David Burdette was raised on a small family farm near Charleston, West Virginia. The Burdette family depended primarily on the farm produce and dairy products for sustenance, and David developed his uncommon work ethic by literally putting food on the table. Mr. Burdette no longer derives his living from the land, but his work ethic persists, carrying him through many challenging positions to his current place at the helm of the Smoky Top Project Group. 

David Burdette graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1984, and earned a football scholarship to attend the West Virginia Institute of Technology.  While working toward his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics, David was an Academic All-American football player and worked eight months as a coop engineer in the power generation industry. He also started a small construction company designing and building decks, and continued operating his family farm after his father passed away. David graduated cum laude from WV Tech in 1989.

After college, Mr. Burdette worked as a project manager and unit technical representative for a major chemical utility production and distribution plant in Institute, West Virginia. He produced most of the pumping and compression systems design in the power plants, nitrogen units, breathing air systems, river water, potable water, and steam production and distribution for the 400 acre multi-company chemical plant. David also found time to continue his seven year stint as a guide for an Oregon outfitter during the fall months. His many responsibilities and multiple goals proved David Burdette's skills in project management and leadership.

Mr. Burdette left the engineering field to satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit, advancing his construction skills to comple design-build remodel projects around Charleston, North Carolina. He pursued these operations further in a move to Sevier County, Tennessee. After successful spec houses and renovation projects, David teamed with financial partners to develop Black Bear Falls Log Home Community in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. David utilized his skills and experience to grow his construction company, and his leadership to surround himself with complementary personalities. Mr. Burdette has now founded most of the companies that make up the Smoky Top Project Group, and serves as President and Chief Manager.

David Burdette lives in Kodak, Tennessee with his wife Teresa and their three children, Levi, Luke, and Lilly. They frequently travel to West Virginia and to their home in Cascade, Idaho. David is a renowned hunter, and spends much of his free time pursuing game across North America.

E-mail: dburdette@smokytop.net