Who I Am
I'm Eric — dad, husband, homeowner, and the person behind Heartwood Craft.
I've been building things for a long time. I worked up in Big Sky and the Yellowstone Club, building for some of the wealthiest people in Montana. That work taught me how to build at the highest level — timber framing, custom carpentry, the kind of craftsmanship where every detail matters.
But I get more enjoyment bringing that expertise to regular people like me. Homeowners who want their bathroom to work, their basement to be usable, their deck to last. People who deserve the same quality of work without the luxury price tag.
That's why I started Heartwood Craft.
Why "Heartwood"
The heartwood is the dense, strong center of a tree — the part that holds everything together. It's not the flashy outer layer. It's the core that gives the tree its strength and longevity.
That's how I think about remodeling. The finish tile and the shiny fixtures get the attention, but it's the waterproofing behind the tile, the properly sloped shower pan, the correct flashing on the deck ledger board — that's what makes the project last 20 years instead of 5. The heartwood.
How I Work
I built my own estimating system. I build 3D renderings of your space before construction starts. I text you a photo every day during the build. I show you every line item on your estimate. If something changes, I price it as a change order before I proceed.
This isn't how most contractors work. Most contractors give you a number, maybe show up when they say they will, and you find out what it actually costs at the end. I built Heartwood Craft to be the opposite of that experience.
Here's what working with me looks like:
- You call, I call back within an hour. Not a receptionist. Not a sales team. Me.
- Free site visit. I come to your home, measure everything, and give you an honest assessment — including whether the project makes sense for your budget.
- Itemized estimate within 48 hours. Every line item visible. Labor, materials, allowances — you see where every dollar goes.
- 3D rendering. You see your space before I pick up a hammer. We adjust until you're happy.
- Daily updates during construction. A photo and a text every day. You always know what's happening.
- Milestone payments. 30% at signing, 20% at rough-in, 40% at substantial completion, 10% at final walkthrough. Your money follows the work.
The Sole Proprietor Advantage
When you call Heartwood, you get me. I'm the one who measures your bathroom, builds the estimate, designs the 3D rendering, does the tile work, and sweeps up at the end of the day.
No project managers relaying messages. No crews you've never met showing up at your house. No "I'll check with the office and get back to you."
For larger projects I bring in specialized subcontractors — licensed plumbers, electricians — but I'm on site managing every detail. You always know who's responsible and who to call.
Some people want a big company with a fleet of trucks. I get that. But if you want to work directly with the person doing the work — someone who knows your project inside and out because they're the one building it — that's what Heartwood Craft offers.
Being a Dad and Building Community
Being a dad means a lot to me. It's part of why I care about doing this work right. When I remodel a family's bathroom, I know what that space means to their daily life. The morning routine, the kids' bath time, the one room in the house where you get five minutes to yourself.
Building homes and building community aren't separate things. When I do good work for a family in Bozeman, they tell their neighbors. Their neighbors call me. That's how a business should grow — on trust, not ad spend.
Licensed & Insured
Heartwood Craft is a licensed contractor with general liability insurance, serving Bozeman, Belgrade, Gallatin Gateway, and the surrounding Gallatin Valley. I pull permits when required and make sure every project meets local building codes.
Let's Talk
If you have a project in mind — or even just a question about what's possible — I'd love to hear from you. Call 406-551-5061 or fill out the contact form.