Erik Thomas
Design Phase Executive
Meet Erik
Erik Thomas is a Design Phase Executive with Mortenson’s Sports + Entertainment team. With 20 years at Mortenson and a background in architecture, he brings a design and construction perspective to sports facilities, including arenas, stadiums and collegiate facilities.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Architecture
University of Minnesota
Professional Certifications:
LEED
Leadership is a balance of showing up in the right way at the right time.
A family that runs toward the fire
My favorite part of Mortenson's culture is the genuine family mentality. It isn't something you see once in a while — it shows up consistently, across projects, teams, and situations. Whenever a challenge comes up, there's never a question of whether people will step in. Everyone runs toward the fire, supports the team, and jumps in where they're needed. It's instinctive, and it's what makes this place feel different. That collective commitment of showing up, supporting each other, and solving problems together is what makes Mortenson feel like family. It's not a top-down mandate; it flows naturally from people who genuinely care about one another and about the work they're doing together. This culture of belonging extends to how we show up for our customers. When a challenge arises on a project, we bring that same instinct. We lean in, collaborate across teams, and work toward solutions with the same urgency and care we'd show a teammate in need. It's a way of operating that builds trust, deepens relationships, and consistently delivers outcomes that exceed expectations. When people feel like they're part of something they give everything they have. That's Mortenson.
Building something that lasts
One of the things that first drew me to construction was realizing that, while I enjoyed studying architecture, I was even more energized by the hands-on world of building. I loved the idea of taking lines on a page and turning them into something tangible. Walking onto the site on my first day at Mortenson and seeing the pace at which everything moved was eye-opening. The coordination, the energy, the way decisions turned into action almost instantly — it confirmed that this was the environment I wanted to be in. That experience captured why I stay passionate about this work. The opportunity to build some of the most complex and iconic structures ever constructed, to turn ambitious ideas into something real and lasting, is endlessly motivating. Every project brings new challenges, and there's something deeply fulfilling about rising to meet them — not because we have to, but because we're surrounded by teams who share a drive to push forward and never settle for the status quo.
Leading with empathy and elevating others
To me, leadership is a balance of showing up in the right way at the right time. It starts with leading by example, setting a standard through your actions and modeling the behaviors you expect from others. But it also means knowing when to lead from behind, giving people the space and confidence to step forward and grow. And at times, it's about stepping in to assist exactly when the team needs support, helping remove barriers so everyone can keep moving. The strongest leaders I've worked with could shift naturally between those approaches. They didn't make leadership about themselves — they made it about elevating the team. When we create an environment of trust and support, we don't just improve how we deliver projects. We help everyone around us realize what they're truly capable of.
Personal Passions
Being humble, teaching, and mentoring are all important to me, and I try to create an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to grow. Construction is a team sport, and the best outcomes come when everyone feels valued and has the chance to contribute. I’m also motivated by the impact our work has on the communities we serve. The projects we build — because of their scale and significance — have the potential to shape how people live, gather, and experience their city for generations. Being part of something that meaningful is a responsibility I take seriously. Supporting the communities I live and work in, while helping develop the next generation of builders.
Mortenson Moment
One of the most meaningful experiences of my time at Mortenson was working on the Milwaukee Bucks’ new arena. As someone who grew up in Wisconsin and spent years cheering for the Bucks, getting the chance to return home and help build a venue for the team felt incredibly special. What made the project stand out wasn’t just its scale, but the pride behind it. This was an arena built for the people of Wisconsin, by the people of Wisconsin. Being part of a team that helped create a place where the state will come together for generations is something I’m truly proud of.
Interests
- Traveling
- Fishing
- Watching my kid’s activities