Our Team

Chris Colman

Chris is a co-owner of Copper Creek Builders, LLC. and manages all construction projects to ensure each one is built to the design and quality standards of the company. Chris got his start in the construction industry in 1972 as a framer and union paid heavy equipment operator. He is a licensed general contractor and has personally managed projects ranging from home remodels to commercial new construction.

In addition to his real estate experience, he also has 25 years of experience in public speaking, management and marketing. He graduated from Intermountain Bible College with a Bachelors degree in Ministry and was the pastor of Northeast Christian Church for 23 years before he retired and made the switch to real estate.

Chris is outdoor enthusiast who has hiked, climbed and cycled through many countries around the world. He is an avid runner and enjoys competing in trail races.

Silas Colman

Silas is a co-owner of Copper Creek Builders, LLC. He has been actively involved in many areas of real estate since 2002, including land acquisition and development, construction, property management and marketing. He has personally managed the purchase and sale or leasing of over 300 different properties. He was born and raised in Grand Junction and graduated from Western State College with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Silas also serves as a volunteer director for the Alkare Foundation, an organization that supports various orphanages around the world.

When Silas isn’t at work, he enjoys numerous outdoor activities and world travel. He has completed several long distance mountain bike races, including the Leadville 100 and the world renowned “La Ruta” De Los Conquistadores

Naomi Thayer

Naomi Thayer is the Marketing Coordinator at Copper Creek Builders. In 2017 she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Marketing and Management from Colorado Mesa University and began working full time with Copper Creek Builders. During her time with the team, Naomi took on the role of Sales Coordinator, providing direct support to customers throughout the process of purchasing a Copper Creek home.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Naomi loves capturing stunning views around the world through her photography. Not only does Naomi enjoy spending time outside, but she also finds joy in painting and ultimately cherishing moments with her family.

Sunni Gagler

Sunni joined the Copper Creek team in January 2017. Sunni brings a wealth of experience from a career in finance, accounting, business systems and project management.

She believes that true professionalism is born from the ability to work smarter, not harder - always being a few steps ahead of the game, and knowing where to look for issues before they arise. After spending over a decade as the Assistant Controller and Project Control Manager for a US based leading energy infrastructure design and construction contractor, the residential construction industry is second nature to her after spending over 8 years helping build new homes in the Grand Valley.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with emphasis in Finance and Economics.

Sunni lives in Grand Junction with her husband and daughters. She enjoys outdoor activities and spends most of her free hours enjoying time with family and friends!

When I first met the owners of Copper Creek Builders, I was surprised by their passion for what they do. It feels like nothing was impossible to achieve and I appreciate and love this positivity. We are very team-driven, and we operate in a way that puts collective goals ahead of individual glory. In the last two years we have grown exponentially, and we continue to succeed because we are a flexible team that can rise to any challenge we may face. Everyone here is smart, energetic, fun to work with, and we are always trying to help each other expand our horizons. We love what we do, and it shows in the strong relationships we have built with each other, the local municipalities and businesses and of course, our customers. Never have I been part of a business that truly strives to develop a stronger sense of community.

Sunni Gagler Copper Creek Builders

Jessica Gagler

Jessica has been with Copper Creek Builders since February 2018. She is a valuable administrative asset to our team doing everything from blogging to paying the bills. She’s creative, efficient and organized. She is in her second year of study at Colorado Mesa University completing her prerequisites so she can apply to the CMU nursing program. Jessica is planning for a career in nursing with a minor psychology. Her passion is dance. She has trained in lyrical, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, tap, and modern styles for over eight years. Jessica loves animals and forensic science.

I am very grateful to Copper Creek Builders for allowing me the opportunity to gain work experience. I could not have chosen a better place for my first job. Everyone is nice and always willing to help all the time. Moreover, they treat me as part of the team and support my ideas. My job here has forced me to step outside my comfort zones and grow. I have learned so many things from interacting with subcontractors, to local government entities, to Buyers. I love that I am not viewed as merely a teenager, but that my work is important to them. I work in a great atmosphere with fun and knowledgeable people to learn from.

Jessica Gagler Copper Creek Builders

Dustin McElhaney

Dustin McElhaney is the Superintendent of Copper Creek Builders, LLC bringing over 30 years
of dedicated experience to the construction industry. Throughout his career, Dustin has held
various positions including project manager, site supervisor and CEO. His expertise spans
residential, commercial, and government projects. He has an extensive background in cabinetry,
as well as property and land development. Additionally, Dustin is a licensed subcontractor and
draftsman. Dustin is currently managing projects at Copper Creek, where he focuses
extensively on attention to detail to ensure every home is built to the highest standards of
design and quality craftsmanship.
Dustin grew up in Moab Utah and when he is not overseeing construction projects, he enjoys
working on classic cars, off-roading, boating, trailing, fly fishing and other recreational outdoor
activities. Dustin also enjoys spending time with his family and traveling to new destinations for
exciting adventures.

Sue Ottman

Sue is the newest member of the Copper Creek Builders team, joining us in 2024 as our New Home Sales Associate for our new, much anticipated Fruita community. She brings 44 years of experience in the real estate industry, including 14 years in construction, commercial and residential lending. For the past 30 years, Sue has been involved in all facets of the title insurance industry, including closings and title insurance for commercial, multi-site, multi-state transactions, businesses, multi-family, acquisition & development, construction and residential new and existing home sales. Her most recent title of Experience Director speaks of her dedication to providing the highest level of customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of the real estate transaction.

Sue participates and serves actively with local non-profit and industry-related organizations. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Professional Women in Building Council of the HBA of Western Colorado, since the PWB was chartered in 2019. She is always looking for opportunities to gather, learn and share information with her community.

Sue has a new-found love for exploring and travelling with her retired husband and good friends. Always looking forward to making memories, family activities and gatherings are her happy places. She finds peace in reading, crafting, and tending her flower and vegetable gardens.

Jim Hoffman

Jim made the move to Grand Junction from Illinois in 2020 and quickly became a member of the Copper Creek Builders team, taking on different roles in both single family and commercial construction.He is currently the director of maintenance for the Copper Creek rental division. Jim loves the thrill of the unexpected in his work, relishing the fact that each day brings something new and exciting.

When he's not working on-site, Jim can often be found exploring the mountains and taking in the beauty of the area's trails and jeep roads.

ABOUT COPPER CREEK BUILDERS AND OUR TEAM

The staff at Cooper Creek Builders are excited to assist you in building your dream house.