Buddy Heins brings a diverse background of construction and real estate to the Merit Construction team. A native Knoxvillian, Buddy joined Merit in 1998 to lead Merit’s marketing and business development efforts. Buddy is a civil engineering graduate of the University of Tennessee.

Buddy was previously active in the cellular communications industry, having been instrumental in acquiring and developing nearly 250 cell sites throughout the southeastern United States. He also led the effort to develop a new network for Sprint in East Tennessee.

Since joining Merit, Buddy has helped develop new marketing strategies which have included a new logo and website. During this period, construction revenues for the firm have more than tripled.

Buddy is active in the community holding leadership positions with the Great Smoky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Bearden High School Foundation, The Builders Exchange of Tennessee, The Development Corporation of Knox County, and the East Tennessee Economic Council.

Buddy lives in Knoxville with his wife, Shayna, and their son and daughter.