Denise Wallace has a background unlike most people in the building industry.
Right out of college, she started working in the Jacksonville Housing and Urban Development in the community development block grant program.
From there she was asked by then-Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold to join his office when he started a economic development program.
“I had the opportunity to work under the first office of economic development which has now evolved into the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission,” said Wallace. “Raymond Duncan, Jessie Smith and myself started that program. One day, I received a call from Chester (Stokes) and was asked if I would come over and join his operation.
“Even though I loved my experience with the city, I left and joined Chester and don’t regret it a day because it has been a great relationship.”
She started with Stokes and Company as the director of governmental programs 19 years ago.
“At that time, Chester was involved in the Farmer’s Home 515 project which was basically multiple-family units in rural areas,” she said. “I started off there and evolved into all areas.”
She has a degree in social science with a emphasis in urban planning from Florida State University.
“The building industry and the real estate industry is very much connected to economic development,” said Wallace.
Wallace was born and raised in Jacksonville. She has been married to Mike for 23 years. They have two children, Brian, 12, and Carrie, 11.
When she is not working, she enjoys playing golf, fishing and water sports. She and her family like to visit their lake house in Pomona Park.
Wallace also owns BCM Services, a management company that manages homeowners’ associations.
“I saw a need for a mediator between developer and home owner when subdivisions are taken over and being able to explain why a developer did certain things,” said Wallace. “It gives me an opportunity to go to the builders and say ‘Hey, guys, we need to get our act together’ and make sure we are doing things right because I see it from both sides.”