Ross Cook

Senior Project Manager

Ross formally began his construction career in 2007, cutting his teeth with a tenant finish contractor in Denver, CO, but grew up within the residential construction industry, reading blueprints and visiting job sites throughout his childhood. This inherent knowledge allowed him to easily manage subcontractors while also focusing on the aspects of construction that he hadn’t previously been exposed to. He spent a number of years building on his background of accounting and operations management within the outdoor industry, with a goal of eventually bringing that knowledge and a new level of efficiency to the construction process. He started with Beverly-Grant’s project management team and quickly demonstrated this ability, managing projects ranging from $56K to $17M, and keeping each of these projects within budget from preconstruction through completion.

Being a North Carolina native, Asheville was the only option that Ross considered when moving back to his home state. His roots brought him back to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you can typically find him chasing his children through the woods or floating somewhere on the water.

Caleb Fieser

Senior Project Manager

Caleb is a 3rd generation carpenter and contractor who grew up on job sites, pushing a broom for his father from a very young age. He went on to master his trade, working at Historic Hudson Valley where he developed a passion for historical restoration. From there he went on to be a project manager for a general contractor in Woodstock, NY, before eventually relocating to Western North Carolina.

For seven years, Caleb ran his own general contracting company before returning to the role of project manager, where his day-to-day was spent on jobsites and interacting with customers. Caleb has a great rapport with clients and an attention to detail that only comes with being a master craftsman. Caleb lives in Asheville with his adorable and spoiled Dachshund, Ilse.

Mike Jacobsen

Project Manager

Mike is a PMP-certified project manager with more than 16 years of experience in the construction industry. An alumnus of East Carolina University, Mike began his career with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specializing in large-scale outdoor sculpture, which he crafted in his studio workshop in Winston-Salem, NC.

After building connections in New York City, Mike relocated in 2006, where he was hired as the lead fabricator for a custom architectural metals company. There, he discovered his passion for construction and the art of shaping the built environment.

Shortly after moving to New York, Mike felt the pull of the mountains and decided to return closer to his Asheville, NC, roots. He transitioned into carpentry, gaining hands-on experience building custom homes in Western North Carolina. Recognizing that construction is a team effort, Mike began honing his leadership skills and soon started managing and leading construction projects.

In recent years, Mike has led the construction of some of Asheville’s most beloved restaurants, breweries, and retail spaces. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing games, cheering on the Asheville City Soccer Club, and exploring the beautiful mountains of WNC.

Brent Lanning

Project Manager

Brent came to Griffin, bringing with him 30 years of experience in the construction industry in Western North Carolina. Brent owned and operated his own construction and commercial roofing business for 15 years before selling and taking on Project Management roles for other organizations.

He has a rich history in residential, commercial, and multifamily housing. Brent’s last role before Griffin was a Regional Project Manager for the Carroll Companies, one of North Carolina and the Southeast’s largest multifamily and hospitality developers. Brent has a unique ability to connect with and earn trust from his subcontractors as well as his customers. He takes a personal interest in his projects, and our customers can feel his earnestness.

Brent is a native of Asheville. He and his wife live in the Alexander area, where they enjoy the mountain views and evening sunsets.

Garret Patnesky

Assistant Project Manager

Garrett brings a well-rounded background in commercial and residential project management to his role as Assistant Project Manager. Originally from Raleigh, NC, he attended Hampden-Sydney College, where he played lacrosse and developed a strong team-first mindset. 

After moving to Asheville in 2024, Garrett gained experience as an owner’s representative for a commercial real estate owner and developer, managing tenant upfits across the Southeast. Most recently, he served in a project management role with a large plumbing company, where he strengthened his ability to manage schedules, coordination, and execution in fast-paced environments. 

Garrett loves living in WNC with his Asheville-native fiancée and beloved Labrador Retriever, Happy.

Jonathan Ball

Assistant Project Manager

As an Asheville native, Jonathan brings a strong mix of local insight and big-city experience to his role as an Assistant Project Manager. A graduate of UNC Asheville, he began his career in New York City, where he worked as a building code consultant, ensuring compliance with building regulations and assisting with permit procurement and sign-offs on complex projects.  

After returning to Asheville, Jonathan joined a high-end construction firm as an assistant project manager, gaining skills in managing detailed residential projects. He also has a background in the design and production of high-end cabinetry, giving him a keen eye for craftsmanship.

Outside of work, Jonathan spends his time outdoors with his wife and young daughter, taking full advantage of everything Western North Carolina has to offer.

Ashley Bacot

Business Manager & Controller

A native of the Baltimore area, Ashley obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Upon moving to Asheville, she spent 8 years in the financial services/brokerage industry. Starting in new accounts and compliance, she would grow into other roles as an assistant to Financial Advisors and Assistant to the Branch Manager. She was eventually a member of the Operations Management team for her branch.

After spending three years as a stay-at-home mom, Ashley returned to the workplace as a preschool teacher at Central United Methodist Church where she taught for 7 years. It was here that she learned the patience she would need to deal with life in the construction industry. Ashley joined Griffin in 2014 and has grown to be an integral part of the business. She handles all things financial, including accounting, AP, AR, as well as HR compliance.

Andrew Fallacara

Project Facilitator

Andrew grew up in Yorktown, VA, and attended East Carolina University before moving to Asheville.  He is a vital part of the office providing support to both the Project Managers and Superintendents in the field. He also assists the office with subcontracts, job cost allocation, IT and social media support. He also develops the close-out books for each owner as the job finishes. Andrew is also a jazz musician who performs and teaches across the Asheville area.

Amanda Bullock

Bookkeeper

Amanda is our detail-oriented Bookkeeper, bringing clarity and precision to our team’s financial operations. Originally from Texarkana, Texas, Amanda made Asheville her home a decade ago and has since become deeply rooted in the community. 

She began a career in finance in 2009 and has extensive experience across banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and comprehensive bookkeeping. Amanda’s steady expertise ensures that Griffin’s books are accurate and organized and that our financial processes run smoothly behind the scenes. 

When she’s not tracking numbers, Amanda loves spending time with her husband and their Doberman Pinscher, Ronan. A passionate home cook, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and sharing good food with friends and family. 

Amanda’s blend of professional skill and warm personality makes her an indispensable part of our team.

Melanie Griffin

Office Administration/HR

Melanie helps with a little bit of everything at Griffin. After earning a degree from Randolph Macon College, she spent more than a decade in the staffing and HR industry. She brings a wealth of experience in recruiting, staffing, and labor law to the team.

Melanie works closely with Ashley and Andrew, keeping the machine running smoothly. She also handles most of the basic HR functions for the company. Whether it is helping with accounting, posting for a new position, or helping a customer pick out light fixtures, Melanie helps keep everything moving in the right direction.

David Shelton

Senior Construction Manager

David came to Asheville and Griffin by way of Indiana, where he spent more than 25 years in the construction industry. After falling in love with construction, architecture, and engineering in high school, David went on to run large multifamily and commercial projects, honing his skills in blueprint analysis, municipal permitting, budget control, and sub-trade coordination.

David and his wife have 5 children and 3 wonderful grandchildren. David is an avid golfer, and in his spare time, you can find him on the golf course or enjoying the outdoors near their family’s home in Reems Creek.

Tom Hooten

Senior Construction Manager

Tom grew up in a construction family and is now a 25-year veteran of the construction industry. He has progressed from a carpenter’s helper to superintendent on some of the largest hotel and multifamily projects in the region. He is experienced in a wide variety of construction types, including post-tensioned concrete, precast concrete, tilt-up construction, and steel-framed structures.

A competent manager who knows how to deal with and get the most out of subcontractors, Tom understands how to work with the owner and the architect to discuss and resolve problems. He has a very keen eye for detail and commitment to the highest level of quality.

Chance Hannah

Construction Manager

Chance grew up in a construction family as the son of a local contractor in and around Asheville. He then received a degree in Construction Management from Western Carolina University. Upon graduating, Chance worked for a local utility contractor. He was later hired on by a regional apartment developer, where he helped supervise the renovation and new construction of apartments all across North and South Carolina. Chance brings a great skill set from his degree and experience to Griffin and has become a key member of our construction management team.

Justin Allen

Construction Manager

Justin grew up in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in a construction family. Justin’s dad ran a successful HVAC company and raised his boys to work hard and always make sure the job is done right. Justin brings that attitude to his role with Griffin.

Justin started off as a carpenter and has worked his way up to running residential and commercial projects well in excess of $1M. Justin brings a pleasant nature and a calm demeanor to his projects. Our customers always appreciate the expectations for quality and work ethic that Justin brings to his projects.

Leyland Wheeler

Construction Manager

Leyland grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he started working in construction at 16. After studying business at Fanshawe College, he returned to the construction industry in Toronto. In 2015, while visiting family in Western NC, he met his wife and made WNC his home. Once again, Leyland gravitated toward the construction industry, honing his skills as a carpenter. He then took a position with a high-end home builder, where he worked for several years.

His breadth of skills and attention to detail resulted in his handling that company’s punch and warranty work before joining the team at Griffin. Our customers love the care and attention Leyland pays to their projects. When he’s not at work, you can find Leyland tinkering with his guitars and spending time with his wife and dog.

Kevin Bishop

Senior Construction Manager

Originally from Kingsport, TN, Kevin has over 16 years of experience in Residential Construction. He is also a talented carpenter and cabinet maker. Kevin has experience serving as a lead carpenter, superintendent, and project manager. Kevin also owned and operated his own Construction company for several years before moving into high-end residential construction with a local builder. Customers love Kevin’s eye for detail and his thoughtful communication throughout the project. He is ever-present on the job site.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys all the outdoor activities WNC has to offer. He is an avid hiker and skiing enthusiast. Kevin and his wife live in West Asheville with their beloved fur babies.

Adam Reynolds

Construction Manager

A New York native, Adam entered the construction industry following his service as a Section Leader in the United States Marine Corps. After receiving his degree in Construction Management, Adam spent six years with a national self-performing multifamily developer, where he was exposed to every level of the building process. He has experience in various building types and specific expertise in framing.

He has helped supervise and deliver multifamily projects throughout North Carolina’s Triangle region on challenging sites with foundation structures ranging from slab-on-grade to podium platforms. His calm demeanor and extensive construction knowledge make him an asset to owners and subcontractors when pushing a quality product across the finish line.