Expert Drywall Transitions Ownership to Four Internal Principals

The 78-year-old contractor maintains local ownership and continuity for clients and project teams.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Expert Drywall LLC, a 78-year-old construction contractor based in Snohomish, Washington, has transitioned ownership from longtime owners Martin Holberg and James McDade to four internal leaders: Alec McDade, Joshua O'Connor, Ryan Miller, and Leif Biffle. The new ownership team has extensive experience working on major commercial projects in the Pacific Northwest.

Why it matters

The ownership transition at Expert Drywall ensures the company's long-standing history of local ownership continues, providing stability and continuity for its clients and project teams. The new leadership team has deep institutional knowledge and relationships that will help the company maintain its position as a leading drywall and framing contractor in the region.

The details

The four new principals - Alec McDade, Joshua O'Connor, Ryan Miller, and Leif Biffle - have all worked their way up through the company, taking on increasing levels of responsibility. Alec McDade and Joshua O'Connor will serve as Co-Presidents, while Miller and Biffle will be Vice-Presidents. Founders Martin Holberg and James McDade will remain involved as senior advisors during the transition period.

  • Expert Drywall was founded in 1948.
  • The ownership transition was announced in February 2026.

The players

Expert Drywall LLC

A 78-year-old construction contractor based in Snohomish, Washington that provides steel-stud framing, prefabrication, weather barriers, plaster and drywall services throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Martin Holberg

A longtime owner of Expert Drywall who will remain involved as a senior advisor during the transition period.

James McDade

A longtime owner of Expert Drywall who will remain involved as a senior advisor during the transition period.

Alec McDade

A new Co-President and Principal at Expert Drywall, who joined the company in 2021 after previously working as a project engineer at Howard S. Wright.

Joshua O'Connor

A new Co-President and Principal at Expert Drywall, who has been with the company since 2006 and currently serves as chief estimator and contract administrator.

Ryan Miller

A new Vice-President and Principal at Expert Drywall, who brings additional depth in project delivery, client relationships and operations.

Leif Biffle

A new Vice-President and Principal at Expert Drywall, who brings additional depth in project delivery, client relationships and operations.

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What they’re saying

“The transition was planned to support continuity for clients, employees and business partners.”

— Martin Holberg, Longtime Owner (Puget Sound Business Journal)

“The new ownership team has worked directly with long-term general contractor relationships and understands what it takes to deliver complex commercial projects on schedule and within budget.”

— James McDade, Longtime Owner (Puget Sound Business Journal)

The takeaway

The ownership transition at Expert Drywall ensures the company's long-standing history of local ownership and commitment to the Pacific Northwest construction market continues, providing stability and continuity for its clients and project teams during a time of change in the industry.