About
Built on Trust
Backed by Experience
Kevin Thomas
President
Chief Executive Officer
As President and CEO of KT Ventures, Kevin Thomas leads the company with vision, discipline, and a focus on strategic growth. He is the driving force behind the firm’s operational direction, steering projects, teams, and long-term planning with clarity and purpose. In close collaboration with his business partners Dawn Arcieri and Brian Stephens, Kevin ensures the firm remains agile, forward-thinking, and deeply client focused.
Kevin brings over 30 years of experience spanning architecture, construction, and development in the hospitality and commercial sectors. His diverse background includes roles as an Architect, Owner’s Representative, Director of Development, and General Contractor that gives him a unique perspective on every project.
He’s known for translating each client’s vision into practical, well-executed solutions while keeping projects on track and on budget. Early in his career, Kevin spent nine years practicing architecture with two firms, then went on to lead development and construction efforts for prominent hospitality brands such as Landry’s Restaurants, Fertitta Hospitality and Saltgrass Steak House & Well Seasoned Inc.
He later spent more than a decade as Senior Project Manager at ADB Commercial Construction, where he managed day-to-day operations, client relationships, and estimating.
Kevin draws on his deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience to lead KT Ventures with purpose and precision, fostering a company culture built on trust, accountability, and results.
Off the Clock: When Kevin’s not steering projects with steady hands and sharp focus, he’s hitting the road in his RV with his wife Anita chasing scenic routes, small-town gems, and a little peace and quiet. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country trek, Kevin’s all about the ride, the views, and the memories made along the way.
Dawn Arcieri
Executive Vice President of Creative Services
Chief Creative Officer
As Executive VP of Creative Services for KT Ventures, Dawn Arcieri drives the firm’s creative vision with clarity, intention, and an entrepreneurial mindset. She is integral in the day-to-day decisions and running of KT Ventures alongside Kevin Thomas and Brain Stephens and contributes meaningfully to the firm’s strategic growth. She brings a leadership style shaped by four decades of design expertise, bridging strategic development with design innovation to create immersive, impactful environments.
As Principal and Chief Creative Officer of Sparrow Studio, KT Ventures’ design division, Dawn leads with a rare blend of aesthetic intuition, operational precision, and deep commitment to client outcomes. Under Dawn’s guidance, Sparrow delivers elevated environments that reflect impeccable taste, thoughtful investment, and story-driven design, each project aligning seamlessly with business goals while creating meaningful, lasting impressions. Her work reflects not only design mastery, but a deep understanding of how spaces can inspire, connect, and perform.
Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative ethos, Dawn serves as a creative partner, facilitator, and brand steward, trusted for her ability to lead KT Ventures with clarity and consistency, driving growth that strengthens the company and fosters lasting, trust-based relationships with clients.
Off the Clock: When Dawn’s not deep in the design process, she channels her creative energy as a self-taught chocolatier, an entertainer whose gatherings are pure artistry, and a style diva with a closet that’s always expanding. Equal parts creative spark and style maven, Dawn’s always serving up something unforgettable.
Brian Stephens
Executive VP of Construction
Chief Construction Officer
Brian Stephens is the Executive Vice President of Construction at KT Ventures, leading the Restaurant Division with a focus on fast casual and quick serve concepts. He works side by side with his business partners, Dawn Arcieri and Kevin Thomas, playing a key role in shaping the strategic direction and growth of the company.
With more than 27 years in commercial construction, Brian brings a wealth of experience as a Project Manager, Estimator, and Superintendent, having delivered both ground-up builds and tenant improvements. He is known not only for his ability to complete projects on time and under budget, but also for his hands-on leadership with KT Ventures’ construction team and his deep, trusted relationships with developers and clients.
Brian's commitment to client retention and long-term partnerships has earned him a reputation as a go-to leader in the restaurant construction space. As KT Ventures continues to grow, Brian remains driven by one goal: to expand the company’s reach while building meaningful, lasting relationships that drive success for clients and partners alike.
Off the Clock: When Brian’s not wrangling construction challenges, you’ll find him two-stepping across the dance floor, chilling with his prize show cattle, or casting a line at his favorite fishing hole. Boots on, tunes up, and always ready for the next adventure!
Get to Know Your Team
Matthew Thomas
Project Manager
Off the Clock: When Matt’s not juggling projects, he’s unwinding with family, taking his boys to the park, chasing them around the pool, and cooling off.
Shannon Giordano
Business & Marketing Manager
Off the Clock: Shannon is a devoted PTA mom who enjoys reading captivating book series and takes long, refreshing walks whenever she can.
Michael McKenzie
General Superintendent
Off the Clock: Michael enjoys fishing, mountain biking, golfing, or diving into a woodworking project. If it involves fresh air and hands-on fun, he’s all in.
Derek Noel
Project Superintendent
Off the Clock: When Derek is off the clock, he’s grilling Cajun feasts, chasing adventures with his kids, and bringing big flavor and heart to everything.
Art Frederick
Project Superintendent
Off the Clock: I’m all about the outdoors, and I especially enjoy fishing. I’ve cast lines around the world, with a few dream catches still on my bucket list.
Trevor McKinney
Project Superintendent
Off the Clock: Trevor enjoys camping, hiking with his dog, traveling, and unwinding with a bit of woodworking whenever he gets the chance.
William Kelly Irwin
Project Superintendent
Off the Clock: William lives for family time, dance competitions, hunting trips, and grilling always in his element, whether camo-clad or cooking.
Anthony Zeig
Project Superintendent
Off the Clock: Outside of work, Anthony loves hunting, fishing, ball games, and travel—anything that brings adventure, fresh air, and memorable experiences.
Cole Hollar
Project Superintendent
Off the Clock: Off the clock, you’ll find me with my wife and sons tackling home projects or, if I’m lucky, sneaking away for a peaceful day of fishing.
Mette Dittmann
Assistant Superintendent
Off the Clock: Los Angeles–born Mette cheers for the Astros and Rockets, loves gardening, sports docs, local breweries, and hiking with her Chihuahuas.
Dakota Stephens
Construction Admin
Off the Clock: Off the clock, you'll find Dakota exhibiting show cattle, hunting for the perfect turquoise piece, or exploring hidden outdoor gems.