The Collins Builders Team

Since 2003, Ashley Collins has been the owner of Collins Builders. A Jacksonville, Florida native, is a graduate of the Bolles School and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stetson University.  Prior to going to college and through the summers, Ashley worked for a civil contractor where he gained a variety of experience and knowledge in all aspects of horizontal construction and development.  Being raised in a builder and developer home, he was immensely blessed to have watched and learned much from his father, and incredible work ethic and who himself had established the Collins name as one of utmost fidelity and integrity in the Jacksonville market, establishing a reputation of the highest character throughout the state of Florida.

After college, Ashley entered the construction industry, working form 2000 – 2003 for several residential home building companies in Jacksonville, starting at the bottom as an assistant superintendent in December of 1999.  Working his way up to project management in 2000, he successfully oversaw the construction of over 70 homes with a 100% customer satisfaction rating.  Moving on into purchasing, estimating, budgeting, construction management and internet-based scheduling, documentation and communication software, he developed into an incredibly well-rounded homebuilder.  Creating and implementing cutting edge companywide internet-based software during the early 2000s was no easy task, yet was able to help propel the Jacksonville homebuilding market technologically ahead of other competing markets.  In 2002, he attended contractors’ school on nights and weekends and sat for the Florida contractor’s license exam and earned his Certified Residential Contractors license which he has maintained an exemplary status ever since.  He is also a proud Florida Certified Master Builder, an exclusive group of the very best home builders and remodelers in the State of Florida.

On May 26th, 2003, Collins Builders was founded. For the first five years, Ashley led incredible growth for the company, from building one home in the first year to 148 homes completed in 2008. In 2008, the economy experienced a steep downturn. Ashley led the company through a difficult economic recession, weathering the tough times, navigating and overcoming the economic challenges by resolving to meet all their customers’ expectations, staying committed to a client centric focus with impeccable service and quality, philosophically unwavering to excellence and stewardship of their clients.  Remaining lean and fiscally responsible, and treating each project better than his own, Collins Builders enjoyed amazing success and happy homeowners.  Through this journey, the company shifted its business plan from mass community projects to becoming the top full service residential luxury custom home builder and remodeler in Northeast Florida, focusing on exclusive client owned properties for which to design and build.  It seemed like overnight; Collins Builders became the go-to all-inclusive company for an extremely relational design and build firm delivering on the highest quality imaginable, collaborating with each customer from the initial discovery call through Architectural Design, Pricing, Interior Design and Permitting, Curation, Construction, and Proactive after-move-in service! 

Trusting Jesus, he credits the successes through the journey and all the prosperity to our faithful God, his family, the talented and hardworking team of professionals at Collins Builders and an unwavering commitment to serving clients.

Ashley and his wife Jeanie have been happily married for more than 25 years and are blessed with four children: Hayden, Rowan, Lawson and Lincoln. Jeanie has been a steady and faithful encouragement and voice of wisdom by his side, and he is eternally grateful to her. He is ever thankful for her steadfast devotion and their commitment to the Lord.

When not leading Collins Builders, he enjoys attending church and Bible study, reading, date nights with his wife, fishing, sports and vacations with his children.

Having been in business since 2003, Ashley continues to lead by serving others to help them prosper both personally and professionally and by delivering customers a homebuilding experience of the highest quality and service with an experience that is second to none.

Mark Knowles is Collins Builders’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He is an Ohio native who moved to Jacksonville, Fla. to attend the University of North Florida, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. While pursuing his college education, Mark worked in the construction industry and gained familiarity with the profession and the greater-Jacksonville market.

Mark continued in the construction industry as the controller for Stokes and Company, one of the fastest growing local builder/development companies in northeast Fla. at the time. In 1986, he joined Joseph Collins’ company as CFO, overseeing the accounting department, developing and maintaining lender relationships, reporting to partners, assisting with land purchases and the preparation of tax returns and financial statements. Most importantly, Mark was responsible for establishing more than $100M in construction and development financing. Additionally, Mark was instrumental in the creation and eventual sale of two building companies; each sold to national home builders.

While working with the senior Collins, Mark also worked with Ashley Collins and acted as Collins Builders’ CFO from its inception. After winding down senior’s successful development business in 2016, Mark migrated to the CFO position with the Collins Builders’ management team.

When not working, Mark is an avid distance runner and loves the outdoors. He also enjoys woodworking and serving others who have “construction” related projects, especially those who have needs in his local church. Shortly after moving to Jacksonville, Mark met Peggy, his wife of 44 years. He and Peggy raised four children and now love traveling to visit them and their grandchildren.

Steve Bourre is Collins Builders’ Construction Manager. From a military family, he grew up all over the world, finishing school in North Carolina.

Steve moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2004 to work with Collins Builders. He began his time with the company as an assistant project manager and quickly worked his way up to a project manager. In that role, he managed the construction of two neighborhoods in the Jacksonville/Mandarin area. After two years with Collins Builders, he became the production manager and took over management of the Construction Department and its project managers.

During the construction process, Steve is involved early - prior to contracts being written - performing a site evaluation to determine the steps required to kick off the project. This includes the examination of road and entry conditions, homesite-clearing needs (trees or buildings), overhead and underground concerns, and drainage, among others. One of his favorite parts of the job is performing the site walk with clients to show where the house will go prior to the start of construction, so they can visualize their dream home.

Steve and the team of project managers are dedicated to building a quality home for each and every one of their home owners, taking pride in going the extra mile for the homeowner in the thoroughness of their quality control walks and checklist at each main phase of construction. Steve also plays a critical role to ensure training for project managers and trade partners is ongoing as the industry, products and building codes are constantly changing. He enjoys offshore fishing, when he can find the time, and following his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Olivia Kleman relocated to Jacksonville in 2022 and is a key member of our Architectural Design department at Collins Builders. Olivia attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology, where she excelled in residential, retail, and commercial design.

Olivia brings with her several years of experience in architectural design and enjoys working with clients to personalize each custom home to meet their specific needs and desires.

When she is not working, Olivia enjoys playing golf, exercising, exploring, and going to the beach.

Terra Kerley is the Principal Interior Designer of CB Luxury Interiors. She is a Jacksonville native and comes from a multi-generational family of artists. Her artistic influences steered her toward a career in design and she has never looked back.

In 2015, Terra began collaborating with Collins Builders to bring the vision of each custom home to life. She proudly became a resident member of the Collins team in 2023. She brings with her 23 years of experience working with prestigious architectural and interior design firms, as well as luxury home builders in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach. Fifteen out of those 23 years she operated her own design firm focusing on high-end residences and commercial projects.

Terra’s passion for interior design is matched by her ability to draw out and reflect her clients’ personal styles. She enjoys every level of detail in the design process, from listening and learning her clients’ personalities, to creative problem solving, to the final finishing touches. Each client brings a new perspective with their own personal style, and Terra is gifted in achieving her clients’ unique aesthetic in the end result. Terra’s goal with every project is to create spaces that are a true reflection of the homeowner, ensuring they will enjoy them for years to come.

Terra graduated with honors from the Interior Design program at the University of Florida with a minor in Fine Arts. She holds the National Council of Interior Design Qualification, is a licensed and registered Interior Designer with the State of Florida and has been a long-time professional member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). Some of her work has been featured in publications such as Jacksonville Home and Kitchen & Bath magazine. When she’s not busy designing beautiful homes, Terra enjoys spending time with her three children, salsa dancing with her husband, creating mixed-media artwork, gardening and being involved with her church.

Linda Wood is a dedicated Client Coordinator with a rich background in design and a passion for the home building process. Recently relocated to Jacksonville from Hilton Head, Linda has also spent 25 years in the Atlanta area and grew up in Europe as an Army brat. This diverse background has contributed to her unique perspective and adaptability in her role.

Linda holds a degree in Interior Design from Florida State University and has accumulated extensive experience in various design fields, including showroom design, interior design consulting, home remodeling, and new home construction. Her enthusiasm for bringing clients’ ideas to life and integrating their needs into home designs sets her apart in her profession.

Outside of her professional life, Linda enjoys quality time with her husband, son, and Golden Retriever. She is an avid traveler and sports fan, and she loves spending time at the beach.

Linda’s blend of international experience, design expertise, and personal passion makes her a valuable asset to our team, ensuring that every client's vision is realized in their new home.

Jaymee Calderala is the Accounting Manager for Collins Builders Group and its affiliates. She was born in Michigan and raised just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Jaymee studied at Columbia State College, graduating with a degree in accounting.  Jaymee and her family moved to Jacksonville, Fla. in 2002.

Prior to joining Collins Builders as the Accountant in January 2009, Jaymee’s love of numbers and accounting began early on in her career while working for a CPA firm, and her passion for construction began following her time and experience with both a local, custom homebuilder, as well as a municipal building department.

In 2014, she moved on to engage in Operations Management as Collins Builders continued to grow. In her role, Jaymee supervised the daily pre-construction operations and activities at Collins Builders, and worked to continuously improve the efficiency of each department. 

Currently, Jaymee’s primary focus is to ensure that Collins Builders Accounting Department’s resources are appropriately utilized by managing all financial transactions and accounting functions.  Jaymee spearheaded Collins Builders move to become a paperless office in 2023, and initiated an ACH payment process to safeguard our accounting transactions. 

With over 30 years’ experience in Construction Accounting, Jaymee is highly skilled in client and trade partner relations and strives to give clarity by providing transparent financial details and client account reconciliations.  Additionally, Jaymee works with our sales team, project managers and construction manager to confirm that our client’s contract, pre-construction, and construction milestones align with project draws and insurance requirements. 

Outside of the office, Jaymee enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband of over 20 years, Tim, along with their daughters and five grandchildren. Jaymee is a member of First Baptist Church in Nocatee and enjoys serving in her community as an organ donation advocate.

Dalton Raulerson is a Project Manager for Collins Builders. He is a lifelong resident of MacClenny and graduate of Baker County High School.

Dalton began his career in construction while still in high school and remained in the family business upon graduation, rising to become the main superintendent for the company. He joined Collins Builders in 2017. Through his previous work, he was familiar with Collins’ reputation for superior customer service and the integrity and transparency they demonstrate with all their trade partners. The company’s faith- and family-based foundation is what ultimately attracted Dalton to Collins’ Builders.

As a project manager, Dalton oversees all aspects of the homebuilding process, working closely with clients, engineers and architects to develop plans, establish timetables, and determine labor and material costs, ensuring the project is completed on budget and within scope. For Dalton, the favorite part of his job is meeting new clients and helping them begin the journey that culminates in their dream home.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Brandi and two children, Kelston and Rylan, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Matt Linde is a valued team member at Collins Builders and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Building Construction Management from the University of North Florida in 2020.

Matt joined the team as a Project Manager in 2022 and already brings with him several years of diverse construction industry experience. Matt has specific experience in purchasing, estimating, scheduling and field management in commercial and residential building.

Matt’s primary role is to ensure that each new custom home that he manages is completed to the Collins Builders' elevated standards of excellence. He spends time focused on quality control measures taken throughout construction of each new Collins Builders custom home that he is responsible for, as well as effective client communication with ongoing project updates and on-site subcontractor management.

When he’s not at work, Matt has many hobbies and enjoys actively volunteering with the Military Museum of North Florida as an Armorer and Curator. He can usually be found either at the museum, in the woods, or working on a DIY project of some type for himself or friends and family.

David is a valued team member at Collins Builders and is a rare Jacksonville native, having been born and raised in the Jacksonville and surrounding areas. He holds a degree in Building Construction Management from the University of North Florida.

David joined Collins Builders in 2022 and brings several years of construction industry experience with him. He began his career in general contracting, gaining hands-on experience in multiple facets of the business.

In his current role as a Project Manager, David is dedicated to maintaining quality control and overseeing project execution. He collaborates closely with his team to uphold Collins Builders' elevated standards of excellence throughout the construction of each custom home. His commitment to ensuring that every project meets the highest quality standards showcases his expertise and dedication to delivering exceptional results.

When he’s not at work, David enjoys woodworking, sailing, surfing, shooting, and spending time with his wife, Shannon. His skills are showcased in our Design Studio, where an impressive display of Brazilian Teak wall details reflects his craftsmanship and passion for working with his hands.

Chris Foley, a skilled carpenter with over 25 years of experience in fine finishing and woodworking, has recently joined the Collins Builders Carpentry team. Before joining the Collins team, he lived and worked in Pennsylvania. As a skilled carpenter, Chris focuses on the best cuts and joints, looking toward a high-quality outcome.

Chris’s primary role at Collins Builders is to manage the carpentry team throughout a project and keep the standards of completion elevated. He maintains a high level of excellence throughout trim-details by being preemptive and engaged in every step.

Over the years, Chris has worked with many tools, joints, and wood types. His overall favorite joint work is coped joints. Since moving south, Chris and his family have enjoyed the Florida climate and outdoor activities together.