Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Tighe.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve taken a bit of an unconventional path into construction. I served 23 years between active duty and reserves as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and also spent a decade as a police officer. While deployed to Afghanistan, I was tasked with overseeing the construction of an operations center at a forward operating base. That was my first real exposure to construction management, and it planted a seed that stayed with me.
After leaving the military and law enforcement, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. I started in property management, which naturally led me into construction when I realized how much opportunity there was to improve systems and outcomes for clients. That’s when Elevation Construction was born.
We began with multifamily renovations, moved into high-end residential remodeling, and now we have started doing a lot of work for commercial buildouts. Along the way, I’ve leaned heavily on my military background—discipline, systems, leadership—to build a strong back-office team and proven processes that allow us to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with clear communication.
Today, Elevation has grown into a company that not only serves clients in the Greater Houston Area, but also allows me to share what I’ve learned with other contractors through The Caffeinated Contractor podcast and speaking engagements. For me, it’s about building more than projects—it’s about building people, systems, and businesses that can thrive long term.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning out of the military and law enforcement into entrepreneurship was a big shift. I went from a world of structure and clear chains of command to the chaos of running a business where every decision rested on my shoulders.
In the early years of Elevation, the biggest struggles were around people and systems. I was used to doing everything myself, and that quickly led to burnout. Learning how to build a team, delegate, and trust others with responsibility was one of the hardest but most important lessons for me.
We’ve also had to navigate challenges every contractor knows—tight timelines, unexpected costs, and the ups and downs of the market. There were months when leads dried up and times when I wondered if we’d make payroll. But those struggles forced me to focus on building better systems, creating a strong back office, and investing in leadership—both mine and my team’s.
Looking back, the road hasn’t been smooth, but every obstacle shaped the company into what it is today: a systems-driven business that’s built to handle challenges and keep moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Elevation Construction. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Elevation Construction is a full-service construction company based in Texas. We specialize in commercial buildouts, tenant improvements, multifamily renovations, and high-end residential remodeling.
What sets us apart is the structure behind the work. My military background taught me that systems, discipline, and communication win battles—and the same is true in construction. We’ve built a strong back-office team and proven processes that allow us to start on time, finish on time, and deliver projects within budget. Our clients know they’ll get transparency, accurate estimates, and a constant flow of communication throughout their project.
We’re proud to be known for quality and service, but also for education. A big part of our mission is helping clients understand the “why” behind their project decisions. That’s why we create educational content, from YouTube videos to The Caffeinated Contractor podcast, to pull back the curtain on how construction really works.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Elevation has become known for more than just the physical projects—we’re known for trust, reliability, and relationships. Whether it’s a business owner designing a new space, a property owner updating a complex, or a family remodeling their home, we want people to feel like they’re working with a team that truly cares about their outcome.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people around me. The biggest credit goes to my team—especially our virtual team in Mexico. They are the backbone of Elevation Construction. From operations and finance to client communication and project support, they handle the details that allow me to focus on leading the business and serving our clients.
When I first started, I thought I had to do everything myself. That was a mistake. It wasn’t until I learned how to delegate and trust others—especially my remote team—that the business really started to scale. They bring consistency, organization, and care to everything we do, and they’ve proven that distance is no barrier when you have the right systems and the right people in place.
I also have to credit my mentors and coaches along the way, as well as the clients who trusted me early on when Elevation was just getting started. But at the heart of it all, it’s my team that makes the biggest difference. They’re the reason Elevation has grown into the company it is today, and they deserve just as much recognition as I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elevationconstructionteam.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationconstructionteam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevationconstructionteam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevationconstructiongroup
