Erhardt Construction: A Commitment to Craft and Community
Founded in 1962, Erhardt Construction has spent more than six decades shaping West Michigan’s landscape. Over the years, they’ve grown into a full-service general contractor serving clients from southwest to northwest Michigan along the lakeshore, with offices in both Ada and Muskegon.
As a self-performing builder, Erhardt completes much of its own carpentry, framing, and finish work. The company’s experience spans industrial, senior living, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and multi-family projects. They also operate two additional divisions: Red Jasper Crafted Homes, focused on high-end residential builds, and Tenibac Woodworks, a custom woodshop producing cabinetry, millwork, and detailed wood creations.
A Builder’s Evolution
In its early years, Erhardt’s focus on hard-bid projects built a “builder’s mindset” that continues to define the company today. By the 1970s and 80s, they expanded into major downtown Grand Rapids developments such as the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Van Andel Arena, and DeVos Place Convention Center.
After starting projects along the lakeshore in 2010, Erhardt cemented its commitment to Muskegon County in 2021 by opening a second office. “We’ve put down our roots,” said President and CEO, Ben Wickstrom “We’re here to stay, we’re invested in the community, and we look forward to the long-term growth of Muskegon County.”
Building Relationships in Muskegon County
For Erhardt, the people and partnerships in Muskegon County are what make doing business here so rewarding. “It’s a good business atmosphere; it’s helpful to one another and supportive and aligned with the best interest of the community,” said Wickstrom.
Local relationships have been key to their success. VP of Business Development Arlen-Dean Gaddy explained, “Working with the business community has been really fruitful for us. Our partnerships with local organizations have helped us carve out our role here as a general contractor.”
That community-minded approach extends to their work. Marketing Director Leanna Cornell noted their contributions to local projects: “It’s exciting to see Muskegon so focused on growth, and to know we’ve contributed — from the Muskegon Museum of Art expansion to renovating the Hall of Justice — because we care about the people and the community.”
Landmark Projects with Community Impact
Two projects stand out as examples of Erhardt’s impact: the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Muskegon County Hall of Justice.
For Wickstrom, the Muskegon Museum of Art expansion ranks among the top five projects his team has ever completed, for the project itself and its impact on the community. “It’s such a valuable asset to the community in terms of the arts and culture of Muskegon,” he explained, “something that will be there for a long time, providing a lot of benefit to the community.”
The Hall of Justice renovation also made a visible difference downtown. Updating the façade gave the building a more modern exterior and transformed the surrounding neighborhood. Gaddy noted that completing the work while the building remained open was a significant achievement, calling it “a big win for the project.”
Driving Economic Growth Locally
Erhardt’s decision to invest in Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) reflects their belief in the power of collaboration. “Economic development is the engine behind any community’s progress,” Wickstrom said. “Having a centralized entity that connects all stakeholders toward a common goal of healthy economic growth is essential.”
That commitment aligns directly with the company’s purpose. “When we talk about our purpose, it’s to serve — our clients, our communities, and our team members,” Wickstrom explained. “As the community grows, we grow, and it all ties together.”
Rooted in Community, Building for the Future
Erhardt Construction’s focus on serving its clients, communities, and team members is what truly sets them apart. This mindset drives them to build not just great projects, but projects that strengthen the community and support the people who call it home. With roots firmly planted in Muskegon County, Erhardt looks forward to contributing to the region’s growth for decades to come.