The latest episode of Builders, Budgets, and Beers takes a powerful and emotional turn as we sit down with Noi Calhoun, General Manager and co-owner of JAG Construction in Asheville, North Carolina. Known for their green building expertise, JAG faced their toughest challenge yet when Hurricane Helene hit the region with devastating force.

Six months later, Noi reflects on the chaos, community, and courage it took to weather the storm and begin the long road to recovery.

When the River Rose, Everything Changed

Hurricane Helene dumped unprecedented rainfall on Asheville, sending the French Broad River surging over 27 feet—four feet higher than the previous record. As landslides, flooding, and power outages swept through the region, Noi found herself cut off from her team, her job sites, and even basic communication. “It wiped out all the power everywhere. We had no internet, no cell towers. Emergency responders were using CB radios.”

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Despite the widespread destruction, Noi and her fiancé hit the ground running—delivering water from a well at a job site to neighbors in need, coordinating support where they could, and rebuilding community before rebuilding homes.

Construction on Hold, Community Comes First

For two weeks, construction ground to a halt. Instead of building houses, the JAG team pivoted to wellness checks, water deliveries, and local support. Their small-town values and tight-knit team allowed them to respond with speed and compassion.

And when the dust settled, JAG found that 28 out of 30 homes under contract had made it through unscathed—a mix of smart building, solid site selection, and a bit of luck. “None of our homes flooded. We had some tree damage, but compared to the devastation around us, it was a miracle.”

Why They Said “No” to Storm Work

With storm-related damage everywhere, many builders might have pivoted to take on FEMA work or emergency rebuilds. Not JAG. “We made the decision early on that we wouldn’t take on storm jobs. We stuck to what we do best and focused on our current clients.”

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Noi explained that without guaranteed FEMA reimbursements—or the cash flow to float massive upfront labor and materials—storm work posed more risk than reward.

Lessons from the Aftermath

As the city of Asheville works to rebuild—both physically and economically—Noi emphasized the importance of financial stability and community resilience.

JAG’s internal systems, like weekly vendor payments and transparent communication, helped subcontractors stay afloat and keep jobs moving. “We pay our subs every Thursday. We knew they needed those checks to make payroll—and we did everything we could to keep things going.”

Final Thoughts

This episode is a testament to what it means to be a builder—not just of structures, but of communities. Noi’s experience navigating a once-in-a-lifetime natural disaster offers powerful lessons in leadership, resourcefulness, and heart.

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Whether you’re in construction or just want to hear how a team rallied together when it mattered most, this is a story worth hearing.

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