Put simply, Eric Thogerson is a licensed general contractor focusing on wood and metal framing as well as landscaping design and installation. Yet the work ethic and values he wants his company to reflect have developed in him over the course of his life.
We caught up with the chief executive officer of Lee’s Summit’s Allcat Construction and asked him to share his story.
Q: When and why did you open Allcat Construction?
A: After owning a conglomeration of businesses I decided to take a more focused approach, and I opened Allcat Construction in January 2020. I have a background and experience in construction and enjoy working in the field. It is a pleasure to watch projects go from the infancy stage to final construction. We have experienced several pivots since Allcat’s inception between the pandemic, the work force changing, and the housing boom, so we refocused in 2021 to work more with local builders.
Q: Describe your military service and how it has impacted your approach to business and life.
A: After 9/11, I decided to join the army. I was then assigned to Fort Carson where I joined the famous Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. I drew immediate orders to report to Iraq where my Regiment had 5,200 men in a forward operating unit on the front lines. I was an artillery mechanic by assignment, but I also performed other duties. Life is different in a cavalry unit - everyone kicked in doors and raided houses. We operated as a cohesive team, and we had excellent leadership under General McMaster. We worked to liberate Talifar from the insurgent stronghold. “One team, one fight” was taken very seriously because you lived or died by the actions of your teammates. I treat business the same way. You are as strong as your weakest link…I take pride in what we do, how we do it, what we stand for, and what we believe in - “one team, one fight.”
Q: How do you support the local community?
A: We have a philanthropic side of the company that looks to partner with non-profit organizations and finds ways we can help. Sometimes it may be a simple donation, but we like to find ways to make a bigger impact. We are certified as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and we actively seek out other veteran-owned companies in order to provide support and work together on projects. Recently, we were selected to handle a second-floor build-out with River of Refuge, a local non-profit that assists with transitioning the working poor out of monthly hotels and into more permanent housing. We are actively working on this matter and will be finished by the end of the year. We are excited to be able to help them help other members of the community.
