Just a year after the end of World War II, George Adolfson and Gordon Peterson were onto something big when they founded a small construction business in the basement of Adolfson’s Richfield home.

The business, which became known as Adolfson & Peterson Construction, has grown dramatically from those modest beginnings. Now with 600 employees and offices in 11 states, Adolfson & Peterson is a top 100 national contractor.

Adolfson & Peterson provides preconstruction, construction and contracting services. The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with events ranging from employee recognition activities to community service projects.

The celebration comes at a busy time for Adolfson & Peterson, which is working through a backlog of projects. The company is active in segments that include commercial, education, health care, hospitality, industrial, multifamily, recreation and senior living.

In the following interview, Adolfson & Peterson CEO Jeff Hansen speaks with reporter Brian Johnson about the company’s beginnings and growth trajectory. He also discusses challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole as it emerges from the pandemic.