Meet The Achiever Development Team
GRAY PALMER
President
Gray joined Achiever development in 2010 as a property manager. Since then, he has held roles as General Manager, COO and now leads the company as President and serves on the Board of Directors. He is in charge of the overall strategic direction of the company.
Prior to Achiever Development, Gray received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi.
Gray lives in Nashville with his wife, Bentley and their two children Rainer and Court.
JOEY WALLACE
Vice President, Land Acquisition and Development
Joey joined Achiever development in 2021 as land acquisitions manager. Previously he served as development manager for Goodall Homes managing pre and post closure work on projects in multiple markets. He oversaw delivery of 300+ homesites annually, conducted feasibility studies and due diligence for new acquisitions, managed post acquisition development of project amenities and utilities, and provided oversight of community owner organizations.
He received the Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Joey lives in Hendersonville with his wife Alli and their dog Cade.
Michelle Nichols
Controller
Michelle joined Achiever Development in 2013 and serves as the Controller. She oversees the operational accounting, produces financial reports, maintains the company’s accounting system, and also provides financial analysis and reporting for projects.
After graduating from Centennial High School in Franklin, Michelle served in the United States Marine Corps, then went on to earn her B.B.A. in Accounting from South University in Georgia.
Michelle lives in Chapel Hill with her husband Stevie, their four children Elle, Evan, Lincoln, and Brooke, and their dogs Koda and Akeila.
Thomas Steffen
Partner, Achiever Construction Management
Thomas partnered with Achiever CM in 2024. His role includes strategic planning, consulting, design, and construction management oversight of ACM projects. Prior experience includes the design and development of nearly 7,500 residential lots throughout North Carolina and Tennessee.
Thomas received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and Master of Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University.
Thomas lives in Nashville with his wife, Tara, and son Clark.
Charles Golay
Vice President, Construction
Charles joined Achiever Building Group in 2025 as Vice President of Construction. Charles brings more than 22 years of experience in the construction industry, including 15 years in construction management and 6 years dedicated specifically to home building. His extensive background has equipped him with a deep understanding of project oversight, quality control, and client satisfaction.
A former U.S. Marine, Charles applies the values of discipline, leadership, and integrity to his work, ensuring that each project is executed with precision and professionalism.
He and his wife, Erica, are proud parents to three children—Louella, Ledger, and Leona—and share their home their two beloved dogs, Otis and Ember.