David Gaines Advocates for the Building Industry With MBIA
The Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) encompasses 85% of Maryland, stretching from Harford County in the north to St. Mary’s County in the south and extending all the way to the eastern shore.
The organization advocates for the building industry by increasing business opportunities, promoting a positive image, and serving as a resource to its members and public. Gaines and Company’s Vice President David Gaines was recently elected to their board of directors.
Industry Expert
David Gaines grew up in the construction industry. His uncle, Lee Gaines Sr., established Gaines and Company in 1954 by developing small subdivisions in Baltimore County, Maryland. The organization has now grown into an industry-leading site development company serving developers, municipalities, home builders, commercial builders, military installations, and government agencies in the Mid-Atlantic Delmarva area with offices in Maryland and North Carolina.
Before long, though, David moved south and grew Gaines and Company’s North Carolina site development services to regional municipalities, federal military bases, developers, and contractors.
“When I was a kid, I remember my dad told me to get out of the house and go to work for my uncle so I didn’t grow up digging ditches my whole life. Here I am decades later still digging ditches, and I love it. To this day, my business card says, ‘Ditch Digger’ on it,” joked David Gaines, vice president of Gaines and Company.
Before he jumped full-time into the industry though, David first earned a degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Texas Business School.
He spent 4 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer and 7 years in the Reserves. After getting an MBA, he accepted a position as a financial analyst.
Gaines and Company Vice President David Gaines accepted the position of council chair of Maryland Building Industry Association’s Land Development Council in January 2023.
“I couldn’t handle sitting behind a desk staring at spreadsheets all day. That’s when my cousin (Gaines and Company President Lee Gaines) suggested I join Gaines and Company. I knew I needed a change, so I decided to give it a try,” said David. “One of the first jobs I remember doing for the company was in Columbia doing sewer outfall work. It was hot and muggy. I sweated through multiple shirts. It was hard work.”
“Lee Gaines always promoted giving back to the community and getting involved in industry groups. So I joined and eventually became president of North Carolina’s Utility Contractor’s Association,” said David.
“When I moved back to Maryland, joining MBIA Land Development Council (LDC) was a natural fit.”
MBIA’s Land Development Council
The LDC upholds high standards within the development industry. It provides members with access to legislative representation, educational and networking opportunities, and marketing exposure. The LDC also holds an annual conference where members come together to learn about and discuss industry developments, concerns, and other important matters.
David Gaines accepted the position of Council Chair of the Land Development Council in January 2023. In this role, he coordinates meeting agendas, invites speakers, and chairs meetings.
“The team at MBIA, which is led by Lori Graf, is amazing. They are so good to work with and really support the board in achieving our mission,” said David.
“The organization and industry really benefit from their hard work. After all, the stronger MBIA is, the stronger its member companies can become also.”
David is also a founding board member of Operation Coming Home and the governor appointed chairman of the Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority.
“I like serving my community. I guess it goes back to me being a Marine. I think it’s important that we all take our turn at the wheel and give back,” said David. “We all have to do our part to promote the best interests of our industry.”
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with offices in Maryland and North Carolina. The organization has nearly 70 years of experience in underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Delaware on time and within budget.
