Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail is one of the longest continually operating Commercial and Residential drywall companies in the state of Florida. Waldo Ariail and Billy McDowell went into business in 1972 and established themselves as the preferred wallboard and spray contractor for Jacksonville area builders.
In the early 1980’s McDowell & Ariail installed drywall in the majority of the new subdivisions being built throughout the Northeast Florida area. The development of Mandarin, State Road 13, Switzerland and Blanding Boulevard have a lasting mark left by Waldo and Billy. After Billy’s passing, Waldo’s son Craig stepped into the partnership and eventually took the reins from his father. Waldo then assumed the role of Founder and spent time working in the office and maintaining the long-standing relationships established over time. During this time Jake Fulmer and Don Delong joined the team. Jake became partners with Craig and Don worked in every facet of residential drywall until becoming the Vice President of Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail. Jake and Don both have over 30 years of experience and the three of them continue to carry the quality legacy fostered by Waldo and Billy.
Preferred Drywall continues to be the choice drywall company in North Florida installing drywall in new homes, commercial buildings, remodels, renovations and build-outs. Our vision established by Billy and Waldo has always been the complete satisfaction of all customers. Our greatest strength is the experience of our people, and their ability to deliver on-time and within budget quality products to our customers. We value the relationships that have built over the years, and we know that those relationships are a result of our employees’ commitment to exceeding customer expectations. Working one on one with our clients and communicating every aspect of their project allows our clients experience their desired results.
Waldo Ariail - Founder
Waldo Ariail passed away in September 2018 at 82 years old and left a lasting impression on all of our organization as well as so many people that he crossed paths with. One will never meet a man with greater compassion and love for his employees and people in general. Waldo demanded excellence and continually demonstrated his commitment to doing just that until the end. He is sorely missed.
Craig Ariail - President
Craig started working for his father, Waldo, when he was 16 years old. After Billy's passing, he stepped into the partnership and eventually took the reins from Waldo. During this time, Jake Fulmer joined the team. Craig is a second generation expert experienced in drywall, building, and roofing and is now Co-President of Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail along with the other Preferred Group companies. Craig and Jake have successfully continued to carry on the legacy and maintain the same relationships over the years established by Waldo and Billy.
Jake Fulmer - President
In 1993 another second generation expert in the construction business, Jake Fulmer, joined forced with Craig. Now, he is also Co-President of Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail along with the other Preferred Group companies. With a combined 70+ years of experience, Jake and Craig continue to build business based on client recommendations and customer satisfaction.
Don DeLong - Vice President of Drywall
Having spent his entire adult life working with Waldo, Craig, and Jake, Don has over 30 years of experience in drywall and is now the Vice President of Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail. He has assumed the day to day operation of the business averaging in excess of 300 projects annually.
Mike Ariail - Superintendent
Mike has been working for his father, Waldo, and with his brother, Craig, for over 30 years. When Craig stepped into the partnership, Mike took on the spraying and texture portion of the business. With his extensive knowledge and experience in drywall, Mike is now Superintendent of spray and texture at Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail.
