Marshall L. Gurley, Sr.

Corporate Consultant

Mr. Gurley has over 5 decades of experience in the Commercial Construction industry. Born and raised in Durham, NC, Marshall began his career as a mason. His passion for construction has led him to be become a predominate leader and entrepreneur in the construction industry, having homegrown two successful commercial contracting companies, as well as several other construction trade businesses. Marshall’s leadership and reputation for being fair, honest, and reliable is what has set him apart in the industry.

M. Lyle Gurley, Jr.

President

Lyle began his construction career in 1981 as a field laborer. By the age of nineteen he had completed a four year apprenticeship program and is recognized by the NC Department of Labor as a journeyman carpenter. Lyle also graduated from a one year masonry apprenticeship program, taught by his Grandfather who was a true Master Mason. While working as a carpenter, concrete finisher, heavy equipment operator, rod-buster, and foreman, Lyle achieved his A.S. in Civil Engineering in 1991. Since then, Lyle has had the opportunity to experience a variety of career positions throughout the industry. His experiences range from Project Manager, Estimator and Safety Director for two of the largest and most reputable General Contractors in NC. He also spent one year working with a commercial ceiling and flooring subcontractor as an estimator/project manager. Lyle completed is Bachelor’s Degree in 2021 with Columbia Southern University. In a effort to bring his knowledge of construction to our industry’s up and coming leaders, Lyle spent nearly fifteen years teaching trade apprenticeship programs for the Carolina’s AGC, Wake Technical Community College, and Durham Technical Community College.

Richard Cole

Vice President of Business Development

Richard is a native of North Carolina and brings over 30 years of construction experience to the MLG Construction team. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from Appalachian State University. Straight out of college Richard met MLG Construction founder Marshall Gurley while Marshall was with a previous general contractor, and thus Richard began his construction career. Richard went on to establish Cole & Associates, and for 30-years he provided bar joist and metal deck to the steel industry throughout the U.S. After closing Cole & Associates he spent two years in Houston with another steel operation as well as working for several other companies expanding their markets before retiring. Richard and his wife have resided in Raleigh since 1986.

Keith Ziomek

Project Manager

Originally from the Midwest, Keith is a dedicated Project Manager at MLG Construction, where he brings over 20 years of experience, precision, fairness, and a deep commitment to excellence in every project. With a strong background from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Keith values discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork, all of which he seamlessly applies to managing complex construction projects. These include but not limited to; Medical, research, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and several military projects.

Known for his friendly, approachable demeanor, Keith believes in keeping clients and team members well-informed throughout every phase of a project. His goal is to ensure clarity, foster collaboration, and maintain high standards while delivering results on time and within budget. Outside of work, Keith is passionate about being a world-famous grilling master, enjoys spending time on the water, boating and loves hitting the links for a round of golf.

Somp Thilavanh

Chief Financial Officer

Somp has been with MLG Construction since its inception in 2014. He previously served as Controller at Centurion Construction company. He started his career as a CPA working as an auditor. As CFO at MLG Construction, he is charged with managing all financial transactions, financial reporting, project controls and administrative functions. Somp holds a BS Degree in Accounting from SUNY Brockport. He is the former President of CFMA of the Triangle and is involved with his church, Asbury United Methodist. Somp and his family have called the Raleigh area home for the last 15 years.

Cindy Crabtree

Office Manger

Cindy is such a valuable asset to our team. She has over 18 years of experience in the construction industry as an Office Manager. Prior to working with us, Cindy was the President of a Triangle Area electrical contracting firm.