About Our Founder

Ed Holmes and his new bride, Judy, moved to Asheville, NC, in 1972 with nearly nothing in tow, and were fortunate to live in the basement of Judy’s aunt and uncle’s home until they could get on their feet. In 1974, he took up employment as a Survey Technician at Hutchison-Biggs and Associates, Land Surveyors. He quickly became well-known for his work ethic, his capabilities, his willingness, and the way he treated others. Ed loved the work, and returned to school at night to attend Surveying courses.

He went on to become a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in North Carolina and Tennessee. Ed was invited into partnership in the firm in the late 1980’s, and eventually led the company as its President. In 2005, along with his son, Josh, and with the support of his closest associates and friends in business, he formed Ed Holmes and Associates Land Surveyors, PA. He led the organization for nearly 17 years, until the time of his passing. He led with a true servant’s heart, and he embodied and was the inspiration for the company’s core values of hard work, encouragement, adaptability, reputation, and teamwork. He was a mentor to all, and was thought of by nearly everyone on the then 40-plus member staff as either a second dad, brother, or best friend.

Ed truly loved his work, and the relationships he built and maintained through his business. He was particularly drawn to Construction Surveying, and his favorite thing to do was to be on a jobsite, laying out something to be soon constructed, or working with contractors and consultants to solve a problem on the site. He had a great knack for figuring out how to make it work.

During his career, he was fortunate to lead survey efforts in hundreds of high-profile projects in Western North Carolina and beyond. He loved and took pride in building, shaping, and creating. What he built, shaped, and created most was an amazing legacy of love, friendship, and caring for others. He lived an “arrows out” life – his every thought on what he could do for others, and never for himself. Those who knew him, knew this well.