services Program.

Director, Marketing & BD

Kara Golden

Gaining marketing experience at start-ups in her early business career, Kara joined the family inspection business in 2003. In addition to her field role as Regional Marketing Manager for Fairfield, Westchester & New Haven Counties, Kara oversees the Business Development and Marketing Group at Tiger. Kara is a graduate of Skidmore College. When not representing Tiger at a local real estate event, Kara is an avid equestrian, volunteers for labrador rescue, and enjoys yoga and skiing.  She resides in Farmington, CT with her husband, Erik, and their rescue labs, Jackson and Parker.

Manager, Inspection Services

George Turner

CT HOI #465

With over thirty years experience in various aspects of the real estate industry including construction, remodeling and home inspecting, George is a very well-rounded inspector. Beginning his construction career at The Henry Abbott Technical School,  George has extensive knowledge in the building trades including HVAC, electrical and roofing, giving him a broad knowledge of all aspects of a house.

As a licensed home inspector since 2000, George prides himself on educating buyers and sellers about their properties. His skills as an engaging and knowledgeable home inspector are proven by how highly requested he is by the Real Estate Community. Additionally, George is a Certified FHA 203(k)/HomeStyle Consultant known for patiently and seamlessly guiding clients through the renovation process. Additionally, he is the new home construction Warranty Administratorfor Westchester Modular Homes of Fairfield County, LLC.  George is Certified as a Radon Measurement Provider by the AARST-NRPP, and a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

In his free time, George enjoys camping, traveling with his family, and working around his home.

Manager, Tiger Mold

William Denslow

Inspector – CT HOI #694

Bill brings to each inspection over twenty years of experience in the residential and commercial building inspection fields. Additionally, Bill has extensive experience in residential energy conservation and in conducting Phase I Environmental Surveys.

Bill is also the Manager of the Tiger Mold Division and is certified as a Mold Investigator and Remediator by the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI).

Client Service Manager

Peter Kessen

Peter Kessen joined Tiger Group, Inc. in 2016 as Client Service Manager. With twenty-three years’ experience in call centers and Operations, and twenty years in Direct Response Marketing, Peter is an invaluable asset to our organization and Client Service Team. Peter is far more than the cog in our wheel at Tiger; he manages all office activities, keeping us well-organized, and assists in the communication between our inspection staff, in-office client services and business development efforts in the field.

And, as a triplet with five siblings, Peter has the life skills to hold his own in the Tiger. Outside of the office, Peter is an avid golfer, reader and a volunteer for Children at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Inspector

Alan Williams

CT HOI #182

Alan Williams, a member of Tiger Group Inc.’s Inspection Team since 1996, brings over 30 years of expertise in building and renovation. His work includes historic restorations, new construction, waterfront properties, building construction management, and supervision of lead paint abatement projects, as well as assisting non-profit organizations in obtaining grants for renovation projects. As you can see, he is a well-rounded and experienced inspector, up for any challenge.

Licensed in Connecticut and Rhode Island for Home Inspections and a Certified Pest Control Operator, Alan enjoys sharing his knowledge with clients. A proud Naval family member, he volunteers with the U.S. Submarine Veterans of Groton. He is the 2024 Robert Link Award recipient for his superior performance and contributions to the United States Submarine Veterans.  In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and community service.

Inspector

Art Diedrick

CT HOI #497

Art has been a highly requested inspector since joining Tiger Group, Inc. in 2005. Prior to becoming a home inspector, Art gained significant experience in the industry working in roofing, masonry, dry walling, as well as owning and operating a masonry and landscape business for over 15 years. As a past licensed Real Estate Agent in Connecticut, Art brings a greater understanding of the industry to Tiger Group, Inc. His knowledge and attention to detail has attributed to his thoroughness in his inspections. With a pleasant approach to home inspecting, Art strives to educate and assist his clients in understanding the inspection process while communicating the details with clarity and ease.

Inspector

Brett Avelin

Brett comes to Tiger with extensive experience in the building industry, including most recently working in the solar and building efficiency field.  He has worked for years honing his organizational efficiency and people management skills as a Project Manager.  A ‘people person’ by nature, he has a unique ability to make people feel at ease during the home inspection process, while sharing a realistic assessment of the conditions of the home.  Brett brings both the knowledge of how buildings work and a high level of customer service to the fore.

Brett resides in Guilford with his wife and their 2 boys. When not inspecting homes, he enjoys playing guitar, coaching and playing soccer, and kayaking on open waters.

Inspector

Bryan Boling

For nearly thirty years Bryan has been involved in family-owned real estate, including managing, repairing, and remodeling numerous rental properties. Bryan brings a wide range of skills and knowledge to his inspections with additional past occupational experience including auto mechanics, retail sales, and most recently mold remediation. Becoming a licensed inspector was a natural transition for Bryan.

In his free time, Bryan enjoys singing in the church choir, composing at his piano, and spending time with friends and family in his hometown of Madison, CT.

Inspector

Dave Stevenson

Dave joined Tiger Group with over 11 years’ experience in building maintenance and systems. He earned his home inspector license in 2015 and has a strong eye for detail and a reputation for being thorough – in fact you’ll always find him with a level when he’s working around his own home! Dave has a friendly nature and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his clients throughout the home buying process. He is a history buff who likes going to the beach, crossword puzzles and loves time spent with his extended family. He resides in Meriden with his wife and three kids.

Inspector

Eric Hackett

Tiger welcomes Eric to our inspection team. With over 25 years of experience as a residential carpenter, Eric is very skilled and experienced in an array of trades as well as communicating with and understanding the needs of the homeowner. As with many inspectors, the rigors of repetitive physical work eventually caught up with him, leading home into a new career where he could share his extensive construction knowledge. Eric began his inspection career in 2015, in both residential and commercial inspections for a national company, a new career start that exposed him to methods of construction used throughout the country. Therefore, it has been a natural transition to become a Home Inspector at Tiger. Eric’s vast experience in the building industry and his friendly informative manner have made him a respected and requested inspector on our team.

Eric’s “free” time is family time, participating in various activities with his two young and quickly growing boys and lovely wife, whatever they may throw his way.

Inspector

John Horrocks

CT HOI #44

John began his construction career in 1980, gaining his knowledge through remodeling, building additions and new construction.  Additionally, with his extensive experience maintaining commercial properties throughout New Haven County, John is a great asset to both Tiger’s Commercial and Residential Divisions. John has been performing home and building inspections since 1994 and has since performed thousands of inspections and developed a long-time following.

Inspector

Keith Powell

Keith joins Tiger with nearly two decades of construction experience, having worked as an independent contractor for the last 12 years, first as a carpenter and later as a project manager in residential construction, specializing in historic homes. Working for a non-profit developer in Hartford, Keith not only had the pleasure of restoring historic architecture but also spent many weeks volunteering on mission trips rebuilding disaster areas around the country. With his skills as an Antique Homes Specialist and calm demeanor, we know our clients will benefit greatly when working with Keith.

Keith has also enjoyed a parallel career in Performing Arts Management, so he understands the value of customer service and communication and enjoys working with new homeowners. When not inspecting, Keith can be found walking in the woods, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.

Inspector

Mark Nason

Mark was introduced to residential construction at an early age whilst working at his father’s general contracting business.  After college, he applied that knowledge to the commercial sector, working first as a resident building manager and then, later, as a Chief Building Engineer at several hotels and office buildings in Manhattan. Mark’s diverse background including construction management, fire-safety operations and all facets of building maintenance make him a well-rounded inspector, working on both Tiger’s Residential and Commercial Inspection Teams. Mark holds his Home Inspector License in both CT and NY.

Inspector

Pat Hughes

Patrick comes to Tiger with over 25 years in the building trades, including plumbing, electrical, construction, and carpentry. He has a passion for detail, which he acquired through his years of paperhanging and woodworking. Additionally, Patrick has an in-depth grasp of the client service-side of being a home inspector as he has the unique experience of creating and running 2 restaurants in the past. His ability to calmly communicate allows his inspections to flow seamlessly, and he is highly likely to make you smile a time or two through the process.

Patrick’s ability to learn and master skills in the building industries does not compare to his pride in singularly raising two children.

Environmental Services

Amber Mugford

We welcome Amber Mugford to our Environmental Client Service Team. Amber joins Tiger with 8 years of client service and retail experience, and truly enjoys interacting with people and problem-solving. Her friendly and outgoing personality will be welcoming to clients and Realtors alike.

When not working at Tiger, she is a busy mom of 2 and enjoys hiking and shopping.

Environmental Services

Carrie Pillar

Carrie brings over 22 years of customer service experience to Tiger Group as an Environmental Technician. Joining Tiger in 2010, she understands the quality and level of service it takes to succeed in today’s demanding market. Carrie is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program for Radon Measurement (NEHA).

Environmental Services

Larissa Mason

Along with her bright smile and positive attitude, Larissa brings to Tiger’s Environmental Team a relevant history of conducting routine analysis of in-process material, raw material & environmental samples. Her many licenses and certifications include: Lead Abatement Supervisor, Asbestos Abatement Worker, OSHA 10 License, Hazmat/ Hazwoper, LRRP and State of Connecticut Radon Proficiency.

Currently in School for Environmental Science & Toxicology, she is a quick learner and enjoys new experiences (knowledge is power).  With strong multi- tasking skills as well as, communication and organization skills, she is an invaluable asset to our Environmental Team.

In her free time, Larissa enjoy exercising, reading & being a mom.

Team Lead - Client Services

Jillian Kienle

Jillian was happy to start off 2020 by joining Tiger’s Client Service Team, and we are so grateful to have her. She brings with her an extensive background in client services and office administration along with a bubbly personality. After graduating from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Professional Writing in 2013, she spent seven years in the media copyediting. Now, she’s excited for an opportunity to help clients during the transition of a positive development in their lives—the home buying process!

A Manchester native, Jillian now lives in Clinton with her husband and family. She enjoys sitting down with a good book and cup of coffee, walking along the beach at Hammonasset, and music in all forms.

Client Services

Jody Schulmeister

Jody brings an extensive background in customer service to Tiger’s Client Service Team.  After owning her successful daycare business for 20 years, she decided to try a new field and assist clients through the stressful time of home buying. Jody is extremely patient and helpful in supporting clients and Realtors with scheduling and inspection questions.

In her spare time, Jody enjoys hiking, walking her dogs, volunteering for dog rescue and spending time with her husband and two children.