Matt Devereaux may have been destined to be a builder.
His grandfather was a master carpenter and his father is a builder in Southwest Florida.
Among the NEFBA family, that’s not uncommon. Perhaps exposure to a construction site, watching a home coming up out of the ground as a young child engenders a love for this business.
Being on a job site as a teen, getting some hands-on experience gives a builder’s offspring a head start.
That was true for Devereaux, whose father started his business in Michigan and moved to Florida — as many people do — to get away from long, cold winters.
“I grew up in the business,” Devereaux said. “I worked on jobs, helping and learning for almost as long as I can remember. It was a natural fit when I considered my career options.”
The family business in Fort Myers gave Devereaux an appreciation of Florida with its beaches, mild climate and golf.
After graduating from Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Devereaux attended Florida SouthWestern State College and Florida State University.
His first job was conditional. When he went to U.S. Home Corp. as an intern, he was told if he could prove himself, he would be given full-time employment. And prove himself he did.
Lennar bought U.S. Home Corp. in 2001, and three years later Devereaux was named vice president of sales for Southwest Florida. In 2005, he was director of operations for Southwest Florida.
Through the downturn in the economy, Lennar combined some divisions and generally reorganized to remain viable. Devereaux said the training he received during that time covered all aspects of the business: land development, construction, warranties, sales, accounting and strategy.
“Throughout all the changes, one thing remained unchanged,” Devereaux said. “Taking care of our homeowners has always been this company’s top priority. That’s what has contributed to our strong reputation.
“That and consistently strong leadership,” he said. “Stuart Miller, our CEO, is the son of one of our founders, so that family focus is a long standing tradition.”
Last year, Devereaux was offered the Jacksonville top spot for Lennar. The Devereauxs had planned a trip to Jacksonville for The Players Championship and used that opportunity to check out Northeast Florida. They liked what they saw.
“What’s not to like?” Devereaux said. “Jacksonville has a lot to offer, and since golf is one of my favorite pastimes, I was pleased with the abundance of world-class courses in the area. And, of course, there was the opportunity to advance in my career.”
One of his first steps upon moving here was to join NEFBA.
“I wanted to get involved right away,” he said. “I’ve been involved with homebuilders associations in other areas and I know just how important it is to make the connections you make through your trade association.
“I’m not sure the public realizes how much our industry contributes to the economy, but look at the NEFBA membership — furniture stores, home décor, mortgage lending, insurance, financial institutions, even car dealers are affected by our ability to provide homes and communities. And belonging to an energetic, influential group like NEFBA promotes a healthy industry.”
In addition to serving on NEFBA’s board of directors, Devereaux serves on the membership committee and is dedicated to helping members reap all the benefits that are available to them.
“Networking, for example, puts associate members in direct contact with builders,” he said. “We’ve got a Meet the Builder night on the calendar that lets me as a builder meet my potential business partners, get to know them and their services. And it gives associates access to many builders under one roof. ”
Lennar is a Pinnacle Builder, which means at least 90 percent of the company’s subcontrators are NEFBA members, a reflection of NEFBA’s encouragement for members to do business with members.
Devereaux and his wife Lauren have two children: Max, 51/2, and Hailey, 31/2.
“They are unbelievable,” Devereaux said. “And certainly the most important part of my life.”
When he’s not enjoying time with his family, golf, fishing and being outdoors are his favorite activities.