Joel Andersen is CEO of Shoestring Valley Holdings, a holding company over Andersen Construction, Oregon’s largest family-owned general contracting firm. He is also a real estate developer with a robust and diverse portfolio of projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Joel is a 3rd-generation Oregonian with close ties to the area’s development community. Joel’s grandfather, HA ‘Andy’ Andersen, started their family construction business in 1950 and shortly thereafter started building and acquiring real estate, helping peek Joel’s interest in real estate and development. Joel’s development leadership has resulted in several of the most dynamic, award-winning and creative projects in the Pacific Northwest. This includes everything from high-rise multi-family residential towers, to industrial office parks, to downtown office buildings.

Today, Joel dedicates much of his time to supporting the company’s philanthropic efforts through the Andersen Foundation. Working both internationally and in the NW, he feels a deep responsibility to give back.

Most recently he’s spent time working with a community in rural South Africa to build classrooms and an eco-village out of shipping containers. When working abroad his goal is to create work opportunities for locals, engage and train local builders and entrepreneurs, build sustainable projects, and to bring along a team of Andersen employees for the opportunity to participate in meaningful work benefitting those in need. This year, the Andersen Foundation is funding international builds in South Africa, India, and Mexico. Additionally, the Andersen Foundation gives funds locally directed by employee giving committees.