Our Staff - Acheson Builders Acheson Builders

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.

Ben, 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 25 years, and now is a skilled leader for job production, and an exceptional cabinet maker, as well. His favorite free time activity is fishing.

Michelle, Office Manager/Administrator

With her bright smile and warm friendly voice answering our phones, we are delighted to have Michelle’s colorful style and upbeat attitude keeping us all cheerful and positive in the office. She is great at organizing and communicating, and is helping keep clients informed of the status of their projects, as well as explaining Acheson Builders’ services to potential clients. Michelle also helps with numerous other tasks, including keeping filing up to date and assisting with bookkeeping. We are grateful for her contributions to keeping the entire AB team on-task.

Jeff, 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!

Dustin, Carpenter-Apprentice

Dustin found us – we didn’t find him, and are we blessed! He walked into our office, having researched our company and wanting to work for a professional builder of high integrity such as ours! His resume cover letter stated: “Acheson’s mission and strategies, emphasizing commitment to detail, a people-first orientation, and a fierce commitment to professionalism, align with my own passions.” How could WE not hire someone with such a vision?

Dustin is a young man with a BA in English from Hillsdale College, who has a desire for a career in hands-on work – carpentry. Having started doing fine woodworking and furniture making at a young age, he kept it up all through college, doing general construction, rough and finish work, and then working with Habitat for Humanity building homes for needy people. Dustin is smart, likable, self-assured, and is soaking up knowledge and growing his skills as he works with us; a fine, up-and-coming talent, a hard-working man with an outstanding character and great potential.

Ross, Payroll Clerk

Ross has played a role in several areas of the company. Having done labor work while young, he later spent several summers working here (between college semesters) in the office. His Masters in Computer Science degree has come in handy implementing our estimating system and doing computer work, administrative work, job coordination, product research, and more. He currently serves part-time as our Payroll Clerk remotely from Mexico. He is intensely accurate and precise in all he does. We are thankful for his capable assistance.

Come to the Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show FREE June 6-7, 2020

Get Free Tickets to the Home Show Come visit us at the upcoming Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show June 6-7, 2020**. The show is sponsored by Builders & Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor (BRAG)(click for more info). This event typically draws over 8,000 visitors from Greater Ann Arbor — including Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, Milan,… read more

Meet our Staff.