ABOUT J. FRANCIS BUILDERS

Jimmy Francis

Jimmy Francis

Owner

A Greenville native, Jimmy founded J. Francis Builders in 2002. With more than 25 years of experience in residential construction and development, he has built a reputation for creating exceptional homes and for treating every client with the same care and attention he would want for his own family.

Jimmy’s approach is rooted in exceptional craftsmanship, honest communication, and personal involvement in every project. His philosophy is simple: work harder for every client than anyone else and be completely transparent throughout the building process. He believes that building a home should be an exciting and rewarding experience, and he works hard to ensure his clients feel informed, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.

By bringing engineering, architectural planning, and interior design together under one roof, J. Francis Builders provides clients with a seamless experience from the initial concept through completion. Over the years, Jimmy has developed strong relationships with some of the finest tradesmen and craftsmen in the Upstate, allowing him to bring the very best people to each project. These trusted relationships, combined with his attention to detail and commitment to quality, ensure that every home is built with care and pride.

That personal approach has resulted in hundreds of successful homes and, more importantly to Jimmy, lasting relationships with the families he has had the privilege of working with.

Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys fishing, cycling, and spending time with his wife, Alechia, and their large family. The same values that guide him in his personal life—commitment, integrity, and taking care of people—are at the heart of how he approaches every home he builds.

JOE FRANCIS

Senior Project Manager

Joe was drawn to the building industry after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Finance with an emphasis in Real Estate from Clemson University. His unique combination of financial expertise, land development experience, and hands-on involvement in luxury residential construction brings valuable insight to every stage of the development process.

Joe plays an integral role in the strategic planning, financial oversight, and execution of the company’s luxury residential projects. Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and industry partners, he helps deliver thoughtfully planned custom homes that are financially sound and built to the highest standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, integrity, and lasting relationships.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and values the balance his family brings to both his personal life and professional career.

BEN FRANCIS

Senior Project Manager

After graduating from Clemson University, Ben began his career with one of North America’s largest building supply companies, where he developed extensive knowledge of building materials, product performance, and construction applications. That knowledge now plays a key role in delivering exceptional custom homes.

Ben oversees scheduling, budgeting, subcontractor coordination, client communication, and quality control. As the connection between the office and the jobsite, he works closely with both clients and trade partners to keep projects organized, on schedule, and built to the company’s high standards. His ability to bridge in-office planning with on-site execution allows him to anticipate challenges before they arise, and ensure every home is completed with exceptional attention to detail.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. His dedication to family, hard work, and doing things the right way carries over into every project he helps build.

april hillard

Accountant

Originally from High Point, North Carolina, April has now called Greenville home for many years. She is the behind-the-scenes person who keeps the financial side of J. Francis Builders running smoothly. 

From in-house accounting to working with local banks and supporting our clients, she ensures everything stays organized and on track.

April is incredibly dependable, detail-oriented, and always willing to help, making her an essential part of the team. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, decorating her home, and taking weekend getaways with friends.

Jamie Bryant

In-House Designer

Jamie began her career designing luxury residences in prestigious golf and master-planned communities, contributing to exceptional homes throughout North America, South America, and the Caribbean. That experience shaped her ability to create interiors that are as beautiful as they are livable.

Today, Jamie brings her expertise and love of design directly to homeowners, guiding them through the process with warmth, creativity, and a highly personalized approach. From selecting finishes, furnishings, and fixtures to perfecting the smallest details, she works closely with each client to create a home that reflects their individual style, needs, and personality.

Jamie is the heart of the design process at J. Francis Builders. Her natural talent, extensive experience, and exceptional eye for detail are complemented by a warm, approachable personality that makes clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. She has a genuine ability to listen, understand what clients envision, and bring those ideas to life while making the many decisions that come with building a custom home feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

Her personality and skill set make the experience even more enjoyable for clients. Jamie believes that creating a home should be about more than simply making beautiful selections, it should be an experience they enjoy along the way. Her goal is to make every client feel heard, valued, and excited about the home they are creating.

With her combination of creativity, experience, and genuine passion for people, Jamie brings an energy to J. Francis Builders that is reflected in every home she helps create.

ADAM SOMERO

Construction Manager

With over 13 years of experience in residential construction, Adam brings a strong foundation in project management. After spending the first seven years of his career as a new home framer, where he developed a deep understanding of structural integrity, precision, and teamwork, he transitioned into project management and superintendent roles, where he has spent the past six years overseeing residential construction projects with a combined value approaching $100 million. Adam’s combined field and leadership experience provides a well-rounded perspective, allowing him to guide projects efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on detail, craftsmanship, and client satisfaction.

Tyler Rose

Site Superintendent

Tyler holds a degree in Interior Architectural Design from Bob Jones University, where he studied design principles, building systems, and spatial planning. He began his career working as a designer in the stone and surface fabrication industry, where he developed strong technical skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of materials, layouts, and fabrication processes. Tyler brings a growing knowledge of both design and field coordination to his role, supporting jobsite operations, learning from experienced team members, and helping ensure projects stay organized, efficient, and on schedule.

eli smith

Assistant Site Superintendent

Eli’s construction experience began early; he spent his high school years completing full home remodels, where he developed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship. He enjoys the entire process, from the initial vision to the final details.

Outside of work, Eli enjoys fishing, golfing, and woodworking. Whether he is on a job site or in his wood shop, he believes in doing things the right way and takes pride in every project he undertakes.

teri klaeser

In-House Plan Designer & Owner, Reside Home Design

Terri Klaeser has been a fixture in Greenville’s residential design community since 1993, bringing more than three decades of experience in architectural home planning and design. She has been working with J. Francis Builders since 2001, collaborating on hundreds of homes during the past 25 years.

A graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Design from the College of Architecture, Terri’s work is rooted in architectural thinking. She shapes thoughtful, functional home plans that balance flow, livability, and a woman’s perspective. Her work can be found in Greenville’s prestigious communities, including Hartness, the Cliffs, Montebello, Kingsbridge, Stonebrook Farm, Hollingsworth Park, Lake Keowee, and the Augusta Street area.

In her spare time, Terri enjoys painting, traveling, and photography, finding inspiration in the environment and natural beauty of the places she visits.

Emily pyle

In-House Plan Designer

Emmy is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she earned her degree in engineering with highest honors. She develops thoughtful, lifestyle-driven home plans that are tailored to each client’s needs. Her engineering background provides a strong technical foundation for the design process, ensuring precision, functionality, and buildability from concept through execution. 

Emmy is enjoying being a new mother, while still finding some time for pickleball and quilting.