Our Team.
Strong from top to bottom.
It is said that being a leader means “defining and exhibiting moral and ethical courage and setting an example for everyone in the company”. The Hill Group’s management team certainly personifies that definition, initially led by Founder Toby Hill and now with his son, Chris Hill, who continues The Hill Group legacy.
With nearly 170 years of collective experience in the construction industry, the management team brings experience in every facet of the industry to the table. But what sets the team apart is a culture that encourages creativity and problem solving from all employees.
Our Management Team.
Chris Hill, President & Safety Director
The son of Toby Hill, Chris Hill practically grew up on the construction site, working summers during high school in the field, and in the office during college for The Hill Group. One could say that the construction business was in his blood. Like his father, Chris attended the University of Florida from which he received his Bachelor of Science in Building Construction in 2005. He began his professional career also working in project engineering estimating and project management for nearly 10 years for two large commercial construction firms in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. LEED Accredited, Chris distinguished himself while working for The Weitz Company in Ft. Lauderdale by being the first employee to be chosen nationally for the “Better Builder’s Club”, spending six weeks with each trade/subcontractor on a particular project to further enhance his knowledge of each subcontractor’s scope of work. The combined training Chris received during his summer work at The Hill Group, his formal education, training, and responsibilities during his tenure in the commercial construction world allowed for a smooth transition when he joined his father at The Hill Group in 2014. Chris is also philanthropically-minded like his father, being recognized early on in his career for his work for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, being named one of “Ft. Lauderdale’s Finest” in 2009. He has brought his passion for the work of nonprofits back home to the Vero Beach community, as well.
– Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida
– LEED Accredited
Community Involvement:
– Habitat for Humanity – helped oversee company’s volunteer work for new Habitat Restore building.
– United Way of Indian River County Workplace Partner
– Volunteer for Jackie Robinson Celebration Baseball Games, benefitting United Way.
– Environmental Learning Center
Caleb Esparza, Project Manager, Residential Division
Caleb Esparza joined The Hill Group in 2021, after returning to Florida following his service in the Navy from 2010 to 2020. He assumed the role of Project Manager in 2024 in both the Maintenance and Residential Divisions. Raised in New Smyrna Beach, Caleb grew up with a father who was a Master Carpenter and General Contractor, exposing him to high level carpentry and fine custom homes at a very young age. In fact, his first jobs were working in his father’s mill shop or under his father in the field as an apprentice carpenter. Following his freshman year of college at Florida International University, he served in the Navy from 2010 – 2020, traveling across the United States, as well as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His Naval experiences are vast, including being part of both humanitarian and sensitive defense projects in Bahrain, Qatar, Okinawa, and mainland Japan, as well as military installations across California. He concluded his time on active duty working as an instructor at a Naval Special Warfare schoolhouse that exclusively trains partner nation forces in a myriad of disciplines. He holds a USCG 100-Ton Master’s license, in addition to being a certified Professional Locksmith, and he is well-versed in facilities management and residential maintenance, residential home inspections, and drone operations. The combination of Caleb’s experience of being mentored by a Master Carpenter at an early age, and his diverse range of experiences while serving in the Navy, have coalesced into Caleb becoming a valuable member of The Hill Group’s Leadership Team.
– Florida State Certified General Contractor
– Owner, residential & commercial construction business in Indian River County, 1997-2014
– U.S. Coast Guard, 1993-2001, including Reserve time
– Supporter of Military Veteran-related causes
Taylor Smith, Project Manager, Residential Division
Taylor Smith, for the better half of a decade, has hands-on experience in both residential and commercial construction, with a well-rounded background that includes estimating, contract management, project engineering, and project management. A proud Vero Beach native, Taylor was raised in the heart of the local construction industry, where her passion for building was sparked at an early age. Her deep-rooted connection to the community and the trade is reflected in her commitment to excellence and detail on every project she’s involved in. Taylor continues to honor her family’s legacy by bringing professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic to the job site every day. Beyond the construction world, Taylor is actively involved in serving her community as a volunteer with the Indian River Fire Department, embodying a spirit of service and dedication in all that she does.
Bill Brady, Jr., Project Manager, Maintenance Division
With over three decades of hands-on experience in the construction industry, Bill Brady Jr. serves as a Project Manager at The Hill Group (THG), where he plays a critical role in overseeing all phases of project execution. In his current position, Bill is responsible for writing subcontracts, producing detailed project schedules, managing costs—including invoicing, timecards, change orders, and subcontractor pay applications—and coordinating closely with architects on design questions and material selections. His deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Bill’s construction roots run deep—he started working in the industry at a young age alongside his father and grandfather, both seasoned tradesmen. After high school, he continued working under the guidance of his father, a licensed Florida contractor, before they both joined The Hill Group. Bill’s journey with The Hill Group began in August 1994. He worked through the ranks from Apprentice, Carpenter, Superintendent to Project Manager in his 31 years earning a reputation for his craftsmanship, integrity and attention to detail. Outside of work, Bill is a committed community supporter. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and is an active supporter and volunteer with the United Way, reflecting his dedication not only to building homes but also to building stronger communities.
Bruce Gardner, Project Manager, Maintenance Division
Bruce Gardner’s construction career began in 1999, and he quickly found a passion for building fine high-end custom homes. In 2001, he found his home with The Hill Group as an apprentice carpenter, gaining valuable experience working alongside the finest craftsmen in the area. For 18 years he worked his way through the ranks from apprentice, carpenter, and superintendent, benefiting from the support and encouragement of The Hill Group Founder Toby Hill, as well as Christopher Hill. In 2019, Bruce stepped away from the company for three years to share his knowledge and experience with youth by teaching shop classes at Saint Lucie Public Schools but found his way back home to The Hill Group as a Project Manager in the Maintenance Division in 2022. Bruce and his team strive to provide unsurpassed service to our valued clients, handling a variety of maintenance needs and small to larger renovations.
Ryan Hill, Project Manager, Maintenance Division
Ryan Hill is a seasoned Project Manager at The Hill Group, bringing over nine years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. With a diverse background in both residential and commercial projects, he has successfully led teams to deliver high-quality results. He has experience managing large-scale residential developments and overseeing complex restoration and emergency response services, where he developed strong leadership and project management skills. Growing up in Winter Springs, Florida, Ryan was immersed in the construction industry, learning from his father, a General Contractor with over 35 years of experience. This early exposure to the trade provided him with a deep understanding of carpentry, tile work, and various other construction skills, allowing him to approach projects with both technical expertise and managerial oversight. Ryan’s commitment to quality and strong leadership abilities make him a trusted and effective leader in the field. Outside of work, he enjoys applying his hands-on skills to personal projects and continuing his family’s legacy in construction.
George Casares, Estimator
The Hill Group’s Estimator, George Casares, joined the team in May 2021. A 2011 graduate of the State University of New York College at Oneonta with a Bachelor of Science in Geography, George brings with him over 10 years of experience coordinating project execution in conformity with drawings and specifications, collaborating with owners/architects/liaisons, project scheduling, purchasing materials, contract administration, budgeting, expediting materials and general construction administration. He began his career in construction as a laborer for his grandfather’s residential construction company and quickly moved up the ranks to Carpenter Foreman. He then held a position with Long Island’s largest General Contractor as an Assistant Superintendent and as a Project Manager. During his tenure there, he oversaw renovation and new construction projects that included multiple stories and site development, with sizes up to 167,00 square feet. After college, George continued his education in construction at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate, receiving his Construction Project Management Certificate in 2013, going on to receive his Project Manager Development Certificate at AGC of New York State in 2014, and then his Cost Estimating Certificate from Fordham University in 2020. George’s hands-on experience in the field, paired with his education in construction management/estimating, give him the edge to efficiently forecast and manage project success.
– Bachelor of Science in Geography from State University of New York College at Oneonta
– Construction Project Management Certificate from New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate
– Project Manager Development Certificate- AGC of New York State
– Cost Estimating Certificate – Fordham University