OUR LEADERSHIP

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
BSET, Civil Engineering Technology

Jody joined the Johnson Concrete Products team in 2000. His areas of interest in masonry include energy efficiency, structural design, and production optimization. He’s extremely active in several industry associations, including being the Chairman of the Expanded Shale Clay and Slate Association, Chairman of ASTM Subcommittee C9.21, Chairman of the National Concrete Masonry Association – Acceptable Workmanship Committee, and is on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Concrete Masonry Association.

Fun fact: Jody enjoys playing volleyball in a local league in Charlotte, NC. He prides himself on his serve and claims to have the highest jump in the league (when his knees don’t give out on him).

Duke University, Economics

Starling officially joined the Johnson Concrete Products team in 2010, but as a fourth generation family member she effectively grew up in the business.  Her mission is to build a team that consistently exceeds customer expectations and to implement processes that maximize our efficiency. She’s Chairwoman of the National Concrete Masonry Association’s Young Professionals Group and active in the Southeastern Concrete Masonry Association’s marketing committee. She’s also passionate about Salisbury, where Johnson Concrete Products was founded in 1947, and serves as Membership Chair for the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and on the Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors.

Fun fact: Starling set a goal in college to visit and spend the night in all 50 states by the age of 35. Six months pregnant and having just turned 35, she convinced her husband to go to Iowa on their “babymoon” to check off the last state. 

United States Marine Corps Sergeant

Serving in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years and achieving the rank of Sergeant, Chuck credits the service for instilling in him a hard work ethic and a determination for proven results. He joined the Johnson Concrete Products team in 2000 as a mixer cleaner and through the years of climbing the ranks he has had almost every job description at the company including Production Manager and now Sales Manager. Chuck serves as Chair of the Education Committee for the Southeast Concrete Masonry Association and strongly encourages younger generations to join our industry.

Fun fact: Chuck enjoys spending time with his wife, five sons, and grandson. He also enjoys weightlifting and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Wake Forest Deacons.

Since joining Johnson Concrete Products in 2018 as a Sales Representative, Chris Audet has grown into his current role as Director of Operations, overseeing several of the company’s locations. He brings a can-do attitude and enthusiasm to every project he takes on, whether it’s managing sales, organizing inventory, coordinating deliveries, or finding new ways to optimize product offerings. With more than 25 years of retail management experience, Chris brings strong operational insight and a customer-first mindset to his role at JCP.

Fun fact: Chris is certainly busy: he’s married to an amazing wife and together they have four children, a dog, and a cat. For fun, he’s an avid bicycle rider, both on and off road.

With over 40+ years in the industry, it’s safe to say Billy Meade is passionate about block. Billy became part of the team in 2004 when Johnson Concrete Products acquired Lightweight Block Company. Primarily because of Billy’s talent and discerning eye, JCP moved its architectural CMU production to Lexington in 2012 to be under his leadership. If it can be done on a block machine, Billy will figure out how! The Lexington plant is instrumental in JCP’s efforts in new product development research.

Fun fact: Billy is one of the few people who can sell you a block, make it, cube it, and deliver it to you. All by himself!

New to the concrete industry, Nick Allen joined Johnson Concrete Products after spending over 20 years in retail management. Originally from South Carolina, his career in retail took him across the South, living and working in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Competitive by nature, Nick values continuous improvement and leads with a servant leadership approach that supports his team, holds them accountable, and ensures they have the tools to succeed. Guided by his favorite motto, “Leave it better than you found it,” he brings a positive, results-driven mindset to every challenge.

Fun fact: Nick is married to his amazing wife, and together they have a daughter, two dogs, and a cat. He enjoys the gym, working on vehicles, and being outdoors, and hopes one day to own land and raise cattle like he did growing up on his family farm.

Mason Carlton has been part of the Statesville operation for several years, starting at RidgeRock and continuing with Johnson Concrete Products after the 2025 acquisition. With a decade of experience as an automation engineer in the pharmaceutical industry, he brings strong technical and problem-solving skills to concrete manufacturing. Rising quickly from maintenance technician to plant manager, Mason is known for his ability to understand and improve complex automated systems. He leads by example, keeping operations efficient and his team supported and engaged.

Fun fact: Outside of work, Mason enjoys fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Barry Copeland has been part of the East Ellijay operation for nearly 18 years, starting at West Block and continuing with RidgeRock before joining Johnson Concrete Products as part of the 2025 acquisition. He began on the production line and worked his way up, spending 11 years running the block machine before becoming Site Manager. Known for his mechanical and electrical expertise, Barry takes pride in keeping the plant running efficiently and in helping his team succeed and grow within the company.

Fun fact: When he’s not at the plant, Barry stays busy coaching fast-pitch softball with his two daughters. He also enjoys fishing and spending time with friends and family.

College of William and Mary
BA, Government/Political Philosophy

Gregg joined the Johnson Concrete Products team in 2006. His areas of interest in stormwater include innovative/cutting edge products, customer relations, and procurement. He’s currently President of the Carolinas Concrete Pipe and Products Association (CCPPA), and is a member of its Board of Directors and Technical Marketing Committee.

Fun fact: Previous to entering the building materials industry in 2000, Gregg was a member of the PGA of America, played in two PGA Tour events, and multiple mini-tours for five years.

North Carolina State University
BA Business Administration, Concentration in HR Management

With over 20 years of experience in human resources and safety, Rob Dry brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to operational excellence. His passion for building strong workplace cultures, fostering positive employee relations, and developing top talent has been a hallmark of his career. With broad experience spanning manufacturing and transportation, Rob offers a versatile perspective and a practical approach to people and performance. As a valued member of the Johnson Concrete Products team, he continues to champion a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence across the organization.

Fun fact: Outside of work, Rob is a competitive runner alongside his equally competitive wife. Together they have two adult children and two grandchildren.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
BS Accounting

New to the concrete masonry industry, Wayne Starnes joined Johnson Concrete Products in 2025, bringing with him more than 30 years of accounting experience across various manufacturing environments. He takes a hands-on approach to accounting and enjoys improving efficiencies, policies, and procedures that strengthen daily operations.

Fun fact: Wayne enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughters, especially outdoors or cheering on his favorite college teams.