The Cougar Way
Three generations, one standard. These are the people who answer the phone, walk the sites, and stand behind every pour and every pad Cougar delivers across Southwest Florida.
2 people
President / Owner
After 26 years with the company, I’ve learned that the best days balance hard work with the things that really matter. When I’m not on the job, you’ll usually find me on the water—fishing, boating, or just chasing that feeling of going fast. I love cars, boats, a good round of golf, and spending time with friends and family. Those are the things that keep me grounded and make the long days worthwhile.Vice President / Owner
As Vice President and Owner, Brandon Schmitt is a third-generation leader who began working summers at Cougar Companies at age fifteen. Now a GC license holder with over 25 years of experience, he focuses on supporting his team and executing the service work and smaller projects that built the company’s reputation. Brandon spends his time outside of work enjoying time with family and running from one sport to the next, believing that a leader’s best ability is their availability.15 people
CFO
Jason Wescoat serves as Chief Financial Officer of Cougar Companies, bringing more than 20 years of experience leading finance and operations within the construction and industrial sectors. As a strategic advisor to ownership and executive leadership, he oversees the company's financial strategy, capital planning, risk management, and operational infrastructure to support sustainable growth and long-term success. Throughout his career, Jason has helped organizations navigate growth, complexity, and transition by strengthening financial performance, improving liquidity, reducing leverage, and implementing the systems and processes needed to support expanding operations. His collaborative leadership style and operational mindset help bridge finance and field operations, ensuring the organization has the resources needed to execute projects safely, efficiently, and profitably. At Cougar, Jason oversees financial planning and analysis, treasury, banking and surety relationships, insurance and risk management, financial reporting, acquisitions, technology initiatives, strategic planning, and executive oversight of the company's equipment and safety departments. Jason is an active member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.Controller, MBA
Cristina Encarnacion joined Cougar Companies five years ago and serves as Controller, managing financial reporting, budgets, and operational coordination. A Southwest Florida resident since 2002, she earned her MBA in 2025 and draws on experience from the agricultural and medical sectors to support the team’s growth. Cristina is especially proud of the efficiency and cost control achieved on the Monarch project and values Cougar’s family-oriented culture. In her time off, she enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with her family.CIO
Born and raised in Fort Myers, I joined Cougar five years ago after deciding it was time for a new challenge and a career change. I believed in the company's vision, saw its potential for growth, and wanted to be part of that journey. Today, my role is to remove roadblocks by connecting our teams with the right resources, technology, and information so Cougar can operate efficiently from the field to the office. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our five kids, cheering on the Cubs and Packers, watching golf, and playing in the occasional golf scramble.Human Resources
Janet Carpenter brings a wealth of construction industry experience to the Cougar team. She enjoys supporting the people side of the company, from employee relations to legal compliance. Janet is proud to be part of a business that feels like family and helps build the Southwest Florida community she calls home. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and pets, and cheering on LSU. Geaux Tigers!!Director of Vertical Construction
A Florida native born on the Navy Base in Pensacola, Hunter Leake brings 36 years of construction experience to his role as Director of Vertical Construction. During his 13 years with Cougar, he has managed all aspects of concrete vertical operations, including the successful completion of Wellen Park High School ahead of schedule and under budget. Hunter enjoys the Southwest Florida lifestyle through fishing and boating while he waits on his first grandkids.Sawing & Drilling Operations Manager
Joey Patnaude brings 25 years of construction experience to his role as Sawing & Drilling Operations Manager, including 19 years at Cougar where he worked his way up from a laborer. He oversees daily field crews and concrete cutting operations, ensuring every project is delivered safely and with precision. A Southwest Florida native, Joey takes pride in tackling the unique challenges of his work while supporting the community he calls home. Outside of work, he stays busy attending his children’s sports games and tournaments.Civil Project Executive
Kevin James brings 43 years of construction experience to his role as Civil Project Executive, including two years with the Cougar team. A Southwest Florida resident for over five decades, he joined the company for its family environment and principles. Kevin focuses on supporting his team to ensure every client receives the best experience possible on every project they complete. When he isn't working, you can find him on the water, at the beach, or out on his motorcycle.Civil Operations Manager
Brett Hold brings 30 years of construction experience to his role as Civil Operations Manager, where he oversees field operations, crews, and equipment. In his two years with Cougar, he has been proud to lead the Sarasota fleet project and appreciates a family-owned culture that prioritizes employee success over just profits. Outside of work, Brett spends his time racing, boating, and enjoying anything involving cars and his family.Fleet Asset Manager
Jennifer Peterson joined Cougar in 2019 and brings nearly a decade of combined construction experience to her role as Fleet Asset Manager. Having completed the AEMP certified Equipment Management Specialist program, she oversees equipment operations for the company’s large fleet of construction equipment and vehicles. She ensures the fleet is well-maintained and ready for action. Her favorite project to date is the Harry Chapin Food Bank due to the incredible community impact it will have. Jennifer transitioned from a teaching background to follow her passion for construction, finding a true family environment at Cougar. Outside of work, she enjoys her family and friends, the Florida sun. a good book, and has a fondness for Florida Theme Parks.Business Development Manager
Brandon currently works as Cougar's Manager of Business Development where he is responsible for ensuring Cougar is properly represented in front of developers, local government, and general contractors. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida he grew up playing baseball, football, basketball, and golf. When his dad wasn't launching ground balls at him, they were fishing along the Econfina or St. Marks River. After high school, Brandon attended Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida where he received his bachelors degree in Politics. in 2016, after graduation, he went back to Tallahassee to begin his career in public service working in the Florida House of Representatives. Here, he was responsible for the office's entire legislative portfolio ranging from infrastructure, health care, public safety, education, and more. After Hurricane Ian an a brief stint outside public affairs, he went to work for Centruy Link as the Local Public Affairs & Permitting Manager. In this role, he led the local public affairs efforts interacting with permitting agecnies, local governments, and chambers of commerce. After rebuilding the fiber optic internet infrastructure on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel, he went to work for Lumos Fiber as the Florida Director of Market Development. In this statewide role, he managed the external affairs activities working with local elected officials, chambers of commerce, Florida Association of Counties, and more. In July 2026, he began his chapter with CSafety Manager
Andrea Barreno brings 10 years of construction experience to her role as Safety Manager and OSHA 10 and 30 trainer. Her daily focus is ensuring the entire Cougar team returns home safe and healthy, utilizing daily JHAs to proactively identify hazards and prevent workplace incidents. Andrea values the family atmosphere at Cougar, which makes her work in Southwest Florida feel like anything but a sacrifice. Outside of the office, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine at the beach with her family.Vertical Purchasing Manager
Project Coordination Manager
Jessica Armstrong-Antoncic brings 20 years of industry experience to her role as Project Coordination Manager, including nine years at Cougar. Her hands touch every job from invite to close-out, where she manages everything from permits and NTOs to her duties as a Florida Notary Public. She is especially proud of the site work and underground utility progress at The Antilles in Naples. Outside the office, Jessica enjoys gardening, cooking, and crafting with her family.Senior Civil Estimator
David Beal brings 30 years of construction experience to his role as Senior Civil Estimator, including 12 years with Cougar. He focuses on producing the takeoffs and estimates that set field teams up for success, contributing to decades of regional projects like the Harry Chapin Food Bank. David values Cougar’s commitment to its customers and appreciates the local Southwest Florida lifestyle. Outside the office, he enjoys Boston sports, brewery trivia, and walking by faith.Senior Vertical Estimator
Richard Higgins serves as Senior Vertical Estimator at Cougar Companies, where he draws on 37 years of experience in the construction industry. Now in his fifth year with the team, Richard focuses his day-to-day work on providing the cost estimates necessary for upcoming projects. His decades in the field ensure a practical and seasoned approach to every estimate he produces for the company.14 people
Sawing & Drilling Sales
Tate Gerken brings 28 years of construction experience to his role in Sawing & Drilling Sales, where he focuses on building lasting relationships with our customers. Now in his third year with Cougar, Tate values the company’s family atmosphere and takes pride in every project the team completes. Outside of work, he enjoys the warm Florida weather by camping and building or riding Harleys. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Tate is also a dedicated supporter of his grandkids as they compete in kart racing.Vertical Estimator
Sonny Lancaster serves as a Vertical Estimator, bringing 26 years of construction experience to the Cougar team. After a career in general contracting, Sonny joined the company a year ago to focus on estimating vertical projects in the Southwest Florida sun. He values the patient, supportive environment Cougar provided during his transition into concrete and CMU work. When he isn't at his desk, Sonny is usually fishing, swimming, or cheering on his sons at their practices and games.Civil Estimator
Tony Zapata brings 16 years of construction experience to his role as a Civil Estimator at Cougar Companies. Now in his first year with the team, Tony manages the daily responsibilities of civil project estimating for the company’s heavy-civil work. His extensive background in the industry ensures that every project is accurately scoped and ready for the field here in Southwest Florida.Civil Estimator
Lalith Jayasinghe brings 35 years of construction experience to his role as Civil Estimator at Cougar Companies. Since joining the team a year ago, he has managed the day-to-day estimating process while enjoying the Southwest Florida weather. Lalith appreciates the company’s positive environment and values the feeling of working among family in such a happy workplace.Vertical Project Manager
A Florida native with 17 years of experience, Ellis Caple serves as Vertical Project Manager, overseeing daily operations from submittals and scheduling to quality control and budgeting. During his five years at Cougar, he has prioritized clear communication to deliver successful projects like Wellen Park High School, a large-scale tilt building completed on schedule and under budget. Ellis values the company’s family culture and enjoys spending his time off gardening, fishing, and being outdoors with his family.Vertical Project Manager
With 28 years of construction experience, Chad Posey serves as Vertical Project Manager, ensuring projects stay on budget and schedules remain on track. Over his five years with Cougar, he has tackled complex challenges like the Foley Products project, which required specialized formwork and extensive dewatering for 5,000 yards of concrete. Chad values Cougar’s family-oriented, team-driven culture and enjoys the Southwest Florida lifestyle by fishing, mountain biking, and heading to the beach with his family.Vertical Project Manager
Scott Bare brings 29 years of construction experience to his role as Vertical Project Manager, where he oversees commercial concrete projects from preconstruction through closeout. A certified forklift safety instructor with an OSHA 30-hour credential, Scott is particularly proud of his work on Venice High School, which featured some of the tallest tilt-up concrete panels in the country. He joined Cougar for its reputation for quality and teamwork. Outside of work, Scott enjoys fishing, coaching youth basketball, and spending time with his family.Civil Project Manager
A Civil Project Manager with seven years of experience, Tony Phimmasone has spent the last five years helping Cougar Companies grow alongside his home in Southwest Florida. He manages project budgets, schedules, and resource coordination to ensure every heavy-civil job runs efficiently from start to finish. Tony values the integrity and camaraderie of Cougar’s family-owned culture and the teamwork required to deliver successful projects. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his family.Civil Project Manager
Vikash Ahuja serves as a Civil Project Manager at Cougar Companies with seven years of experience in the construction industry. He has spent the last five years with the firm, focusing on heavy-civil projects throughout Southwest Florida. Vikash brings a steady, practical approach to his work, supporting the continued growth of this third-generation, family-owned business.Civil Project Manager
Aaron Hargan joined Cougar Companies in 2026, bringing more than 25 years of construction experience to his role as Civil Project Manager. He uses his extensive background in the field to oversee heavy-civil projects with the confidence that only comes from decades on the job. Aaron’s practical approach and deep industry knowledge make him a vital part of our family-owned team here in Southwest Florida.Administration
Ingrid Rivas has spent her seven-year construction career with Cougar Companies, where she keeps the office running smoothly as a vital liaison between the field and the office. She manages daily operations ranging from welcoming visitors and onboarding new hires to translating company handbooks and assisting with annual benefit enrollments. Ingrid takes pride in helping people and considers the Cougar team her second family. When she isn't enjoying the Southwest Florida sun, she spends her time traveling, singing karaoke, and being with friends and family.Accounting
Elianni Reynoso has spent her five-year construction career with Cougar Companies, where she handles billings, change orders, and work closely with the project managers. A Public Notary with a Diploma in Accounting, Elianni takes great pride in the team success on Wellen Park High School project, the largest structural project in the company. She values Cougar’s family-oriented culture and the unwavering support from management that helps the team succeed. When she isn’t in the office or attending college, Elianni stays busy with church and her children’s baseball and soccer games.Accounting
Esmerelda Mandujano helps manage the daily accounting and administrative duties that keep Cougar Companies running efficiently. A Southwest Florida native, she joined the team a year ago, drawn to Cougar’s 45-year history as a local, family-owned contractor. Outside the office, Esmerelda enjoys spending time with her family and her yorkie and serves as the president of the Lit Ladies Book club.Accounting
Amanda Perez manages accounts payable for Cougar Companies, handling vendor payments, invoice entry, and bank reconciliations with five years of construction experience. She joined the team for its welcoming family atmosphere, a value she mirrors at home as a mother of three who loves cooking, dancing, and being a "Disney mom." Amanda takes pride in the success of every project the company tackles.Put a name and a face to your next project. Reach our estimating team and let's talk scope.
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info@cougarcompanies.com
239-275-9334