Meet The Team

Jim Benson

PRESIDENT

Jim Benson, the founder and President of Benson Homes, has been part of the Coastal Virginia community for over 35 years. From his earliest days as a contractor he has been about building trust and establishing a connection that a homeowner can draw on for years to come.

Originally a New England native, Jim started out swinging a hammer while completing his M.B.A. degree and stumbled upon what would become a life-long passion: providing people with a better quality of life through home renovation. A stickler for quality, he quickly became one of the best in his trade.

Jim is now a Master Builder with decades of experience that have earned him local and national recognition.

He enjoys spending time with his wife Linda, their five children, and six grandchildren.

Crystal Saunders

BUSINESS MANAGER

Crystal is the glue that holds the Benson Homes team together. As the Business Manager, her responsibilities span all of the operations, from directing sales, design, and production, to bookkeeping and marketing.

Crystal started with Benson Homes in 2004 as the Office Manager and Bookkeeper and as you can see, her role has evolved over the years. In her current role, she works very closely with Benson Homes’ President, Jim Benson and his love for remodeling has been contagious!

When she’s not busy keeping everything running smoothly in the Benson Homes office, you can find her in the mountains with her husband, enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature.

Without a doubt, you will meet and interact with Crystal throughout your remodeling journey with Benson Homes, and our clients all benefit from the care and expert attention she adds to every step of the process.

Elizabeth Shackelford

DESIGNER & PROJECT COORDINATOR

Elizabeth has been a vital part of Benson Homes since October 2020, bringing a strong background of design expertise to the team. Her passion for interior design started when she received a drawing kit at the age of 6, setting her on a dedicated path of creativity with an eye for design.

Throughout college, she honed her skills through part-time work at a furniture store, internships at a kitchen and bath design company, and an interior decorating company. Beyond her professional achievements, Elizabeth enjoys exercising her dogs Harley and Kleo, exploring Virginia Beach with her husband Malique, playing soccer, and working on DIY projects.

When it comes to working in the remodeling industry, Elizabeth's favorite part of the job lies in the creative process of enhancing clients' homes to improve their daily lives. With a keen understanding of diverse lifestyles and needs, she is an expert at exploring solutions to homeowners' unique frustrations and coordinating the necessary steps to solve them. Clients are constantly raving about her design suggestions and attention to detail, and the team at Benson Homes would not be the same without her.

Rebecca O’Neill

PROJECT COORDINATOR

Rebecca joined the Benson Homes team in August of 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her previous tenure at a construction company that specialized in commercial projects. Rebecca brings a unique blend of organizational skills and creativity to Benson Homes, ensuring that the coordination process is seamless for both clients and vendors.

Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with her husband and their dog Harrison, as well as reading and baking.

Rebecca's favorite part of working in the remodeling industry is helping homeowners transform their spaces into both functional and beautiful areas they love. Since her arrival, she has helped countless clients fall in love with their homes by ensuring that all of the details fall into place. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable part of the Benson Homes team.