First Choice services started with an idea:
A great team of people, a solid group of contacts, and years of experience in building, construction, and restoration, we could become a veritable force in the industry.
With that idea in mind, FCS was born in a tiny space in the corner of a warehouse with one makeshift desk and some discarded kitchen cabinets.
It wasn’t long before we outgrew that first “office”, and eventually two larger spaces, and landed in our current 22,000 sq. ft. facility in Baltimore. During this time, we also opened a second location in Delaware in 2017.
The organic growth of the company has allowed us to expand without having to sacrifice the values that have made our company so successful. First Choice Services started out as subcontractors for mainly two major companies. From there, we were able to build relationships that helped us expand into other areas of the industry, allowing us to gain valuable experience and connections.
First Choice Services is dedicated to EVERY customer—from the homeowner devastated by loss, to the largest commercial property damaged by fire, wind or water. We treat every property, as if it were our own. We won’t stop working for you until the job is finished and you are completely satisfied.
Joe Ernest
President/CEO
Motorcrosser
Family Man
Joe started First Choice Solutions in 2012. He loves being able to see firsthand the finished product of a job well done. When families suffer losses, Joe feels a great sense of responsibility to make sure FCS is there for them in their time of need, from start to finish.
As a youth, Joe was a professional dirt bike racer. No longer racing, he still enjoys riding his motorcycles and traveling to such events. Joe is a proud father who loves to spend time with his family at the beach, go-karting or fishing.
Joe@FireWindWater.com
Kathryne Ernest
CFO
Traveler
Bulldog & Jesus Lover
Katie started with First Choice Services in 2014. For her, the most fulfilling aspect of the job is being able to help people during troubling times. She loves being a part of restoring lives after devastation strikes.
Katie is a graduate of Robert Smith Business School, University of Maryland College park. She is a loving mother and stepmother, as well as a dog mom of lovable bull dogs. She’s also an avid reader, and a devoted Christ-follower. She loves to travel—whether it’s to new countries, relaxing on a beach somewhere, or in the back of a boat floating on the water.
Paul Griffith
Vice President/COO
Hunter
Grill Master
Since joining First Choice Services in 2014, Paul has enjoyed traveling to different states to answer the call when people are in need of help. He feels blessed to have been able to work with the same loyal crew members since the very beginning.
Paul is a father of three and an avid hunter. On weekends, you’ll likely find him manning the grill at cookouts where he likes to gather with his family and friends around the pool.
Stephanie Jones
Regional Office Manager
Boater
Office Comedian
Stephanie joined First Choice Services since 2015 with over ten years experience in the industry. She appreciates that the values of the company are reflected in the way the employees are treated, and that the laid-back, casual environment allows each team member to fully focus on his or her job. She loves when her position has her traveling to marketing events and various conferences.
Stephanie is a mom to one boy, and three dogs. She loves spending time with her husband and son, especially during boating season. Beach days with rum buckets and wine is her idea of relaxing! Being the “office comedian”, Stephanie can often be found singing or busting out dance moves to make people laugh.
Ben Stauffer
Regional Director of Operations
Economics Buff
World Traveler
Ben joined the team in 2020. He was drawn to FCS first because of Joe and Paul and their dedication to the company and their employees. He has since come to value the honest and straightforward way FCS conducts business. He loves the challenge of completing restoration projects on time and on budget.
Ben earned degrees in economics and English from Lafayette College in 1989. While working in Moscow from 1993-1994, he witnessed the transition from Communism to a market economy. In a previous life, he produced telecom trade shows in the US, Japan, Russia, Mexico and Brazil.