Our Story
In 1987, after a lengthy career in the textile business, Walter Converse negotiated a contract to provide coal for Sonoco Products, launching what would grow into the leading coal brokerage and material resource firm in the Southeast.
Converse and Company is led today by Walter's son, Justin, who started with the firm in 1997. In a business where reaching the right people is the difference between success and a missed opportunity, Justin's two decades in the sector provide extensive contacts within the mines, utilities and industrial platforms where coal and coal by-products are bought and sold. His innate ability to see and structure a deal where others see dead ends has earned trust at the highest levels of major corporations.
Our Team
Justin Converse
Chairman/Ceo
Over the past 20 years, Justin has built Converse and Company and its subsidiary, Converse Logistics Group, into one of the premier full-service coal brokerage and material handling companies in the Southeast. In addition to his duties with Converse and Company, he served as Chairman/CEO of Glasscock Company, an industry leader in the sand, ready-mix, and transportation markets until it was sold to Summit Materials in 2017. He is also the Chairman of RePower South, a renewable fuel producer.
Justin graduated in 1996 from Wofford College and is a distinguished alumnus who sits on the Board of Trustees. He also serves on the boards of Arthur State Bank, the Spartanburg Day School, the South Carolina Golf Association, and is a member of the Young President’s Organization.
Lee Mason
President
Lee joined Converse and Company in 2002 and manages the day to day operations of the company. He serves as the lead contact and maintains strong relationships with utility companies in the Southeastern United States. His prior work experience includes BAX Global, a freight forwarding company. Lee graduated in 1996 from Wofford College.
Brad Lowry
VP of Industrial coal sales and logistic solutions
Brad joined Converse and Company in 2007 and has been involved with bulk handling and hauling, specialty projects, industrial coal sales, and logistic solutions. His prior work experience includes 4 years with Shred First, an on-site document shredding service, and 5 years managing a large-scale waste transfer and recycling center. Brad graduated in 1998 from Wofford College.
Geoff Lemonds
Chief financial officer
Geoff joined Converse and Company in February 2014 after spending 4 years as Director of Finance with American Credit Acceptance, an auto finance company. His prior work experience also includes 3 years in public accounting with BDO Seidman and 9 years as Controller for a golf course and restaurant management company. Geoff maintains financial and accounting oversight for Converse and Company and all related entities. He graduated in 1998 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and also earned his Master of Accounting degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Mark Coleman
controller/operations
Mark has served in key operational and financial roles at Converse and Company and related entities for the past 14 years. During that time, he has built a strong working knowledge of material handling, logistics management, and finance. Mark currently maintains Operational Oversight and Accounting Controls for Converse Logistics Group, a subsidiary which performs contract work to transport coal ash for beneficiated use. Mark graduated in 1989 from the University of Virginia with a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Jeff Rohl
Operations manager, Converse logistics group
Jeff has been a key member of Converse and Company since 2007. Prior to joining Converse, he worked for the SC Department of Public Safety from 1994 to 2007 as a State Transport Police Officer. When Jeff joined Converse, he brought a deep knowledge of safety, accident prevention, and environmental protection during material transportation. From 2007 to 2017, he led the team that performed hauling and site management for utility ash ponds and coal combustion by-products. Jeff currently manages all Operations for Converse Logistics Group.