We help growing communities build strong.
Never content with yesterday's achievements, we are motivated by a vision of growth for tomorrow. In 1997, Rising Sun was founded by a father-son team, Jimmy and Jason Akers, to fulfill this vision. We began by building post offices. In the decades since, our team has grown to nearly 300. We self-perform challenging projects with pride and invest in our team and community.
Our Team
List of Services
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Jason Akers | President and CEO Jason has more than 28 years of construction experience as a 4th generation contractor. He is involved in all aspects of Rising Sun's business from estimating & bidding to execution & closing. Jason is a hands-on president who collaborates with project owners to ensure quality and timeliness.Jason Akers | President and CEO
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Shane Carpenter | Chief Operations Officer (COO) Shane has 25 years of industrial and commercial construction experience with Rising Sun and UPS, Inc. He is responsible for project management, RS’s daily operations, and coordination of RS’s projects in the natural gas fields.Shane Carpenter | Chief Operations Officer (COO)
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Richard Grier | Chief Business Officer (CBO) Richard has over 25 years of experience in networking, marketing, organization building, coaching, and consulting. He joined the team in 2020 to build existing relationships and create new ones throughout the region. His degree is in Business Management from Palm Beach Atlantic Univ.Richard Grier | Chief Business Officer (CBO)
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Charlie Gullett | Controller Charlie has over 30 years of experience managing the finances of a variety of businesses in Lexington. He is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, with a Masters degree in Business Administration. Charlie is involved in working alongside the Rising Sun team in all the financial aspects of the company.Charlie Gullett | Controller
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Scott Connell | Senior Estimator Scott has over 22 years of experience in estimating, project management, and operations in the industrial fabrication and construction industry. He came to Rising Sun in 2018 to be the Estimator. Scott obtained a degree in Computer-Aided Design with Construction Management emphasis in 1996.Scott Connell | Senior Estimator
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Donnie Napier | Project Manager Donnie is a second-generation Rising Sun employee with over 23 years of experience in commercial construction, 21 of those being with Rising Sun. He was a field Superintendent for over 15 years while working on a multitude of projects before moving up to a Project Manager role in 2020.Donnie Napier | Project Manager
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Gus Bartley | Project Manager Gus has been in the construction industry for over 10 years as he has moved up the ranks. He has an extensive list of projects under his belt as he has learned from some of the best.Gus Bartley | Project Manager
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Jacob Reeves | Project Executive Jacob Reeves brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the construction industry, showcasing a strong foundation in both project management and technical expertise. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Engineering and Technology Management and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, both from Eastern Kentucky University. This academic background equips him with a robust understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of construction and engineering disciplines. As a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, Jacob is well-versed in sustainable building practices and applicable green building strategies, further enhancing the quality and efficiency of his projects. He is also a Certified Professional Constructor with the American Institute of Constructors, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and industry standards. Additionally, Jacob has completed construction quality management training for contractors with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which emphasizes his focus on quality assurance and compliance in every aspect of his work. His credentials also include OSHA 30-hour training, as well as First Aid and CPR certification, underscoring his commitment to safety on construction sites.Jacob Reeves | Project Executive
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Johnny Horton | Project Manager Johnny started in construction in 1976 as a carpenter. He started working for Rising Sun in 2007. Johnny has filled positions in a variety of areas - superintendent, project managing, and even ditch digging.Johnny Horton | Project Manager
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Michael | Prater, Assistant Project Manager Michael has over 9 years of construction experience. He joined Rising Sun as an intern in May 2022 and began working full-time in December 2022, after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. Michael is excited to be a part of the Rising Sun team & looks forward to the many projects he will get to assist in developing.Michael | Prater, Assistant Project Manager
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Jim Leake | Construction Administrator Jim is approaching 40 years of experience as a Contractor, Consultant, Construction Administrator, and Project Manager in Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Construction, 1982 – present. Jim attended the University of Kentucky 1977-1981 and earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree – College of Arts & Sciences.Jim Leake | Construction Administrator
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Sandra Fulton | Contract Administrator Sandra has over 12 years of construction support experience. She provides project support to office and field personnel. She also coordinates shop drawings, warranties, and materials for all Rising Sun projects.Sandra Fulton | Contract Administrator
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Spencer Griggs | Contract AdministratorSpencer Griggs | Contract Administrator
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Amy Akers | Accounts Payable Director Amy is the one that keeps the President in line while filling just about every office position there is over the years. She currently makes sure the AP system is running as smoothly as possible.Amy Akers | Accounts Payable Director
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Lili Galvan | Accounting & Contracts AssociateLili Galvan | Accounting & Contracts Associate
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Ashley Johnson | Payroll & HR DirectorAshley Johnson | Payroll & HR Director