If you've spent any time in Naples, Florida, there's a good chance you've come across Art J. Deerey—or as his friends and admirers call him, AJ Deerey. He’s the man behind the iconic maroon Defender 100, a vehicle that looks as if it drove straight out of a James Bond movie and into the rugged Florida backcountry. With equal parts overland adventurer and custom home construction mastermind, AJ Deerey is a local legend with a resume—and a vehicle—that command respect.
By Day: Naples’ Construction Project Manager Extraordinaire
When AJ isn’t tackling swampland trails or rescuing Jeeps from the muck, he’s deep in the heart of Naples’ luxury construction industry. As a seasoned Project Superintendent at Danny Garcia Construction, AJ is responsible for managing high-end custom home builds from initial blueprint to grand opening.
But AJ's impressive career didn’t start yesterday.
Before his role at Danny Garcia, AJ co-owned Slab-2-Shingles, a home inspection and management company. He’s also served as facility manager and large loss adjuster at Allstate Insurance. And let’s not forget his time as project superintendent with Morse Diesel Inc. and the Illinois Department of Transportation. What’s the takeaway? If something needs building, fixing, or managing, AJ’s the person to get it done.
By Weekend: Overland Legend of the Everglades
Now, let's talk about the real star of the show: AJ’s Defender 100.
Sourced and restored by the experts at Defenders-US.com, this custom-built off-road beast combines the classic Land Rover design with modern enhancements that make it a force on any terrain. Here’s a breakdown of what’s under the hood:
Fully rebuilt engine for reliable performance
Left-hand drive conversion for ease of navigation
Upgraded suspension to conquer Florida's toughest trails
Advanced safety features for peace of mind
Top-of-the-line infotainment systems for modern comfort
And of course, that sleek style that turns heads wherever it goes
This rig doesn’t just look good—it’s made to dominate the Florida wilderness.
Whether AJ’s driving through the notorious Mosquito Pass (a trail notorious for eating Jeeps) or leading a convoy of off-roaders through gator country, he and his Defender make it look easy. And, of course, Winston, his loyal yellow lab, is always by his side, grinning as if he knows his dad is kind of a big deal.
LinkedIn to Legend: AJ’s Construction Cred
Want to dive into AJ’s construction expertise? Check out his LinkedIn profile where you’ll find decades of hands-on experience, glowing recommendations, and the kind of career that proves this guy doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s out there building.
Who Is AJ Deerey, Really?
Name: Art J. Deerey
Also Known As: AJ Deerey
Location: Naples, Florida
Profession: Construction Project Manager & Overland Enthusiast
Ride of Choice: Maroon Defender 100 by Defenders-US
Trusty Sidekick: Winston the Yellow Lab
Favorite Saying: “Overland prepared or overland repaired.”
The Legend Continues
Whether he’s blazing through a flooded trail or laying the foundation for a luxury mansion, AJ Deerey is the epitome of a true professional. He’s the guy you want behind the wheel and the blueprint. And with a Defender like his? You’ll probably want to follow closely behind.
Looking for a legendary builder or an authentic adventure? Connect with AJ Deerey on LinkedIn or visit Defenders-US.com to experience what real adventure looks like.
