About Our Founder

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40 Years of Award-Winning Construction Excellence

Our founder, Gary Carlson, brings over 40 years of residential construction expertise to his specialized consulting practice. A graduate of the University of Colorado with a BA in geography specializing in urban and regional planning, Gary successfully founded Carlson Homes in 2002. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the largest custom home builders in the Valley with successful expansion into residential remodeling.

Core Skills

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Complex Project Management

Ability to manage many various and disparate projects simultaneously.

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Rapid Problem Solving

Skill in quickly assessing issues and developing effective solutions.

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Client Relations & Reconciliation

Expertise in navigating and reconciling the emotional concerns of customers with the technical ("sticks and bricks") aspects of construction.

A Legacy of Recognized Excellence

Gary's proven track record of building client satisfaction, managing complex projects, and maintaining industry-leading standards forms the foundation of his unique consulting expertise.

Under Gary’s direction, Carlson Homes has achieved numerous prestigious industry recognitions:

Professional Experience

Gary Carlson's four decades of experience span custom home building, large-scale residential development, and executive leadership across major regional and national firms.

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Experience in Consulting & Construction Leadership

Owner and Founder: Consulting & Construction

Carlson Homes Construction LLC, Scottsdale, AZ (2002 – Present)

  • Arizona ROC License No. 171734 (B General Residential Contractor)
  • Founded and currently leads a premier firm specializing in custom homes and major remodel projects across Scottsdale and Phoenix.
  • Successfully delivered over 150 custom homes and completed more than 200 remodel projects, ranging from simple kitchen updates to large-scale additions.
  • Simultaneously developed a consulting practice assisting realtors and homeowners with complex construction issues, including defect analysis and strategic scheduling solutions.

Executive Leadership in National Development

Division President, MI Homes, Scottsdale, AZ (1999 – 2002)

  • Managed all facets of the operation for this national homebuilder in Scottsdale, including development, construction oversight, and sales strategy.

Vice President of Operations, Avatar Corporation, Coral Gables, FL (1995 – 1999)

  • Instrumental in establishing and scaling home building operations in both Florida and Arizona for a major landholder. Experience includes single-family and mid-rise construction projects.

Division President to Regional Corporate Vice President, UDC Homes, Phoenix, AZ (1990 – 1995)

  • Began by overseeing all development, construction, and sales for the North Phoenix region.
  • Promoted to a corporate role, responsible for operations across the Southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Foundational Experience

Sales Executive and Vice President, Writer Corporation, Denver, CO (1977 – 1990)

  • Progressed from sales manager to establishing and leading two new operational divisions in Colorado Springs and Atlanta.
  • Oversaw the design of new housing products, managed all personnel and subcontractors, and directed development processes for new projects.

Project Manager, Security Pacific Mortgage Co., Denver, CO & Walla Walla, WA (1975 – 1977)

  • Managed the construction and completion of assets within Security Pacific’s REO portfolio. Responsibilities included defect repair oversight, subcontractor management, closing homes, warranty supervision, and sales/marketing efforts.

Sales Executive, Concept 80 Development Co., Denver, CO (1973 – 1975)

  • Handled sales and marketing for townhome communities, focusing on customer communication, pre-delivery home inspections, and serving as the primary warranty contact.

Proven Strategies for Growth

We empower contractors, architects, and project teams by sharing the real-world strategies that built an industry leader.

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Referral-Based Business Development

Learn the proven strategies that built Carlson Homes' reputation. Transform your business from constant prospecting to a thriving referral network that generates consistent, high-quality leads.

Construction Defect Analysis & Expert Testimony

Leverage Gary’s extensive experience with projects ranging from simple renovations to major construction remediation. Receive comprehensive construction defect assessments for legal proceedings backed by decades of hands-on problem-solving.

Strategic Project Consultation

Access Gary's wealth of experience in managing complex custom builds and remodeling projects. Navigate unexpected challenges and technical specifications with award-winning expertise.

Contractor-Homeowner Relationship Management

Master the client satisfaction strategies that earned multiple service awards. Learn to resolve conflicts professionally while maintaining the high standards that build lasting business relationships.

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Why Partner With Us on Your Next Project

We offer more than advice—we offer a proven blueprint for success:

  • 40+ years of verified residential construction experience.
  • Proven business builder with an award-winning track record.
  • Expertise spanning custom homes to complex remediation projects.
  • Focus on sustainable, referral-based business growth.
  • Recognized leader in client satisfaction and service excellence.
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Apply Award-Winning Expertise to Your Projects

Ready to elevate your construction business with strategies proven at the highest industry levels? Contact Gary Carlson Consulting to transform your approach to client relationships, project management, and sustainable business growth.

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