Howard S. Wright companies > HSW Enterprises > Our Leaders

Our Leaders

Brad Nydahl, Chief Executive Officer
Brad has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He started his career and worked his way through college. His professional career includes three years working for an international design firm, 10 years with another NW General Contractor, and three years in the Micronesian Islands for Fletcher Construction Group. In 1993, Fletcher asked him to take over the helm of Howard S. Wright Construction Co. In 1996, he and John Tremper led the management buyout of the company from Fletcher. With Brad's determination, integrity and profit/ownership sharing guidance, the company has grown from a Seattle company with an annual revenue of $63 million, to five Western US companies in eight cities and a combined forecasted 2008 revenue of $900 million. Brad has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. He resides in the company’s Vancouver, WA office.  

Murray Bawden, Chairman
Murray is a 44-year veteran of the construction industry with a diverse industry and geographic background, having worked in Australia, Asia, Japan, the Middle East and for the past 15 years in the USA. His experience covers field leadership, project management and executive management with particular experience in the planning and construction of medical facilities, hotels and resorts, high-rise structures and institutional buildings. He has been involved with some of the world's more significant building projects and has led large organizations in Asia and Hawaii. Leadership, team building, business development and strategic planning are the particular skills he brings to the HSW Enterprises team.

Mitchell Hornecker, President
Mitch is involved with global, company-wide issues, and oversees the Service and Support Groups of HSW Enterprises. He also assists with the companies' organizational structure including governance, compliance of entities and partnerships, acquisitions and joint ventures. In his role, he draws from his experience at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, where he spent 22 years as one of their most highly respected business transactional attorneys. During that time, he provided valuable business and support service to HSW. He is actively involved in the community having spear-headed a nonprofit for youth called New Avenues for Youth, where he currently sits on the board. Mitch has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon. He also attended Northwestern School of Law and Lewis & Clark College, where he received a Juris Doctor degree (cum laude).

Jim Constance, Chief Financial Officer
With more than 32 years in the construction industry, Jim’s understanding of financial matters coupled with a strong construction background make him a formidable source of financial and technical knowledge. Jim and his staff provide the decision makers throughout the company with financial information and analysis tools needed to make the best business decisions. He is responsible for all risk assessment and financial management. Jim is a leader in the industry and has written many articles for national construction periodicals. Jim has a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Nebraska.
Karl Bjergo, Vice President
Karl has traveled a unique path to get to his 10 years in construction. His background includes military, athletics, college coaching and civil construction giving him a number of eclectic experiences to draw from to enhance his leadership, team development and support services project completion skills. He received a BS from Oregon State University and recently enhanced his education by obtaining a MBA from Concordia University – Portland. Karl enjoys building relationships within the company to maintain positive growth in the vision and cultural development in the areas of safety, information technology, human resources and training.
Richard Walker, Vice President
Richard Walker came to the company after spending 12 years working for developers. This background allows him to better understand and anticipate client needs. He has unique experience with renovation and reuse projects, including the Tariff Building in Washington, D.C., an 1835 Landmark and the first Section 111 lease structure undertaken by the United States Government. Richard works closely with Jim Constance (CFO) on a variety of matters, including risk management, business relationships, new business opportunities and corporate governance.