Get to Know Us
Your Semi-Custom Home Building Team
Thank you for getting acquainted with us. You’ll find our team has a lot in common — mostly that we all love to be part of the home-building process, help people live their dreams, and have deep roots in the area. We look forward to getting to know you and being of assistance with your home-building project.
Dale Black
Owner, President
He says his many roles have “definitely shaped the way I run the company” and one of his favorite parts of the job is watching employees grow and thrive. In his free time, Dale enjoys golfing, playing the piano, listening to podcasts, and the peacefulness of watching the birds and squirrels in his yard.
Jeff Sheets
Owner, Director of Development
Dan Dwyer
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Dan oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, including sales, service, closings, and more. Construction project managers also report to Dan. He has been with CMS Homes for seven years, starting as an assistant project manager (construction manager/superintendent), then after 6 months, becoming a full-time project manager for about 5 years before achieving his current role.
Dan says he enjoys working with everyone on the CMS team, getting out in the field and looking at potential developments, their current developments, and all their homes under construction. When asked why homebuyers should consider building with CMS Homes, he replied, “Every home built with CMS is a semi-custom home. We don’t deny any plan options or modifications. Our clients are always surprised to learn how much they can do with our base-model plans.” When he’s not at work, Dan enjoys all outdoor activities (hunting and fishing) and spending time with his wife and two children. Dan is also a long-time Saint Louis Blues fan. Go Blues!
Kevin Kruser
Sales Manager
When asked what he likes most about his job, his answer goes hand in hand with why new construction homeowners love CMS Homes, “We build a superior product and prioritize customer satisfaction. We build great homes at a great value.”
After hours, Kevin spends time on his farm. He loves to hunt and fish with friends and family and has even gone fishing with a few CMS customers who’ve become friends.
Sonya Ellison
Bookkeeper
She loves how efficiently their homes are built and that homeowners get to move in within their allotted timeframe. In her free time, Sonya enjoys vacationing, F1 racing, and playing games with family and friends.
Michael Sheets
Superintendent & Supervisor Field Coordinator
Superintendent & Supervisor Field Coordinator
Michael started his carpentry career in high school, as a summer laborer, then, after graduation, became a union carpenter building CMS houses. Years later, he became a CMS superintendent and was recently promoted to Supervisor/Field Coordinator. One of the things he likes most about CMS is working with experienced, professional people. They all take pride in what they build and work to exceed buyers’ expectations, ensuring they are pleased during and after building their homes. In his spare time, Michael likes to travel and do anything outdoors — hike, hunt, and fish.
Travis Key
Sales Manager at Orchard Grove
Sales Manager at Orchard Grove
After completing a project in Webster Groves as a superintendent of a multi-family building, he had the choice of working out of state or finding a job closer to home. Travis lived in Troy and knew CMS built quality homes, so it seemed like a natural fit. He started as a construction project manager in charge of the contractors and craftsmen building their homes, along with tracking budgets and meeting with customers throughout the building process.
Travis explains, “I enjoy the customization of our homes. Bringing ideas to reality is the best part of my job. We care. All the tradesmen and management team strive to do our job to the best of our ability. It’s not just a job to our contractors; you can see the care they put into each project.”
When not helping CMS customers, Travis plays ice hockey, kayaks, and camps with his family. He also likes to build and create new spaces in his home, which is a constant work in progress.
Emily Wilson
Closing Coordinator, Missouri Notary Public
Closing Coordinator, Missouri Notary Public
Jacob Wilson
Service Coordinator
Service Coordinator
Jacob’s favorite part of the job is helping new homeowners and getting to know them. When asked why a potential home buyer should choose CMS, he said, “People should choose CMS Homes because we care about each customer as an individual and work hard to make sure everyone has a positive, memorable experience building their home.” Jacob is also a student at St. Charles Community College and enjoys learning new things.
Nick Dirnberger
Project Manager
Project Manager
In addition to helping people build their dreams, Nick enjoys working with the CMS team, and says with sheer honesty, “We go above and beyond what other builders will do for their customers and offer a great product.” In his off-duty hours, Nick spends time with family and hunts the creatures of the outdoors.
Rich Hackmann
Project Manager
When asked what he loves about CMS, he said, “Our commitment to quality and service. We make sure everything is completely right for our new homeowners.” In his spare time, Rich likes to do woodworking, deer-shed hunting, and spend time with his grandkids.
Sherrie Verhaeghe
New Home Sales Assistant
Having been with CMS Homes for five years, she credits her listening skills and enjoyment of being in service to others as part of why she loves her career. Her other reasons mirror what the rest of the team feels – working with a fantastic CMs team and providing beautiful custom – not cookie-cutter – homes to new homeowners. In her free time, Sherrie appreciates spending time with family, loves dogs and horses, and being outdoors.