Building Community,
Since 1972

At Coeur d’Alene Home Builders & Remodeling, we’ve been building and remodeling homes throughout the Inland Northwest since 1972. While Ron, our founder, is no longer swinging the hammer, he remains fully involved as a Senior Advisor, guiding the strategic vision of the business.

Ron’s passion for building began in 1972, when he started in construction at 18 years old in Sandpoint, Idaho. One of his earliest projects was working on Sandpoint’s first wave of condominiums, Condo Del Sol, located near the Long Bridge crossing Lake Pend Oreille. Ron began by insulating units before sheetrock, then worked his way into the framing shop where wall systems were pre-built—an early hands-on education that sparked a lifelong career in construction.

Soon after, Ron took on his first independent project—building a roof structure over a modular home that extended into a double carport and storage in Sagle, Idaho. That project led to a partnership and the formation of a small company, General Construction, based in Sandpoint. Over the next 14 years, Ron and his partner built numerous starter homes (including homes financed through Farm Home Administration programs) and gradually expanded into custom home construction as Sandpoint grew.

Ron’s career later took him on an adventure to Franklin, Tennessee, where he built a home for family and then moved into spec home building during a rapidly expanding market. For roughly six years, homes sold as fast as they could be built—an experience that sharpened Ron’s ability to deliver quality projects efficiently.

But North Idaho was always home. Ron eventually returned to the Coeur d’Alene area, continuing as a general contractor and expanding into bathroom and kitchen remodeling, along with cabinetry and interior upgrades. Ron has always believed great construction requires great people, and building a reliable team of subcontractors became a cornerstone of the company’s success.

While Ron was building his reputation, Michael Hickel was building his own foundation in the trades. Michael’s education in the industry started when he was just eight years old, working alongside his father in his small business, C&H Painting. By his teens, he attended the Prosser School of Technology for Operating Engineering, mastering heavy equipment and land development—giving him a "ground-up" perspective on construction.

Michael’s early career was defined by hustle, taking on odd jobs, excavation work, and handyman tasks. His reputation for reliability grew, evolving into his own renovations company. After building a general contracting company and refining all aspects of construction, a new custom construction company was started in North Idaho—and this is where Ron and Michael's paths crossed.

Ron had built a strong team of subcontractors, but Michael stood out quickly. Originally brought on for cabinet installation, he proved to be exceptionally skilled and versatile across both residential and commercial building. Their working relationship grew rapidly, and Ron recognized the value Michael could bring as a full leader in the organization.

Today, Michael Hickel is the Owner & CEO, guiding day-to-day operations and project execution, while Ron serves as Senior Advisor—mentoring the leadership team and supporting the company’s growth, all while enjoying life with his kids and grandkids.

Rounding out the leadership team is Bryan Wirth, our Operations and Project Manager. Bryan’s foundation in construction began early, working alongside his father on home renovations where he learned the value of precise, old-school craftsmanship. After a detour into Hydraulic Engineering and working on oil rigs—an environment that taught him rigid structure and grit—Bryan returned to his passion for building. He launched a general contracting company, applying engineering discipline to residential construction, before joining Coeur d'Alene Builders Group. Today, he ensures every project meets our top-tier standards for quality and execution.

We’re not a one-man handyman shop — and we’re not a big corporate firm either. We’re right in the middle: a locally rooted team with the experience, crews, and systems to complete your project efficiently, and with the personal touch you'd expect from a trusted neighbor.

Our size is our strength. We’re small enough to know your name and keep you informed at every step — but large enough to bring skilled craftsmen together and deliver quality results without delays.

Your home isn’t just another project to us — it’s where life happens. That’s why we approach every build and remodel with the same care we’d give our own homes.

We also believe that building in North Idaho comes with a responsibility to the land itself. From careful site planning that respects the existing terrain to sustainable building practices, we are committed to preserving the rugged natural beauty that makes our home so special. We don't just build on the land; we build with it.

When you choose us, you're not just hiring a contractor — you're partnering with a team that's been serving this community for generations, and will be here for generations to come.

Let’s build something you’ll be proud of — together.