Thomas D. Hill

Thomas D. Hill has been an instrumental leader in the growth and success of ESI Construction, a prominent general contracting and construction management firm based in Meridian, Idaho. With more than 50 years in the industry, ESI Construction has seen significant expansion under Hill’s leadership, now operating across 41 states and 36 countries. The company offers various services, including retail, healthcare, education, public works, hospitality, industrial, and more, serving clients across multiple sectors.

Hill’s journey into the construction industry began after his years working in banking. From 1985 to 1992, Hill worked in the banking industry in Dallas, Texas. In 1992, he made a pivotal career move by acquiring ESI, a dormant construction company. Tom Hill CEO revitalized the firm with just four employees and steered it to remarkable growth over the following decades. Today, ESI Construction employs more than 1,100 people, and Hill’s commitment to his team is reflected in the company’s benefits package, which includes fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for all employees.

Under Hill’s leadership, ESI Construction has become known for its dedication to quality, safety, and outstanding customer service. Hill's ability to foster long-term client relationships has helped the company grow steadily. ESI has partnered with over 450 clients, including household names like Albertsons, Arby’s, AutoZone, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Homewood Suites, JC Penney, Kohl’s, Krispy Kreme, Kroger, Old Navy, Payless Shoe Source, PetSmart, Popeyes, Ross, Starbucks, Walgreens, Walmart, and Whole Foods, among others. These partnerships reflect Hill’s ability to consistently meet and exceed clients' expectations, helping build a strong reputation for the company.

Hill’s leadership has also earned him recognition in the industry, including the prestigious 40 Under 40 award, which acknowledges his entrepreneurial achievements. One of the key pillars of his leadership has been a strong focus on safety. ESI Construction has completed over 79.5 million square feet of retail projects, and its impressive safety record is reflected in its Experience Modification Rate of 0.43, a testament to the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure working environment for its employees and clients.

ESI Construction provides various services, including construction management, general contracting, design-build, self-performance, and special projects. The company’s construction management process emphasizes transparency, allowing clients to stay informed about the project’s budget, schedule, and quality throughout each stage. In general contracting, ESI applies proven project management techniques and the latest construction technology to execute client designs efficiently. Its design-build services help streamline the construction process, reducing project timelines and simplifying coordination by managing all aspects of the project under one roof.

One of Hill’s key initiatives was expanding the company’s self-perform field trade work. ESI Construction specializes in concrete paving, structural concrete, earthwork, flatwork, rough carpentry, fixturing, and specialty electrical services. Additionally, the Special Projects Division focuses on smaller construction tasks, tenant improvements, and remodels, while the Express Division responds quickly to urgent projects, offering around-the-clock service for both small repairs and large remodels.

Outside of his work with ESI Construction, Thomas D. Hill is dedicated to giving back to his community. In 2018, he founded ESI Cares, a nonprofit organization supporting community initiatives. One of the key programs of ESI Cares is a metal recycling initiative, which helps raise funds for both nonprofit and local community projects.