About Us

Olsten Building Company was founded on the belief that good building is equal parts judgment, craft, and responsibility.

After years working as a wilderness guide, founder Eric brings that same mindset to construction: prepare thoroughly, move deliberately, anticipate challenges, and keep others steady along the way.

That approach shapes every project we take on. We work to make the home building process feel manageable and well-considered, guided by a team that values creativity, respects the stakes, and takes pride in careful, honest work. It’s the standard we hold ourselves to, project after project.

  • Eric

    Founder + construction manager

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    Eric grew up in Minnesota and later moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend Willamette University. His path into building began in the Mountain West, where a shortened ski patrol season led him to carpentry work in Crested Butte, Colorado. There, he trained under a master builder on the historic preservation of an old mining community, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in construction.

    Eric went on to work as a general contractor and building science consultant in Boulder, Colorado, with a focus on green building. In 2011, he moved to Durham, North Carolina, managing whole-house renovations and additions for Grau Building Company. In 2017, his family relocated to Richmond, where Olsten Building Company was born.

  • Alex

    Office Manager

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    Alex is a Richmond local, born and raised, and a proud VCU graduate with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. After six years teaching fourth and fifth grade, Alex made a career pivot into administration and data analytics at Hardywood, experience that now supports her role as Office Manager at Olsten.

    Drawn to problem-solving and hands-on projects, the position felt like a natural fit. Outside of work, Alex can usually be found in her backyard with a book in hand. An avid reader and documentary enthusiast, she’s always on the lookout for a great recommendation.

  • Chase

    Site Supervisor

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    Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, Chase moved to Memphis in 2016 to pursue songwriting. Along the way, he worked in coffee, tech, and carpentry, building a hands-on skillset and appreciation for quality craftsmanship.

    In 2025, he relocated to Richmond and continued working in carpentry, gaining experience alongside seasoned tradesmen before joining Olsten Building Company. As a Site Supervisor, he brings a creative, attentive approach to working with trades and keeping projects running smoothly.

    Outside of work, he can usually be found working in the yard, spending time with his puppy, or writing songs with his partner.

  • Derek

    Project Manager

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    Derek has called Richmond home since 2017, quickly finding his footing within the city’s community of makers and creatives at Build, RVA. With a background in custom cabinetry and furniture making, he brings a detail-driven mindset to his role as Project Manager at Olsten, where he enjoys staying hands-on and collaborating closely with clients to bring their ideas to life.

    Outside of work, Derek spends his time biking around the city, hiking with his wife and their German Shorthaired Pointer, Waylon, and working on old vehicles whenever he gets the chance.

  • Fahs

    Construction lead

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    Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Fahs moved to Richmond in 1988 and transferred from WVU to VCU, where he began working in construction during summer breaks. That early exposure sparked a lasting passion for building, restoration, and craftsmanship. With a background in historic restoration, Fahs brings more than 36 years of experience across residential and light commercial construction.

    Outside of work, he has trained in jiu jitsu for over 20 years and enjoys slowly remodeling his 1952 mid-century modern home. He’s also a dedicated dad to two boys.

  • Marcie

    Project Manager

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    Marcie joined Olsten as a client turned employee, giving her a firsthand understanding of what it’s like to navigate a home renovation from the homeowner's perspective. Following 20 years in corporate marketing, she teamed up with Olsten to bring her closer to a long-standing passion for home design.

    As a Project Manager, Marcie draws on decades of experience managing complex initiatives, balancing big-picture thinking with close attention to detail to keep projects organized and moving forward. She’s especially drawn to functional design, believing the homes that truly endure are the ones that feel right to live in. When she's not at work, you can find her spending time with her family, antique shopping, or traveling.