Founded in 1971 by Billy McDowell and Waldo Ariail, the roots of our company began in the drywall business. Since then, McDowell & Ariail Drywall has evolved into the Preferred Group of companies. The Preferred Group consists of Preferred Builders of North Florida, Preferred Drywall by McDowell & Ariail, Preferred Roofing and Preferred Gutters. The operation of the company is handled by co-owners Craig Ariail and Jake Fulmer Jr. With a great deal of experience in both residential and commercial construction, the two joined forces over 20 years ago to bring the organization into its current state.