Ryan Carter

Chief Operating Officer

Ryan joined Efraim Carlson after a long career in finance, where he built his reputation on relationship building, sharp analysis, disciplined budgeting, and sound judgment under pressure. He made the move to join his close friend, Matt Hillstrom, putting years of financial discipline to work alongside people he’s known and trusted for years. The Hillstroms aren't his family by blood, but they are very much his family by choice — and he's proud to help carry the firm into its fourth generation of family ownership.

As Chief Operating Officer, Ryan wears several hats: managing projects, streamlining operations across the company, developing new business relationships, and strengthening long-standing relationships. His finance background shows up in how projects are estimated and tracked, how budgets hold together, and how the company plans for growth without losing the craftsmanship and relationships ECC was built on.

Ryan lives in Lake Forest with his wife of 16 years and two young children. Outside of work, Ryan remains physically active, always looking for a new endurance challenge.