Team Professionals
Our committed, dedicated, passionate and growing team made decisions to come to the Blue Ridge Log Cabins family because they saw the opportunity to fulfill dreams and help families, like yours, find the quality of life you’ve dreamed of in a log cabin. We encourage you to spend some time reading through their bios to learn about the people who make Blue Ridge Log Cabins a reality.
SALES
John Anderson – Chief Financial Officer
Freddie Jones – VP of Sales
Freddie’s two decades of System Built Industry experience are a significant part of the Blue Ridge Log Cabins sales team’s success. Freddie joined the Blue Ridge family in 2007 and currently fills a significant role for the organization as VP of Sales. Freddie leads our in house educational seminars for potential customers. He and his wife have two children, and are involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Freddie is also a competitive golfer.
Donald Owens – Custom Log Home Expert
Donald joins the Blue Ridge family with a passion for log homes and the log enthusiast. With over 17 years in the building industry, he brings a well-seasoned experience to the Blue Ridge team. From the system-built to stick framed and site-built log kit companies, Donald has seen first hand the challenges and issues that customers face when building their dream log home. “I’m convinced that the Blue Ridge concept brings an innovative solution to the natural challenges that have always been a part of any log home in the past. With our unique approach, we take the site-built issues out of the equation for the customer while providing them with a better built product at a lower cost. The beauty of it all is that, unlike site-builders, we give our customers a fixed cost on the home; and to a potential customer…that’s a solution.” Donald adds “If every buyer is searching for the right company that carries the right product at the right price, then Blue Ridge Log Cabins is the only wise choice.” Donald lives in Rutherfordton with his beautiful wife Janet and has 3 children. He is the minister of music at his church and his hobbies are woodworking, landscaping and is an avid outdoorsman.
Robert Thompson – Custom Log Home Expert
Robert is very excited to be working at Blue Ridge, for many reasons, one being the quality of log homes that Blue Ridge build. “Being in the log home industry for over 30 years, I am amazed at how far advanced Blue Ridge is over other log companies. They are the way of the future” Robert commented. Another obvious advantage is the cost. “You know the cost before you ever start building. Blue Ridge actually is responsible for the construction of the home. To me, another big advantage to our buyers is our Blue Ridge homes never gets wet inside, unlike traditional construction of a log or stick framed home. When Blue Ridge installs a home, it is in the dry within the day. Then the crews arrive to do all the final trim work. Our clients love our process because we have made building a log home a joy.” Robert is originally from Tryon, NC and enjoys working for a locally owned company. He and his wife, Gail, live in Spartanburg and are very pleased to be back in the area.
Tom Roe – Custom Log Home Expert
Tom comes to Blue Ridge Log Cabins with over 22 years in the real estate industry. As an owner/vice president of a correspondent mortgage firm, he has helped thousands of buyers and sellers to demystify the complex and confusing process of buying and selling real estate. Over the years he has specialized in working with Veterans whether active duty, retired or DOD contractors. He takes pride in identifying potential problems before they happen and eliminate surprises. Tom has also had his Florida real estate license since 1998. He developed a large track of land in Mill Spring, NC.
Through the years has worked closely with private investors to help them increase their real estate holdings and their return on investment.
Tom was taught at a very early age from his father “that your word is your oath” and is known for being very transparent and honest with his clients.
This is why his relationship with each and every client is built on integrity and honesty not dollars and cents.
Tom lives in Boiling Springs SC with his beautiful and talented wife Linda and their Bernese Mountain dog Max. He spends his free time enjoying the mountains, restoring mid-year corvettes, wood working and gardening.
Kerry Carmenatty – Custom Log Home Expert
Kerry joins Blue Ridge Log Cabins with a sales background and a thirst to help people achieve their dreams.
She grew up in Massachusetts but moved to Florida’s East Coast, where she lived for 17 years before finding her way back to Changing seasons nestled in the foothills in Landrum South Carolina. In her free time, you can find her admiring the wildlife and culture of her new country surroundings , exploring the mountains and spending time with her family
Fred Rill – Custom Log Home Expert
I’ve been blessed to have been married to my beautiful wife for over 37 years, we have two sons and two dogs that have taken ownership of our home. We enjoy having fun, believe in God and family, and follow the rule of being up front and honest with each other in all situations. Having spent over three decades in retail management with companies like The Home Depot, CVS Pharmacy and or the building industry with ProSource, and GA Floors and Cabinets, one of my core value takeaways that I’ve learned is focusing on the customers’ needs and going above and beyond their expectations. It is a must and is key to building their trust in you and your product. Blue Ridge Log Cabins has put that core value in their day-to-day operations. From the sales team to the production crew, and everyone else that is involved in creating the best experience for our customers during this process of building their dream log cabin. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family tackling the great outdoors, like kayaking, exploring the NC wilderness for waterfalls, and mountain biking!
Heather Taylor – Sales Coordinator
As the Sales Coordinator, Heather enjoys welcoming clients at the door and spreading joy to our customers and her Blue Ridge Log Cabin colleagues. She resides in historic Greer, SC with her family and beloved beagle dog. A few of her favorite interests are swimming, camping, and Beach Shag Music.g Music.
BRLC CANADA
Brad Harris – President of Canadian Operations
Brad is a lead project Manager and president of Canadian Operations at Blue Ridge Log Cabins, Brad helps customers balance the Quality, Timelines, and Price expectations of modular construction projects. Brad understands the entire process necessary to complete a modular project from sitework to set.
Brad worked with a reputable construction company for 12 years before joining the Blue Ridge team, and many of the residential and commercial projects he worked on were featured in magazines or won awards. Brad helps builders, homeowners and new buyers understand the steps and budgets necessary to complete modular construction projects.
Brad enjoys staying healthy and being an active member in the local rowing club. Brad also enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife and 2 kids.
MARKETING
Sarah Smith – Marketing Director
Being passionate for the log home industry must be genetic. Although Sarah just became a part of the Blue Ridge team in 2010 as the company’s Marketing Coordinator, the industry has impacted her life for over 10 years. The daughter of Blue Ridge’s President and CEO, Chip Smith, Sarah was immersed with knowledge of the business at an early age. Born and raised in Upstate South Carolina, Sarah is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte Campus, with a degree in Marketing and a Concentration in Fashion Product Development. Sarah’s innovative thinking, energy and creativity for the log home industry have proved to be an asset for BRLC’s marketing and communications department.
FINANCE
Tammy McGraw – Accounting Manager
Renee Burnett – Accounting
CONSTRUCTION
David Bridges – Site Supervisor
David has spent most of his life in construction with over twenty years’ experience in residential and commercial modular and new home construction. Starting from the ground up on set crew, service, service manager, quality control, transportation manager, sales. He understands the entire process which goes into each cabin. He is a licensed general contractor and realtor and has managed multiple projects from single family to complex multifamily. David likes to spend time with family, golf and travel.
Brian Johnson – Service Supervisor
Robert Cooke – Project Manager
BRLC CONSTRUCTION
Chris Carver – Construction Manager
Chris has lived all of his life nested in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. He has invested 30-plus years into the building industry. He comes to Blue Ridge Log Cabins with an exceptional background including commercial, residential, antique log, post and beam, and timber peg homes. Chris signed on with us in July of 2017, with the exceptional leadership qualities he has, it makes it easy for him to engage with his team members to produce the log home of your dreams. Chris enjoys trout fishing, boating, and spending time with his wonderful family.
Parrish Smith – Construction Coordinator
Parrish is a Spartanburg, SC native that is no stranger to Blue Ridge Log Cabins. He worked two summers at BRLC while he was in High School. He went on to study at the University of Mississippi and received an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree from USC Upstate with focuses in Parks and Recreation, English, and Sociology. After college Parrish moved west to Jackson, WY for a year to experience the mountainous lifestyle. When he moved back home to South Carolina he practiced commercial real estate for two years in the upstate of SC specializing in land acquisition. In 2018 he came back to Blue Ridge to be a member of our Outside Construction team. He maintains communication between clients and the Blue Ridge team as well as scout for site progression.
Nancy Stevenson – Construction Office Manager
Nancy is a native of Tryon NC. She has over two decades in the construction industry. Before returning to the upstate Nancy lived on the gulf coast of Mississippi and worked as a buyer for Weaver Mechanical Construction. She came to Blue Ridge Log Cabins in 2018 working part time as a client coordinator for the sales department. Nancy has had a passion for the construction industry for 26 years. A fascination for the process of Blue Ridge Log Cabin’s modular log cabin concept led her to join our BRLC Construction division. In her spare time, she enjoys spending her time with her family and relaxing at the beach.
Corey Wingo – Project Manager
Corey joined the Blue Ridge Log Cabins family in November of 2007 and has over 25 years of electrical experience in the modular home industry. He was in a lead position of the electrical team before being promoted to Supervisor of our Electrical, Roofing, and Plumbing departments in the spring of 2018. He feels honored to be able to oversee these areas of the building process before each home leaves the facility. Cory has been married to his wife, Jamie, for 27 years and has a daughter, Morgan. He is a devoted husband and father and enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing.
Austin Hutchins – Construction Coordinator
PURCHASING
Eddie Ruff – Purchasing Manager
Eddie has been with Blue Ridge Log Cabins since 2011 and has displayed his talents throughout many different construction disciplines. He started off in framing, then went to a position on our Quality Control team, served as Supervisor of Shipping and Receiving and he is now Purchasing Manager. Eddie is married and has five children. When not at BRLC, Eddie enjoys gardening and woodworking.
AJ Westbrook – Purchasing
MANUFACTURING
Doug Terrell – Vice President of Manufacturing
Doug is one of the longest tenured team members with Blue Ridge Log Cabins. With 17 years of service as part of our team. His talents provide the experience necessary to be chief architect on Blue Ridge Log Cabins’ two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. He is an inspirational leader within the manufacturing division. Doug’s knowledge of construction and manufacturing has given him a unique blend of insight into the manufacturing process. His previous experience includes managing a plastics company, as well as eight years with a modular manufacturer. He recently served 4 years on the NAHB Log Home Council and the NAHB Building Systems board of directors serving as the Log Homes council Chairperson in 2014. Doug is married to his wife Crystal and has four children. He enjoys golfing, cooking, traveling and spending time with his family.
ENGINEERING
David Benton – Engineering Manager
David has 22 years’ experience in the industry. He got his start as a draftsperson in 1998 and started focusing on modular home designs in 2002. Then in 2005, he got his first opportunity to manage an engineering department.
David has been married to Anne Benton for 26 years and has three sons: Andy, Chase and Zack. David loves the outdoors; hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. He also has a love of astronomy and gazing at the night sky.
David graduated from Bevill State Community College in 1998 with an associate degree in Drafting and Design.
Isabel Perez-Salas – Draftsman
Isabel grew up in Chesnee, South Carolina and was born into a big family with 3 sisters and 2 brothers. From a young age, she always knew that she wanted to have a career that dealt with Architecture. Through Swofford Vocational Center which is a career center that was offered by Chesnee High School, she was able to learn about Engineering and Drafting. In the third level class, she was proficient enough to get a job at Blue Ridge Log Cabins through a Co-op program. Isabel will be going to SCC in the fall of 2021 in hopes to earn an Associates in Science to further her engineering and drafting career.
Todd Poteet – Draftsman
Todd is very glad to be working here at Blue Ridge Log Cabins. He grew up in Arden, North Carolina, and moved to Columbus, NC after receiving his Associates Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting Technology from AB Tech in 2019. Todd’s curriculum at AB Tech focused heavily on architectural drafting and he is excited to put his knowledge to use. In his free time, Todd enjoys painting and drawing. He also enjoys playing guitar, working on cars, and spending time with his friends and family.
QUALITY CONTROL
Lora Shippam – Quality Control and Safety Manager
Lora came to Blue Ridge Log Cabins in 2010 with over 10 years experience in the modular home industry. She has past experience as a production worker, Quality Control Inspector, and Quality Control Manager before becoming Quality Control and Safety Manager at BRLC. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her three grandsons, working in her yard, vegetable garden, and greenhouse.
Jeff Kneisley – Quality Control Inspector
Jeff brings 19 years of framing and welding experience in both residential and commercial construction industries. Jeff joined the BRLC team in 2010 in our framing division and was promoted to our Quality Control team due to his extensive knowledge of framing and keen eye for detail. Jeff’s hobbies include playing pool and building hot rods, but mostly enjoy spending time with his lovely wife and beautiful daughter.
Bill Gilbert – Quality Control Inspector
SUPERVISORS
Glen Hutchins – Sawmill Supervisor
Glen Hutchins has been at Blue Ridge Log Cabins since August of 2006. Glen has an extensive background in carpentry, roofing, and masonry work. He loves working at BRLC building the heavy timber roofs and dormers. When not at work he enjoys spending his free time with his family.
Martin Grimm – Framing Supervisor
Martin is no stranger to the in’s and out’s of Blue Ridge Log Cabins, he has been working here since 2007 and his vast 16 years of experience and knowledge in framing have been a vital component in ensuring that our factory line starts off with perfection. When Martin is not working he spends time with his wife and 4 children.
Jim Shippam – Maintenance Supervisor
Jim has an extensive back ground in maintenance and homebuilding that goes back 25+ years. The past decade he has spent his time at Blue Ridge, starting in maintenance and eventually promoted to manager. He loves the responsibility of keeping the entire facility operating. In his spare time he enjoys fishing and camping.
David Clark – Line Supervisor
TRANSPORTATION
James Nolen – Transportation Manager
After six years as a supervisor in the home building industry, James became the framing supervisor for Blue Ridge Log Cabins in 2005. Fast forward to 2013 and an opening for our transportation Manager got his attention. Having his CDL for transporting cars for his used car business, along with his management experience, made him the perfect candidate. He loves the logistics involved in delivering dream homes to over 30 states. James has been married to his wife, Renee, for 19 years, and they have two sons. When he has free time, He enjoys his passion for hot rods.
Johnny Warren – Truck Driver
