Thomas D. Hill

Thomas D. Hill has been the driving force behind the growth and success of ESI Construction, a premier general contracting and construction management firm based in Meridian, Idaho. Under his leadership, ESI Construction has flourished, becoming a major player in the industry, with operations in 41 states and 36 countries. With more than 50 years of experience, the company is well-known for its diverse projects across retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, public works, and industrial facilities. Hill’s journey into the construction field started after his career in banking. From 1985 to 1992, Tom Hill, CEO, worked in the banking sector in Dallas, Texas, gaining invaluable experience in business and finance. In 1992, Hill acquired ESI, a dormant company, and set out to revive it. With only four employees, Hill's leadership vision began to take shape. Over the following decades, Hill grew the business into a thriving operation that employs over 1,100 people. His commitment to his workforce is reflected in ESI’s provision of fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for all employees, ensuring that they and their families are taken care of. Under Hill's leadership, ESI Construction has built a strong reputation for quality, integrity, and safety. The company has formed long-term relationships with over 450 clients, including some of the most recognized names in the business world, such as 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. These partnerships speak to Hill’s ability to lead with integrity and deliver results that meet and exceed client expectations. Hill’s success at ESI Construction has earned him significant recognition, including the 40 Under 40 award, a testament to his entrepreneurial achievements. A cornerstone of Hill's leadership philosophy has been his emphasis on safety. With over 79.5 million square feet of retail projects completed under his watch, the company has maintained an exceptional safety record with an Experience Modification Rate of 0.43. This impressive safety standard is a reflection of Hill’s dedication to protecting both employees and clients. ESI Construction offers extensive services, including construction management, general contracting, design-build, self-performance, and special projects. The company’s construction management approach focuses on transparency, ensuring clients are always informed about project budgets, schedules, and quality. ESI applies a proven project management process combined with cutting-edge construction technology in its general contracting services, allowing the company to execute projects efficiently and effectively. Through design-build services, ESI Construction simplifies the construction process, reducing complexity and streamlining project timelines by managing all aspects of the project under one roof. Under Hill’s leadership, a significant achievement has been the growth of ESI Construction’s self-perform field trade work. The company specializes in concrete paving, structural concrete, earthwork, flatwork, rough carpentry, fixturing, and specialty electrical services. ESI’s Special Projects Division focuses on smaller-scale construction tasks such as tenant improvements and remodels, while the Express Division provides fast and reliable service for urgent projects. This division operates around the clock, ensuring client needs are met quickly and efficiently. Beyond his work at ESI Construction, Thomas D. Hill is committed to philanthropy and giving back to the community. In 2018, he founded ESI Cares, a nonprofit organization supporting local charitable initiatives. One of ESI Cares’ main programs is a metal recycling initiative that raises funds for nonprofit and community development projects. Hill has personally contributed to several causes, including donating a car to Notus High School’s Driver’s Ed program, sponsoring field trips for local elementary students, and covering tuition costs for private school students. Hill and his wife, Kimbra, have supported the Caldwell Police Department’s mounted unit and the Caldwell Fair 4-H Sale, among many other local initiatives. Hill’s commitment to education is also evident in his charitable work. He has been a donor to the Victory Center for Autism since 2008 and has personally sponsored several students attending Boise State University by covering their tuition fees. These contributions demonstrate Hill’s belief in education's importance and dedication to helping young people achieve their goals. Thomas D. Hill was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and graduated with honors from Baylor University in 1985, earning a BBA in Finance. After completing his studies, Hill moved to Idaho, where he would ultimately lead ESI Construction to success. He and his wife, Kimbra, live in Eagle, Idaho, with their two children, Piper and Teddy. Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Hill enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, and flying. Thomas D. Hill’s leadership has been a key factor in ESI Construction’s rise to prominence. His focus on quality, safety, and client satisfaction has allowed the company to build lasting partnerships and earn a reputation for excellence in the construction industry. Hill’s dedication to philanthropy and his community further highlights his commitment to positively impacting the world around him. Through his leadership, vision, and generosity, Tom Hill, ESI Construction, continues to set an example of integrity, innovation, and service in the construction industry and his community.