The premier networking event for construction in the Triangle

What’s Coffee with ​Contractors?

At Coffee with Contractors, we’re all about fostering quality ​networking, boosting business development, and delivering ​valuable educational experiences.

Our mission? Coffee with Contractors honors the drive, skills, ​and proactive effort of our contractors.

Your ATTITUDE toward collaboration shapes our community, ​Your APTITUDE for excellence drives success.

Your INITIATIVE paves the way for innovation and insatiable ​improvement.

About The Founder

Founder & CEO -

Sonder Luxe Home Solution & Coffee with Contractors

Michele Wilson is the visionary founder behind Coffee with ​Contractors and Sonder Luxe Home Solutions. With a ​passion for connecting professionals in the commercial ​construction and home improvement industries, Michele ​launched Coffee with Contractors to create a unique, ​engaging platform where construction experts can share ​insights, network, gain business development, and build ​referral relationships with quality trusted contractors and ​trades.

Through Sonder Luxe Home Solutions, Michele has further ​cemented her reputation as a leader in the industry, ​delivering innovative and high-quality solutions for ​homeowners and contractors alike. Her journey has been ​marked by resilience and a commitment to "failing ​forward"—embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn, ​grow, and refine her vision. This mindset has shaped her ​approach to business and made her a respected figure ​and an inspiring force in her field.

Host Sponsor

As the driving force behind Norwood Gardens, Leslie and Anne Hall ​have spent the last two and a half years meticulously transforming it into ​a premier destination for quality plants and expert service. With a ​hands-on approach, they've created a space that fosters enduring ​partnerships, supports local businesses, and elevates the standard of ​outdoor design. Specializing in bespoke consultations and installations, ​they empower clients to cultivate thriving, sustainable landscapes.

Read More about ​Norwood

Foundation Sponsor

We are thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude to Mikki Paradis, CEO ​and President of PDI Drywall, for being the Foundation Sponsor of our ​upcoming September event, Cocktails with Contractors. Mikki's ​leadership and innovation have not only propelled her company to the ​forefront of the construction industry but have also made her a leading ​advocate for sustainable practices and technological advancement.

Thank you, Mikki, for your unwavering support and for helping to ​make Cocktails with Contractors an unforgettable event. We are ​honored to have you as our Foundation Sponsor and look ​forward to celebrating with you!

Read More about Mikki

and PDI Drywall

Framing Sponsors

Wallaby Windows offers windows and doors ​that meet your performance and style needs. ​We install quickly, and efficiently, and offer a ​comprehensive warranty. We're not just your ​average North Carolina window company – ​we're your friendly neighbors in the vibrant ​Triangle Area. Dedicated to transforming your ​home with quality replacement windows, with ​a touch of that good ol' Southern hospitality.

Whether you're nestled in Raleigh, embracing ​Durham's artsy vibe, or soaking in Cary's ​suburban charm, let Wallaby Windows be your ​go-to for replacement windows that'll make ​your heart sing and your energy bills sighs with ​relief.

A leader in the equipment rental ​industry, Sunbelt Rentals is constantly ​advancing the idea of how a company ​can best serve its customers, ​communities and the planet. With a vast ​network of locations across North ​America and an expansive portfolio of ​products and services, we deliver ​solutions to support any job.

From a single rental to a long-term ​turnkey solution requiring technical ​expertise and engineered design, we ​offer versatility across every phase of ​your project.

Our T-Mobile for Business team supports the ​connectivity needs of companies headquartered ​throughout the Carolinas. On top of having the ​best pricing in the industry, T-Mobile is the nation's ​5G leader for reliability, availability, and overall ​speed paired with being the JD Power winner for ​overall customer satisfaction 7 years in a row. We ​are the perfect fit for businesses of all sizes.

Industry-specific solutions include:

Rugged Wireless devices (Cell,Tablet, Hotspots), ​Job Site and Office Internet, Solar/Cellular powered ​security cameras, Fleet asset and trailer tracking, ​AI dashcams Connected drones, Microsoft ​licensing, MDM Ai VOIP with Dialpad Push-to-Talk

Finishing Touches Sponsors

Susan Beavers' journey into the insurance industry is ​marked by resilience and a profound commitment to ​helping others navigate life's uncertainties. With a ​robust background of 24 years in the retail sector, ​Susan faced a significant turning point when ​downsizing prompted her to reevaluate her life ​trajectory. It was during this pivotal moment that she ​courageously took a leap of faith to embark on a new ​path – establishing herself as a Licensed Agent for ​USHEALTH Advisors and founding "Insurance with ​the Beaves."

Lifelong Development is a personal and business consulting agency that aims ​to lift the lid on leadership potential.

Personal and professional development is key to raising the lid on ​organizations in the direction they want to grow. The topics we facilitate range ​from increasing personal motivation and teamwork to helping leaders facilitate ​strategic change.

In addition, Lifelong Development strives to work hand in hand with leaders to ​ensure results and expectations are exceeded. This means if consulting ​services are needed to help leaders reach personal or professional goals we ​can help focus those goals and ensure accountability to attain them. ​Organizations that provide consulting services to their leaders not only have a ​higher retention rate, but more satisfied employees at all levels.

Featured Non Profit

After graduating from high school, Michelle Lewter began her ​career as a production manager for Nortel Networks for 15 ​years. She worked as an executive in business-to-business sales ​for Alltel Wireless and vice president of ABC of the Carolinas ​for 12 years.

In 2018, she founded Connect for Success NC, for which she ​currently serves as president and chief executive officer.

With her current organization, Michelle recruits’ high school ​and community college students for

future employment.

Michelle developed Connect for Success NC to reduce the ​skilled trade shortage, as she connects educators and ​construction companies with students to provide networking ​opportunities. Students are encouraged to foster these ​relationships during their studies to better educate themselves ​about industry needs and requirements. This is done while ​preparing to enter the

workforce upon graduation.

To remain aware of developments in the industry, she also ​maintains professional affiliations with Skills USA and other ​associations. Her goal is to collaborate while not competing ​for students. We all need to work together on students best ​interests.