

With over 35,000 units completed, Fortune-Johnson is the premier contractor for building multifamily projects throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Specializing in wood-framed construction, our projects showcase a wide range of product types, including —
Garden-Style Apartments
Student Housing
Retirement Communities
High-Density Complexes
Mixed-Use Developments
With over a 90% repeat client rate, our reputation proves our commitment to providing a quality product while fostering a fair, honest, and familystyle culture. Through long-term relationships built on mutual trust and our standard of excellence, our goal is to become your preferred contractor.
With active projects in Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Richmond, Fortune-Johnson fully services the Southeastern region. Fortune-Johnson has successfully finished every project undertaken. We take pride in our industry-leading record of completing assignments on time and within budget.
Industry Experience: 41 Years
Education:
Stetson University
Bachelor of Business Administration
Brett Fortune Chairman
Brett Fortune has been actively involved in the construction industry for over 40 years. At Fortune-Johnson, he has supervised the construction of more than 35,000 multifamily units since the company’s inception in 1991. Currently, Brett holds the position of Chairman on FortuneJohnson’s Board of Directors, actively shaping the strategic trajectory of the company and overseeing corporate governance.
Throughout his career, Brett has showcased comprehensive proficiency in all facets of construction operations, including estimating, scheduling, site development, building construction, and business development.
Brett is a licensed general contractor in the states of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. He is Chairman Emeritus for the Associated Builders & Contractors of Georgia and sits on the Construction Management Advisory Board for Clemson University, as well as Kennesaw State University’s Construction Management Advisory Board, of which he is a past chairman.
Industry Experience: 35 Years
Education:
Valdosta State University
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Karen White Treasurer
Karen White is a Certified Public Accountant with over 35 years of professional experience in the real estate industry. She has held accounting positions in many areas of real estate, including development, construction, and property management.
Karen served as Fortune-Johnson’s Chief Financial Officer for more than 25 years before retiring from the position in 2023. Currently, she holds the pivotal role of Treasurer on the Board of Directors, actively contributing to shaping the strategic trajectory of Fortune-Johnson and overseeing corporate governance.
Her previous experience includes working as the Controller for Julian LeCraw & Companies, Director of Financial Accounting for Calibre Companies and Accounting Supervisor for Days Inn’s Management Company.
Industry Experience: 26 Years
Education:
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Jason McIlvain President & Chief Executive Officer
Jason McIlvain joined Fortune-Johnson 22 years ago as an Assistant Estimator and, over time, grew the role into VP, Preconstruction & Business Development. During his time at Fortune-Johnson, Jason was primarily responsible for the daily management, supervision, coordination, and successful completion of the preconstruction phase for all projects in all regions, which includes Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
As a long-standing member of the F-J leadership team, Jason has had influence in developing almost all areas of business operations such as culture creation, strategic planning, and talent management. In his capacity as CEO, he maintains a keen focus on brand protection, expansion of core markets, exploration of new markets, long-term business continuity, and the enhancement of organizational culture. Additionally, Jason holds the position of President on the Board of Directors, actively contributing to shaping the strategic trajectory of Fortune-Johnson and overseeing corporate governance.
Industry Experience: 25 Years
Education:
Presbyterian College
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Georgia State University
Master of Business Administration
David Massey Chief Financial Officer
David Massey, CPA, CCIFP is a seasoned financial manager and accounting professional with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. David serves as Chief Financial Officer for FortuneJohnson with company-wide responsibility for accounting, corporate finance, and human resources.
Prior to joining Fortune-Johnson, David was a Partner in Moore Colson’s Business Assurance Practice where he specialized in coordinating audit services for clients primarily within the construction, healthcare, and technology sectors. Prior to this, he held the role of Audit Senior Manager at Frazier & Deeter and served as Operations Accounting Manager at Hardin Construction Company.
David is an active member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and served as CFMA Georgia Chapter’s president from 2019-2023. David is involved with the Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (CCIFP), where he is a former trustee and serves on the Institute’s Internal Audit Committee and Accreditation Committee.
Industry Experience: 22 Years
Education:
United States Military Academy
Bachelor of Science in International Strategic History
Columbus State University
Master of Business Administration
Industry Experience: 31 Years
Education:
North Carolina State University
Prior to joining the construction industry, Jeff Carroll served five years active duty as an Armor Officer in the Army. After the Army, he entered construction sales before he moved into commercial construction and eventually multi-family. During the recession, he spent five years as a contractor for the Army, first managing the Army’s armored vehicles into and out of Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. He then worked on managing the product development for armored vehicle capabilities.
In 2015, Jeff joined Fortune-Johnson as a Project Manager and quickly advanced within the company. Most recently, he served as VP of Construction for five years, demonstrating exceptional leadership while overseeing Fortune-Johnson’s Georgia market. Currently, as EVP of Operations, Jeff oversees construction operations across all of FortuneJohnson’s markets.
With over three decades of construction industry experience, Chris House brings extensive expertise to every project. He has played a hands-on role in constructing multifamily units, including condominiums, apartments, and student housing, as well as retail and commercial spaces like medical buildings, restaurants, and commercial centers. Chris is proficient in various construction techniques, such as precast parking decks, tilt-up construction, structural steel with panelized wall systems, and high-density wood frame over concrete structures.
Chris joined Fortune-Johnson in 2008 as a Project Manager and quickly advanced within the company. He most recently served as VP of Construction for five years, demonstrating exceptional leadership while overseeing Fortune-Johnson’s North Carolina and Virginia markets. Currently, as EVP of Risk Management, he holds companywide responsibility for safety, quality assurance, contracts, information technology, training, and scheduling.
Industry Experience: 18 Years
Education:
Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Building Science
Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Building Construction
Industry Experience: 22 Years
Education:
Southern Polytechnic State University
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management - Land Development Concentration
Michael Mitchell EVP, Preconstruction & Business Development
With an 18-year tenure in the construction industry, Michael is passionate about working in preconstruction and building client relations. During his 15 years with Fortune-Johnson, Michael has shaped the preconstruction department and expanded Fortune-Johnson’s Mid-Atlantic footprint. His many years of experience have contributed to over 9,000 units with a construction value of more than $1.3 billion. Michael’s responsibilities include pursuing new deals, constructing new client relationships, creating strategic client development opportunities, and managing subcontractor relationships.
Michael is an active member of ABC of Georgia and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Michael also served on ABC of Georgia’s Membership Development Committee for three years.
Ryan Schlender VP, Planning & Scheduling
Ryan Schlender has over 20 years of practical, managerial, and planning experience in the construction industry; 17 of which are specific to largescale multifamily construction.
In 2006, Ryan joined Fortune-Johnson’s preconstruction team as an estimator, later acting as Senior Estimator on a variety of multifamily projects. Since 2013, Ryan has directed Fortune-Johnson’s Scheduling Department, which provides inhouse consulting to all projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.
Ryan currently manages the development of project schedules and actively participates in job planning and site logistics in cooperation with field team members. He and his team facilitate regular onsite project coordination meetings to ensure a collaborative approach to project scheduling. He monitors schedules for compliance with companywide best-practices and recommends changes to improve efficiencies in support of meeting and exceeding contractual milestones. His team also provides drone aerials for all projects.
Industry Experience: 38 Years
Education:
Southern College of Technology Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Industry Experience: 37 Years
Education: Dekalb Technical College
Rob Brown VP, Risk Management
Rob Brown has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He joined Fortune-Johnson in 1994 as an entry level estimator and has continued to progress through the company. His position has grown over the years from Senior Estimator to Preconstruction Director, Procurement Director, Director of Operations, Project Executive, and most recently, Vice President, Risk Management.
Rob is leveraging his well-rounded career at Fortune-Johnson to maintain a strong culture of safety across all projects. He is actively involved in monitoring each project to ensure the entire team upholds these standards. Prior to joining Fortune-Johnson, Rob worked in the commercial HVAC market for seven years as an estimator and production coordinator. Rob holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management from Southern College of Technology in Marietta, Georgia.
Eric Menchaca VP, Quality Assurance
Eric Menchaca has over 35 years of widespread experience in the construction industry and has been working with Fortune-Johnson for six years now. He started his career as a foreman in 1987. Since then, he has held many roles, including superintendent, carpenter, project manager, estimator, and president.
Through holding a variety of positions and responsibilities over the years, Eric gained experience in multiple product types. He has successfully supervised over 50 projects from high-rise residential buildings to historical projects to restaurants and schools.
Industry Experience: 41 Years
Education: Pennsylvania State University Bachelor of Science in Biology
Mike Flores is a Project Executive with over 35 years of experience in residential, multi-family, and light commercial construction. Before joining Fortune-Johnson in 2013, he worked for a developer/builder of condominium homes in the greater Charlotte area. As Senior Manager for the local division of the company, he was ultimately responsible for all facets of the multifamily home-building operations.
As Project Executive at Fortune-Johnson, Mike oversees all projects operating out of the Charlotte office. His extensive experience and leadership capabilities have led to the successful completion of twelve large-scale multifamily projects during his tenure.
Fortune-Johnson builds on a foundation of trust to offer the finest in general contracting and construction management services. We believe in cultivating long-term relationships by delivering a predictable, excellent project experience performed with timeliness, quality, and integrity. Our team motto: “Do what you say you will do, and do it right the first time”, drives every project we build.
Using a collaborative preconstruction process, cutting edge technology and a deep roster of experienced builders, Fortune-Johnson offers a one of a kind partner focused on your schedule and budget. Fortune-Johnson has successfully finished every project undertaken. We challenge our record of completing assignments on time and within budget with any competitor in the industry.
Through long-term relationships built on mutual trust and our track record of outstanding performance, our goal is to become your preferred contractor.
Avalon Carmel Commons
Chestnut Farm Apartments
Harlow Apartments Smyrna, GA
Lumen Briarcliff Atlanta, GA
Lumen Chamblee Chamblee, GA
Lumen Doraville Doraville, GA
Marchon
Morris at Belmont
RENDER Turner Lake
Solis Millennium
Solis Peachtree Corners
Corners, GA
Tapestry West Henrico County, VA
Telegraph Road Glen Allen, VA
The Ace
The Grove Mixed Use
Keaton
The Kingsman Charlotte, NC
The Lindley at Grove 98 Wake Forest, NC
The Perry Residences Norcoss, GA
The Raven at Tremont
The Sinclair
Tomlin Apartments
Trees Atlanta - Urban Ecology Center
Woodley at McGinnis Suwanee, GA
The Raven at Tremont is a 261-unit project in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood. The mixed-use development features two 5/6 split-story buildings and a 7-level precast parking structure.
The community features one- and two-bedroom floorplans with 9-foot ceilings, subway tiles, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. The complex has 14,000 SF of amenity space, including a sky lounge, fitness center, open green space, and dog park.
Morris at Belmont is a 322-unit, garden-style apartment community in the Charlotte suburb of Belmont. The 37-acre development consists of 19 residential buildings, one amenity building, and two garage buildings. The complex will offer a 7,500 SF clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, yoga studio, dog park, and picnic pavilion.
Highlights
• Belmont, NC
• 322 Units
• 465,982 GSF
• $54M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 528-Space Surface Parking
Situated in Charlotte’s LoSo neighborhood, The Kingsman project is a 350-unit apartment complex. The development broke ground in May 2023 with move-ins anticipated in April 2025. The Type IIIA building includes 280,590 NRSF and wraps a 6.5-level, precast parking structure. Residents will enjoy 13,000 SF of amenity space, including a mix of amenities under a cast-in-place podium and a dedicated rooftop amenity.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 350 Units
• 280,590 NRSF
• $76M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Wrap
• 14,420 SF Concrete Podium
The Collins features 350 units throughout 10 residential buildings with 488 street parking spaces in Charlotte, NC. The Collins consists of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes with several floor plans. Each apartment includes several luxury interior features, including large walk-in closets, stainless steel modern appliances, and modern lighting.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 350 Units
• 331,201 NRSF
• $42M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 8,891 SF Amenity Area
Chestnut Farm Apartments is located in the Charlotte suburb of Matthews, NC. The garden-style development spans 31 acres. The complex has 256 apartment units and 5,531 SF of amenity space. Amenities for the complex include a resortstyle pool, outdoor game court, fitness room, and multiple courtyards.
Highlights
• Matthews, NC
• 256 Units
• 268,983 NRSF
• $36M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 384-Space Surface Parking
Solis Carmel Commons will feature 360 market-rate units, offering studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans. The project includes three five-story buildings utilizing Type IIIA construction, separated by firewalls, and wrapped around a six-level precast parking deck. Residents will enjoy 11,000 SF of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, pet spa, dog park, and an enclosed pool courtyard.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 360 Units
• 354,732 NRSF
• $89M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Wrap
• July 2026 Completion
The Emerson at Montford Park community embraces the best of Charlotte’s local dining, entertainment, and shopping, preserving the distinctive personality and allure of the area. Amenities include a rooftop terrace with indoor and outdoor lounge areas, drive-in movie screen, a dog park with beer garden, and 2 enclosed parks, and private cabanas by the pool with TV’s, fans, and USB ports. The complex includes 17,000 SF of ground floor retail and 14,715 SF of amenity space.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 337 Units
• 381,477 GSF
• $53M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• 44,222 SF Concrete Podium
Solis Millennium is the finishing touch to a master development that includes townhouses, apartments, and a hotel that serves the nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The Solis Millennium community consists of 250 units. There are a total of five buildings, including three walk-up residential buildings, on the 8.5-acre site. The project includes a pool house, four freestanding garages, and a dumpster enclosure.
The Penrose, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, has an industrial charm and culture of Charlotte’s blooming South End neighborhood. The complex consists of 350 units of studio, 1-, and 2- bedroom apartments. With nearby access to the Charlotte Rail Trail, the Penrose is moments from local shops, gathering spots, gallery walks, local history, and South End shopping and dining.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 350 Units
• 375,195 GSF
• $44M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• 12,926 SF Podium
The Flats at Ballantyne is a 194-unit, garden-style community in Ballantyne, NC. Convenient to the many shops, restaurants, recreational, and corporate amenities that are a part of this setting, residents will enjoy easy access to major highways and the airport. Amenities include detached garages & storage units, gaming room with wet bar, private yoga & ballet barre studio, and a resort-style saltwater pool.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 194 Units
• 223,000 GSF
• $22M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• Detached Garage & Storage
Just two miles from Lake Norman, The Grove at Morrison Plantation offers lake-living and is only a 30 minute drive from bustling Charlotte. The buildings are three stories over post tension slab. Amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, grilling stations, fitness center, dog park, pet spa, and a multiuse garage with car wash.
Highlights
• Mooresville, NC
• 281 Units
• 380,739 SF
• $25M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
Keltonwood at Berewick Apartments is a 275-unit, gardenstyle apartment building in Charlotte, NC. The complex contains four residential buildings with 3/4 levels throughout. The complex also has four free standing garages with electric car charging stations. Amenities include mulch walking trails, club room, cafe lounge, game area, dog park, and playground.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 275 Units
• 368,139 GSF
• $32M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 13,901 SF Amenity Area
At the center of Charlotte’s hottest new neighborhood lies the 375-unit apartment community, Solis Waverly. There are 10 garden-style buildings of 2, 3, & 4 stories. The Waverly neighborhood includes restaurants, single family homes, a bank and a hotel in addition to the apartments. Amenities include a cyber cafe, game center, media room, elevated terrace, saltwater pool, grilling stations, and a dog park.
• Charlotte, NC
• 375 Units
• 10 Buildings Highlights
• $37M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 480,366 SF
MAA South Line is located on the light rail line with the Bland Station adjacent to the community; just a short trip to Uptown Charlotte and BB&T Ballpark. This LEED Silver project features four stories above concrete podium with a precast parking deck. Amenities include swimming pool with sun deck, fivecourtyards, controlled access entry, fitness room, and onsite restaurants.
• Charlotte, NC
• 360 Units
• 320,000 SF
• LEED Silver Certification Highlights
• $49M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
This 350-unit complex is located in the up-and-coming LoSo neighborhood in Charlotte, NC. The community features studio, one-, and two-bedroom unit options that boast open floor plans. The 4/5 split building contains an 11,668 SF concrete podium over amenity and a 456-space precast parking structure.
Residents enjoy a courtyard, dog park, community library, fitness center, a lounge, a business center, and other luxury amenities.
The Lindley at Grove 98 is part of a master development in Wake Forest, NC. The 232-unit, mixed-use development consists of nine residential buildings, a freestanding clubhouse, a pool pavilion, five detached garage buildings, a maintenance building, and a trash enclosure. The site has resort-style amenities, including a 9,000 SF clubhouse, a pool, a beer garden, and a dog park.
Highlights
• Wake Forest, NC
• 232 Units
• 252,278 NRSF
• $48M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 9,000 SF of Amenity Space
The Reserve at Patterson Place is located in Durham, NC. The 10 residential buildings hold 345 units along with three, 6-bay garages. Amenities at The Reserve Patterson Place include a resident lounge and billiard room, a club room with fireplace lounge, outdoor fire pit, a dog park, and a playground. Other exciting additions to the complex are the demonstration kitchen, game room, and a saltwater pool.
Highlights
• Durham, NC
• 345 Units
• 322,273 NRSF
• $42M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Gurban
• 7,750 SF Amenity Area
The Park and Market development fuels the community in North Raleigh. It features studio, loft, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with exciting and convenient amenities. This mixed-use complex is located directly above a Harris Teeter and other shops, offering around 100,000 SF of retail. Amenities include a pool, outdoor fire pits, grilling stations, a pet park, clubhouse, and work spaces.
Highlights
• Raleigh, NC
• 409 Units
• 379,000 SF
• $58M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• 100,000 SF Retail Space
Situated in Raleigh, NC, The Keaton project offers a meticulously designed garden-style development comprising 264 apartments across four buildings. Residents will enjoy a pool courtyard, a fitness/yoga room, an inviting clubroom, and a host of other amenities, ensuring a vibrant and comfortable living experience.
Highlights
• Raleigh, NC
• 264 Units
• 249,007 NRSF
Midtown Green
• $47M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Garden
• 10,509 SF Amenity Space
Midtown Green is located in Raleigh, NC within walking distance to many restaurants, concert venues, and taverns. The mixed-use apartments hold 214 units and a 5-story gated parking garage. Amenities include a courtyard with putting green and gas grilling station, a yoga studio, a 24-hour fitness center, and a saltwater pool with festival lighting and cabanas.
Highlights
• Raleigh, NC
• 214 Units
• 196,772 GSF
• $22M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• Podium Over Retail
Ramblewood Apartments in Raleigh feature 434 units across 13 wood-framed buildings. The buildings range from 2/3-story to 4/5-story splits. Amenities include two resort style saltwater pools, two club rooms, two exterior courtyards, two interior courtyards, a fitness center, theater room, and dog washing station.
Highlights
• Raleigh, NC
• 434 Units
• 418,000 SF
• $33M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 13 Buildings
The Court at Redstone is perfectly positioned near Fort Mill, giving access to Ballantyne Village and RedStone Shopping Centers.
With Class A++ amenities, this 260-unit complex has two swimming pools, multiple covered cabanas on the pool deck, amenity spaces in all buildings, fenced dog park, yoga studio, an expansive fitness center, grilling stations at every building, and more.
Ever since meeting the professionals at Fortune-Johnson 10 years ago, we have always been impressed with their organization and commitment to excellence and quality. The entire process from preconstruction services to execution in the field has gone smoothly. Bristol looks forward to working with Fortune-Johnson on many more projects in the future.
David Hanchrow, Chief Investment Officer Bristol Development Group
Fortune-Johnson has been a trusted construction partner of Atlantic Residential for over 10 years. Brett and his team have completed numerous projects for us on time and on budget in an always challenging cost environment.
Richard Aaronson, Chief Executive Officer Atlantic Residential
RangeWater Real Estate has enjoyed a long-standing and valued relationship with Fortune-Johnson in the execution of many of its development projects. The consistency of Fortune-Johnson’s construction, risk management and delivery of finished product results in our desire to continue to seek out opportunities to work together to create high-quality multifamily communities.
Michael Blair, COO RangeWater Real Estate