Key Personnel

Brett Backus started working in the construction industry at 14 years old. Following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Brett initially joined the construction industry because he enjoyed working outside and enjoyed the physicality of the job. Now, Brett is a CA Licensed General Contractor and is most intrigued by the ever-changing nature of the construction industry and the challenges brought on by each new project.

Brett has been with Eleven Western Builders since 2002, pushing a broom at age 14 and working his way through the ranks of being a Site Laborer, Mill Shop Carpenter, Project Engineer, Assistant Estimator, Project Manager and Estimator.

In 2018, he became EWB’s Director of Business Development where he fostered new business relationships, ensured existing client satisfaction, and worked with our marketing team to spread brand awareness and manage communication between our organization and the public.

Even after becoming the Chief Operating Officer of Eleven Western Builders in 2021, Brett continues to play a critical role in Business Development as he guides the company down the path of success.

Outside of the office, Brett enjoys spending time with his wife, April and three daughters, Roslyn, Jade and Alett. With the exception of “family first”, when he isn’t golfing, Brett enjoys spending time on the water catching waves and catching fish.

Richard Huey has been our Chief Financial Officer since November of 2005. Richard has over forty years of financial management and accounting experience including over twenty years in commercial and residential construction.

Prior to his work in construction, he worked for the international accounting firm KPMG for 8 years.

Richard is responsible for all financial matters including internal and external financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, cash management, forecasting and banking relationships, legal financial matter, insurance and bonding relationships and requirements, employee compensation and benefits, and owner/client and subcontractor contract review and approval.

He is an avid sports fan and aspiring golfer. Richard and his wife, Maribeth, have raised four outstanding children together.

Vern Alderton became a union carpenter in 1979, following in his father’s footsteps. In 2001, he joined the Eleven Western Builders’ team as a Project Superintendent. His ability to drive a project and manage subcontractors led him to become a General Superintendent and then Project Manager. Vern became Vice President of Field Operations in 2013.

As Vice President, Vern is responsible for the coordination of all field operations and ensures all projects meet the company standards for quality and safety without sacrificing schedule and budget.

Vern enjoys fishing and hunting in his free time. He has raised three daughters, one son, and has a lovely wife.

Jennifer Gosselin was born and raised in Pasadena, Texas, where her love for building began early. Crafting play homes out of boxes with her brother and spending time outdoors was how she grew up. After high school, she launched her career in construction at a small firm in her hometown, gaining 10 years of experience before joining Arch-Con Construction. Over 12 years there, Jennifer advanced from Project Coordinator to Vice President in the Dallas office.

Now based in Dallas, Jennifer recently joined Eleven Western Builders as Vice President of Construction for our new Texas Division. She brings more than two decades of expertise and a passion for mentoring others, both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling, camping with family, and relaxing on her back patio with her husband. She is a proud mom of three grown children and two stepchildren, a new grandmother to her first grandson, and a dog lover with two pups, Maya and Chloe. Her favorite foods include Thai dishes and cotton candy grapes, but her true happy place is wherever she’s surrounded by family and friends.

Jennifer is excited to take on this new chapter at EWB and is always ready for the next challenge, driven by a commitment to build strong teams and help others succeed.

Kristi was born and raised in San Diego County and now calls Escondido home. Known for her problem-solving skills at work, she brings that same energy and dedication to life outside the office.

With twenty years at Eleven Western Builders, there is little Kristi hasn’t been involved with. She began her career with the company as a Submittal Coordinator before transitioning into the field as a Project Engineer during the construction of the Willow School in San Ysidro, California—at the time, the largest project the company had undertaken. After returning to the corporate office, she stepped in as Project Manager on several projects, later moving into the Marketing Department. Nearly seven years later, Kristi transitioned into Human Resources before advancing into her current role as Chief Risk Officer.

As Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Kristi is responsible for developing, leading, and overseeing comprehensive risk management and regulatory compliance strategies across the organization.

She’s a proud mom to a redheaded daughter, has two dogs, and has been happily married since 2005. When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find her camping—ideally somewhere without cell reception—or cheering on her daughter as she chases her hockey dreams at ice rinks across the country.

No two days look the same for Kristi, and that variety is exactly what she loves—both at work and at home.