Meet the Team
Brenden Sicilia – Owner/Operator
Brenden brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the concrete coatings industry, with deep roots that go back even further—his family has been in the business for over 30 years through their company, Plexi-Chemie. Brendan spent six years as a project manager at Plexi-Chemie before stepping into his own path, specializing in garage floor coatings. What started as Garage Floor Specialists has now grown into the rebranded Checkmate Coatings.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of North Florida, but his true passion lies in delivering top-tier craftsmanship and service to every customer we work with.
When he’s not out on job sites or guiding our team, Brendan is all about family. He’s a dedicated husband to his wife Kalin and a proud dad to Luca and Harper. Outside of work, you’ll find him soaking up every moment with them or on the golf course.
Austin Fender – Owner / Operator
Austin grew up in South Georgia and has called the Southeast home his whole life. After earning his Bachelor of Science of Business Administration in Leadership from Liberty University, he went on to complete a Master of Arts in Leadership from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Before joining Checkmate Coatings, he spent time in real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and worked as a sales manager in the roofing industry. All of those roles gave him a solid foundation in leadership, customer service, and what it takes to run a business with integrity.
Outside of work, he is a husband to his amazing wife Morgan and a proud dad to his little boy, Reid. He loves staying active—running, exercising, and getting out to hunt when he can. His faith is a big part of who he is and how he leads, and he tries to bring those values into every aspect of life and business.
Patrick Emmet – Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Emmet is the Chief Financial Officer and Partner of Checkmate Coatings, where he leads finance, capital allocation, and M&A strategy. With more than 30 years of experience in corporate finance and operations, he has driven major turnarounds, led company’s growth strategy, and advised middle-market businesses on M&A strategy. He holds his FINRA Series 79 license, is a member of the Rollins College Tennis Hall of Fame, and earned both his B.A. in Economics and M.B.A. in Finance from Rollins College. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Patrick is an avid golfer and tennis player who enjoys time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and two dogs
Parker Sanders – Project Manager
As a Project Manager at Checkmate Coatings, Parker’s number one priority is delivering an exceptional customer experience from start to finish. With over 12 years of sales expertise and 8 years in the coatings industry, he brings a proven ability to manage projects efficiently while keeping homeowners informed and confident throughout the process.
Parker studied Exercise Science at the University of North Florida and began his career as a Territory Manager at Ring Power, where he successfully managed more than 300 client accounts. That experience honed his skills in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building—qualities that make him a trusted partner for Checkmate’s customers.
Born and raised in Jacksonville and a proud Bishop Kenny High School graduate, Parker knows the local community well. Outside of work, he lives for life on the water—fishing, boating, and hunting are his go-to passions. Parker’s attention to detail, customer-first mindset, and hands-on leadership make him an essential part of the Checkmate Coatings team.
Kayla Braude – Business Operations Manager
Kayla brings a dynamic background in operations, customer relations, and team support to her role at Checkmate Coatings. Originally from North Carolina, Kayla moved to Jacksonville with her husband, Will, and their two children, Elizabeth and William, in 2023.
Prior to joining Checkmate Coatings, Kayla built a successful career in medical sales and served as the Head Tennis Professional at Charlotte Country Club. She is a proud graduate of Wake Forest University, where she earned a degree in Biochemistry in 2012 while competing as a Division I tennis player—reaching a national ranking of No. 7 her senior year.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family and staying active on the tennis and pickleball courts. Her energy, organization, and commitment to excellence make her a valued part of the Checkmate Coatings team.
