They say, "You are where you come from." Charles Tessier, president and owner of Tessier Associates, Inc., grew up in these mountains with family dating back generations. Downtown Asheville was his playground. After completing a BS in Engineering and a Masters in Urban Design from NC State University, he came home in 1974 to start a planning program for Buncombe County. With ten years of public service in economic development, capital facility planning, and development management, he started his own firm in 1985.

Tessier Associates, Inc. was created to plan, develop, lease, sell, and manage commercial investments in Western North Carolina. In his first years of business, Tessier was very involved in the redevelopment of downtown Asheville, an area that experienced $200 million in reinvestment over a five-year period. Working with various investors and developers, he participated in the development of a number of downtown properties, including Haywood Park, Sixty Haywood, and The Shops on Wall Street.

Tessier Associates has built a strong base in property management and leasing. Today, they manage or exclusively lease over 500,000 square feet of office and commercial space and 275 condominiums. As one of the top five commercial brokerage firms in Asheville, Tessier Associates has broadened its scope to include suburban and other properties throughout Western North Carolina and neighboring states.

Tessier Associates is a leader in business location, helping over 70 businesses per year find a location to build, lease or buy. Its development capacity has expanded to include build-to-suit opportunities. Tessier has directed the development of MidTown Plaza and Asheland Center, and is currently working on several new projects.

Charles Tessier and his wife Karen, president of Market Connections, Inc., have been leaders in the Asheville area for almost 20 years, making a significant impact on the city through a host of public-private initiatives. Today, the company is represented by a strong group of professionals, combining their talents to make Tessier Associates a leader in building community.