Meet the Team
Deb Kabinoff
CEO
Deb Kabinoff oversees the management of GULFSTAR HOMES . With experience in business management, property management, remodeling and construction, Deb helps keep GULFSTAR HOMES operating at peak efficiency to serve both home buyers and renters.
Prior to joining GULFSTAR HOMES , Deb earned her MBA at Cornell University and worked in the national office of the international accounting and consulting firm Ernst & Young. She has started and built several multi-million dollar companies.
Kathryn Pettis
Chief Operating Officer
With over 30 years of experience in office management and property management, Kathryn devotes her time to the numerous details that are critically important to running a successful real estate/construction company. She excels in her attention to detail and tenacity in getting the job done right for our clients.
Kathryn obtained her Florida Real Estate Salesperson license in 2001 and her Florida Real Estate Broker license in 2006. She also has valuable knowledge and experience in contract law, real estate law, and finance.
Ben Hodous
Chief Information Officer
Ben brings nearly 20 years of experience in software, design, marketing and writing to GulfStar Homes. He has founded a web consulting company and has worked in product management in the microphone industry.
Originally from the Midwest, Ben is a recent Florida transplant. In his role, Ben manages the website, marketing, and the interfacing between technology and processes.
Craig Stern
Vice President of Operations
Craig comes to GulfStar Homes with over thirty years' experience in custom home building and renovation in both commercial and residential projects. He has been a licensed General Contractor in Florida for more than fifteen years and is driven to ensure a high-quality build for each and every GulfStar home.
Catherine Mitchell
Vice President of Sales
941-224-3660
Catherine@gulfstarhomes.com
Catherine comes to GulfStar Homes with several years of experience in the real estate and home building industries. She is a licensed real estate agent in both Florida and Arizona. Catherine has a passion for helping others and truly enjoys seeing people fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals of becoming homeowners.
Tracy Slavin
Controller
Tracy's experience in accounting began when she went to work as an accounting clerk in Nebraska just out of high school. It was there that she discovered her love of numbers and accounting. Tracy has worked in the accounting field most of her professional career and has a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. Tracy moved to Florida in 2014. Tracy's strong work ethic and attention to detail make her the perfect GulfStar Homes Controller.
Jackie Martinez
Construction Administrator
Jackie is a Florida native with 18 years of administrative experience in property management and construction. She takes pride in a job well done and helping to create a positive, team-oriented work environment. When away from work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family and dogs and loves music, art and travelling.
Tony Tartaglia
Construction Supervisor
Tony is a true native Floridian, calling North Port home for the past 15 years. He has a strong work ethic and began his own remodeling business at the age of 21 following attendance at FGCU. Tony brings to GulfStar Homes his commitment to excellence, his passion for high-quality projects and 10 years’ experience in both residential and commercial building and remodeling.
Mike Benevenga
Construction Supervisor
Mike is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and grew up in North Port. His start in construction began as a carpenter apprentice in 2014, eventually leading to a management role. Prior supervisory experience and attention to detail made GulfStar Homes a great fit. Mike enjoys spending his free time outdoors, with his family, fishing and golfing.
Matt Setzer
Construction Assistant
Matt comes to GulfStar from Western New York, a U. S. Navy Seabee veteran with an extensive background in construction trades and classic car restoration, two trades where every detail matters. Matt is committed to ensuring complete satisfaction with the knowledge that every detail has been addressed.
Mike Mahaffee
Construction Assistant
Mike recently moved to Florida from Cincinnati. He has 27 years' experience in construction and was the owner of a hardwood flooring company for the past 15 years. Mike has a passion for hands on work and getting the job done right for GulfStar Homes and our customers.
Ollie
Company Mascot & Official Office Greeter
Ollie is in charge of lunch cleanup, lawn fertilization and company morale.
