Nick Ertmer

As a Southeast Region Co-Leader and member of DPR’s Leadership Team, Nick Ertmer helps teams refine and maximize their vision to see all the possibilities for a project. Having led numerous higher education, advanced technology/mission critical and life sciences projects, Nick provides strategic direction and guidance to teams throughout the Southeast, serving customers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Nick loves the built world and at just 13, he started in construction, doing small building projects for his neighbors in small-town Illinois. From there, he attended USC and earned his degree in Civil Engineering before becoming a captain in the U.S. Air Force. In 2006, Nick joined DPR, working first in the Sacramento office and then relocating to Durham, NC, in 2010, where he served as the Raleigh-Durham Business Unit Leader.

As his career has advanced, Nick’s focus has shifted. He now feels that the reason for being in business is to serve people. A great company gives people career opportunities that allow them to be their best selves at home with their families. “This is about creating a really exceptional environment for people to do their thing. If we do that right, the rest of it takes care of itself.” Well-cared-for people take care of the business, giving their best work to build the projects that help our customers succeed.

When he’s not working, Nick’s time mostly revolves around his family. He also enjoys finding ways to be creative, building furniture and other items with his hands.

• Favorite DPR Core Value: Uniqueness
• What You Love About Construction: The sense of accomplishment when working as a collaborative team to create something that will stand the test of time and that will outlive all of us.
• Your Hero: My dad
• First Job: Iron-T-Junction Screen Printing Shop