Meet the Wood Builders Team
At Wood Builders, Inc., we believe that building a home is more than just a project—it’s a deeply personal journey. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of dedicated professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about bringing your vision to life.
Our team brings years of experience, craftsmanship, and dedication to every home we build. From project managers to design specialists and client coordinators, each member of our team plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless, stress-free building experience. We work closely with homeowners from initial planning to final walkthroughs, making sure every detail reflects their unique style, needs, and budget.
At Wood Builders, we are confident that we have the right people in place to turn your dream home into a reality. With a commitment to quality, communication, and customer satisfaction, we take pride in not just building houses—but in creating homes where memories are made for years to come.
Erin Wood
President
Meet Erin Wood, a dedicated custom home builder with over 17 years of experience in the industry. As the proud owner of Wood Builders Inc., Erin specializes in crafting luxury custom homes, guiding clients from conception to move-in day with passion and expertise.
Construction runs deep in Erin’s veins, influenced by his family’s legacy in the field. He learned the trade from his grandfather, Robert Baumberger, a revered name in the area known for his commitment to quality homebuilding for over 40 years. Starting in his early teens, Erin honed his skills under his grandfather’s guidance and hasn’t looked back since. His journey included hands-on experience in concrete work and collaborating with another reputable area homebuilder before establishing his own legacy.
As a South Dakota native and a father of three, Erin balances his professional life with family time, cherishing every moment spent with loved ones. When he’s not busy building dream homes, you can find him on the golf course, perfecting his swing and enjoying the great outdoors.
Erin is committed to making the homebuilding process as enjoyable and rewarding as possible for his clients, ensuring that each home is a reflection of their unique vision and lifestyle. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Erin Wood is dedicated to turning dreams into reality, one luxury home at a time.
Victor Wood
Vice President
With deep roots in entrepreneurship, Victor has spent his career mastering the art of
business management. He began his journey as the founder and owner of Rapid Rooter, where he provided top-tier drain cleaning. Years later, he co-founded a successful Heating and Air Conditioning business in Rapid City. After years of dedication and hard work, he sold both businesses and embarked on a new chapter—partnering with his son, Erin, to establish Wood Builders, Inc.
As a key leader at Wood Builders, Victor plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the company. His expertise ensures that each project is prepared properly, from initial planning to final walkthroughs. He works closely with project managers to manage job site scheduling, material coordination, site management, inspections, and safety enforcement. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence helps ensure a smooth build process.
Beyond the construction site, Victor leads an active and fulfilling life. An avid outdoorsman, he is a semi-professional walleye fisherman, often found on the water perfecting his craft. He also competes in a traveling pool league and enjoys spending
quality time with his 5 grandchildren. Whether at work or at play, Victor’s passion, dedication, and expertise shine through in everything he does.
Trevor Mills
Controller
Born and raised in Rapid City, SD, Trevor has always had a strong connection to the community he now helps build. With a passion for business and finance, he earned his Associate’s Degree from Minnesota West before continuing his education at Black Hills State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Trevor joined Wood Builders, Inc. in November 2019, bringing a strong background in business leadership and strategic planning. As a key member of the team, he plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s vision forward. His expertise ensures that projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with the high standards that Wood Builders is known for. His keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence help shape the company’s continued growth and development.
Beyond the office and job sites, Trevor enjoys making the most of his free time. You’ll often find him watching sports, camping in the great outdoors, and unwinding with friends and family. Whether at work or at play, Trevor brings the same level of dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm to everything he does.
Jerry Peterson
Project Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the Rapid City area, Jerry brings an unmatched depth of knowledge and expertise to the Wood Builders team. His extensive background in the building industry includes years of hands-on work, most notably as the owner of Distinctive Designs, where he specialized in custom home construction. His time as a business owner gave him valuable insight into every aspect of the building process, from design and project management to budgeting and client relations.
Now, as Wood Builders’ newest Project Manager, Jerry’s experience is a huge asset to the team. His keen attention to detail, strong leadership skills, and deep understanding of custom home building ensure that every project is executed with precision and quality. He works closely with homeowners, subcontractors, and superintendents to keep projects on track, on budget, and up to the high standards that Wood Builders is known for.
Jerry’s passion for building is evident in everything he does, and his commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable part of the team. Wood Builders is proud to have him on board, bringing his years of expertise and dedication to creating exceptional homes.
Barb Strachan
Design Coordinator
Barb’s passion for design and customer experience has been the driving force behind her career. Originally from Wayzata, Minnesota, she relocated to Rapid City in 2017 and brought with her a wealth of expertise in home design, marketing, and client relations. Before joining Wood Builders, Inc. in February 2019 as the Design Center Coordinator, Barb worked as a Client Loyalty Manager for a national home builder and as a Marketing Coordinator for a real estate company. She studied Hospitality Management and Marketing at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, further strengthening her ability to create an exceptional experience for clients.
At Wood Builders, Barb plays a key role in guiding clients through the home design process, ensuring that their vision comes to life with beautiful, functional interior finishes. She works closely with homeowners to help them select materials, finishes, and design elements that match their style, needs, and budget. Her hands-on approach, attention to detail, and constant communication create a sense of trust and confidence, making the process exciting and enjoyable. She understands that building a home is a deeply personal journey, and she is dedicated to making it a smooth and stress-free experience.
Outside of her work in design, Barb is passionate about family, health, fitness, and traveling. Whether she’s helping clients create their dream home or exploring new places, she brings the same enthusiasm and commitment to everything she does.
J.P. Walters
Project Manager
With a lifetime of experience in custom home building, J.P. Walters brings a deep passion for craftsmanship and quality to Wood Builders, Inc. Originally from Oregon, J.P. grew up immersed in the industry, working alongside his parents in their family-owned custom home building business since high school. It was there that he cultivated his love for the trade, gaining firsthand experience in everything from framing and finish work to project management and client relations.
In search of new opportunities and a great place to raise his family, J.P. relocated to South Dakota with his wife and four children and joined Wood Builders, Inc. in 2021. As a Project Manager, he plays a vital role in ensuring that each home is built to the highest standards. From coordinating subcontractors and managing schedules to overseeing job site operations, he is dedicated to keeping projects on time, on budget, and exceeding client expectations.
J.P. takes great pride in his work, knowing that every home he helps build is a place where families will create lasting memories. His attention to detail, hands-on approach, and commitment to quality make him an invaluable member of the Wood Builders team. Whether working closely with homeowners to bring their vision to life or guiding teams on the job site, J.P.’s expertise and passion for the craft shine through in every project he takes on.