Our Mission
Our Senior Team
Rick Backus, President
Rick Backus started working in construction at fifteen years old as a carpenter and then a supervisor at Desert Coast Construction in Arizona. At eighteen, he moved to San Diego and became a Project Manager for Colorado Pacific Contractors. In 1983, Rick founded Eleven Western Builders, Inc. with his father, Wayne.
During the early formative years of the company, he served as Vice President and Chief of Estimating along with any other responsibilities. In 1988, Rick assumed the responsibility of President and Chief Executive Officer. As of 2019, Rick Backus holds the titles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eleven Western Builders, Inc. and President of The Mill Shop, Inc.
Outside of the office, Rick enjoys off-road racing and traveling with his family. He and his wife Tammy have raised four amazing children and recently celebrated their 32nd anniversary together.
Richard Huey, Chief Financial Officer
Richard has over thirty years of financial management and accounting experience including fourteen years in commercial and residential construction. Prior to working in construction, he gained eight years of public accounting experience with the international accounting firm KPMG. Richard is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA).
Richard is responsible for all financial matters including internal and external financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, cash management, forecasting and banking relationships, legal, insurance and bonding relationships and requirements, employee compensation and benefits, and owner/client and subcontractor contract review and approval.
He is an avid sports fan and aspiring golfer. Richard and his wife, Maribeth, have raised four outstanding children together.
Shea Backus, Vice President of Operations
Shea Backus began his career in construction in 2016 working with an esteemed commercial general contracting company as a Finance Manager. Since then, he’s worked as both an Estimator and a Project Manager. Today, Shea is the Vice President of Operations for the Mill Shop and his background in finance helps him to excel in the technical, analytical, and organizational aspects of managing operations.
Outside of the office, Shea enjoys going to the dunes, driving sand cars, golfing, surfing, and snowboarding. If it involves outdoor activity or athletic ability, he’s down to give it a try. He’s also a sucker for In-N-Out and he enjoys trying new food spots when he can.