

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: 22 years
Education: Virginia Military Institute Bachelor of Arts
Bache Whitlock is a Project Executive with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He began his career with Engineering Consulting Services after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 2002. Bache began his construction career working for a general contracting company, Wood Partners in 2004. He joined FortuneJohnson in early 2007, and has been a huge asset to Fortune-Johnson as we expanded into the Mid-Atlantic region.
Bache has been a key contributor to our training and development of the operations teams in the Mid-Atlantic. He excels in client and subcontractor relations, logistics, operational intelligence, and consistently shows his commitment to the Fortune-Johnson standard of excellence.
Partial list of projects Bache was involved in:
• T he Collective West Creek, Richmond, VA, $57M
• Artistry at Winterfield, Midlothian, VA, $34M
• Tapestry West, Richmond, VA, $36M
• 2000 West Creek, Richmond, VA, $53M
• Avia Apartments, Richmond, VA, $35M
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.
Artistry at Winterfield
Chestnut Farm Apartments
Harlow Apartments
Lumen Briarcliff
Lumen Chamblee
Lumen Doraville
Marchon
Morris
Solis Millennium
Solis Peachtree Corners
Spectator
Tapestry West
Telegraph
The Grove Mixed Use
The Ivy at Ariston Buford, GA
The
The Kingsman
The Lindley at Grove
Tomlin
Atlanta - Urban Ecology Center
GA
The Collective West Creek project represents FortuneJohnson’s fourth multifamily project in the Richmond Area in partnership with Bristol Development Group. The gardenstyle development includes four apartment buildings and six periphery garage buildings on an 18-acre plot in Goochland County.
The project encompasses 335 units alongside an enormous amenity space, featuring a yoga area, a small library, and a golf simulator. The community also features courtyards with multiple grill stations, fire pits, a beer garden, and a pizza oven. The remaining parcel of land is surface parking, a dog park, and future plans include an adjacent shopping center.
Voted “Best Amenity Package” at the 2018 RAMMY Awards, Avia Apartments offers luxury garden-style apartments in Richmond, VA. Avia features 15 individual buildings that include 3/4-story splits, 4-story conditioned corridor buildings, 3-story garden-style and carriage buildings. Amenities include two pools, multiple courtyards, clubhouse, fitness studio, fire pits, a dog salon and ECV charging stations.
Highlights
• Richmond, VA
• 320 Units
• 416,468 SF
• $35M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 15 Buildings
2000 West Creek is located in Richmond, VA at the heart of West Creek and only minutes from Short Pump Town Center. This garden-style community features two townhome buildings and four apartment buildings with six elevators. Amenities include a dedicated fitness building, swimming pool, rentable garages, pet spa, dog park, and a two story club room featuring a screened-in porch, game room and conference room.
Highlights
• Richmond, VA
• 373 Units
• 530,842 GSF
• $53M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 10,090 SF Amenity Space
Artistry at Winterfield was recently built in Midlothian, VA. The 200-unit, garden-style project was the first and largest apartment community in Powhatan County’s history. The apartment complex has many amenities such as a pool area with grill stations, a fire pit, a fitness center near the courtyard and a dog wash/spa area.
Highlights
• Midlothian, VA
• 200 Units
• 209,879 NRSF
• $34M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 305-Space Surface Parking
Gaithersburg Station is a Type V, 389-unit apartment complex designed by The Preston Partnership with a 6-level precast parking deck and four stories over concrete podium. Amenities include a recording studio, rentable gazebo, lagoon-style pool, oversized tubs, 9-ft ceilings, courtyards and business lounges.
Highlights
• Gaithersburg, MD
• 389 Units
• 389,726 SF
• $53M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• Podium Over Retail
The Ace: A prominent 295-unit mixed-use project in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition Historic District, featuring 5 levels of woodframed units atop 2 levels of parking. The ground level includes parking, 13,000 SF of retail, and 3,500 SF for leasing and mail. The second level features parking and a 3,000 SF fitness center. The third level offers 4,000 SF of amenity space, while levels three to seven (plus mezzanine) are all Type III wood framed.
Highlights
• Richmond, VA
• 295 Units
• 224,925 NRSF
• $67M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Podium
• 13,000 SF of Retail Space
Winner of the ForeverGreen Award for “Sustainability in Higher Education”, Shippensburg University Graduate Student Housing project is located on campus in Shippensburg, PA. The project showcases six separate buildings housing 834 units and 1,846 beds. Amenities include central common areas on each floor, study lounges, computer rooms, structural steel wellness center, recreational spaces and laundry facilities.
Highlights
• Shippensburg, PA
• 1,846 Beds
• 607,000 SF
• $90M Construction Budget
• Student Housing Wrap
• 834 Units
Mixed-Use Wrap | Alexandria, VA
This 302-unit, mixed-use complex was developed by Novare Group in partnership with Mulberry Development and Preferred Apartment Communities. The development contains 20,000 SF of retail space and 417 parking spaces in a cast-in-place garage. The complex also features a 93,000 SF concrete podium over retail and amenity spaces.
Amenities for Cameron Square Apartments include a 5,000 SF leasing and fitness center, a 4,000 SF clubroom, pool, four arbors, and two elevated courtyards.
Stonefield Commons consists of 4-story buildings offering 251 units. The development includes three garage buildings with carriage units above and two stand-alone, 6-bay garages. Amenities include a resort-style pool with outdoor cabanas, a fully equipped fitness center, an iMac business center and a surround sound movie theater. All buildings feature controlled key fob entry.
Highlights
• Charlottesville, VA
• 251 Units
• 304,000 SF
• $19M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Garden
• 4,500 SF Community Center
Westchester at the Pavillions
Developed by Archstone, the Westchester at the Pavilions community sits on 38 acres. It includes 11 separate buildings and carriage houses along with an Olympic size pool with lap lanes, soccer field, four tennis courts, three fountains, two playgrounds and a walking path. The community media room features theater seating.
Highlights
• Waldorf, MD
• 491 Units
• 548,000 SF
The Beacon of Groveton
• $66M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Garden
• 11 Buildings
Built on the site where one of the region’s first airfields used to operate, The Beacon of Groveton offers luxury apartments close to Washington, DC. Amenities include a saltwater pool, community center, elevated sun deck, game room, club room, fitness center and guest suite.
Highlights
• Alexandria, VA
• 290 Units
• 231,000 SF
• $33M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
Developed by Lennar Multifamily, Tapestry at Largo Station is 318-unit apartment complex with over 40,000 SF of retail space. The 5-story precast parking deck offers 428 spaces. Centrally located just minutes from the University of Maryland, the Capital Beltway and The Metro Station, Largo offers an easy commute. Amenities include a yoga room, spin cycle room, indoor basketball court and upgraded technology packages.
Highlights
• Largo, MD
• 319 Units
• 316,051 SF
• $45M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• 40,000+ SF Retail Space
Developed by Archstone, Westchester at Rockville Station offers luxury style apartments in a small tech town. This high density development includes three buildings wrapping a precast parking deck. Amenities include a leasing office, exercise room, cyber cafe, swimming pool and an elaborate courtyard with a running stream.
Highlights
• Rockville, MD
• 192 Units
• 244,000 SF
• $33M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Wrap
This 350-unit complex is located in the up-and-coming LoSo neighborhood in Charlotte, NC. The complex features studio, 1- and 2- bedroom unit options that boast open floor plans. Residents enjoy a courtyard, dog park, community library, fitness center, a lounge, a business center and other luxury amenities.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 350 Units
• 280,977 NRSF
• $49M Construction Budget
• Multifamily Wrap
• 12,175 SF Concrete Podium
Tapestry West is a 262-unit, 5-story apartment community in Richmond, Virginia. The wrap-style building was constructed around a previously existing parking structure. The complex features studio, one and two bedroom floor plans.
Amenities include a fitness center with bike lounge, club room, meditation room, study lounges, co-working spaces, pool, courtyard and outdoor grilling/seating areas.
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 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.
Highlights
• Charlotte, NC
• 250 Units
• 248,923 NRSF
Windsor Parkview
• $46M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
Phase I of Windsor Parkview brings 303 new units to the booming Chamblee, GA. The mixed-use development creates 30,000 SF of retail and is connected to the local public transit station and additional community retail by a “greenway” style path. Additional amenities include a leasing office, game room, business center, fitness center, coffee car area, terrace amenity, dog park, saltwater pool and a bocce ball court.
Highlights
• Chamblee, GA
• 303 Units
• 397,000 GSF
• $45M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• 30,000 SF Retail Space
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 Podium
• 44,222 SF Concrete Podium
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 Harlow Apartments is located in the heart of Smyrna near the Braves Stadium. The 303-unit apartment project contains 243,000 NRSF. It comprises two interconnected multifamily buildings, connected by a single-story parking deck. The complex embodies a mid-century modern aesthetic and offers essential amenities including leasing offices, fitness facilities, a clubroom, and more.
Highlights
• Smyrna, GA
• 303 Units
• 333,713 GSF
• $49M Construction Budget
• Mixed-Use Wrap
• 7,861 SF Amenity Area
The Penrose, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, has an industrial charm and culture of Charlotte’s blooming South End neighborhood. The type VA 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 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.
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