We are proud to announce that Ashley Kepley-Steward, Operations Manager at Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville, has been named one of Pro Builder’s distinguished Forty Under 40 honorees. This recognition celebrates young leaders shaping the future of the building industry with innovation, passion, and commitment. Ashley’s journey - from intern to the driving force behind Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville’ day-to-day operations and growth - is a powerful testament to her leadership and her dedication to creating homes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Ashley began her career with Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville through an internship with AB Tech. Just six years later, she’s now leading operations for a company that has transformed from a $2-3 million enterprise to a $10 million powerhouse under her stewardship. “Ashley’s journey within the company, progressing from intern to overseeing all day-to-day operations, has been remarkable,” says Brandon Bryant, President of Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville. “Her leadership has driven us to record-breaking success, with 2023 marking our best year to date.”

Ashley’s journey reflects not only her growth but her deep impact on everyone around her. From project manager to Operations Manager, she has consistently gone above and beyond, setting a new standard for excellence and leading Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville through numerous award-winning projects. "She has grown into our fearless leader, leading with compassion, fairness, and honesty,” shares Jessica Stigall, Business Coordinator. “She has risen to every challenge with strength and an excellent sense of humor. I feel incredibly lucky to call her both a role model and a friend.”

Working in construction - particularly as a young female - can be challenging, but Ashley has shattered barriers and earned respect throughout the industry. “Ashley is always patient, always available, and always striving to deliver the highest quality product to our clients,” says Ryan Kuczynski, Project Manager. “She creates a space for our team to be transparent about what we are going through on the job and in our personal lives. She’s a true leader by example, and I respect her very much.”

Ashley’s leadership goes beyond operational oversight; she brings an infectious passion and energy to her work that resonates throughout Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville and the larger community. “Her enthusiasm for construction is infectious,” says Brian DeCosmo, Project Manager. “Her passion to push excellence and innovation into the buildings she brings to life creates an environment that radiates positivity and motivates others.”

As Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville prepares to announce a significant national partnership, Ashley’s influence has become even more profound. She has played a crucial role in expanding Red Tree’s reach, but her true impact lies in her commitment to Red Tree’s core values: sustainability, community, and integrity. 

Ashley’s leadership isn’t just about driving business growth; it’s about fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where every team member is valued. “She has an immense wealth of knowledge from the technical side of the field,” says Jessica Stigall. “She takes her experiences and knowledge from the field into the office, helping us develop and implement better processes. Ashley is known for her fairness, honesty, and her ability to make everyone around her better.”

Ashley’s recognition in Pro Builder’s Forty Under 40 is a well-deserved honor that highlights her incredible achievements, but it’s also a marker of the even greater impact she is poised to make. As Brandon Bryant notes, “Ashley’s guidance has enabled us to achieve unprecedented growth and expansion. She is a treasured leader and an exceptional individual, and I am proud to call her a friend.”

Her journey is far from over. Ashley continues to shape the future of Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville and the industry with her vision, resilience, and dedication to community well-being. Congratulations, Ashley, on this honor. We are so proud to have you as part of the Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville family and can’t wait to see all the extraordinary things you’ll accomplish next!

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About Pro Builder’s Forty Under 40: Since 2012, Pro Builder’s annual Forty Under 40 program has recognized the best and brightest of the housing industry’s young leaders, innovators, and disruptors. Selected from more than 100 nominees by a panel of past “U40ers,” these individuals are up-and-coming leaders, impacting their communities and seeking out and applying new ideas and new technologies to better the business of home building. Online nominations for Pro Builder’s Forty Under 40 program open in April each year and the annual class is profiled in the September/October issue of the magazine and on probuilder.com.

About Pro Builder: Pro Builder Media (probuilder.com) is the leading B2B resource for the U.S. housing industry and the official media partner of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), delivering award-winning content through print, online, video, social, and in-person channels. Founded in 1936 and published by Endeavor Business Media (endeavorbusinessmedia.com), its editorial mission is to provide practical, proven solutions to help home builders, architects, trade contractors, and other housing professionals thrive in today’s market