The Del-Mar-Va Council is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2023 Lower Shore Distinguished Citizen Award is Chris Eccleston of Salisbury, MD The Del-Mar-Va Boy Scouts Council considers it a privilege and an honor to present him with this award. Recipients are selected for their outstanding service as evidenced by their leadership to many worthwhile organizations, as well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues and community. The award will be presented to Chris on September 14, 2023 at Salisbury University.
Chris Eccleston, a Salisbury, Maryland native, is the President and founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) a fresh, gritty commercial construction firm igniting potential and doing epic things. DVB brings the “veteran attitude” to local construction projects which led the company to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies recognized by the Inc 5000 list for three consecutive years and the Vet 50 List for two years. Chris’s dedication to veteran employment led to DVB receiving the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award at the Pentagon. DVB has completed over 200 different construction projects in the Mid-Atlantic area with a value over $167,000,000.00. A Navy veteran who served for six years as a nuclear machinist mate on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chris takes great pride in his military service and supporting members of DVB who still serve today.
In addition to DVB, Chris established Trashforce in 2020, a waste-hauling company catering to the Lower Shore. Starting with roll-off services for the construction and demolition industry, Trashforce expanded into residential curbside pickup, serving several hundred customers. Despite its “trashy” origins, Trashforce has become known for its customer service, engagement in the community and hilarious dad jokes.
Chris’s achievements extend beyond his business ventures. In 2023, he became a published author of the children’s book “Grit Leads To Greatness,” co-written with DVB’s creative developer Jenny Kerr Schroen. The book, which promotes the significance of the construction trades, has already sold an impressive 5000 advanced copies. The authors are now focused on sharing this enchanting story in classrooms across the nation.
He holds an undergraduate degree in construction management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an MBA from Salisbury University. Some of his career accomplishments include Eagle Scout, “40 under 40” from Building Design + Construction magazine, Entrepreneur of the Year by Maryland Capital Enterprises, Bright Lights Award from the Comptroller of Maryland, and the WeHeartSBY Award.
Chris’s commitment to his community is reflected in his involvement in various projects and organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development and Greater Salisbury Committee and is a Past President of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
Residing in Salisbury with his wife Kennan and their two children, Hale and Sadie, Chris embraces family life. You might find Chris singing and dancing in the kitchen with Sadie or coaching Hale’s youth sports and engaging in his activities. Alongside his family time, Chris enjoys traveling and immersing himself in outdoor adventures.
More information on the event can be found at www.delmarvacouncil.org/
