Born From Experience. Built to Protect.
Flood Barriers Direct LLC was created because we know firsthand what flooding can do to a home.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida. Two of our own homes were flooded during the storm, leaving us with the difficult process of rebuilding and repairing the damage.
While those homes were being restored, we began researching flood protection systems from around the world. With more than 40 years of experience in commercial and residential construction, along with extensive mechanical knowledge, we wanted to understand what options were available and which systems could truly provide reliable protection.
One flood barrier system we found was already widely used throughout Southwest Florida. It appeared sturdy and well-built, so we purchased the system for one of our ranch-style homes and installed it ourselves.
During testing, however, we discovered several challenges. The system was complicated to deploy, and no matter how carefully we adjusted it, we were unable to completely eliminate minor water seepage.
That experience pushed us to keep searching.Eventually, we discovered another flood protection system for our second home. It was every bit as strong and durable, but its design was different.
The engineering was simple, effective, and incredibly easy to deploy when a storm was approaching.We purchased the system, installed it ourselves, and tested it.The results amazed us.It worked exactly as intended.That experience became the foundation for Flood Barriers Direct LLC.
We realized homeowners and businesses needed access to flood protection that was strong, dependable, thoughtfully engineered, and practical enough to deploy when time matters most.Today, Flood Barriers Direct stocks the components and hardware necessary to protect virtually any opening on a residential property, along with solutions for a wide range of commercial applications.
Help property owners prepare before the next storm arrives.
We understand the emotional and financial impact of flooding because we have experienced it ourselves. That experience drives everything we do.
Ken Scarpetti
Our founder attended Southern New Hampshire University, earning a bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance.
His entrepreneurial career began shortly after college when he launched a successful high-performance boat business. The company became one of the first businesses in New England to sell Eliminator Boats from California, bringing high-performance West Coast boats to customers throughout the region.
He later owned and operated a general contracting and building company with his brother for many years, gaining more than four decades of experience in commercial and residential construction.
Today, he also operates a real estate brokerage firm.
That combination of construction knowledge, mechanical understanding, business experience, and firsthand experience with hurricane flooding ultimately led to the creation of Flood Barriers Direct.
Outside of business, he is married to Jackie, and together they have a daughter, Isabella.
Brian Ballenger
Brian Ballenger is a licensed Florida contractor and graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor's degree.
Brian brings an exceptional level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to every project he takes on.
His work ranges from building complete homes to creating custom kitchens and bathrooms, performing major renovations, and completing full-property remodels.
Regardless of the size of the project, Brian approaches every job with the same philosophy:
If you're going to do it, do it right.
His construction experience and commitment to quality make him an invaluable part of the Flood Barriers Direct team.
Brian is married to Holly, and they have enjoyed many years together as a family.
Michael Kennington
Michael works closely alongside Brian on construction and installation projects, combining hands-on experience, problem-solving ability, and craftsmanship.
Together, Brian and Michael have completed projects ranging from detailed renovations to extensive construction work, always focusing on precision and quality.
Michael's experience in the field makes him an important part of our installation and project team, helping ensure each flood protection system is installed correctly and built to perform when it matters most.
When he isn't working, Michael stays busy with his youngest children, Presley and Lincoln.