Adolfson & Peterson: A National Construction Contractor
Building a Legacy: The Enduring Story of Adolfson & Peterson Construction
In the competitive and ever-evolving world of commercial construction, few companies can boast a legacy as rich and enduring as Adolfson & Peterson Construction (A-P). For over 75 years, A-P has been a cornerstone of the American construction landscape, transforming skylines and communities with their commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation. This is not just a story of bricks and mortar; it’s a story of a family-owned company that has grown from humble beginnings to a national leader, all while staying true to its core values.
This in-depth article explores the multifaceted journey of Adolfson & Peterson Construction, from their foundational years to their current status as an industry powerhouse. We will delve into their history, the comprehensive services they offer, their portfolio of notable projects, their strategic growth and expansion, their impactful partnerships, their numerous accolades, and the ingrained company culture that sets them apart.
The Genesis of a Construction Giant: Adolfson & Peterson Construction Company History
Every great company has an origin story. For Adolfson & Peterson Construction, that story begins in 1946 in the basement of George Adolfson’s home in Richfield, Minnesota. A Swedish immigrant with a background as a mason, George Adolfson partnered with Gordon Peterson, a naval engineer, to establish a home construction business. Theirs was a classic American entrepreneurial tale, built on hard work, a shared vision, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The post-war era was a time of immense growth and opportunity, and it wasn’t long before A-P expanded their horizons. In 1947, just a year after their founding, the company transitioned into the commercial construction sector and opened their first office in Richfield. This marked a pivotal moment in their history, setting them on a path that would lead to national recognition.
The 1950s saw the formalization of their partnership, with the company officially incorporating in 1953. This period was characterized by steady growth and a burgeoning reputation for reliability and excellence. A-P’s ability to “winterize” jobsites with wood framing and plastic enclosures was an innovative technique that allowed them to continue laying brick and pouring concrete even during the harsh Minnesota winters, giving them a significant competitive edge.
The ensuing decades brought further expansion and strategic evolution. In 1979, the Peterson family sold their share of the business to the Adolfson family, solidifying the company’s identity as a family-owned enterprise. The 1980s saw the second generation of the Adolfson family take the helm, steering the company towards new markets and opportunities.
Recognizing the need to diversify beyond the competitive Twin Cities market, A-P embarked on a strategic expansion plan. They opened an office in Arizona in 1991, followed by a Texas office in 2000. This westward and southern expansion proved to be a resounding success, laying the groundwork for the national presence they enjoy today.
The late 1990s marked another significant turning point. The Adolfson family made the conscious decision to ensure the company’s long-term viability by establishing an outside board of directors. This move brought in a wealth of external expertise and a more formalized governance structure, a testament to their forward-thinking approach. While the family remains actively involved, the company has been led by non-family CEOs since the late 1990s, ensuring that leadership is based on merit and experience.
By 2007, A-P’s annual volume had surpassed an impressive $500 million. Just five years later, in 2012, that number had doubled to over $1 billion, a clear indication of their accelerated growth and industry leadership. In 2016, the company celebrated its 70th anniversary, a milestone that few in the construction industry reach.
Today, Adolfson & Peterson Construction is a nationally recognized leader, consistently ranked among the top general contractors and construction managers in the United States. With a revenue of $1.2 billion in 2021 and a dedicated team of over 700 employees across multiple states, their story is a powerful testament to the enduring power of a strong foundation, a clear vision, and unwavering values.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction's Comprehensive Construction Services: From Concept to Completion
Adolfson & Peterson Construction offers a comprehensive suite of services that span the entire lifecycle of a construction project. Their expertise is not limited to a single niche; they have a proven track record of success across a diverse range of market sectors. Their primary service offerings include:
Pre-construction: A-P understands that the success of a project is often determined before a single shovel breaks ground. Their pre-construction services are designed to provide clients with a clear roadmap, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. This includes detailed cost estimating, value engineering, constructability reviews, scheduling, and logistics planning. By collaborating with clients, architects, and engineers from the outset, A-P is able to identify and mitigate potential challenges, optimize project design, and maximize value.
General Contracting: As a leading general contractor, A-P has the experience and resources to manage all aspects of a construction project. They have a vast network of trusted subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring that every project is built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Their on-site management teams are adept at overseeing day-to-day operations, maintaining strict safety protocols, and ensuring that projects are completed according to schedule.
Construction Management: A-P offers comprehensive construction management services, acting as a trusted advisor and advocate for their clients. They can manage the entire construction process, from design and procurement to construction and closeout. Their construction management at-risk (CMAR) approach provides clients with a guaranteed maximum price, offering a high degree of cost certainty.
Design-Build: A-P is a strong proponent of the design-build delivery method, which streamlines the construction process by creating a single point of accountability for both design and construction. This collaborative approach fosters innovation, improves communication, and accelerates project delivery.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s expertise extends across a wide array of market sectors, including:
Commercial: From corporate headquarters to retail centers, A-P has a wealth of experience in the commercial sector.
Education (K-12 and Higher Education): A-P is a national leader in education construction, having built and renovated countless schools and university facilities.
Healthcare: From hospitals and clinics to specialized treatment centers, A-P has a deep understanding of the complex requirements of healthcare construction.
Hospitality: A-P has a portfolio of successful hospitality projects, including hotels and resorts.
Industrial: From manufacturing facilities to distribution centers, A-P has the expertise to deliver complex industrial projects.
Multifamily: A-P is a key player in the multifamily housing market, constructing apartment buildings and other residential complexes.
Municipal: A-P has a long history of working with municipalities on a variety of public projects, including recreation centers and public safety facilities.
Recreation: A-P has built a variety of recreational facilities, from community centers to sports complexes.
Senior Living: A-P is experienced in the construction of senior living communities, including assisted living and memory care facilities.
A Portfolio of Excellence: Notable Adolfson & Peterson Construction Projects
A company’s portfolio is a tangible representation of its capabilities. Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s portfolio is a testament to their versatility, their commitment to quality, and their ability to deliver complex and iconic projects. Here are just a few examples of their notable work:
PGA of America Headquarters (Frisco, Texas)
Completed: 2022
Adolfson & Peterson Construction served as the construction manager for the new 106,622-square-foot headquarters for the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas. This $33.5 million project is the centerpiece of the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, a world-class destination for golf enthusiasts. The four-story building, clad in glass and native Texas limestone, houses approximately 150 corporate employees and features state-of-the-art education facilities, a video studio, and indoor golf training facilities. The project is a prime example of Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s ability to deliver high-profile, complex projects and their expertise in the commercial and recreational sectors.
Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals (Plano and Arlington, Texas)
Completed: 2023
Adolfson & Peterson Construction completed the construction of two state-of-the-art rehabilitation hospitals for Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Plano facility is a 55,617-square-foot, 48-patient-room hospital, while the Arlington facility is a three-story, 50,800-square-foot complex. These projects, with a combined value of $37 million, showcase A-P’s expertise in healthcare construction and their ability to deliver specialized medical facilities that meet the highest standards of patient care.
Roosevelt High School (Johnstown, Colorado)
Completed: 2024 (Awarded)
Adolfson & Peterson Construction, as part of a design-build team, constructed a new 230,000-square-foot high school campus for 1,300 students. The project places a strong emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, with dedicated spaces for health and justice, skilled trades and agriculture, engineering and technology, and hospitality and business. The new school also features an arena-style gym with a capacity for 1,500 people. This project highlights Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s leadership in the education sector and their commitment to creating innovative learning environments. The project has already received multiple awards, including the 2024 ENR Mountain States Award of Merit and the 2024 DBIA Rocky Mountain Region Award of Distinction.
University of North Texas (Denton, Texas)
Completed: Recent projects completed
Adolfson & Peterson Construction has completed multiple projects at the University of North Texas, including renovations for the College of Engineering and the College of Visual Arts and Design. These projects demonstrate Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s expertise in higher education construction and their ability to work within occupied campus environments.
Mid Cities Logistics Project (Fort Worth, Texas)
Completed: 2024
Adolfson & Peterson Construction recently completed the construction of the Mid Cities Logistics project, a massive 65-acre logistics hub in Fort Worth. The project consists of five buildings totaling 908,300 square feet of distribution and light manufacturing space. This project underscores Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s capabilities in the industrial sector and their ability to deliver large-scale logistics and distribution facilities.
Strategic Growth and Nationwide Expansion
Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s growth has been both strategic and organic. From their Minnesota roots, they have methodically expanded their footprint to serve clients across the country. Their expansion has been driven by a desire to enter new markets, diversify their portfolio, and better serve their national clients.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction currently has offices in:
Arizona: Tempe
Colorado: Aurora, Colorado Springs, Johnstown
Minnesota: Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester
North Dakota: Bismarck
Texas: Austin, Richardson, San Antonio
Wyoming: Cheyenne
This network of offices allows Adolfson & Peterson Construction to provide a localized approach with the resources and expertise of a national contractor. Their deep understanding of regional markets, labor forces, and regulatory environments is a key advantage for their clients.
The Power of Partnership: Building Success Together
Adolfson & Peterson Construction understands that collaboration is the key to success in the construction industry. They have a long history of forging strong and lasting partnerships with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. These partnerships are built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
One notable example of a successful partnership is their ongoing relationship with Acadia Healthcare, a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services. Adolfson & Peterson Construction has worked with Acadia on multiple projects, including the expansion of the Rio Vista Behavioral Health Hospital in El Paso, Texas, and the new Cedar Crest Hospital & Residential Treatment Center in Belton, Texas. This partnership is a testament to Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s expertise in healthcare construction and their ability to understand and meet the unique needs of their clients.
Their collaboration with Cushman & Wakefield on the PGA of America headquarters project is another example of a successful partnership. By working closely with the project and development services team at Cushman & Wakefield, Adolfson & Peterson Construction was able to deliver a world-class facility that exceeded the client’s expectations.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction also places a high value on their relationships with their trade partners. They recognize that their subcontractors are an integral part of their team and they are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful working environment.
A Culture of Excellence: Awards and Recognition
Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The company and their projects have received numerous awards and recognitions from industry organizations across the country. These accolades are a testament to their unwavering focus on quality, safety, and innovation.
Some of their recent awards include:
2025 Private Board of the Year: Awarded by Private Company Director magazine, this national recognition celebrates the exceptional leadership and mature governance practices of Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s Board of Directors.
ENR Regional Best Project Awards: Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s Mountain States region has received multiple ENR awards, including for the Colorado State University Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building and Roosevelt High School.
Associated General Contractors (AGC) National Safety Recognition: Adolfson & Peterson Construction has been recognized for having one of the nation’s top construction safety and health programs.
Top 100 Green Contractors: Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked Adolfson & Peterson Construction among the top green contractors in the nation, a reflection of their commitment to sustainability.
TEXO Distinguished Building Awards: Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s projects have been recognized by TEXO, the construction association for North and East Texas.
These are just a few examples of the many awards Adolfson & Peterson Construction has received over the years. They are a clear indication of the high standards to which the company holds itself and the exceptional quality of their work.
The A-P Way: Company Values and Culture
What truly sets Adolfson & Peterson Construction apart is their deeply ingrained company culture. This is a company that is not just about building structures; it’s about building people and communities. Their mission statement, “We build trust, communities and people,” is not just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle that informs every aspect of their business.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s core values are:
Work Smart and Safe: Safety is paramount at Adolfson & Peterson Construction. They have a deeply ingrained safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of their employees, subcontractors, and everyone on their jobsites.
Enthusiasm: Adolfson & Peterson Construction fosters a positive and enthusiastic work environment. They believe that a passion for their work leads to better outcomes.
Creativity: Adolfson & Peterson Construction encourages innovation and creative problem-solving. They are always looking for new and better ways to deliver value to their clients.
Absolute Integrity: Integrity is at the heart of everything A-P does. They are committed to honesty, transparency, and ethical business practices.
Respect: Adolfson & Peterson Construction treats everyone with respect, from their clients and partners to their employees and the communities in which they work.
Enjoy Life Together: Adolfson & Peterson Construction believes in the importance of work-life balance and fostering a sense of community among their employees.
This strong value system is the foundation of their success. It’s what attracts and retains top talent, and it’s what has earned them the trust and loyalty of their clients for over seven decades.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction is also deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. They believe that a diverse workforce is a stronger workforce, and they are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Building a Greener Future: Adolfson & Peterson Construction's Commitment to Sustainability
Adolfson & Peterson Construction is a leader in sustainable construction. They recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and are committed to building projects that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction has a long history of building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified projects, having successfully completed over 100 of them. They are consistently ranked among the top green contractors in the nation by ENR.
Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their building practices. They prioritize the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, and they employ a variety of techniques to reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimize their environmental impact. From stormwater management and high-efficiency mechanical systems to the use of geothermal energy and solar panels, Adolfson & Peterson Construction is at the forefront of green building.
The completion of their 100th LEED-certified project with the East Side Storage & Maintenance Facility in Minneapolis, which achieved Gold LEED certification, is a significant milestone that underscores their long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.
More Than a Builder: Adolfson & Peterson Construction's Community Involvement
Adolfson & Peterson Construction believes in giving back to the communities where they live and work. Community involvement is a cornerstone of their company culture, and they encourage their employees to get involved in local charities and community organizations.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction and its employees support a wide range of organizations, including:
The Salvation Army
Hearts & Hammers
Denton County Friends of the Family
VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) Meals on Wheels
Big Brothers Big Sisters
They also have a strong focus on workforce development and are actively involved in programs that support the next generation of construction professionals.
The Adolfson & Peterson Construction Team: Over 700 Strong
Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s greatest asset is their people. They employ a team of over 700 dedicated and talented professionals, from skilled tradespeople and project managers to estimators and support staff. They are committed to investing in their employees, providing them with the training, tools, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.
The company’s employee-centric culture is reflected in their comprehensive benefits program, which is designed to foster a healthy lifestyle and a balanced work environment. They also have a robust internship program and offer a variety of career paths for both recent graduates and experienced professionals.
The Enduring Legacy of Adolfson & Peterson Construction
From a humble basement in Minnesota to a national construction powerhouse, the story of Adolfson & Peterson Construction is a testament to the enduring power of hard work, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. For over 75 years, they have been building more than just buildings; they have been building trust, communities, and a legacy that will stand the test of time.
As they look to the future, Adolfson & Peterson Construction is well-positioned for continued success. With a strong foundation of values, a talented team of professionals, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, they are poised to continue shaping the American landscape for generations to come. Theirs is a story that is still being written, and the next chapter is sure to be just as impressive as the last.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction Leadership & Teams
Jeffrey J. Hansen – Chief Executive Officer
Marc Timberman – Chief Financial Officer
Tom Horsting – Senior Vice President
Brad Hendrickson – President – Midwest Region
Will Pender – Gulf States President
Robert Cortazzo – Southwest President
Cara Peterson – Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Frank Sarno – Vice President, Construction Processes and Technologies
Molly Weiss – Chief Human Resources Officer
Kent Weicht – Executive Vice President
Scott Salyer – Vice President of Project Development for AP Southwest
Amara Boesch – Regional Marketing Director
Chris Boal – Director of Quality & Virtual Construction
John Herrera – Vice President of Field Operations
Tom Stone – Vice President of Project Procurement
Brad Hendrickson – President Midwest Region
Tim Clark – Vice President/Director of Operations
Dave Herzberg – Vice President/Project Executive
David Grandstaff – Director Of Preconstruction
Headquarters: 5500 Wayzata Boulevard Suite 600 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
Phone: 952-544-1561
Website: Website: www.a-p.com
Headquarters