About

Efraim Carlson Construction

Construction Management Firm and General Contractor
Headquartered in Libertyville, IL

The Efraim Carlson Difference

We know you have several options when it comes to selecting a trusted construction partner. To help you find the right fit, here are three unique qualities that set us apart.

Generational Pride and Owner Involvement

Our fourth generation family business is woven with a sense of pride that runs deep—whether we’re blood relatives or have welcomed others into our family fold. Our founder Efraim instilled a commitment to excellence that resonates through every project we undertake. This unwavering dedication is felt by our clients, who can sense the personal integrity behind our work.

Owners and brothers Matt and Spencer Hillstrom, along with their father David, are actively engaged in every aspect of your project, from cost estimating and project management to hands-on oversight of daily construction.

Master Carpenters as Project Superintendents

A skilled superintendent is worth their weight in gold, and at Efraim Carlson, our clients enjoy the unique advantage of having a Master Carpenter serve as a “working” Superintendent. This expertise not only brings a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of craftsmanship, but it also fosters respect among subcontractors and code enforcement officials alike.

You may have wondered where all the master craftspeople have gone—well, they’re right here, actively managing your project in the field. With their hands-on approach, we not only leverage their extensive knowledge but also save costs, as our Superintendents collaborate daily with subcontractors to ensure seamless communication and efficiency—a true win-win for our clients.

Agility and Speed in Executing Decisions

We believe in the adage, “Time is money.” There are phases in a project where careful planning is essential—developing design solutions, setting schedules, and double-checking budgets. During these early stages, it’s vital to take the right amount of time to move forward thoughtfully.

However, once these foundational decisions are made, our agility in executing those decisions offers significant advantages. As a mid-size contractor, our working owners are not just confined to C-suite roles. When decisions arise during project meetings or in the field, our ability to provide prompt answers and implement owner decisions keeps your project on track and the entire team energized.

"ECC built more than just our building. They built the kind of rapport and respect that will cause us to call on them again.”

Todd W. Habegger, Senior Pastor - Village Church of Gurnee

Our History

100+ Years of Construction Family Legacy

Efraim Carlson

Efraim Carlson (1889–1976), a Swedish immigrant and master carpenter, first honed his skills building pianos and later constructed airplane factories during WWI. After settling in the Chicagoland area, he founded our company in 1920 with a focus on residential construction. Through the profound challenges of the Great Depression, Efraim and his firm endured, strengthened by the support of family and community.

Allen Carlson & David Hillstrom

In the decades that followed, Efraim’s son, Allen Carlson, joined the business and broadened its scope to encompass commercial, religious, industrial, municipal, and multi-family projects. The firm’s legacy grew further in 1981 when son-in-law David Hillstrom joined the team, marrying Allen’s daughter Karen. Following tradition, David dedicated years in the field as a carpenter and project manager before stepping into the role of President, guiding the firm to its present size and reputation.

Matt & Spencer Hillstrom

Over a century later, fourth-generation owners Matt and Spencer Hillstrom carry forward Efraim’s legacy of quality, integrity, and craftsmanship, establishing Efraim Carlson as a trusted name in communities across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Legendary Photos and More of Our Story

1910 — Efraim Carlson arrived in the U.S. from Sweden. A skilled craftsman, his final task before leaving his hometown was building a house for his mother, ensuring his family's comfort.

1910 — Efraim Carlson arrived in the U.S. from Sweden. A skilled craftsman, his final task before leaving his hometown was building a house for his mother, ensuring his family's comfort.

1910 — Efraim was hired at a piano factory, where he crafted custom grand pianos. This role allowed him to hone his finish carpentry skills while settling in the greater Chicago area with his wife, Esther.

1910 — Efraim was hired at a piano factory, where he crafted custom grand pianos. This role allowed him to hone his finish carpentry skills while settling in the greater Chicago area with his wife, Esther.

1914 — As World War I began, Efraim was hired to build airplane factories, where he was responsible for hiring and managing a crew of carpenters. This experience in management and networking helped him establish his roots in a new country.

1914 — As World War I began, Efraim was hired to build airplane factories, where he was responsible for hiring and managing a crew of carpenters. This experience in management and networking helped him establish his roots in a new country.

1920 — Efraim brought the experience, network, and skills that laid the foundation for our business. With a background in carpentry, he directed the company’s efforts toward residential construction.

1920 — Efraim brought the experience, network, and skills that laid the foundation for our business. With a background in carpentry, he directed the company’s efforts toward residential construction.

1936 — The Great Depression significantly affected the company, prompting Efraim to secure a substantial loan from a family friend to sustain operations. Lacking sufficient collateral, he pledged his treasured 1915 grand piano. In the end, he repaid

1936 — The Great Depression significantly affected the company, prompting Efraim to secure a substantial loan from a family friend to sustain operations. Lacking sufficient collateral, he pledged his treasured 1915 grand piano. In the end, he repaid the loan along with interest to reclaim it.

1954 — Allen Carlson joined his father as a General Contractor to help expand the business. Pictured here with his daughter Karen, she would later marry David Hillstrom, who would become a future employee and President.

1954 — Allen Carlson joined his father as a General Contractor to help expand the business. Pictured here with his daughter Karen, she would later marry David Hillstrom, who would become a future employee and President.

1981 & 1989 — David Hillstrom, son-in-law of Allen Carlson, joined the firm, bringing valuable carpentry experience and managerial skills. After eight years in the field as a Carpenter, Superintendent, and Project Manager, he became Partner and Vice

1981 & 1989 — David Hillstrom, son-in-law of Allen Carlson, joined the firm, bringing valuable carpentry experience and managerial skills. After eight years in the field as a Carpenter, Superintendent, and Project Manager, he became Partner and Vice President.

1995 — David Hillstrom became President following the passing of Allen Carlson. In honor of Allen's legacy, Trinity International University dedicated their Men’s residence in his name. A devoted member of the Evangelical Free Church, Allen was also

1995 — David Hillstrom became President following the passing of Allen Carlson. In honor of Allen's legacy, Trinity International University dedicated their Men’s residence in his name. A devoted member of the Evangelical Free Church, Allen was also a supporter of Trinity.

2021 — Matt Hillstrom was named President after 15 years of hands-on experience as a Carpenter and Project Manager. He became the fourth generation to uphold the values, faith, and integrity upon which the business was founded.

2021 — Matt Hillstrom was named President after 15 years of hands-on experience as a Carpenter and Project Manager. He became the fourth generation to uphold the values, faith, and integrity upon which the business was founded.

"I am particularly grateful for their personal interest in our project. I can honestly say they were with us all the way."

Rev. Richard M. Yanos, Prince of Peace Catholic Church Lake Villa

Key Personnel

Meet the pillars of our team.

Owner, CEO, Senior Cost Estimator

Owner, President, Project Executive

Owner, Master Carpenter, Project Superintendent

Project Superintendent, Master Carpenter

Office Manager, Project Coordinator