Meet Our Team
INSTRUCTORS
Our team of instructors are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in preparing students for success on their exams. They bring real-world expertise from owning businesses, working with developers and builders, and serving engineering firms, utility companies, and municipalities. Committed to your success, they’ll guide you every step of the way. In addition to regularly scheduled classes, we offer personalized one-on-one tutoring through Zoom video conferencing to ensure you have the help you need to pass your exams.
Wallace Lawson – Head Instructor
Wallace "Wally" Lawson is a seasoned construction professional and instructor with over two decades of industry experience. He holds State Certified licenses as a General Contractor, Roofing Contractor, and Residential Home Inspector. Since 2007, he has owned and qualified multiple construction services companies, successfully completing a variety of commercial renovation projects throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. As an instructor, Mr. Lawson teaches classes specifically designed to prepare students for the Florida General, Building, and Residential Contractor Contract Administration and Project Management exams. He also offers one-on-one private tutoring for the Florida Business and Finance exam, the Florida Roofing Contractor exam, and various other construction trades. In addition to classroom instruction, he contributes to the development of online practice exams and exam prep materials to support student success. His hands-on industry experience, combined with a strong academic background—including a Master’s Degree in General Management—makes him a valuable mentor for aspiring contractors across the state.
B.S. in Business Data Processing
MBA General Management
Florida Certified General Contractor
Florida Certified Roofing Contractor
Florida Certified Residential Home Inspector
Thomas Hicken – Plumbing Instructor
Thomas T. Hicken is a master plumber and plumbing contractor living in Cache Valley, Utah. He has been a plumbing contractor since 2010 and successfully ran a service and repair business for over ten years. In his 20 years of plumbing experience, he has completed numerous commercial and industrial projects, including residential plumbing and service plumbing. His view and understanding of the plumbing trade are comprehensive. In addition to his plumbing work and his instructor position at 1 Exam Prep, Thomas also works for Utah State University Eastern as a plumbing instructor. Prior to this position, he taught plumbing apprentices at Bridgerland Technical College beginning in 2008, preparing them to take and pass their journeyman test. Thomas brings his deep industry knowledge and passion for teaching to every class, empowering the next generation of plumbers to build successful careers.
B.S. in Business Management
Commercial Master Plumber License
Michael Bourgeois – Instructor
Michael is a versatile construction professional with hands-on experience across multiple skilled trades, including framing, plumbing, electrical work, roofing, and solar installations. He has traveled the country as a technical trainer and project manager, refining his teaching methods with a focus on practical, system-based solutions. His approach empowers students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in their exams, and his commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment ensures they are well equipped for success.
Florida Certified Roofing Contractor
Florida Certified Solar Contractor
OSHA 30 Certified
OSHA Forklift Certified
Nelson Aguedo – Instructor
Nelson Aguedo, our Spanish Business and Finance instructor, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the program. Licensed as a CGC since December 2023, Nelson holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, obtained in 1994. He has been a certified high school English through ESOL teacher since 2016 and is also a tennis coach. Actively engaged in the construction industry as a home builder since 2017, he also has extensive experience in home renovation and flipping since 2008. Nelson's leadership skills were further honed as a field supervisor for a hurricane shutter company from 2004 to 2008. With his extensive experience in both education and various facets of the construction industry, Nelson Aguedo is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and pass the Business and Finance exam.
B.S. in Education
Florida Certified General Contractor
Justin Martineau – Instructor
Justin Martineau brings a strong blend of trade expertise and educational experience to 1 Exam Prep. A Florida Certified Air Conditioning Contractor and former Florida-certified educator, Justin has spent over a decade working in both the HVAC industry and classroom instruction. He has managed residential and commercial HVAC projects, overseeing bidding, scheduling, job costing, staff training, and customer service operations. Earlier in his career, he served as a classroom teacher and professional development instructor, helping students and new educators master complex material and achieve their goals. At 1 Exam Prep, Justin combines real-world industry knowledge with proven instructional techniques to help aspiring contractors succeed, drawing on his background to guide students through both the technical and business aspects of the HVAC contracting profession.
B.A. in Political Science and History
Florida Certified Air Conditioning Class B Contractor
Florida Department of Education Certification
Fay Bamond – Instructor
Fay Bamond has been a licensed Florida Building Contractor since 2004. She has experience in the construction of new single family as well as multi-family homes, commercial additions and residential remodeling projects of all levels of complexity. She has extensive knowledge of the real estate market and its relationship to the construction industry having owned a mortgage firm, real estate brokerage and title insurance company. Fay is a proud Florida native and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Florida State University as well as a Minor in Education. She brings a unique, high energy approach to teaching, taking a personal interest in each of her students to ensure they receive the information they need to successfully pass their exams and are prepared to enter the next stage of their professional lives.
B.S. in Mass Communications
Florida Certified Building Contractor
Florida Real Estate Broker Associate
Mike Waggoner – Electrical Tutor
With over four decades of experience, Mike Waggoner has built a distinguished career with a strong focus on electrical projects within commercial markets. As a Licensed Unlimited Electrical & General Contractor across multiple states, he brings unparalleled expertise to each project. Mike is also an NCCER Certified Craft Instructor, passionately dedicated to mentoring the next generation of contractors. As the Founder and Managing Member of American Subcontractor Peer Group, LLC, he remains a steadfast supporter of future industry leaders. Mike is also an active parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC, and a passionate supporter of the U.S. Constitution, military personnel, and American values. Off the job, he's an enthusiast of anything fast with a classic American V8 engine.
Florida Certified Unlimited Electrical Contractor
Florida Certified General Contractor
North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor
Virginia Master Electrician
NCCER Craft Instructor
Andrea Hoffman – Tutor
Andrea holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an MBA. She is licensed in multiple trades and passed the NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor exam. Andrea offers broad exam prep support, including Home Inspector and Real Estate exams.
B.S. in Civil Engineering
MBA
Florida Certified General Contractor
Florida Certified Roofing Contractor
Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor
Florida Certified Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor
Passed NASCLA Commercial General Building Contractor Exam
Florida Home Inspector
Florida Real Estate Sales Associate
LICENSING CONSULTANTS AND SALES
Carlos Diaz – Licensing Advisor
Carlos Diaz brings over 20 years of experience in sales and customer service, with a strong focus on helping clients succeed in their licensing journey. A tri-lingual speaker—fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English—he is committed to providing clear, supportive guidance every step of the way. Carlos holds a degree in History and Education, giving him insight into the challenges students face with exams and coursework. Prior to joining 1 Exam Prep, he worked as a residential manager, gaining firsthand experience with OSHA standards and Florida construction regulations. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Carlos combines industry knowledge, educational background, and a dedication to service to help students move forward with confidence.
Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English
Contact: 954-414-0293 | Carlos@1examprep.com
Peter Versace – Licensing Advisor
Peter Versace has been a trusted licensing advisor at 1 Exam Prep since 2013, guiding thousands of students through the Florida State and County contractor licensing process. With over a decade of experience, Peter has developed a deep understanding of the requirements and timelines involved in obtaining a license across a wide range of trades. Known for his approachable style and prompt, knowledgeable support, he helps students approach the licensing process with confidence and clarity. Whether you're just beginning your licensing journey or working through final steps, Peter provides dependable assistance every step of the way.
Contact: 407-844-6815 | Peter@1examprep.com
Get the Right Support for Your Licensing Journey
Whether you need help understanding the licensing process, choosing the right exam prep course, selecting books, or scheduling tutoring, our team is here to assist. Contact us today or call 877-775-9400.