Behind every successful construction project is a team of people who bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives to the job. At B. H. Graning Contracting (BHGC), that team is led in the field by Nick Ilderton, Crew Leader and Project Manager, alongside Accounts Manager Rebecca Mathis and crew members Shannon Thompson and Nate Roberto.
Together, they represent a growing part of B. H. Graning’s capabilities in Western North Carolina, completing projects that range from residential renovations and new home construction to complex commercial and municipal work.
For Nick, however, construction is more than a career. It’s something that has been part of his life for generations.
A Family Tradition of Building
Nick grew up surrounded by the trades. His father owned a flooring business, his grandfather was a carpenter, and his great-uncle was an architect. Long before construction became his profession, he was watching, learning, and developing an appreciation for what it means to build something well.
“I grew up observing and absorbing the skills and mannerisms of a tradesman. Construction gives me a chance to use my creativity and curiosity to provide safe and strong spaces for our customers to create memories.”
That combination of creativity, curiosity, and craftsmanship eventually brought Nick to B. H. Graning Contracting in 2021.
He joined the company as a crew member and quickly discovered that construction at B. H. Graning extended far beyond what happens on the jobsite.
Having previously worked primarily with owner/operators who handled nearly every aspect of their businesses themselves, Nick remembers being impressed by the number of people working behind the scenes at B. H. Graning.
“Here at BHG, we have an entire team of professionals that tackle tasks to ensure that our business not only survives but thrives.”
From Crew Member to Project Manager
Since joining BHGC, Nick has grown from a crew member into his current role as Crew Leader and Project Manager.
That progression has expanded his responsibilities considerably. Today, Nick serves as a representative for B. H. Graning Contracting on the jobsite, coordinating with contractors and other project partners while helping guide projects from preconstruction through completion.
One area he has particularly enjoyed is the detailed preparation—or “precon”—that takes place before larger projects begin.
For Nick, being a Project Manager requires the ability to see both the smallest details and the big picture.
“This position forces me to be detail oriented in every way, from making sure a nail is set just right, to catching a small detail on a set of plans that could affect the entire project.”
That attention to detail has become increasingly important as the Contracting Division has taken on larger and more complex projects.
Since 2021, Nick and the BHGC team have been involved in two house-flipping projects, a spec home build, a private home build, numerous private home remodels and contracting projects, and multiple large commercial projects throughout Western North Carolina.
Building Spaces That Mean Something
With such a wide variety of completed projects, choosing a favorite isn’t easy. But one residential project stands out to Nick: a porch project completed for the Brickman family.
The project presented challenges involving its positioning, sheer size, and the level of detail required by the design. Overcoming those challenges made the finished product especially rewarding.
More importantly, Nick has been able to see how the homeowners use and enjoy the space.
“I have been able to see how much our work means to them and how much enjoyment they have gotten from it.”
That connection between craftsmanship and the people who ultimately use a space is at the heart of what Nick enjoys about construction. A porch isn’t simply lumber and fasteners. A house isn’t simply walls and a roof. These structures become places where people gather, relax, celebrate, and make memories.
Different Skills, One Crew
Nick is quick to point out that the work isn’t accomplished by one person.
Crew members Shannon Thompson and Nate Roberto each bring different skills and experiences to the jobsite. Nick believes those differences make the team stronger.
“I feel as though we have the ability to overcome any challenge through our ability to communicate. Each of them brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table that balances our crew out to be able to create some great work.”
Behind the field operations, Rebecca Mathis, Accounts Manager, helps support the administrative and financial side of the division, providing another important piece of the team that keeps projects moving.
It’s exactly the type of collaboration Nick noticed when he first joined B. H. Graning—the understanding that successful construction requires talented people both on the jobsite and behind the scenes.
Quality Work. Transparent Relationships.
As the Contracting Division continues to grow, so does the scale and diversity of its work.
The team’s portfolio now extends from private residential projects to significant commercial and municipal construction, including the ongoing Silver-Line Park rebuild for the Town of Woodfin following Hurricane Helene.
Regardless of whether the team is building a private porch, constructing a new home, or helping rebuild an important community space, Nick says the priority remains the same.
“BHGC strives to provide quality work first. We know the importance of transparency throughout any project and take pride in knowing that every project is not only a chance to create a structure for someone but also a chance to create a lasting relationship with the people of Western North Carolina.”
That philosophy provides a fitting description of where B. H. Graning Contracting is today—and where the team is headed.
For Nick, Rebecca, Shannon, and Nate, every project is another opportunity to solve problems, practice their craft, strengthen relationships, and build something that will last.
And sometimes, the best way to understand what a construction team can do is simply to look at what they’re building.
Next in our B. H. Graning Contracting series: We’re heading to Woodfin for a closer look at the craftsmanship, coordination, and community impact behind the rebuilding of Silver-Line Park.
