Our History
Founded in 1986 by A.D. Powell Sr., Salcoa Contracting began as a small, family-owned business founded on simple yet strong values: hard work, honesty, and craftsmanship. Today, those same values are at the core of who we are. Now led by his son, Arnold Dan Powell Jr., Salcoa has grown into a respected, second-generation construction company known not just for the projects we complete but also for the relationships we build along the way.
Over the past 40 years, we’ve completed thousands of projects, from small renovations to large-scale, ground-up projects. Each project has taught us something new and strengthened our commitment to quality. We take pride in knowing that many of our clients have stayed with us for decades, which is a testament to the trust and consistency that defines our work. Our success has always come from doing things the right way, treating people fairly, and standing by our word.
Over time, we’ve found our niche in the grocery retail industry. We’ve had the privilege of working with both national supermarket chains and independent retailers, gaining valuable insights into what it takes to keep their doors open and shelves stocked during construction. Grocery construction demands precision, planning, and teamwork—and we’ve built a reputation for handling it with care and expertise. Whether it’s a remodel, expansion, or new build, we work hard to minimize downtime and deliver a space our clients can be proud of.
What makes Salcoa different is our people and how we work together. We combine the flexibility and personal touch of a family business with the strength and resources of a larger firm. Our team is hands-on, approachable, and responsive. We believe in open communication, honest feedback, and taking the necessary steps to make things right. Ultimately, we genuinely care about our clients’ success as much as our own.
When you choose Salcoa Contracting, you’re not just hiring a general contractor; you’re gaining a partner who’s invested in your vision and your future. Our team brings decades of experience, a shared passion for quality, and a commitment to ensuring the success of every project. We’re proud of our roots, and we look forward to our continued sensible growth, which has brought us to where we are today.
Danny Powell, President
Danny Powell is the president and second-generation owner of Salcoa Contracting, a commercial contracting firm founded by his father in 1986. Back then, after school, Danny spent his afternoons working for the business, which helped him see how hard his father, A.D. Powell, had to work in those early years of the company. In 1988, Danny joined the United States Air Force two months after graduating from high school. Then, in 1992, after a four-year stint in the Air Force working as an aircraft ground support mechanic, Danny entered the civilian world with big plans to apply the mechanical experience he gained in the Air Force. After six years working factory jobs, Danny’s father offered him a position in the family business, where he worked in the field, climbed the company ladder, and gradually earned his father’s respect as a construction-minded leader. In 2006, A.D. made Danny Vice President of Construction.
In 2010, after A.D.’s unexpected passing, Danny, along with the company’s Vice President of Finance, decided to carry on the business as partners. Danny quickly obtained his general contractor’s license in North Carolina and then secured licenses in the five other states where the company operated. Danny attained these licenses within 12 months of his father’s passing. His business partner passed in 2017, leaving Danny as the sole owner. Since then, the company has grown into a full-service commercial general contractor with a focus on the grocery retail industry, completing thousands of construction projects across the southeastern United States and beyond. Danny is LEED-certified and a member of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). When he isn’t in the office, he prefers spending time with his family and traveling as much as possible.
Meet Our Team
Built on experience. Driven by people.
JJ Zeringue
Vice President of Construction
With over 30 years in the construction industry, JJ brings extensive knowledge and leadership to Salcoa Contracting. He studied Civil Engineering at Louisiana State University and began his construction career before graduating. While experienced in both residential and commercial work, his expertise is primarily in commercial construction.
JJ has managed a wide range of projects, including hospitals, large-box retail stores, educational facilities, and grocery stores. He holds General Contractor and Electrical Contractor licenses in Tennessee. Joined Salcoa in 2009 as a Field Superintendent, quickly rising to Project Manager and now serves as Vice President of Construction. Since joining, he has overseen hundreds of grocery store projects, including new builds, takeovers, remodels, and brand strategy initiatives.
Known for his positive attitude and results-driven mindset, JJ continues to tackle challenges head-on with a commitment to excellence in every project he leads.
Kevin May
VP of Finance and Operations
Kevin May is the VP of Finance and Operations for Salcoa Contracting. He is the qualifying agent for the State of Florida and West Virginia’s contractor licenses. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management & Engineering Technology obtained from SUNY College of Technology, Alfred State. Kevin has been with Salcoa Contracting since 2012.
Kevin was born and raised in Oswego, NY, before moving to North Carolina in 2012. Kevin and his wife, Ashley, have 2 children together
Jo Ellen Desmet
Office Manager
Jo Ellen has been an integral part of the Salcoa Contracting team since 2013, bringing over a decade of service and commitment to excellence. As Office Manager, she ensures the smooth daily operation of the office, managing payroll, employee benefits, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, and providing support to both management and staff.
Jo Ellen is known for her reliability, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills, which contribute to the efficiency of Salcoa operations.
Jo Ellen is a Rowan County native. After graduating college, she started her career in Charlotte and made her way back to Salisbury. Outside of the office, Jo Ellen enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new hiking trails, and traveling.
Lauren Keller
Project Coordinator
Lauren has served as Salcoa’s Project Coordinator since 2023, where she oversees payroll, expense input, fleet operations, permit acquisition for all projects, and subcontract completion.
Originally from California, she and her family moved to Salisbury, NC in 2018. Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her Family. The family enjoy boating and exploring the beautiful lakes and outdoor opportunities that North Carolina has to offer.
“I feel fortunate to be part of Salcoa Contracting and am excited to be involved in the company’s ongoing achievements and growth.”
Amber Fraley
Administrative Assistant
Amber is the Front Desk Administrative Assistant at Salcoa, where she provides excellent customer service and creates a welcoming atmosphere for clients and visitors. She brings strong communication and problem-solving skills to the team.
A lifelong Rowan County resident and East Rowan High School graduate, Amber earned her C.N.A. license in high school and spent seven years in healthcare before moving into retail, where she was an assistant manager for nine and a half years. She is now excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to Salcoa.
Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeremy, and their two kids, Skylar and Alstin. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending her son’s dirt bike races, and watching movies with her daughter.
“I am extremely grateful to be working with such a great team and hope to contribute to Salcoa in any way that I can.”
Josh Triplett
Commercial Construction Estimator – Grocery Division
With 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience, Josh specializes in grocery-sector projects, supporting new builds, remodels, and tenant improvements for clients including Food Lion, Lowe’s Foods, and Whole Foods.
He understands grocery-specific requirements, from complex electrical systems to food-safe finishes and fast-track timelines, and produces precise, real-world estimates to ensure cost control from the start.
Proficient in Bluebeam and other construction technologies, Josh collaborates with project managers, developers, and subcontractors to deliver reliable estimates. He is OSHA 30 and Trench Safety certified, reflecting his commitment to safety, compliance, and quality.
Josh is dedicated to reducing risk and helping clients build high-performance grocery environments on time and on budget.
Darrell Green
Project Manager
Darrell joined Salcoa Contracting in January 2012. A North Carolina native, he began his construction career after high school and has experience in new commercial builds, upfits, expansions, and remodels.
Starting as a project superintendent, he advanced to project manager, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. He stays actively involved in the field, meeting with project owners and superintendents to keep operations running smoothly.
His determination, leadership, and sharp wit make him a valuable asset to Salcoa’s continued success.
Tony Westmoreland
Project Manager
Tony joined Salcoa Contracting as a project manager in June 2021. His nearly 40-year construction career began setting concrete forms for water treatment facilities and parking decks. After studying drafting and design, he joined Delhaize (Food Lion), preparing construction plans and later managing remodels, takeovers, and new store builds for 16 years, including the “Bottom Dollar” banner in PA, OH, and NJ. In 2018, he left Delhaize and eventually joined Salcoa.
“I had the pleasure of working with Salcoa as a Food Lion Construction Manager and always knew they were an outstanding general contracting company. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team.”
Born in Mooresville, NC, and raised in Troutman, Tony still lives in Mooresville. Thanks to his dad, he has been a Carolina Panthers season ticket holder since day one, and during football season you can often find him cheering them on at the stadium.
Justin Killingsworth
Operations Manager – SCI Plumbing
Justin brings over 13 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career in framing and structural steel straight out of high school. After seven years in the field, Justin transitioned into plumbing, starting with Salcoa, where he gained a solid foundation in both technical work and customer service.
Today, as Operations Manager at SCI Plumbing, Justin oversees daily operations, ensuring every project is delivered with efficiency, accuracy, and a commitment to quality. Justin takes pride in supporting the team and building strong, lasting relationships with our clients.
Anthony Porras
Project Manager
Anthony Porras joined Salcoa in 2020 as an Assistant Superintendent, bringing over a decade of hands-on construction experience as a union carpenter. A New York native, he later relocated to Virginia and then Mooresville, NC, where he worked in the local school system before joining Salcoa.
He quickly advanced to project manager, overseeing grocery chain remodels, check stand and data cabinet installations, and other client-driven projects that support Salcoa’s growth.
Outside of work, Anthony is a devoted family man, actively involved in his children’s lives as both a mentor and coach in their sports activities. His commitment to leading by example—both professionally and personally—has made him a respected leader and a valuable asset to the Salcoa team.
Alvin Harvell
Shop Manager
Alvin is a skilled shop professional recently added to the Salcoa team, bringing years of hands-on experience and a wide range of skills to support the success of Salcoa Contracting. He specializes in shop operations, including inventory management, equipment and fleet maintenance, logistics coordination, and job site support.
Alvin is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to safety. His proactive approach ensures field crews have what they need—when they need it—to keep projects running smoothly and efficiently.
