David Hillstrom

Owner Emeritus, Strategic Advisor

With deep respect for the legacy built by his wife’s grandfather and father, Dave carried Efraim Carlson forward from 1980 onward. Over more than four decades in construction, he worked nearly every role in the firm - carpenter, superintendent, project manager, estimator, and ultimately president and CEO - bringing hands-on field experience and a keen understanding of the business to his leadership. As a humble, approachable “doer,” he helped preserve ECC’s hallmark qualities while guiding the firm’s growth and transition from the third generation of family ownership to the fourth, building the business that Matt, Spencer, and the team carry forward today.

Now retired from day-to-day operations, Dave serves as a strategic advisor, offering the firm's leadership the perspective and hard-won expertise that come from 45 years in the business. His commitment to quality and honest, dependable relationships has helped shape ECC’s reputation among clients, architects, and subcontractors. As Dave puts it, “When clients and architects return and recommend us, I know we’re doing it right.”

Today, Dave is enjoying more time with family and the outdoors. He and his wife, Karen, love traveling, hiking, and exploring new landscapes together. He also treasures time with his grandchildren - three today, with a fourth on the way - and when he's home, there's a good chance you'll find him cooking.