TEAM MEMBER BIOS

Team Member Bios

James Carbine, Co-Founder

James began his career as a CPA after earning a BSBA from Auburn University. Working and living in Middle Tennessee more than 20 years, he has built and been involved in the development of more than 3,500 high-quality homes in this area. His background in finance has made Carbine a lean and efficient builder. He has also acted as the president of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee in 2005, as a director of the organization for 9 years, and is currently serving as president for 2008. James was also the president of the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee in 1999 and has been involved with the organization for more than eleven years.

James built Carbine & Associates with a sense of service that matched his demands for quality. James' focus on the needs of individuals can been seen in every associate he chooses. It's no wonder he considers his favorite room in the home to be the kitchen since "that's where the family gathers." When not working, he enjoys family vacations in Colorado, Auburn football and any activities that involve his children.

John Montgomery, President

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, John jumped over to the University of Mississippi to earn his History degree. Having been the Division President of Newmark Homes before joining Carbine & Associates, he could have formed his own company, but counts the opportunity to work with the Carbine brothers as one he couldn't refuse. Like most Ole Miss grads, he includes Ole Miss athletics as one of his favorite hobbies along with fly-fishing and snow skiing. In true Carbine spirit, he chooses the kitchen as his favorite room.

One of his favorite qualities about Carbine & Associates is the sense of loyalty to each other and their customers. Then there's the integrity of Carbine that he sums up with the philosophy of making decisions "based on what is right, not stock value."

Daryl Walny, V.P. of Operations

A 16-year veteran of the homebuilding industry, Daryl began his career with a Bachelors in Construction Management from Michigan State. He met Denzel Carbine around three years ago and soon knew he had to work for his company due to their "outstanding reputation and integrity," as Daryl says. He most enjoys the family atmosphere of the company and their dedication to the best technology and new ideas. In addition to that, his away from work time is most likely spent playing golf or spending time with his wife. Known as "Big D" he chose the bonus room as his favorite in the house. "Cause you can't play ping-pong in the kitchen."

Suzee Walters, Comptroller

Not surprisingly, Suzee uses her BSBA in Accounting degree as the Comptroller for Carbine & Associates. What did you expect? Court Jester? Suzee has over 17 years of experience in keeping track of the numbers, 14 of those have been in the Development and Construction industry. She's glad that Carbine's success gives her so much work to do. That must mean she likes math...weird. She also likes going to her kids' soccer games, as well as dance and band performances. A great match for the company, Suzee chose the kitchen as her favorite room in the home. But, don't get the wrong idea and think that this accountant doesn't know how to have fun...after all, she's earned the nickname 'Lil Boo.

Beth Sturm, Sales & Marketing Director

Beth, Carbine's Marketing Director attended George Mason University and was technically not born in any of the 50 states. Born in Washington D.C., she then grew up in Vienna...well, Vienna Virginia. Beth likes her Carbine team members so much she actually prefers Mondays over Fridays. And with over 18 years of experience in the Middle TN construction industry, they like her too. But she also enjoys her time off since she can spend it with friends, family, and her fat little Bull Dog. Her favorite room in a home is the kitchen because 1) It makes for great gatherings and 2) "You can eat really good stuff!" Beth is also the Manager Broker of Carbine Realty Group, our real estate arm.

Brandon Ketcham, Construction Manager

Brandon, a University of Florida grad, described his detailed strategy and path to joining Carbine & Associates by simply calling it "good fortune." Good fortune for Carbine too, Brandon has extensive experience as a construction manager having worked with Newmark Homes and Turnberry homes before coming to Carbine. Brandon enjoys the mountains, but prefers a nice beach if given the choice. Brandon is quick to talk about how much enjoys working with his Carbine colleagues and describes the philosophy of Carbine as "Smart." Well, they were pretty smart to get him, that's for sure.

Michele Ward, Office Manager and Design Consultant

Born in South Bend IN, Michele attended both Indiana University South Bend and Holy Cross College in Notre Dame where she studied liberal arts and Business Management. She too has only great things to say about her Carbine coworkers. And like many of her coworkers she enjoys visiting with them in her favorite room, the kitchen. Her favorite vacation spot is a cabin in the woods. When not relaxing in cabins or helping Carbine homebuyers make their design center choices, Michele likes football, photography, and spending time with her family.

Wil Ellison, Project Manager

Wil is a supreme details guy at Carbine & Associates. With a B.S. in Construction from Georgia Southern University, Wil keeps the standards and quality where it should be at Carbine. Hailing from Chicago, he also likes to visit it as often as possible. And really, who can resist those bratwursts. He'll also take warm places with swimming pools when offered. When not keeping things in line at Carbine he blows off steam with a bit of golf, football, or softball. Not surprisingly, he considers the sense of teamwork he finds at Carbine to be one of his favorite qualities. Wil chose the Bonus Room/Den as his favorite room in the home. Where else can he watch the big game?

Jim Reece, Project Manager

A Civil Engineering grad from the University of Tennessee, Jim was a production supervisor at Fox Ridge Homes and worked there with fellow Carbine & Associates collogues, Daryl Walny and Wil Ellison. His connections continue with John Montgomery whom he met during an internship at Newmark. He loves his work environment because everyone is so willing to support and collaborate with each other.Known as "Jimbo" to those that like him, he enjoys increasing his adrenaline while riding dirt bikes or watching UT football in his favorite room: the bonus room.