Who we are
We are a general contractor based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, specializing in the development and construction of multifamily, commercial, student housing, and senior living communities. Our mission is to deliver the best construction experience for our clients and partners through strong relationships and the commitment of our team. We lead with integrity, collaboration, and quality, and we take pride in delivering projects that meet the highest standards while building long-term partnerships rooted in trust and performance.
OUR Mission
To provide the best construction experience
to our partners and clients through our commitment to those relationships and our SBG family.
Our Values
HUMILITY
We strive to be ideal team players, not focusing on blame or credit.
Tenacity
We work with a focus on how we can get things done, not why we can’t.
Integrity
We strive to do the right thing - always.
Ownership
We strive to hold ourselves and each other accountable.
Our purpose
Faith
We are dependent on God and trust in Him in all our endeavors. Our faith is what we do, not just what we believe.
Love
We genuinely care for all people and their stories – where they come from and where they are headed.
Service
We serve each other, the community, and our clients.
Our Leadership
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John Elliott, President
John is a seasoned business professional overseeing daily operations at Southern Building Group. With extensive experience across all phases of development and construction, he brings skill and integrity to every project. A Middle Tennessee State University graduate in Industrial Studies (Construction Management) with a minor in Real Estate, he holds a Contractor’s License in various states, as well as a TN Real Estate Broker’s license. John’s diverse expertise has driven his success in development and construction.
Paul Freas, Chief operating officer
Paul brings over 30 years of construction experience to his role as Chief Operating Officer at Southern Building Group. Since joining SBG in 2016, he has led large-scale multi-family, commercial, and residential projects while overseeing daily operations, pre-construction, and subcontractor negotiations. Paul focuses on safety, quality, and team performance, driving operational excellence and supporting the company’s growth.
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Char Smith, HR/Cultural Director
Char began her construction career in 1998 with Universal Constructors in the Marketing department. After holding various managerial roles in the industry, she joined Southern Building Group in 2015. As HR and Cultural Director, she oversees HR, Marketing, IT, and Contract Administration while focusing on company culture and SBG’s mission to provide the best construction experience through strong relationships and commitment to the SBG family.
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kris vivrette, financial controller
Kris began her construction career with a focus on financial management and accounting. She joined Southern Building Group in 2016 and now serves as Controller, overseeing financial operations, reporting, budgeting, and compliance. Her leadership ensures the company’s financial health and supports SBG’s continued growth.