Erik Youngquist
Vice President of Operations
Erik Youngquist serves as Vice President of Operations at Mortenson, bringing over 30 years of experience in the construction industry and more than 20 years of military service. In this role, he leads project execution with a steadfast commitment to safety, quality, and performance excellence.
Throughout his career, Erik has overseen many of Mortenson’s most complex government projects, including secure facilities, military installations, and advanced research laboratories. His combined expertise in construction and military operations provides a unique perspective that ensures precision, security, and reliability in every project.
Leadership Through Growth
Our leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment and growth. Every team member, regardless of role or experience, deserves the opportunity to succeed. To make that possible, we cultivate a culture focused on development, operational excellence, and team cohesion.
Meaningful engagement is a priority at every level, no matter a person’s tenure. Success is measured not only by the completion of a facility but also by the personal and professional growth of everyone involved.
Expertise-Driven Innovation
Mortenson continues to push the boundaries of innovation in federal construction. We guide our teams to leverage advanced tools such as flow scheduling and 4D modeling to enhance trade coordination and construction sequencing, improving both accuracy and efficiency. Our integrated building information modeling (BIM) process resolves design conflicts early and streamlines fabrication, while reality capture and GPS-based utility tracking elevate safety, quality, and field execution.
These innovations reflect our commitment to delivering precision-built, high-performance facilities that meet the unique demands of federal clients.
Mentorship Culture
Our culture is grounded in integrity, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. We uphold this value by thoughtfully assembling project teams that blend seasoned professionals with emerging talent. This approach not only strengthens our culture but also ensures continuity and growth across generations.
Every project begins with a focus on leadership development and continuous engagement, recognizing that leadership exists at every level. Our dedication to mentorship and team development is a cornerstone of Mortenson’s long-term success.
PERSONAL PASSIONS
My passion for construction was sparked at a remote family cabin in Canada, where I first learned to swing a hammer alongside my grandfather. During summer breaks in elementary and middle school, I helped him improve the property by installing solar panels for electricity, adding flushing toilets in an off-grid location, and pumping water from the lake for showers. That hands-on experience ignited my love for the built environment and inspired me to pursue a career in engineering focused on creating tangible, lasting results.
I am also personally driven to eliminate hunger in our communities. It's difficult for our neighbors to reach their full potential when hungry. And for those most at-risk—children and seniors—it's an even more critical concern for their health and wellness.
VOLUNTEERISM
I’m deeply committed to supporting veterans’ causes across the country, a reflection of my lifelong dedication to service and community.
INTERESTS
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family at our cabin, riding motorcycles, and cheering on my youngest daughter as she competes in volleyball.