The People Behind the Projects
Meet Our Team
The office staff, leadership, and field crews driving HBI’s work across North America.
Leadership & Office
Our Office Team
John Engle
President
John leads Hilburn Builders with a focus on operational excellence, client relationships, and long-term company growth. Under his leadership, HBI has expanded to 10+ active ironworker crews completing 45+ projects per year in 44 states.
Chris Luttrell
Chief Operating Officer
Chris runs day-to-day operations across every active HBI project, coordinating crews, equipment, and subcontractors to keep work moving safely and on schedule. His deep field experience is a cornerstone of HBI's reputation for reliable execution.
Luke Engle
Director of PreConstruction
Luke oversees the preconstruction phase for HBI projects, managing estimating, scheduling, value engineering, and constructability review so every project starts on solid footing before a single piece of steel goes up.
Chris Edwards
Senior Project Manager
Chris leads project delivery from contract award through final completion, coordinating schedules, material procurement, subcontractors, and client communication to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Leslie Farley
Director of Finance and Innovation
Leslie leads HBI's financial operations and drives process innovation across the business, overseeing accounting, HR, and the systems that keep the company running efficiently as it grows.
Trang Freeman
Estimator
Trang prepares detailed cost estimates and bid packages for HBI's project pipeline, from PEMB erection to complex industrial steel. Her estimates are the foundation of client proposals and project budgets.
Robert White
Project Manager
Robert manages HBI projects in the field and in the office, keeping schedules, submittals, and crew coordination on track so the client always knows where their job stands.
Kathleen Lee-Case
Project Coordinator
Kathleen keeps HBI projects organized from start to finish, tracking documentation, compliance paperwork, and schedules so project managers and crews have what they need when they need it.
Field Leadership
Our Foremen
Every HBI crew is led by a seasoned foreman, experienced ironworkers who have earned their leadership through decades in the field. They don’t just oversee work; they set the standard for it.
HBI foremen average 20+ years in structural steel construction. They can read and interpret complex erection drawings, manage multiple crews across a job site, coordinate with GCs and inspectors, and keep a project moving safely through every phase, from anchor bolt layout to final panel.
Boots on the Ground
10+ Active Ironworker Crews
HBI’s field crews are the reason clients come back. Skilled ironworkers, trained and supervised by experienced foremen, completing 45+ projects per year in 44 states.
Every crew member is selected for their skill in PEMB steel erection and specialty installations. All hold the certifications and safety training required by major industrial operators: OSHA 10, fall protection, rigging, and equipment operation.
Ready to Work with Us?
Reach out to our team directly or use our contact form to start a conversation about your next project.
Contact the Team