Get to Know Emerald
Emerald Construction was founded in 1993 by the late Ed Dee around the principle of “Building Relationships that Last.” His service-driven approach manifested in a local firm focused on personal touch and collaboration, while his past experience introduced the organizational structure, processes, and discipline of a much larger firm. Ed believed success meant being recognized as a natural and necessary extension of a client’s team. He strove for Emerald “to be recognized by our clients as a value-added partner, by our peers as a role model for innovation and success, and by our employees as a stable and professional place to be challenged and grow.”
We continue to evolve—but our vision, mission, and commitments remain the same.
We bring care to construction.
Emerald Construction is a client-driven and family-oriented general contractor building lasting relationships and impact in Central Virginia. We serve Class A commercial owners seeking a top-market construction experience for projects driving the region’s evolution.
Why us?
Local Expertise and Connections
We’ve focused on the Richmond region exclusively for over three decades. This commitment earned us deep knowledge of local jurisdictions, spaces, subs, and players we can leverage to keep projects moving forward. It also allows us to provide a locally-based, experienced supervisor dedicated to being on site whenever work is being done—all without impacting their time at home with family.
Collaborative Value-Add Process
We believe in proven processes—and keeping them flexible enough to adapt to your unique project needs. This requires a team that’s both prepared and excited to problem-solve with the design team to address the inevitable project challenges. We serve as a proactive advisor, providing accurate and comprehensive information that allows the team to explore all options and make timely decisions with confidence.
High-Touch Delivery
At Emerald, there’s no such thing as a B team. Every project receives the same continuity of leadership, relationships, safety, and service throughout the project lifecycle—and beyond. This includes engaged executive oversite from start to finish to monitor team health and performance, advise on project strategy, and ensure client satisfaction. Knowing your project better than anyone isn’t just our job, it’s our privilege.
Hands-On for Higher Standards
Leadership to us means being personally invested—in every project, every relationship, and every outcome. Our leadership team brings deep local roots, hands-on experience, and a forward-looking mindset that drives thoughtful growth and lasting impact across the Richmond region. Connect with the team leading Emerald toward our vision of being the top general contractor in our market.
JIM BEAN
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Ned Bowden
Director of Business Development
Gib DeShazo
President
Justin Kirby
PROJECT EXECUTIVE
Rachael McKinney P.E.
Director of Preconstruction
Tae Mitchell
Human Resources Director
Bill Wells
Controler
Serious About Safety
At Emerald, safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a shared commitment and a core part of how we build. We’ve cultivated a safety culture that’s recognized across the industry for its excellence, and it shows. With a current EMR of 0.78, our record reflects a disciplined, proactive approach to risk management and incident prevention.
From preconstruction through project closeout, safety is embedded in our processes, our planning, and our people. We believe that jobsite safety is everyone’s responsibility—whether you’re on-site daily or collaborating from the office. Every Emerald team member, subcontractor, and trade partner is expected to contribute to a safe, clean, and secure work environment.
Our teams are especially experienced in working within occupied buildings, campuses, and operational facilities. We know how to maintain separation between construction and day-to-day operations, minimizing disruptions while maximizing safety for all.
We stay current with evolving industry best practices, including mental health awareness, fall prevention, and safety technology adoption. By building a culture of care, accountability, and communication, we ensure that safety is never an afterthought—it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Why SWAM Matters
We’re proud to be a SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) Certified business—recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia for our role in strengthening economic inclusion and opportunity. For our clients, this certification isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a strategic advantage. From meeting participation goals on state-funded developments to enhancing supplier diversity on commercial builds, we help our clients fulfill their commitments to equity and inclusion while delivering exceptional results. More than that, we bring deep local knowledge, long-standing relationships, and a hands-on approach that large national firms often can’t match.
Choosing Emerald means investing in a team that’s not just building your project—but also building your community.
