Did you know the very first project Jackson Contractor Group ever took on was never actually finished?
It’s true. When Doug started the company in 2000, his first project was the Elbow Lake Ranch—a research facility designed to help adults with autism. But after the attacks on September 11, 2001, the project was cancelled. Just like that, the company’s only job disappeared. Doug and the small crew had a few months to secure the facility and figure out what came next.
No backlog. No brand recognition. No roadmap.
So Doug got creative.
Built in the Hard Stuff
Instead of waiting for ideal opportunities, he chased the tough ones: small, technically challenging projects that others didn’t want. Many happened to sit in high-visibility spots around Missoula, so Jackson signage went up wherever it could.
One of those pivotal early jobs was the Trailhead remodel in downtown Missoula. Completing it helped propel Jackson into larger projects and attracted key team members. Soon, others joined Doug in the double-wide trailer.
Then came 2008.
While the recession slowed much of the industry, Jackson secured critical projects like Victor School, Hellgate Elementary, and the Native American Studies Center at the University of Montana. Those jobs didn’t just keep the lights on, they created momentum. The company survived the downturn and emerged stronger because it had built its reputation on relationships and taking on the hard stuff.
Growing on Purpose
The years following the recession brought steady, intentional growth.
A renovation project in Helena opened the door to Eastern Montana. Strong relationships in Miles City led to apartment projects, and eventually to opening a division office there in 2012. That one Helena project ultimately led to work across Glendive, Circle, Baker, Ekalaka, Lame Deer, Wibaux, and into North Dakota.
Bozeman followed in 2013, officially planting roots in a market we’d already been working in. From there, we expanded into Big Sky, Clyde Park, Dillon, Gardiner, and Yellowstone National Park.
Strategic partnerships also shaped our trajectory. In 2016, our joint venture with GE Johnson opened the door to the Big Sky market and helped establish Jackson as a leader in mountain construction. Building in the mountains brings unpredictable weather, tight logistics, and unique challenges—but that experience sharpened our expertise and eventually led to the launch of our Homes division. Today, we bring that same mountain discipline and attention to detail to high-end residential and commercial work alike.
We later expanded into Walla Walla and Spokane, moves rooted in serving anchor clients and entering underserved markets where we could make a meaningful impact. Each decision reflected our long-standing approach: grow deliberately, build relationships, and go where opportunity aligns with purpose.
When the World Shifted Again
In 2020, the global pandemic delivered another unexpected test.
Drawing on lessons from 2008, we prepared for an economic slowdown and took on a substantial workload. Instead, demand surged. Remote work accelerated, spending increased, and construction activity intensified. The challenge wasn’t a lack of work—it was finding enough skilled labor to keep up.
In 2021 alone, we logged more than 600,000 manhours.
It was one of the most demanding seasons in our history. But our team adapted, stayed flexible, and kept delivering for clients despite rapidly shifting conditions.
Strengthening the Foundation
In recent years, we’ve made some hard but necessary decisions to position ourselves for long-term success. In 2023, we closed our Walla Walla and Spokane offices to focus more intentionally on our core markets. It wasn’t about lack of opportunity; it was about reinforcing our foundation.
We doubled down on safety and hosted our first Craft Summit, bringing together 140 craft professionals to connect and grow. We renewed our commitment to our apprentice program, investing in the next generation of builders.
And in 2024, we took a big step in defining who we are by formally launching our core values and introducing the Jackson Blue Award, recognizing the teammate who best exemplifies those values each year. Darren Stocker was our first recipient.
Our values aren’t just words on a wall. They guide how we build relationships, operate with integrity, chase the hard stuff, and pursue greatness together. Culture isn’t static, it’s something we continue to refine, protect, and strengthen.
The Next 25 Years
Our vision is simple: sustainable, profitable, forever growth—for our people and our company.
We’re committed to accountability, continuous learning, and building teams that elevate one another. As we grow, we want to deepen our impact in the communities we serve and solidify our position as industry leaders—not just for what we build, but for how we build it.
Twenty-five years in, we’re proud of the journey. From a cancelled first project to mountain builds, schools, healthcare facilities, homes, and everything in between; it’s been a wild ride.
And the best part?
We’re just getting started.
