After completing five years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Chris graduated with distinction from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. degree in finance and economics. Upon graduation he was employed by Wells Fargo Bank in Los Angeles, California. Under his leadership, quality initiatives in the Human Development Customer Relations Program evolved. His strong background in finance motivated him to start his own investment company, Select Concepts, LLC. Having had experience in the real estate and building industry, Chris developed a second company, Real Concepts, LLC. Real Concepts LLC specialized in single family spec homes and the rehabilitation of older single family homes in the Georgia and Alabama area. Throughout this period, Chris was researching green building and sustainable-living methods and strategies. The Asheville region presented Chris the opportunity to pursue his passion for real estate development and to become part of the green building movement. He established Eco-Concepts Development and Eco-Concepts Construction with his wife Bernice Mellen and his brother Darrin Cashman, who both share in his motivation to reduce the impact on our environment through green building. Incorporating a quality team of experts in the Asheville regional area, Chris and his partners have become recognized as leaders in green building.

Bernice graduated with a B.S. degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Rhode Island. While living in Georgia, she was a managing partner in the real estate development company, Real Concepts, LLC. Bernice is now the managing partner in Eco Concepts Development and Eco Concepts Construction. With these two companies, Bernice directs the scheduling, fiscal oversight, quality control and a myriad of other operational factors of the growing businesses. Bernice’s love for nature coincides with her passion for green building and sustainable living. She feels fortunate to be able to help protect the environment through her career.