About Us
Appalachian Contracting: Built On Excellence and Integrity.
At Appalachian Contracting, building a home has always meant more than just putting up walls – it’s about people, trust, and the relationships that make the work meaningful. For over 36 years, we’ve been proud to serve the North Georgia community, creating homes built on craftsmanship, honesty, and a genuine respect for the process.
When Beau Hughes stepped into leadership, he didn’t just take the reins of a company; he embraced a tradition. Working for years alongside founder Jim Combs, Beau saw that true homebuilding is defined not by wood and stone, but by the families who fill those spaces and the trust that’s built along the way.
Today, Appalachian Contracting continues that same legacy, rooted in integrity, devoted to excellence, and driven by the relationships that turn houses into homes.
Our History
Appalachian Contracting Services was built on a foundation of hard work, integrity, a commitment to quality craftsmanship and building relationships. In 1988, Jim and Nancy Combs started this company with a simple but powerful belief—that building homes is about building trust.
For over 36 years, Jim poured his expertise into every project, earning a reputation for honest work, strong relationships, and homes that stand the test of time. Meanwhile, Nancy kept the business running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring that Appalachian Contracting remained as solid as the homes it built.
As time went on, Jim knew that finding the right person to carry on the company’s legacy wasn’t just about skill – it was about finding someone who shared the same values. After years of searching, he found that in Beau Hughes. Having worked alongside Jim for years, Beau understood that Appalachian Contracting was more than just a business – it was a commitment to the community, to quality, and to the people who put their trust in us.
In 2022, Beau officially took ownership, carrying forward the same dedication that Jim and Nancy instilled from day one. Today, Appalachian Contracting continues to serve North Georgia with the same principles it was founded on: honest craftsmanship, strong relationships, and a promise to build not just homes, but lasting legacies.
For over 36 years, Jim poured his expertise into every project, earning a reputation for honest work, strong relationships, and homes that stand the test of time. Meanwhile, Nancy kept the business running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring that Appalachian Contracting remained as solid as the homes it built.
As time went on, Jim knew that finding the right person to carry on the company’s legacy wasn’t just about skill – it was about finding someone who shared the same values. After years of searching, he found that in Beau Hughes. Having worked alongside Jim for years, Beau understood that Appalachian Contracting was more than just a business – it was a commitment to the community, to quality, and to the people who put their trust in us.
In 2022, Beau officially took ownership, carrying forward the same dedication that Jim and Nancy instilled from day one. Today, Appalachian Contracting continues to serve North Georgia with the same principles it was founded on: honest craftsmanship, strong relationships, and a promise to build not just homes, but lasting legacies.
Meet Our Team
Beau Hughes
Owner & President
Beau Hughes is a state-licensed Residential–Light Commercial Contractor, certified EarthCraft Builder, and the owner and President of Appalachian Contracting Services in Dahlonega, Georgia. He joined Appalachian Contracting Services in 2019 after building a career that began in residential remodeling and carpentry and later expanded into commercial construction project management. In January 2023, Beau became owner of the company, continuing its 36-year tradition of serving North Georgia with thoughtful, well-built residential and light commercial projects.
A graduate of the University of North Georgia, Beau fell in love with Dahlonega during his time at the university. He and his wife, Rachel—also a UNG alumna—chose to make the area home, where they are raising their three children. Beau was recognized as a 2024 UNG 20 Under 40 honoree and is a member of Remodelers Advantage, the nation’s largest peer-to-peer network for remodelers and home builders, allowing him to stay current with industry best practices and continual improvement resources.
Beau is actively involved in the local community through the Dahlonega–Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, his support of the Community Helping Place, and his work with Lumpkin County High School’s work-based learning program to help develop the next generation of skilled tradesmen. He is also an active member of Providence Baptist Church in Dahlonega. Outside of work, Beau enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors—whether hiking, camping, or running—drawing daily inspiration from the place and people he calls home.
A graduate of the University of North Georgia, Beau fell in love with Dahlonega during his time at the university. He and his wife, Rachel—also a UNG alumna—chose to make the area home, where they are raising their three children. Beau was recognized as a 2024 UNG 20 Under 40 honoree and is a member of Remodelers Advantage, the nation’s largest peer-to-peer network for remodelers and home builders, allowing him to stay current with industry best practices and continual improvement resources.
Beau is actively involved in the local community through the Dahlonega–Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, his support of the Community Helping Place, and his work with Lumpkin County High School’s work-based learning program to help develop the next generation of skilled tradesmen. He is also an active member of Providence Baptist Church in Dahlonega. Outside of work, Beau enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors—whether hiking, camping, or running—drawing daily inspiration from the place and people he calls home.
Jim Combs
Founder & Vice President
For more than three decades, Jim Combs has been a driving force in the construction industry, combining technical expertise with a client-focused approach. His career spans building materials sales, hands-on construction, and business leadership, giving him a broad range of experience and knowledge.
Jim’s exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and eye for design have helped him build lasting relationships with clients and a record of near-perfect satisfaction. As the founder of Appalachian Contracting, Jim established the company’s core values of honesty, integrity and the pursuit of excellence – principles that continue to guide the team today.
Jim’s exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and eye for design have helped him build lasting relationships with clients and a record of near-perfect satisfaction. As the founder of Appalachian Contracting, Jim established the company’s core values of honesty, integrity and the pursuit of excellence – principles that continue to guide the team today.
Renee Conaway
Business Manager
Renee joined the company in 2015 and has since taken over the business management side of Appalachian Contracting Services. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Renee also completed the paralegal certification from Emory University and the project management training program through the University of North Georgia. She drafts our contracts and handles our accounts receivable and payable as well as our bookkeeping, advertising, and marketing. She also manages the plumbing service scheduling.
When not at the office, Renee enjoys working with the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival and the 6 Gap Century Bike Ride. She is an avid reader and loves to travel.
When not at the office, Renee enjoys working with the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival and the 6 Gap Century Bike Ride. She is an avid reader and loves to travel.
Joe Michaelsen
Project Manager
Joe started with the company in 1999 as a laborer performing jobs like digging, moving materials, and cleaning up. He learned everything he could on the job and through classes to work his way up to Project Manager. Joe is now a Marvin Windows Certified Installer, a Navien and Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Certified Technician, and has completed classes in erosion control and other aspects of construction. Joe is now the go-to project manager for kitchen and bath remodels, deck builds, and restaurant build-outs.
When Joe isn’t keeping our clients happy, he can be found tinkering with his Jeep, decorating for the holidays, or warming his toes in the sand on a beach.
When Joe isn’t keeping our clients happy, he can be found tinkering with his Jeep, decorating for the holidays, or warming his toes in the sand on a beach.
Tyler Kropp
Project Manager
After working with Jim and Beau previously on various projects Tyler finally joined the company in 2024. As the son of a successful contractor, Tyler’s appreciation of the construction industry began at an early age. Through years of hands-on experience and a wealth of information learned on the job he has discovered a specific passion for custom home building and remodeling. Tyler graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
From there, his experience ranges from project manager for a semi-custom home builder, residential remodeling project manager, siding and roofing project manager, and owning a siding and carpentry company. When not at work he loves spending meaningful time with his beautiful wife, son, and daughter.
From there, his experience ranges from project manager for a semi-custom home builder, residential remodeling project manager, siding and roofing project manager, and owning a siding and carpentry company. When not at work he loves spending meaningful time with his beautiful wife, son, and daughter.
Taylor Pattillo
Office Manager
Taylor Pattillo serves as a part-time Office Manager for Appalachian Contracting Services, a role she has been in since 2025. With an Associate’s degree in Social Work, she brings a unique blend of empathy, organization and efficiency to the team. After spending many years working with children, Taylor discovered a passion for office management, where she thrives on creating organized, high-functioning work environments. In her free time,Taylor enjoys escaping into a good book, and she balances her professional life with being a dedicated mother to two boys and supporting her husband, who owns a local business.
Kelanah Allen
Project Coordinator / Designer
Starting at age 9, Kelanah designed her first space: a life-size playhouse her and her dad built together. Years later she tackled renovating a ‘71 VW Bus including gutting the interior, redesigning the cabinet layouts, and choosing fabrics for upholstery. She is a first generation college graduate from Western Carolina University, with a B.S. in Interior Design & Architecture. Along with her love of design, connecting with others is a huge part of why she chose this field.
With over six years of field experience, she has worked on custom, residential homes (including her own), women and children’s shelters, along with public schools. Her passion lies in functional design, which covers aging in place, crafting kitchens and baths, and universal design. If she is not at work, she is probably making something at home, visiting a café, or learning American Sign Language.
With over six years of field experience, she has worked on custom, residential homes (including her own), women and children’s shelters, along with public schools. Her passion lies in functional design, which covers aging in place, crafting kitchens and baths, and universal design. If she is not at work, she is probably making something at home, visiting a café, or learning American Sign Language.
For more information, see our Homepage for a complete list of services.
Author: Beau Hughes
Appalachian Contracting Services
487 Morrison Moore Pkwy W, Dahlonega, GA 30533 | 706-864-8777
Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m
Saturday and Sunday Closed