Our Team

Denise Girouard is co-founder and partner of Cornerstone Real Estate Consultants, Inc., but her prior experience is vast and varied. After serving for 18 years in a number of management positions at AT&T, she began her career in real estate in 1999.

Denise acted as trainer at two other real estate companies, eventually rising to the position of Broker-in-Charge. While thoroughly versed in management, Denise is no stranger to the demanding role of realtor, having consistently achieved the status of multi-million dollar producer. Denise is also experienced in working with investors, 1031 Exchanges, land developers and is a past member of Carolina Real Estate Investors. She has taken extensive training in marketing via the internet/web and is a Senior Real Estate Specialist which is additional training for assisting with the needs of mature clients.

Denise met her husband Steve in 1979, and they have been together ever since! Steve is a Licensed General Contractor and Denise has worked side by side with him at the job site and is familiar with all aspects of the construction process from footings to landscaping! Together they have built seven spec homes in the area*. Originally from Massachusetts, Denise and Steve have also lived in Jacksonville Beach, FL, for 5 years. Denise is the youngest of seven children and feels blessed to have a large, loving family complete with 20 nieces and nephews!

Donna Logan is a Commercial Real Estate Broker and the co-owner/co-founder of Cornerstone Real Estate Consultants, Inc., established in 2006. Donna comes from a family long involved in land development, home sales and building. In short order, the energetic agent became a top producer consistently facilitating transactions in the multi-million dollar range. Donna is also a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, which includes specialized training in the upscale market.

Donna has a strong history in commercial real estate and development. In 2005, she brokered the sale of the old Square D building in North Asheville. As leasing agent for what is now ASC Business Park, Donna negotiated long term government leases as anchor tenants. She also oversaw the successful completion of a significant up-fit project to convert industrial warehouse space into Class A state-of-the-art office space. Within five years, the 324,000 SF facility was fully leased.

Donna has applied the same expertise to revitalizing other old industrial facilities, developing customized tenant spaces and bringing businesses and vitality back to nearly abandoned buildings. She is leasing agent for the 3 additional facilities where she has achieved similar results.

At the other end of the spectrum, Donna is the leasing agent at the new (2013) Biz611 in Hendersonville, a 9,500 SF office building. This is a first-of-it’s-kind sustainable office building built with reclaimed materials that serves as a business incubator for innovative startups with a technology, environmental, or cultural focus. The building is designed to encourage collaboration, creativity and interaction among the businesses. Biz611 is now fully leased with a waiting list.

In 2013, Donna was a founding principal in the establishment of Nehemiah Consultants, which began the design, development and construction of a new concept restaurant. The design blended aspects of various Asian cultures and themes, using natural materials and subtle earth tones.

Jo Anne, a second-generation real estate broker, is resuming her real estate career after 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal in the sandhills of NC. She is dedicated to getting to know her client's needs and personalizing the real estate process. Prior to her education career, Jo Anne listed and sold residential and commercial properties in Fayetteville, NC, was a member of the million-dollar club and was regularly recognized for Top Sales and Top Producer. She worked closely with military families and many first-time homebuyers, helping them to navigate through the system. Jo Anne was a band director and church organist/choir director for many years and served on the Board of the NC Symphony. She earned an undergraduate degree in music at UNC-CH and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Minor in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University.

Her two sons attended UNC-CH and NC State University where she and her husband are still regular participants in band and sports events. Jo Anne is excited about her relocation to the awe-inspiring Asheville area and the opportunity to assist others in achieving their dream.

Verlyn has spent the last 25 years helping her husband manage their Plumbing business. Verlyn not only does the bookkeeping, but you can also find her on the job site talking about design layout. In 2006, Verlyn and Vince started a General Contracting business here in Buncombe County, where they have been privileged to build several homes. Verlyn will search tirelessly to find that right piece of land at the right price and is hands on when it comes to the design and layout of the next building project.

Verlyn has been married to her best friend Vince for the last 30 years and they have two children Bethany and Justin. Verlyn is a caregiver. Nothing delights her more than to know that she has helped others from family, friends or strangers as in mission projects. Verlyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working on their mini farm in the Fletcher/Fairview area. Verlyn also likes the mountains as well as the beaches.

Bryson has called the mountains of Western North Carolina home for his entire life. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University where he majored in both Business Management and Marketing. Since his time in college he has gained years of experience in a multitude of fields ranging from the energy sector, an international non-profit, and local government where he is still involved today. Bryson is involved with local Housing and Community Development committees and has an extensive knowledge base of Buncombe County and the surrounding areas. He is also heavily connected in the building industry in and around Asheville, providing extensive knowledge and connections to the home building and buying industry as a whole. In his free time, you'll find Bryson with his wife and two dogs, or enjoying the outdoors, especially skiing and hiking.

Most importantly, Bryson is here to serve you. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or just need a trusted real estate industry connection, he is here for you. While working with Bryson, you can always count on integrity, professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to serving you and your current real estate needs. For Bryson, this is not about a business transaction, this is about building friendships and serving you and your family in any way that he can. Reach out to Bryson today to speak with a trusted local voice!

Jacob Painter is a North Carolina native from the small town of Belmont; a town on the outskirts of Charlotte. He attended Appalachian State University where he double majored in Marketing and Management. In his time at Appalachian State University, he also met his wife of five years and fell in love with the mountains. As of today, he resides in Clyde and runs a successful real estate photography business with his wife, Ciara. When he is not taking care of his clients, you can find him on the golf course, on the nearest river, playing ball in the backyard with his little boy Cooper, or at the closest NASCAR race.

Throughout his professional career in the Asheville area, Jacob has acquired many skills. These include the ability to take care of clients, achieving goals set forth by his clients, and creating great relationships along the way. Whether you are buying or selling your home, you can trust Jacob to get the job done for you.