About Carlson Erickson Builders, Inc.

Our Story

Carlson Erickson Builders is a locally owned Door County company, building premier commercial facilities and custom homes as well as providing high-quality renovation services for more than 50 years.

Established in 1969 by John Carlson and Donald Erickson, John and Don developed their expertise in the trade under the guidance of men known as "quality builders" in the Door County area. John Sawyer was born and raised on his family farm in Egg Harbor. While attending college, he worked for Carlson Erickson, mixing mud for the masons. After graduation, John worked in real estate and construction before becoming a partner at Carlson Erickson Builders. John bought the business from John and Don in 1987.

In 2018, John Sawyer sold the company to Craig Coursin, an AIA-certified architect with more than 35 years of industry experience. Craig and John will partner through 2022 to ensure the transition delivers the continued excellence in building that Carlson Erickson Builders is known for in Door County.

Our Owners

Craig Coursin was born in Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Architecture in Milwaukee. Beginning his career as an architect in the United States Air Force, Craig served at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Upper Michigan and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. He returned to Wisconsin in 1988 and has worked with various architectural and construction companies in Southeastern Wisconsin. Craig is a licensed architect and is a member of AIA, the American Institute of Architects. Before joining Carlson Erickson, Craig served as president at MSI General and Stier Construction, both in the Milwaukee area.

Craig and his wife, Lisa, have owned a vacation home in Door County for many years, which is now their permanent residence. Craig had also been the lead architect for several projects in Door County and had worked with John Sawyer prior to buying the company.

Lisa is an Interior Designer and the owner of Design Solutions. She has been providing valuable, high-quality design and decorating assistance to Carlson Erickson clients since they bought the company.

Our Crews

Our crews are integral to our company and our local Door County communities. Under John's ownership and leadership, the company grew to include crews of master carpenters, several of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years, one retiring after 39 years. They are truly masters and perfectionists at what they do, and they are proud to be part of the Carlson Erickson family.

Our project leaders and master carpenters stay with your project from beginning to end. A job isn't complete until the project leader, the craftsman, and the customer are fully satisfied. We are confident that we can deliver on your unique construction and home remodeling needs, for any project, large or small.