Meet our Staff.

Meet the hard working people that make Acheson Builders the most trusted name in home renovation and remodeling in the Ann Arbor area.


Jim Acheson, President and Owner

Jim Acheson, President

Jim Acheson, the founder and owner of Acheson Builders, is highly regarded for his craftsmanship and his eye for design. While you may sometimes see him wearing a “cowboy” hat, he’s really the son of a jeweler (read: extremely meticulous), a well educated, highly disciplined, very gifted designer and builder with a passion for excellence in everything he does. He cares about the fine details, - such as how the placement of windows will light an area, versus how they will function for exterior design or viewing. On many occasions he has consulted with homeowners to help solve construction problems other builders have unknowingly created.

When he's not on the job site, Jim is a skiing enthusiast, and general outdoorsy kind of guy. When he does find himself indoors he loves to read, especially philosophy and theology. Keeping up with the changing political landscape of our country has always been of importance to him; he believes it’s crucial to be active in communicating with our politicians regarding important issues. He also feels it is important to serve in the community for those who are underprivileged. You’ll frequently find him at Hope Clinic, serving meals to the needy.

Marilyn Acheson, Vice President

With multiple roles, Marilyn has assisted in the company since marrying Jim in 1977. She has done everything from bookkeeping to phone handling, to IT management, HR management, Marketing, Insurance, Accounting, and general business management. She has training as an artist, and likes to do renderings for projects when needed. She has also been instrumental in setting up the company’s logo (recently re-branded) and designing marketing materials. Currently she serves as CFO, and assists Jim Acheson in project management as well.

Marilyn
Ben

Ben Stanley, Lead Carpenter

Ben started with Acheson Builders as a 17 year old kid. He was strong and fit, but didn’t know much about construction. He started out working with Jim Acheson as a helper, when Jim was still doing carpentry in the field. Jim taught him, year by year, and Ben was a good student – quiet, but retaining things well. He has worked for Acheson Builders for over 18 years, and now is a skilled leader for job production, and an exceptional cabinet maker, as well. His favorite free time activity is fishing.

Jose Portales, Carpenter

Jose came to Michigan from Spain (not Mexico). Spanish is his native tongue, but he is very good with the English language. He is also a capable member of the team, and fits in well with either crew leader to help accomplish the tasks. He is married to a gal from Grand Rapids, and they have one daughter. Jose loves to travel to Spain to visit his family there.

Jose
Jeff

Jeff Scott, Driver and Skilled Laborer

Jeff has a great attitude, and he works diligently without complaining even on the menial tasks he is often given. He watches carefully to make sure the materials that he picks up to take to jobs are exactly as specified. He is also happy to join the crew in the field and help with general work that needs to be done – especially cleaning up and making sure things are in proper order. He willingly stays late whenever needed to complete a task – rather than leave it only partially accomplished. Jeff is married to Bonnie, and they have one son and some grandchildren!

Kevin, Carpenter/ Production Assistant

Kevin is multi-talented. He is as comfortable working in the office helping with estimates or assisting in managing jobs, as he is working as an assistant carpenter in the field, which he did for over 5 years before we discovered his office talents. He has training in drafting and computer aided drawing. He is also going to school at Eastern Michigan University to get a degree in construction management. In Kevin’s free time, he loves to go snowmobiling.

Kevin