Our core company team is comprised of the following talented and trustworthy individuals. Not only do we all work well together, but we also have enormous respect for each other…and a lot of fun along the way with each and every project!
Tyler Frank | Project Manager
Tyler is an integral team member, bringing many years of experience in both the residential and commercial construction industry. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Tyler and his wife moved back to Whitefish to start their careers and family. Tyler’s passion for home building came when he and his father built their first house together on Whitefish Lake Golf Course in 1996. Tyler has family roots in Whitefish that date back to the 1930’s. Whitefish is the perfect place for Tyler and his family to call home as they enjoy the numerous outdoors activities that are available here
“It is great to live in such a beautiful place and be able to build such a quality product. I am extremely fortunate to be a part of this magnificent team here at Malmquist Construction. Of all the places I have worked in my career, Malmquist Construction is by far the highest of integrity, honesty, and quality. I have never seen an entire construction team with such uniformity in their passions and moral values. We have created an unbreakable bond that reminds me of my own family.”
Andrew “Bear” Barinowski | Project Manager
Bear has been enjoying his role as project manager for Malmquist Construction since 2003. Bear settled with his family in Whitefish, after building for Samaritan’s Purse in Afghanistan. Bears’ building experience spans from Europe to various parts of the United States. After extensive research of great places to live and work, Bear and his wife chose Whitefish for its incredible quality of life. Bear is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys recreating with his wife and son.
“When I moved to Whitefish I worked for a series of local builders for three months at no charge to learn about the various teams in the area. I ended up choosing to work for Malmquist because of the team process and the products we deliver…I felt like they were doing things right. We are highly productive, and at the same time, we have a lot of fun together. We bring a lot of passion to what we do."
Hayley Scheel | Office Manager
Hayley is a Breckenridge, Colorado native who moved to Whitefish and became the Office Manager for Malmquist Construction in 2016. Hayley is the operating force who makes our office run. She is responsible for all of our billing and financial systems, plus a number of other important functions and responsibilities. After working for a start up company out of college in California, she and her husband decided to move to Whitefish to be closer to family. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, canoeing and skiing.
“We have such a great team who works well together, has a lot of fun, but always gets the job done. Its great to be back in a small town working within a community of local subcontractors and vendors with whom we have built great relationships with and trust to help us produce a high quality product.”
Chris Connelly | Project Manager
Chris has a diverse construction background and brings a skill set that complements the Malmquist team. Chris graduated from MSU with a Bachelors of Construction Engineering Technology, but much of his education has come from opportunities on the job. Chris has been in Whitefish since 2000 and loves the mountain life in the Flathead Valley. In his free time he like to ski and be outside with his wife and three boys.
“I’m drawn to the to culture in the office and in the field on Malmquist projects. Our success is built on relationships with our clients, subcontractors and team that care about our work and the community where we live.”
Alex VandeVoort | Project Manager
Alex’s father was drawn to the big peaks in Glacier Park, and moved his family from Iowa to Whitefish in 1976. Alex earned two bachelor’s degrees at University of Montana then quickly made his way back home. In 2022, Alex joined the Malmquist team after spending over twelve years in custom home building in Whitefish alone. When not on site, he’s on a river or in the mountains with his family.
"I’ve known some of our subs and clients for decades, and we always keep learning from each other. Joining the Malmquist family gives me the opportunity to deliver the highest quality experience in every single step of the build process – for both clients and subcontractors."
Rob Sorensen | Project Manager
Rob is a Washington state native, and graduate of Washington State University, where he owned and operated a construction company doing a wide variety of diverse builds. These builds ranged from: timber frame, Conex container homes, pole barn, custom and design builds and hay structure homes. He and his wife moved to the beautiful Whitefish valley in 2019 where he has been a project manager for high end custom homes.
Rob and his wife love all that Montana has to offer and enjoy every minute of the community. When Rob is not working, he is horseback riding, hunting, building bows and anything that includes being in the woods.
“I am so blessed to be a part of such a great team doing what we all love. Malmquist is a breath of fresh air in the building industry where community and relationships are valued. The team has depth of integrity, experience and knowledge in the trade making Malmquist stand out above the rest.”
Karsten Carlson | Project Manager
Originally from western Washington Karsten has been a Montana resident for over 22 years, moving to Whitefish directly after completing his degree at Western Washington University. Karsten's father was a fine home builder, cabinet maker and is still a wooden boat designer and builder. This upbringing has instilled a love of woodworking and a passion for creativity. With years of experience with new builds, remodels and customer relations, Karsten brings enthusiasm and an eye for detail to the building process.
"I enjoy building beautiful things and lasting relationships, these passions allow me to enjoy every day on our job sites with the Malmquist team."
Jordan Lopez | Project Coordinator
Jordan is a Texas native and relocated to Whitefish earlier this year. After graduating from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology, Jordan brings nine years of construction experience to Malmquist. With experience in Commercial and Government, Jordan has found a new love for custom home building.
Jordan and her husband moved to Flathead Valley from Texas where they both loves spending time outdoors hiking, snowboarding, hunting, and watching their son play hockey.
“I’m so glad to be back in Montana and in an industry I love. I look forward to building relationships with subs, vendors and clients through this amazing company!”
Jacob Colter | Project Manager
Jacob comes to us from the St. Louis, Missouri area where he graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a degree in Architectural Engineering. After college, he gained invaluable construction experience working for a large general contractor based in St. Louis. More recently, he spent four years out of the country doing volunteer work, mostly in Nicaragua. He and his wife are glad to be settling down in the Flathead where they enjoy spending time in the mountains and on the water.
“For me, a building is the byproduct of meaningful relationships with coworkers, subcontractors, and clients. Malmquist is the perfect place to build both for years to come!”
Claire Hugman | Project Manager
Claire is a Texas native who relocated to Montana in 2020 to work as a residential project manager for a golf resort after completing a business degree from Texas A&M. Claire moved to the Whitefish area in 2023 to become a part of the Malmquist team. With a background in interior design, operations management, and project management, Claire brings a unique eye to every project.
When not at work, Claire enjoys rock climbing, scrambling peaks, trail running, backpacking, and hunting with her dog.
Michael Middlemore | Project Manager
Raised in the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area to a family of 9; Michael and his family moved to the Kalispell area in 2022, where he spent the summer and fall building his own home with one of his brothers. After the birth of his daughter, he joined the Malmquist team in July of 2023, with a fresh perspective on what it takes to make a home complete. Much of Michael’s experience has been hands on, from framing to home design, and he is eager to get the job done with a smile on his face.
"Malmquist to me is family. Everyone works together to provide help and knowledge to give each client the best quality with the best application."
Stefan VanHorn | Project Manager
Learning from my Father who I watched build a construction company from the ground up I have been surrounded by construction my whole life and I knew one day that I would build custom homes.
I attended Washington State University to play baseball and had the opportunity to expand my passion for building with a degree in Construction Management.
After graduating I entered commercial construction managing concrete and steel projects.
I fell in love with the valley years ago, and I knew this is where I wanted to raise a family. Everything about this place is great. Whitefish captures all the qualities of life I want to surround myself with. Genuine people, small town businesses and endless opportunities for outdoor activities!
“Having the opportunity to join the Malmquist family and be surrounded by such knowledgeable people is a dream come true. The entire team is passionate about construction and eager to take on the next new challenge. Bringing someone’s dream home come to life, paired with the highest quality of materials and close attention to details is what makes building custom homes so rewarding for me!”