Adolfson & Peterson Construction is marking its 80th anniversary, celebrating decades of building projects, supporting communities, and expanding from a small regional contractor into a major national construction firm.
Founded in 1946, the company has grown into a large construction management and contracting organization delivering projects across multiple sectors while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and long-term partnerships.
From Basement Startup to National Contractor
The company traces its roots to 1946, when George Adolfson and business partner Gordy Peterson launched the firm in Minnesota.
Adolfson immigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1929 with only $40 and eventually built a business that would grow into one of the nation’s recognized construction firms.
Over the decades, the company expanded from a local homebuilder into a national contractor with offices across several states and an annual project portfolio exceeding $2 billion.
Today, the firm employs more than 800 team members across 12 offices located in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, delivering roughly 150 construction projects each year.
Leadership Reflects on the Milestone
Company leadership says the 80-year milestone reflects the dedication of employees, partners, and communities that helped shape the organization.
“This milestone is a result of the incredible team members and trade partners who have helped build AP’s legacy over the past eight decades,” said Jeff Hansen.
“For 80 years, AP has been building more than buildings. We’ve been building trust, communities and people. This company exists because generations of people showed up, did the right thing and cared deeply about one another and the work we do,” he added.
Brad Hendrickson also emphasized the company’s guiding principles.
“Those traits reflect in AP’s core values to work smart and safe with enthusiasm, creativity, absolute integrity, respect and enjoying life together,” he said.
Major Growth and Industry Milestones
Throughout its history, Adolfson & Peterson has completed more than 3,000 construction projects totaling nearly 300 million square feet.
Key milestones in the company’s growth include:
- Expansion into Colorado in 1980, Arizona in 1991, and Texas in 2000
- Achieving 2 million worker hours without a lost-time accident in 2006
- Reaching 4 million worker hours without a lost-time accident in 2010
- Surpassing $1 billion in annual project volume in 2012
- Being named Contractor of the Year by Engineering News-Record in 2015
- Opening its 12th office nationwide in 2025
The firm expects to exceed $2 billion in annual revenue in 2026, reflecting continued growth across its national portfolio.
New Headquarters Under Construction
As the company looks to the future, it is also developing a new headquarters in Minneapolis, known as The Craftsman on France, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in fall 2026.
The new facility represents the company’s ongoing investment in its workforce, operations, and long-term presence in Minnesota.
Family Legacy Continues
Adolfson & Peterson remains a family-owned business, with six generations of the Adolfson family contributing to the company’s development over the years.
Many of founder George Adolfson’s descendants continue to work within the organization, helping guide its future growth.
“The firm’s commitment to quality, reliability, integrity and innovation has allowed it to remain an industry leader and dependable construction partner for more than 80 years,” said Scott Weicht.
Supporting Communities and Industry Impact
Beyond construction projects, the company emphasizes community engagement and charitable contributions. In 2025, Adolfson & Peterson increased its community giving by 52 percent, contributing more than $2.5 million to nonprofit organizations and local initiatives.
The company provides preconstruction and construction services across numerous sectors including commercial, healthcare, education, hospitality, industrial, multifamily housing, municipal infrastructure, senior living, and tribal developments.
As it celebrates eight decades in the industry, Adolfson & Peterson Construction says it remains focused on innovation, workforce development, and delivering projects that support communities for generations to come.
Originally reported by Adolfson & Peterson.
