Taking the lead in Duluth’s building industry

By Shelby Lonne-Rogentine

Ifa Northland contractor or builder needs guidance or direction, Arrowhead Builders Association is there to help. Chelle Eliason, executive officer of ABA, is leading the charge to educate people about everything under the sun in the world of building.

The group offers classes in website development and business management, helps promote businesses and products, and offers a range of miscellaneous support, such as lobbying, business development and networking.

“Every day is a new day (in this job). There’s always a new adventure, focus or issue. It’s just always different,” Eliason said.

Her ABA post isn’t her only claim to local fame. She is the president of a consulting and coaching business, an adjunct instructor at Lake Superior

College, an author, and a radio host on WDSM on Saturday mornings. Occasionally, she also has time for side projects, like judging the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Shark Tank competition last year.

“I like behind the scenes,” Eliason said of her work. Much of her energy comes from teaching and helping others, she said. She has been asked to lead building education seminars at state and national conventions. She spoke at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas in February.

Before ABA, Eliason worked as a housing director and project manager. As it was early in her career, Eliason chuckles to think of the mistakes she immediately knew she made.

“I was supposed to pull certain permits, and it was obvious,” she said of a particular housing job. It seems like something that most people would stress over. But Eliason, while still putting dedication and heart into her work, doesn’t seem to stress when it comes to the day-to-day stuff.

“I speak ‘boy,’” said Eliason of being a woman in a maledominated industry. “I like motorcycles, fast cars and other male-dominated things. It gives us a commonality.”

Eliason has a degree in architecture. Although she never worked for an architecture firm, she did work independently, co-owning a construction company. She also worked as a neighborhood revitalization specialist for pocket neighborhoods around Duluth. She still cares about the community. For example, she said she’s proud of how far Lincoln Park has come, recalling when Clyde Iron was nothing more than an abandoned building.

“I have enjoyed working with Chelle. She is an excellent executive officer,” said Gloria Allan, former ABA president. “She is well respected by her membership, a great guide and always looking for ways to help others advance. Honestly, after nine years on the board, I was prepared to step away and just help where needed. The changes that Chelle has brought to the association in seven years are the reason I continue as a board member now in my 13th year.”

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As Eliason makes strides in her own professional path, she paves the way for others who come after her.

“Today, there are more women than ever going into the trades,” she said. “It is not uncommon to come across more women on job sites. I would encourage girls to find a woman doing what you want to do and ask them to be a mentor.”

Eliason has no shortage of recommendations on her LinkedIn page from former clients.

“Chelle’s business coaching skills, diverse background, and the extensive toolbox of processes and resources she brought to the table were instrumental in strengthening the foundation and future of my business. She is very committed to her clients and teaching them how to make their growth goals a reality,” said a review from Rose Sorensen, an architectural design consultant client of Eliason’s.

“I have two passions. I love what I do with ABA,” Eliason said. “It’s such a rewarding industry. I am even more passionate about the coaching work I do.”

The Arrowhead Builders Association can be found at abamn.org. D

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