EASTWARD - Key Persons


Bill Marsh - Founder, President

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • Owner
  • President
Bill Marsh, Founder and President of Eastward Companies, has specialized in custom home development for 50 years. The son of a builder and brother and father to builders, Bill has spent his whole life in the construction business. Bill has developed an expertise in land development, subdivision layout, and building design and construction that is unparalleled. Because of his commitment to quality and his eye for Cape Cod architecture, Bill has developed a strong following and solid demand for his communities and homes. He is here to help creatively design, build and manage the entire process and takes pride in his outstanding team of suppliers, tradesmen and office staff who share his passion to deliver an exceptional client experience. In his spare time, Bill enjoys sailing, skiing and spending time with family and friends.

Bob Howes

Job Titles:
  • Finish Superindendent

Chris Brent

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Chris has been at Eastward Companies since 2012. He has held positions in construction from laborer through project supervisor, learning different techniques and building methods from true, old school master builders along the way. Chris' chief responsibility is supervising and delivering completed homes for customers from foundation to finish as well as working on renovations both large and small. Chris has a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. His Visual Arts background brings a unique ability to create functional and beautiful spaces. In his spare time, Chris enjoys golfing and spending time with his large family.

Dan Connors

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Dan started with Eastward Companies in March of 2019 as a Project Manager. Starting his construction career in 1985, he worked as a finish carpenter, specializing in kitchen installations for over 15 years. He has a passion for assisting clients with the selection process. Dan's previous experience includes working as a Project Manager for a commercial development company overseeing the construction of restaurant and retail stores nationwide for 10 years. Most recently, Dan worked as a Field Superintendent for a custom home builder on Cape Cod overseeing the construction of custom homes and large development projects. He is OSHA 10 certified. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, reading and fly fishing.

Deane Ferioli

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Deane learned the craft of construction by working alongside his grandfather and father. His attention to detail, project management skills and strict safety standards quickly got him recognized in his community. Deane owned and operated several construction companies focusing on residential and commercial projects. During this time, Deane also worked as a Police Officer for the Town of Bridgewater and retired after serving his community for over 20 years. After retiring, Deane built himself a home in Harwichport and began working as a Project Manager and General Contractor for a local Hospitality Group. Deane worked alongside the stakeholders to assist with remodeling and rebranding to help them become a main attraction for those living on and visiting the Cape. In his spare time, Deane enjoys cycling, running and swimming and supporting charities to aide in honoring fallen police officers and their families.

Donald Poyant - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Don has been working at Eastward Companies as the Chief Financial Officer since 2002. He is responsible for overseeing the company's financial management, tax reporting, and debt management and is also an integral part of the companies' day-to-day operations. Don grew up on Cape Cod, graduated from Barnstable High School and Stonehill College with a Bachelor in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to joining Eastward Companies, Don was an auditor, town accountant, and the Assistant Town Manager/Director of Finance for the town of Chatham. Don has also volunteered on the Town of Chatham Police Department/Town Hall Annex Task Force charged with working on an acceptable design and budget as well as the Chatham Orpheum Theatre Building Committee. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and traveling.

Jim Lordan

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Jim brings more than twenty years of experience in residential development and custom home building to Eastward Companies. He founded a building and development company north of Boston, dedicated to one-of-a-kind building and design. Most recently, Jim was a Project Manager for a high-end residential builder in the city. From the South End to the North Shore, he is recognized as an experienced team leader, committed to delivering exceptional homes on time and on budget. As Project Manager, his approach is hands-on and on-site from concept to closing. He is committed to quality craftsmanship and outstanding client service. A long-time summer resident and Cape commuter, Jim and his family now call Chatham home. Jim is a graduate of Boston College and Bentley University with a Master's in Business Administration. He also holds a Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License, Home Improvement Contractors License and OSHA 10 certification. In his spare time, Jim enjoys hiking, power boating, entertaining and spending time with friends and family... lively conversation, a great meal, craft beer and interesting wine are usually involved!

John Marsh

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
John started working for the family business during summers in middle school. He graduated from Chatham High School in 2000 and attended Colby Sawyer College studying Business Administration and Communication Studies. John began full-time at Eastward Companies in 2005 and has been involved in all aspects of the construction process. John brings to the team unmatched personal dedication and incredible attention to detail ensuring homes are built to the highest standards from foundation to finish. John is former member of the Town Planning board and Conservation Commission in Chatham. He represented Eastward Companies as a volunteer in Haiti in October 2016 & 2017. John helped build simple plywood homes for local families in a small town outside the capital city. In his spare time, John enjoys boating, fishing, skiing and traveling.

Laurie McCarthy

Job Titles:
  • Comptroller
Laurie started with Eastward Companies in 2016. She has a B.A. in Studio Art from Hamilton College and has studied Accounting at Baruch College of SUNY as well as Interior Design at The New School in NYC. She has 30 years of experience in business administration and accounting and uses the latest in software to ensure all real estate closings, invoices, and accounts payable are handled timely and accurately. In addition to her Comptroller responsibilities, she is responsible for many aspects of office administration including human resources and payroll. In her spare time Laurie enjoys being a hockey mom as well as traveling, painting and live music.

Lisa Norcross

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Lisa joined the Eastward Companies team in 2016 as a Project Manager focusing on commercial work. She received her Bachelors of Science degree from Framingham State College in Fashion Design and Retailing with a minor in Business Administration. Having a different background than many in the industry she has a very detail oriented outlook which helps to ensure the vision of a client is translated to their home when it is completed. Lisa is a solutions-oriented person with strong communication skills allowing her to establish and develop strong client and vendor relationships. She is an expert in navigating the often complex commercial construction field and has a proven track record in doing so since 2010. Lisa has a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License. In her spare time Lisa enjoys running, cooking and spending time with friends and family. Eastward Companies has done several projects for me. Many companies eventually get to a good outcome, but often at the expense of annoyance, misdirection and double speak. Eastward also strives to "do the right thing" and provide the best possible product at the budget provided. They are courteous, detail-oriented, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure a great outcome.

Martin Brent

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Marty Brent has been with the Eastward Companies since 2016. He has a background in carpentry and now holds the position as Project Manager. He enjoys working with clients to make their Cape Cod dream homes become a reality. Marty maintains a CSL license as well as the OSHA 10 certification. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, skiing, and spending time with his wife and two young children.

Matthew Bessette

Job Titles:
  • Assistant to Comptroller
Matt joined in the summer of 2023 as the Assistant to the Comptroller. He spent the majority of his career in the Real Estate Accounting profession. He has worked in accounting roles in the building materials industries as well as property management and construction in NH, VA and the Boston Area. Matt has a B.S business management and accounting from Plymouth State College. Matt is a veteran of the USAF and Air National Guard and a private pilot. He is a recent resident of Cape Cod and enjoys shore fishing and enjoying all things Cape Cod.

Peter Higgins

Job Titles:
  • Seasonal Project Manager
Peter has 20 plus years of extensive experience as a General Contractor and joined Eastward in 2020 as a Seasonal Project Manager. He excels at project management coordinating projects from inception to completion. He takes a hands-on approach to following a plan and maximizing the skills of building specialists. Peter believes regular communication with clients is important to keep them updated with how a project is progressing, incorporating client changes to designs, addressing contingencies and adhering to a budget. He has his Construction Supervisors License and has been a Chatham resident for 33 years. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, traveling, and tasting various tequilas for his local eatery Dogfish Taco Co & Cantina.

Shannon McDonald

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Shannon has been with Eastward Companies since 2019. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth with a degree in Photography and Electronic Imaging. Following graduation, she managed several businesses in Boston and on the South Shore. Shannon brings her organizational skills as well as 20 years of office skills to Eastward. She will be your first point of contact in the office and coordinates tasks for the President, Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller, and Supervisors. She is a member of the Cape Cod Young Professionals and numerous marketing and networking groups. In her spare time, she enjoys creating artwork, kayaking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Susan Ladue

Job Titles:
  • Regulatory Specialist
Susan has been with Eastward Companies since 1999. She received her Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining Eastward Companies, she was the Assistant Town Planner for Harwich. She is an expert in navigating town and state permitting processes including presenting projects to Planning Boards, Boards of Health, Conservation Commissions and Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition, Susan has been staging Eastward model homes since 2004. In her spare time, Susan enjoys walking her dogs, reading, weight training, paddle boarding and weekends at her second home in Vermont.

Tales Coelho

Job Titles:
  • Buyer
  • Estimator
  • in 2022 As the Estimator
Tales recently joined Eastward Companies in 2022 as the Estimator & Buyer. He was born in Brazil and moved to Cape Cod with his family at young age. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Roger William's University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Mathematics. Tales has prior estimating experience working for companies in both New York and Massachusetts. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Tanya Biloskirka Selections

Job Titles:
  • Selections Coordinator