Our Mission

We aim to create top-quality, custom homes using natural, local, and time-tested building products that outperform modern composites in durability, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our mission is to support local economies—from mills and farms to loggers and tradesmen—so rural communities can thrive and landscapes remain working.

By reducing reliance on plastic, synthetic, and petroleum-based building materials, we invest in people, not corporations. Our goal is to build homes that sustain local industry, protect the environment, and deliver a healthier, more beautiful space to live in—homes we’re proud to build and that you’ll be proud to own.

Colton Dow - Owner, Operator

Building has always been part of my life. I grew up working alongside my dad, a builder who had me on job sites before I was old enough to drive. From the start, I loved working with my hands—solving problems, creating things that last, and being part of a process you can stand back and feel proud of.

Along the way, I also fell in love with farming. In my teens, I worked on local farms, later studied Dairy Farm Management at UNH, and went on to design and manage farm operations after college. That experience taught me more than just hard work—it gave me an appreciation for strong systems, working with nature, and doing things right the first time.

That’s when I got into timber framing—raising barns, working with big beams and native wood, and building structures meant to last for generations. Those early days still shape the way I build today.

Eventually, I came back home to work with my dad again, and that’s when everything clicked. I realized I could combine the things I care most about: craftsmanship, sustainability, and supporting local farms, mills, forestry and economies. That’s what Dow Construction is all about—building beautiful, lasting homes using natural materials that are good for people, good for the planet, and good for the local economy.

I’ve been influenced by time spent in Hawai‘i and by the values embodied in Hawaiian culture. Two words have stayed with me: pono and aloha.

  • Pono means doing what is right—living with integrity, balance, and respect for others and the environment.

  • Aloha is more than just a greeting—it’s a way of life rooted in love, compassion, connection, and care.

I try to live and build with pono and aloha in everything I do—from the way I treat clients and crew, to the choices we make in materials, to the homes we craft with care and purpose. To me, that’s the foundation of a well-built life and a well-built home.

These days, my wife and I live here in the valley with our three dogs. When we’re not on a job site, you’ll find us hiking, floating the river, or mountain biking—always looking for ways to build a good life, just like the homes we create.

My Role as Owner-Operator

As the owner-operator of Dow Construction, my role is to stay true to our mission: building quality homes with care, consistency, and integrity. I’m here to energize and support our crew, manage our jobs, and make sure every client feels heard and taken care of.

That means overseeing timelines, coordinating supplies, setting clear expectations, and keeping communication strong between the team and our clients. I’m hands-on in the field and behind the scenes—keeping projects on track, upholding our standards, and making sure the work reflects who we are.

I work on improving our systems so we can create a smoother experience for both our clients and our crew—helping us deliver consistent results, reduce stress, and keep quality at the center of everything we do.

Meet the Team

  • Peter Dow

    I’ve been building for over 45 years, working in just about every part of the trade—from framing and finish work to full home construction. Over the years, I’ve learned that good building comes down to doing things the right way, with care and consistency. I take pride in the work I do. These days, I still love being on-site when I can, but I mostly contribute through my expertise—consulting on the more complex parts of our projects, sharing what I’ve learned, and helping bring lasting, quality homes to life.

  • Garrett Gagne

    Hi there, everyone! My name’s Garrett, and I was born here in the shadow of the great Mt. Washington. This beautiful valley is where I grew up, creating lasting memories with friends and family—snowboarding in the winter and enjoying everything the summer here has to offer.

    At a young age, I stumbled upon a set of my father’s old tools and a box of nails in our basement, along with an assortment of lumber in the backyard. I spent countless hours building structures from these materials, bending each nail straight again for my next project. That’s where my passion for crafting was born.

    Although I taught myself some basic techniques growing up, it wasn’t until after high school in 2011 that I had the opportunity to join a carpentry crew. There, I learned from some of the best carpenters in town, building custom homes and working on amazing remodeling projects. Whether it's a small job like hanging a shelf for your grandma or a larger project such as building a beautiful home from frame to finish, my drive and passion to make our customers’ dreams come true only grows with each passing year.

    I hope that you and your family can create lasting memories in the valley, just as I have.

  • Nathan Higgins

    Hi my name is Nathan I was born and raised in the valley. I am a UNH graduate and have been doing construction for about 5 years. In my free time I like to find a mountain or water source. To me construction is like functional art. There’s nothing more satisfying than a job well done.

  • Asher Hardy

    Hey, my name is Asher Hardy, and I’m from the Mount Washington Valley. I’m probably a lot like many of you reading this message. I started carpentry in my senior year of high school, and now, at 21, I’ve been in the trade for 4 years. I don’t believe in cutting corners—quality is extremely important to me. I take pride in doing things the right way the first time, staying true to my craft, and keeping my work authentic.

    My goal in my carpentry career is to become a trusted, reliable tradesman—someone you can call to get the job done right and know it will be handled with care and precision. There’s still so much I can learn in this field, and that’s what keeps me motivated. I’m always striving to improve my skills and grow wherever I can.

    In my free time, I love to ski and spend time outdoors. We’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, and it’s great to be involved in it.

    I’m extremely grateful to work for Dow Construction and honored to be part of a team that’s committed to doing good work for anyone who makes the right choice in choosing Dow Construction.

  • Arsen Shalian

    Green Mountain Electric
    Green Mountain Electric is a small, locally owned company based in the Lakes Region. Owner Arsen Shalian takes pride in treating every customer with respect, fairness, and a positive attitude. From start to finish, Arsen approaches each project with a smile and a commitment to doing things right. When you work with Green Mountain Electric, you’re getting more than just quality electrical work—you’re getting a partner who truly cares.

  • Matt Cassidy

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