Maintaining a High Caliber

Anchorage-based company builds a better future from the ground up

By Nancy Erickson

n the face of a global pandemic that stalled many businesses in 2020, Caliber Construction Alaska LLC turned uncertainty into opportunity. What began as a series of side projects during the COVID-19 slowdown has grown into a dynamic civil contracting firm.

Founded by Colton LeVasseur, Caliber Construction Alaska is rooted in a legacy of earthwork expertise. A fourth-generation construction industry professional, LeVasseur started his career working for his family’s business in 2009 before making the leap into Operating Engineers Local 302. He worked construction jobs in the summer and worked toward his pilot’s license in the winters, leading to a career as a commercial pilot. But in 2020 the demand for high-quality site work pulled him back to the ground for good, and Caliber was born.

“What started as small contracting jobs during the pandemic quickly grew into something much larger,” says LeVasseur. “Soon, I had to step away from flying to keep up with the volume of work. That’s when Caliber Construction Alaska really took off.”

Based in Anchorage, Caliber Construction Alaska specializes in grading, excavation, and underground utilities, offering complete site solutions across commercial, industrial, and public sectors. What sets Caliber Construction Alaska apart isn’t just what they do, but how they do it.

“We’re not afraid of complex or high-risk jobs,” says LeVasseur. “Where others might walk away or add a hefty contingency, we lean in. Our skilled team, niche tools and equipment, technology, and hands-on leadership allow us to deliver exceptional results efficiently and safely.”

Caliber Construction Alaska pipelayer Andrew Watson works to install a 24-inch ductile iron pipe onto a n ewly built 24-inch waterline cross.

Photo provided by Adam Erdmann

A prime example of the company’s capabilities was its role in a high-profile water treatment plant project at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, or JBER, in Anchorage for Doyon Utilities. Caliber Construction Alaska installed nearly a mile of ductile iron pipe—much of it in a shared trench at depths exceeding 12 feet—while managing challenges like groundwater interference and strict utility outage windows.

Brian Van Abel of Swalling General Contractors, the project’s principal contractor, praised Caliber Construction Alaska’s performance.

Van Abel credits the project’s success to the two companies working closely to develop a work plan, which was carefully coordinated between the owner and military, allowing completion of the work in fewer than three months.

“Caliber’s culture of professionalism impresses me,” continues Van Abel. “Caliber shows up to the site when they say they will, they provide solutions to issues as they arise, and they execute their scope of work on time. Caliber is a trusted civil subcontractor for Swalling. We’ve completed several projects together and have several new projects starting as well.”

While Caliber Construction Alaska has proven its ability to tackle large scale infrastructure jobs, the favorite role of the company team is site preparation: getting a site ready so vertical contractors can hit the ground running.

“We love being the team that clears the way, literally and figuratively, for builders,” LeVasseur says. “We help them stay ahead of schedule and deliver high-quality foundations for successful projects.”

To keep driving for success for years to come, Caliber Construction Alaska is focused on growing the future of Alaska’s construction industry. The median age of a skilled trades professional is 43 years old, higher than many other industries. The flow of construction workers into retirement is faster than the stream of new workers being trained. With an average employee age of just 35, Caliber’s workforce is younger than industry norms—and intentionally so.

“There’s a real need to bring new talent into the trades,” explains LeVasseur—who is 33 years old. “We’ve built a culture where mentorship is expected. Our seasoned team members take pride in showing the ropes to the next generation.”

From hands-on leadership to smart recruitment, Caliber Construction Alaska is creating a workforce that’s as forward-thinking as the technology they use, utilizing global positioning systems and machine control.

The view from inside a trench box as a Caliber Construction Alaska crew prepares the grade for installation of a new sewer line.

Photo provided by Caliber Construction Alaska

“Basically, the machine operates itself while the operator manages where and when the machine does what,” explains LeVasseur. “It adds a level of precision to heavy equipment that can surpass even the most experienced operators. It’s about combining the best of old-school knowledge with new-school innovation.”

At the heart of Caliber Construction Alaska’s success is its people. Office Manager Arika Bates, who joined the company two years ago, says its close-knit culture and progressive mindset are what set it apart.

“We take pride in the diversity of our work and the impact we’re making in our communities,” Bates says. “We’re constantly growing, always improving, and that’s exciting to be part of. Colton has instilled a ‘roll-up our sleeves’ culture across the board. Everyone from office staff to the field hands chips [in] wherever it is needed. It’s unlike what I have witnessed in the past for this industry.”

As an Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska member since the company’s inception, Caliber Construction Alaska leaders value the relationship AGC is building across the industry.

“AGC has been a great platform for networking and collaboration,” Bates adds. “It helps us stay connected and build partnerships that matter.”

In just five years, Caliber Construction Alaska has grown from a small start-up into a respected force in Alaska’s construction scene. The company remains focused on challenging projects, workforce development, and strategic growth, while staying grounded in its commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built, but we’re just getting started,” says LeVasseur. “There’s a lot of work ahead.”