As a family-owned, local business, S.B. Coleman Construction has a vested interest in making Asheville and Western North Carolina the greatest place to live in the nation. It accomplishes this goal with a team of highly trained and respected professionals, many of whom have been with the company for 20 years or more. Each person is committed to continuous improvement of the company and the region, and is driven by honesty, integrity and dedication.

Stewart B. Coleman, President

A native of Asheville and graduate of North Carolina State University, Stewart began his career in the company founded by his father, R.L. Coleman, Sr. He worked in the construction division of that business for more than 30 years before starting S.B. Coleman Construction Co. Stewart is a licensed contractor with an Unlimited Building General Contractors License. He served on the board of the North Carolina States Ports Authority, the North Carolina Ports/Railroad Commission and the Foundation board of University of North Carolina at Asheville. He is a past member of the board of directors of MANNA Food Bank, and he’s active in numerous other community organizations. Stewart is blessed with daughters who reside in Asheville. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his two grandsons and has a passion for sailing and vintage automobiles.

Ross A. Franklin, Vice President of Operations

A native of Asheville, Ross joined the company in 2001. He has an Associates Degree from Wake Tech and attended NC State University. He offers clients nearly a decade of experience in both residential and commercial construction. He is an active member of the Mountain Area Ducks Unlimited Committee, and serves on the board of the Asheville Affiliates. He and his wife have one child. Ross enjoys duck hunting, golf and fishing.

Tom Israel, Vice President of Real Estate Development

A native of Asheville, Tom holds a degree in Business Management with an emphasis on real estate from NC State University. He also has a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of San Diego, a Certificate in Project Management from San Diego State University, and a North Carolina Real Estate Brokers license. He has diversified experience in real estate in residential and commercial sales, design and construction. Tom serves on the board of directors at the Asheville Community Theatre, and in his spare time enjoys fly-fishing, golf and sailing. He and his wife are blessed with one child.

Lisa Starnes, CPA, CFE, Chief Financial Officer

A native of Western North Carolina, Lisa attended UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a Master of Accounting degree. A licensed CPA in both North Carolina and Alabama, she is also a member of the NCACPA, AICPA and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Lisa and her husband have two children. In her spare time, she enjoys pottery, hiking and reading.

Thomas Fawcett, Project Manager

Thomas has been with S.B. Coleman Construction since 1994, and he oversees both residential and commercial building projects for the company. He has been a licensed contractor since 1974, working in all facets of commercial and residential construction. He holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Western Carolina University, and enjoys designing and building custom furniture.

Mary Evans, Vice President of Sales

Mary joined R.L. Coleman and Company as Director of Marketing in 1989. She has since worked in all aspects of leasing, sales and marketing for the commercial projects of both that company and S.B. Coleman Construction. Most recently, Mary worked on the development and sale of Twenty One Battery Park, a mixed-used condominium located in Downtown Asheville. Mary is a licensed North Carolina real estate agent. A native of Alabama, she has a B.A. from Spring Hill College in Mobile. She and her husband, John, have two children. She enjoys tennis as well as watching and coaching basketball.

Gary McHone, General Superintendent

A native of Asheville, Gary began his career with RL Coleman and company in 1979. He attended Asheville-Buncombe Community College with a focus on construction, and his experience in all aspects of commercial and residential construction makes him an invaluable member of our team. Gary and his wife have three children, and in his free time he enjoys playing golf, coaching his sons’ sports teams, and spending time with his family.

Catherine Gordon, Office Manager

Catherine was born in Surrey, England, and lived in the United States and England until 1993, when she finally settled in Asheville with her son. Catherine’s responsibilities range from secretarial to accounts payable and payroll. She enjoys gourmet cooking, hiking, reading and spending time with her son.