• COMMERCIAL
• • RESIDENTIAL
• • RESTORATION
• • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Our Team

Clay V. Ring, Jr. – President

A native of Kernersville, Clay graduated from Duke University in 1952 and entered the United States Marine Corps where he served 2 years, attaining the rank of Captain. Clay began his career with Wilson-Covington in 1954 and spent the majority of his time as an estimator and project manager. In 1995, Clay took ownership of the company and assumed responsibility of the property management side of the business. Currently, Clay spends the majority of his time to working with commercial tenants. He remains devoted to the construction side of the business and continues to estimate jobs and oversee projects as his schedule allows.

Hayes Wauford – Vice-President

Hayes grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from North Carolina State University. During high school and college he spent summers working as a construction laborer and carpenter in the field. Upon graduation in 2005, Hayes returned to Wilson-Covington to work with his grandfather in a full-time management position. Since returning to Wilson-Covington, Hayes has focused on construction operations with a specific interest in historical restoration. Wilson-Covington is active in Old Salem and across Forsyth and surrounding counties working on historic structures. Hayes is a member of the board of directors of Old Salem Museums and Gardens, Historic Bethabara Park, Stratford Rotary Club, and Horizons Residential Care Center. He is also the Chair of the Executive Committee for the New Benefactors of Old Salem.

Morriss Pendleton – Vice-President of Construction

Morriss grew up in Mt. Airy and graduated from Mt. Airy High School. After four years in the US Navy and an honorable discharge in 1970 he began a career in the construction industry. He has spent most of the past forty years as a project manager, construction manager, or officer of a general contractor. Morriss is experienced on commercial and residential projects up to 525,000 square feet, 14 floors, and $12.5 million. Morriss manages operations of the company and business development. He enjoys working with owners and architect as a team.

Jimmy Poore – Construction Manager

Jimmy grew up in Mount Airy, NC and graduated from Surry Community College. After high school and during college he followed in the footsteps of his father in the construction industry and worked in the field as a laborer. In 1985 he left the field and went to work as a draftsman doing design work, and in 1991 he was promoted to estimator/project manager. For the past 20 years Jimmy has managed a wide variety of projects ranging from commercial retail to unique projects at Victory Junction Gang Camp. Jimmy is married with two daughters and enjoys camping, Red Sox baseball and Appalachian football.

D. Paul Gwin – Property/Office Manager

Paul grew up in Winston-Salem and attended Wake Forest University before graduating from Appalachian State University in 1978. Prior to joining Wilson-Covington in 2008, he garnered experience in a diverse range of fields including law enforcement, finance, and operations and personnel management. Currently, Paul manages the day-to-day operations of the property management and construction office and devotes himself to business development and marketing.

Gray Gentry – Estimator, Project Manager

Gray has spent over 30 years in the construction industry with experience ranging from custom home building to large commercial work. Gray has estimated and managed projects up to 65,000 square feet and $8 million.

Kerry Shive – Secretary, Head Accountant

Kerry is a native of Indiana. He has worked in the property management field since 1979, beginning with an investment group that owned and operated 7 hotels and 37 other commercial locations throughout the Midwest. Kerry’s accounting and management background allow him to oversee the financial functions of Wilson-Covington and monitor the financial operations of the managed properties to closely account for all costs.

Jess Swingley – Head of Maintenance

A native of southern California, Jess spent six years in the plumbing industry there before owning and managing a hardware store for eight years. He garnered additional experience in California working with a reverse osmosis water purification company and a property management firm. Jess joined Wilson-Covington in 1993 to manage the maintenance side of the business. He maintains a universal CFC license and produces custom window screens.

Shane Boaz – Superintendent

A native of Winston-Salem, Shane graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1990 before enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1990 to 1995, Shane was a member of the US Navy Construction Battalion (NMCB1) or “Seabees.” During his enlistment he received extensive training in a variety of construction trade subfields including concrete placement and finishing, stone, brick, and block masonry, exterior and interior framing, interior finishing, painting, and structure preservation. His valuable skills landed him on projects across the globe in such places as Guam, Somalia, Diego Garcia, Spain, and the presidential retreat at Camp David in Maryland. Following an honorable discharge in 1995, Shane joined Wilson-Covington as a carpenter. He has grown with the company and advanced his position to project superintendent. Shane manages and oversees a variety of projects including residential, commercial, and historical restoration work.

Jeff Bowman – Superintendent

Jeff grew up and still lives in Cana, Virginia. He has been in the construction business for over 30 years. His experience includes working as a plumbing contractor, sign erector, home builder, finish carpenter, and superintendent. Jeff has worked on projects ranging from restaurants and supermarkets to a 14 story building in Myrtle Beach, SC and a $17 million log home in the North Carolina Mountains.

Bleu Hutchens – Superintendent

Bleu is a native of Yadkin County and has spent over 20 years working in the construction industry. He began his career building custom cabinets, and has since worked on spec homes, custom homes, and large commercial projects. His experience ranges up to $8 million projects including a 3 story office building and commercial center of 84,000 square feet, and numerous commercial upfits and new builds. Bleu is a highly skilled craftsman and finish carpenter and maintains a General Contractor's License.

Don McDunnah – Superintendent

Don has worked in the construction industry for 35 years, and been with Wilson-Covington for over 10 years. Don is a highly skilled finish carpenter with experience in remodels, new home and multi-family construction. He has worked as an installer for Lowes Home Improvement and Home Depot and is a Certified KraftMaid installer. Don's experience allows him to closely oversee construction in rental properties and other residential projects and train newer carpenters.