Executive Team
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Meet Our Executive Team
Select a team member to see a brief biography.
Kit Ozburn
President
kozburn@twfrierson.com
Kit Ozburn
President
Raised on a working farm south of Nashville, Kit has always had a fascination with creative problem solving. Whether mending cattle fences or raising a barn, growing up on a farm fostered a deep appreciation for hard work and a sincere sense of service. After attending the College of Architecture at University of Virginia, Kit worked with a traditional architectural design firm, as well as T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc.’s in-house design firm, Design Constructors, Inc. During his time as an Intern at T.W. Frierson, Kit was introduced to the design-build delivery method. This project delivery method complemented his personal philosophy that design at its core, is an activity of service. Upon completion of his Master in Architecture degree from the Sam Fox School of Design at Washington University in St. Louis, Kit rejoined Design Constructors, Inc. as a Project Architect, and later was promoted to Director of Architecture. Over the last 13 years, Kit has performed as an Intern Architect, Project Architect, Director of Architecture and finally, as a Principal of Design Constructors, Inc. In 2015, Kit formally joined T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. as Vice President, with a mission to streamline and perfect the process of design-build as a purely customer-centric model of construction. On January 1, 2021 Kit Ozburn was promoted to President of T.W. Frierson. Driven by a passion for excellent service to our partners, Kit will remain committed to cultivating a spirit of employee-ownership, supporting thriving teams, and honoring the relationships that define TW Frierson’s reputation with its clients, community and employee-owners. Kit is currently serving on the Board of Trust at St. Paul Christian Academy and multiple committees at his alma mater, Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. He and his family are active at Christ Presbyterian Church and participate in multiple non-profit groups including End Slavery Tennessee and Reformed University Fellowship.
Ben Eberle
Executive Vice President
beberle@twfrierson.com
Ben Eberle
Executive Vice President
Ben graduated from college in 1995 and subsequently moved to Nashville the same year. Ben’s entry into the T.W. Frierson family begin in the fall of 1997. Ben began his career as a Project Architect with T.W. Frierson’s in-house design team, Design Constructors, Inc. Utilizing both conceptual and detailed architectural skill sets, the evolution to the construction side of the business was inevitable and Ben began his project management career in 2002. As Vice President, Ben managed the preconstruction department and oversaw estimating, scheduling, contract negotiations and management of the project from concept to design. On January 1, 2021 Ben Eberle was promoted to Executive Vice President. Ben will continue his leadership role in the firm’s preconstruction efforts focus outreach to key stakeholders, and continue to magnify the corporate culture. Ben is committed to serving as a leader in the construction industry and his community. Ben is currently serving as the Chairman of the board of Our Savior Lutheran Academy, where his two children are enrolled.
Matt Taylor
Vice President of Operations
mtaylor@twfrierson.com
Matt Taylor
Vice President of Operations
Matt brings 20 years of experience in the construction industry and has extensive experience in project management on commercial, industrial, distribution and institutional projects. He currently is responsible for the project management teams and all aspects of project operations. Matt’s involvement will ensure that T.W. Frierson projects meet the expectations and needs of our clients. He is the liaison from the field to the office teams, and upper management. He is also responsible for training and supervising new employees and tracking and measuring staff performance. Other duties and responsibilities include: • Managing quality assurance programs • Researching new technologies and alternative methods of efficiency • Setting and reviewing budgets and managing cost
Michael Massey
Vice President of Field Operations
mmassey@twfrierson.com
Michael Massey
Vice President of Field Operations
Michael brings nearly 35 years of experience in the construction industry and has extensive experience in project management on commercial, industrial, distribution and institutional projects. He currently is responsible for the superintendents and field operations.
Mike Melnyk
Chief Financial Officer
mmelnyk@twfrierson.com
Mike Melnyk
Chief Financial Officer
Mike is responsible for all accounting and financial reporting, tax, banking, bonding and financial strategy for the company and principals. Prior to joining T.W. Frierson, Melnyk served as a principal partner with Franklin-based Melnyk & Melnyk, CPAs. After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, Melnyk became a certified public accountant in November 1995. He started working in 1996 with Crowe Horwath in Brentwood as an audit senior manager with oversight of assurance engagements for companies in the construction, health care, manufacturing and distribution, and professional services industries. Melnyk is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Dean Taylor Jr.
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chair Board of Directors
dtaylor@twfrierson.com
Dean Taylor Jr.
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chair Board of Directors
After graduating from Auburn University in August of 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction, Dean promptly joined the family business. He immediately began his career working as an Assistant Project Manager for T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. Dean has worked in almost all aspects of the business- estimating, project management, contract negotiation, business development, as well as in the day-to-day functions of the company. In 2000, Dean and his business partner, Del Hickman began the process of purchasing the company from their fathers- Ernest Taylor and Winston Hickman. During this period, Dean began to manage the operational aspects of the company and transitioned to the role of Vice President. In 2008, Dean and Del completed the purchase of the company and became the co-owners of T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. Formerly TWF’s President, Dean now serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chair Board of Directors. Dean will continue to collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement processes to achieve strategic initiatives. In addition, Dean provides strategic leadership to the global TW Frierson organization including the self-performing concrete and steel divisions Dean is committed to serving as a leader in the construction industry and is also an active member of the Tennessee Family Business Center, a group dedicated to family business issues in the middle Tennessee Area.