Raymond James Manship
Owner/President
With an eye for detail and a penchant for burgeoning customer relationships, Jim brings over 48 years of longevity and experience in the construction industry to each aspect of every project. He got his start in construction at the age of 13, remodeling homes. at 19 he established a home-painting company while working his way through college at the University of Arizona where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture. Continuing his tenacious work ethic, Jim launched R.J. Manship Construction in 1983 specializing in custom homes and commercial buildings in Arizona including over one million square feet of retail space. With the creation of Manship Builders in 1995, Jim’s primary focus became residential luxury custom homes allowing him the opportunity to pursue his passion for turning clients’ unique visions into reality.
Mark Laidlaw
Vice President / Project Manager
Mark has been building homes for over 35 years and commandeers several aspects of each project including field supervision and project management as well as overseeing the accounting operations of the company. He began at age 12 painting houses and doing other handyman jobs while going to school. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and becoming a teacher, Mark’s passion for building could no longer be ignored, and he returned to ASU to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. Since that time, he has been involved in the construction of over 300 new custom homes, custom remodel projects, and commercial projects. Mark brings his affinity for structural framework to every project believing that it ultimately provides the foundation for success in addition to a positive experience for the client.
Steve Fox
Senior Project Superintendent
Steve is a skilled carpenter with over 40 years in the construction industry including several hundred projects throughout Arizona. With a hands-on approach, he is responsible for all aspects of the build from planning and specifications to the final walkthrough with the customer. Originally inspired by the homes his father built, Steve learned the enjoyment of working with his hands at a young age. He went on to spend four years training at a carpentry union school. In the decades of honing his skills, he acquired the fervor not only for workmanship and quality but also for dependability, reliability, and client satisfaction, which he brings to every project through to completion.
Christopher Manship
Director of Business & Construction
Chris has been utilizing his knowledge of engineering theory to bring a fresh perspective to every project at Manship Builders for the past 15+ years. His fondness for architecture and design began when he was a teenager and led to his deeper interest in structural engineering. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas, Chris entered the world of bridge design and asset management, contributing to numerous projects across the country for various private, local, state, and federal agencies. For Chris, construction is not just a career; it is a way of life. His favorite aspect of a project is the transformation from design to reality. In his spare time, Chris can be found remodeling his own home or spending time with his wife and two young sons.
Brenda Goodenberger
Office Administrator/Safety Coordinator
Brenda is an Arizona native with over 30 years of experience as an administrator, bookkeeper, and office manager. Her sharp eye for detail and passion for customer service have fueled her success across industries; from banking and business ownership to nonprofit leadership and custom home construction. Brenda holds an M.S. in Psychology, Positive Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology, both from Arizona State University, which comes in very handy for building and maintaining amazing client relationships. Brenda is OSHA10 certified and is a proud member of The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Psi Chi (ΨΧ) International Honor Society in Psychology, Omicron Delta Kappa (ΟΔΚ) National Leadership Honor Society, and Sigma Alpha Iota (ΣΑΙ) International Music Fraternity. When she’s not at her desk, she can be found playing with her pugs, or singing professionally all over the valley.
“At Manship Builders, our culture revolves around one fundamental belief: Earning respect is rooted in the ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic and deep mastery of our craft. To that end, our supervisors lead by example, which means they would never assign tasks they wouldn’t undertake themselves. Not only is this principle crucial for the successful completion of our projects, but also for effective leadership within our team.
Our Project Superintendents play a pivotal role in managing jobsites, coordinating with clients, staffing projects, and overseeing project supervision and management. They all exhibit strong leadership qualities as they guide on-site crews to meet schedules, maintain quality, and adhere to budgets. In partnership with them, our administrative team comprises college graduates who adeptly handle the non-construction facets essential for running a successful company. Their expertise reassures clients of the excellence we uphold across all aspects of our operations. Lastly, the longevity of our dedicated laborers, many of whom have been working with us for over two decades, embodies our ethos.” - Chris Manship (Modern Home Builders Magazine - 2024)