About Foxfile LLC

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Matthew Caplins grew up immersed in the world of building construction, engineering and the trades. Growing up his father built the family house and competed it largely by himself and with the help of his family.  Matt’s grandfather, before retiring was at different points in his life a bricklayer, general contractor, hardware store owner and masonry trade school instructor. His uncle also taught HVAC and plumbing at the trade school. Starting at a young age Matt spent most weekends helping his family with some aspect of the construction process as well as often discussing engineering topics and principles with his grandfather on the other side of the family who was a PhD engineer.

After high school Matt sailed professionally on tall ships and eventually obtained a US Coast Guard Master’s License. Although he spent most of this time as a deck officer he also spent time working as a rigger, shipwright on wooden schooners and as a shipboard marine engineer. Later going back ashore he obtained an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Maryland. During this time he worked his way through university doing home improvement projects and working as an HVAC technician. 

Matt has over 15 years of experience employed at an engineering consulting firm working primarily with larger scale multi-million dollar commercial construction projects with complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.  Over the years he has also kept his own hands dirty working in his cabinet shop and providing various other trade services. He is just as at home at the job site with his tool belt on as he is discussing design aspects with an engineer or in a law office board room providing technical input as an expert.  Matt holds Master HVAC, Master Plumber and Master Gas Fitter tradesman licenses and is also a full member of ASHRAE. He lives in Flint Hill in a hand-hewn log cabin he built with his wife Iryna, their daughter and a cat.