Artisan Built Communities is proud to feature Michael
Hester, Vice President of Finance, who helps align financial strategy with our
mission to build strong, lasting communities.
Michael brings a wide-ranging background across public
accounting, manufacturing, residential homebuilding and commercial
construction. After earning both his Bachelor of Business Administration and
Master's in Accountancy from Georgia Southern University — where he also played
collegiate baseball — he built a broad base of experience at firms including
Bennett Thrasher, DiversiTech, Fortress Builders and Kajima Building &
Design before joining Artisan Built Communities in 2023.
As part of Artisan Built's leadership team, Michael oversees
all financial operations, including financial reporting, cash flow management,
project forecasting, lender relationships and strategic financial planning. His
role is focused on providing clear financial analysis and helping shape
thoughtful growth strategies across all areas of the business.
Michael is motivated by solving problems, improving systems
and aligning day-to-day execution with broader strategic goals — an approach
that helps drive better financial discipline and smarter growth for the
company.
"Strong financial leadership isn't just about managing
numbers — it's about creating clarity, enabling better decisions and setting
companies up for long-term success," Michael says.
When asked about the most rewarding part of his role,
Michael points to the satisfaction of seeing smart planning and execution come
together. He describes the rewarding aspect of his work this way: "It's
rewarding to see a community plan evolve from early financial models into
completed neighborhoods, and to see how deliberate planning and focused
implementation bring the vision to life."
Michael also values Artisan Built's collaborative
environment, where input across departments is encouraged.
"I appreciate being part of a company where collaboration
across departments is encouraged and valued," he says.
Looking ahead, Michael is focused on strengthening Artisan's
financial systems and supporting disciplined, smart growth.
"We're already using AI to save time on research, writing
and financial analysis — but the real opportunity is in how it can reshape
entire workflows. I'm especially interested in what AI could mean for product
design and development in the years ahead," he says.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife
and three young children, often exploring the outdoors, fishing and discovering
new places together. He also enjoys playing golf and soaking in quiet time
outside.
