Custom Home Builders in East Tennessee
Bright Ridge Homes is a second- and third-generation building company serving Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee. Our family has been building homes here for decades, and we’ve carried forward the knowledge, experience, and work ethic that were passed down through each generation.
We build custom homes of all sizes and styles, with a focus on clear communication, organized project management, and a worry-free experience for our clients. Every home is built with trusted subcontractors and skilled employees who share our commitment to doing the job the right way.
At Bright Ridge Homes, our goal is simple: deliver a high-quality home that we’re proud to build and you’re proud to own.
MEET THE TEAM
Joe Begley
Joe Begley is a second-generation builder with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. Raised in the Tri-Cities and deeply connected to the community, Joe has built a reputation for integrity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing things the right way. His education at East Tennessee State University and his executive MBA from Wake Forest strengthened the business foundation behind his work—allowing him to lead projects with both practical expertise and strategic vision.
As Owner and General Contractor of Bright Ridge Homes, Joe is involved in every stage of the build. He conducts frequent job-site visits, oversees construction quality, and ensures that each home reflects the high standards he’s known for. Joe maintains close client relationships throughout the process, prioritizing transparency, communication, and customer satisfaction.
Respected across the region for his leadership and dedication to excellence, Joe continues to shape the custom homebuilding landscape with homes that stand the test of time.
Owner/General Contractor
palmer Begley
Director of Sales and Project development
Meet Palmer Begley, a native of Kingsport, Tennessee, whose journey seamlessly blends engineering excellence with a passion for real estate. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The University of Tennessee, Palmer spent years at Eastman Chemical Company as a Corporate Project Leader before transitioning to the family business in 2022.
Palmer serves as Director of Sales and Project Development, guiding clients through the earliest and most critical stages of their custom home journey. Palmer is the primary point of contact for incoming project inquiries, leading clients through vision refinement, architectural coordination, and design development. He prepares detailed budgets, estimates, and contracts, ensuring each project enters construction with clarity, confidence, and a well-defined path forward.
In addition to shaping the project on the front end, Palmer works closely with clients throughout the entire build. He helps evaluate options on material and finish selections, and communicates how each decision aligns with their budget. His goal is to ensure clients feel informed, supported, and confident at every stage of the process.
Jonathon Smythe
Project Manager
Jonathon Smythe, a Kingsport native and a Veteran of the Army Reserves, brings a disciplined and detail-oriented approach to custom homebuilding. After beginning his career in project management within the commercial glass industry, he shifted into residential construction and has spent the past several years managing custom home projects.
In his role at Bright Ridge Homes, Jonathon oversees day-to-day project execution with a focus on precise scheduling, proactive communication, and rigorous quality control. He leads on-site meetings, coordinates subcontractors, and ensures every phase of construction aligns with the client’s expectations. Jonathon is dedicated to delivering a smooth, organized, and high-quality building experience for every homeowner.
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