History
Like most entrepreneurs, Tom Elder knew that he could build better. He brought over 20 years of experience as a superintendent and project manager on a wide variety of commercial construction projects to establish Elder Construction, Inc. in 1994. Tom grew the company one project at a time, building a tradition of quality, integrity and value. In 2010, Tom’s sons Patrick and Chris opened an office in Loveland to better serve the communities of Colorado’s Front Range. We now work throughout the state, giving every project the personal attention and resources it demands.
People
Tom Elder, President
“It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.” — David Allen Coe
Elder Construction’s vision and leadership stems from Founder and President Tom Elder, who has devoted over 35 years to the construction industry. A graduate of Kansas State University, Tom gained invaluable experience working closely with local contractors on a vast range of construction projects before venturing out on his own in 1994.
Tom stays actively involved throughout the duration of each project, overseeing the pre-construction, construction and closeout phases of production. He works closely with owners to assess their needs and assist with value engineering on every project. Always eager to learn more, Tom continues to enhance his knowledge through industry-specific classes and seminars.
A native of Kansas, Tom moved to Colorado Springs in the summer of 1979. Away from work, he enjoys hiking, fly-fishing, backpacking, and rafting with twin sons Chris and Patrick. As an active member of several community organizations Tom is always finding ways to build better, whether with bricks and mortar or through support of nonprofits within the community.
Please feel free to contact Tom 719.471.2708 or via email tom@elderconstructioninc.com
Eric Swanson
Director of Operations
“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed – dream, image, plan, and build.”
As Director of Operations, Eric Swanson applies his vast knowledge of finance and business to Elder’s daily operations. Eric oversees a team of project managers and administrative staff to ensure the successful completion of multiple projects. Additionally, Eric serves as a Senior Project Manager on large, complex projects, and is responsible for pre-construction, construction phase scheduling, cost estimating and budgeting, construction contract administration and overall implementation. A student of efficiency and a constant challenger of the ordinary, Eric thrives on daily interactions with owners, architects, and user groups to ensure every question is answered and every problem gets solved.
With a diverse background in commercial lending and finance, Eric brings a unique perspective to both client projects and internal operations. A master of Karate and graduate with a degree in Business Finance from the University of Iowa, Eric is a formidable force from America’s heartland.
Outside the office, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and son, skiing and hiking the mountains of Colorado and vacationing on the beaches of Mexico.
Please feel free to contact Eric 719.471.2708 or via email Eric@elderconstructioninc.com
Jim Howard
General Superintendent
“I don’t do anything half way. Some think I get obsessed. I prefer to think of it as giving 100%.”
For over 13 years, Jim Howard has been Elder’s eye in the field. His projects reflect his intense personal drive for perfection. Jim monitors, motivates, coordinates and leads Elder Construction’s superintendents to effectively manage their projects, ensuring that quality, safety and schedules are never compromised. Over 25 years of field experience and involvement with a wide range of projects has armed Jim with a formidable knowledge of all facets of the construction process. He won’t go home at night until he knows the day’s tasks have been accomplished and preparations for tomorrow are complete.
Following graduation from Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs, Jim studied Construction and Industrial Management at Colorado State University.
A native of Colorado Springs, Jim brings a unique perspective and valuable associations cultivated during his 50 years in the community. Jim enjoys spending time with his family in the Colorado outdoors, hunting and fishing, and working on his cabin in Southern Colorado. Jim also volunteers his time as an active member of several nonprofit organizations, always finding ways to better his community.
Please feel free to contact Jim 719.471.2708 or via email jim@elderconstructioninc.com
Christopher Elder
Director of Northern Business Operations
“The road to success is always under construction.”
Chris Elder inherited a fundamental understanding of the construction business from his father Tom, who taught him that it’s not only the construction of a stunning building that defines the success of a project — the creation of a solid reputation and relationships within the community matter above all else. In charge of daily operations and business development for Elder Construction’s Northern Colorado office, Chris has helped us connect with clients and keep daily business operations moving forward efficiently.
Chris earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University with a concentration in Real Estate Finance and Construction Management. Prior to joining Elder Construction, Chris gained valuable experience with HVS and U.S. Hotel Appraisals as a commercial real estate consultant and Certified General Appraiser, specializing in the analysis and valuation of commercial real estate throughout the United States and Mexico.
Apart from work, Chris enjoys hiking, fly-fishing, skiing, backpacking and rafting in the Colorado Mountains with friends, his twin brother Patrick, and Aspen, his yellow lab. Chris supports a variety of causes in his hometown of Fort Collins, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations. Chris also likes to literally bring his work home by restoring and improving his house near Old Town Fort Collins.
Please feel free to contact Chris 970.744.4731 or via email chris@elderconstructioninc.com
Patrick Elder
Vice President Northern Office
“There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a cool morning, watching concrete being poured.”
As a second-generation builder, Patrick Elder shares with his brother and father a deep-set passion for the construction business. In charge of business development and project management for Elder Construction’s Northern Colorado office, Patrick has helped us connect with clients and lives the dream of building better communities all along the Front Range.
Patrick earned his bachelors degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University with concentrations in Organizational Development and Construction Management. Before re-joining Elder Construction, Patrick gained large-scale perspective on the construction industry while working for one of Colorado’s largest general contractors and providing pre-construction consulting services to clients nationwide.
When time allows, Patrick spends most weekends enjoying the rich outdoors of the West. Whether it’s skiing, rafting or fly-fishing, Patrick knows it’s nice to occasionally unplug the computer and cell phone. Patrick is an active member of the Greeley Downtown Development Authority and supports the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, where he lives with his wife and their lab Sage.
Please feel free to contact Patrick 970.744.4731 or via email patrick@elderconstructioninc.com
AUSTIN DODDER
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
"Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”
Austin Dodder learned his love for construction from his father at an early age. His father, a general contractor in Colorado Springs raised him around construction. From the early days as a laborer to summer jobs as a framing foreman, honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic were instilled.
Austin continued his education and love of the industry while attending Colorado State University where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Construction Management. He went on to start his career with a large regional contractor. That experience offered him the chance to work on many large projects in many remote locations. He moved on in the spring of 2011 to join Elder Construction as a General Superintendent at the Northern Office.
His attention to detail and organization allow him to effectively manage projects ensuring that schedule, safety and quality are never compromised. Austin’s experience on large projects has allowed him to touch almost every facet of the construction trades.
A native of Colorado, Austin enjoys the active lifestyle unique to Colorado. From backpacking in the summer time to telemarking in the winter, Austin is up for just about any challenge. Having recently relocated to Fort Collins, he is looking forward to growing as part of the community.
Please feel free to contact Austin 970.412.8044 or via email Austin@elderconstructioninc.com
Professional Associations and Affiliations
Jack Miller Network Need URL link.
Collaborative High Performance Schools (CHPS) Need URL link.
Association of General Contractors (AGC) Need URL link.
El Paso County Contractors Association Need URL link.
Realtors Commercial and Industrial Society Need URL link.
Community Involvement
Children’s Literacy Center
Care and Share
YMCA
Greeley Downtown Authority
Habitat for Humanity