About Us

Our Staff

Red 5 Construction was established by a team of five real estate professionals in 2015. With a need to fulfill the commercial real estate life cycle from the design process to the grand opening, Red 5 Construction strives to be the best commercial contractor in the industry. Our principals and staff are committed to your vision and investment, while providing superior coordination between client, contractor, and all project partners.

Nathan Forst

A graduate of Southwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Nathan moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2006. Beginning with single family construction moving to commercial real estate project management before his career pointed him to founding Red 5 Construction in 2016. He has a passion to see the growth and expansion of Northwest Arkansas through building quality projects for great clients. Nathan’s favorite part of the construction field is simply seeing a project evolve. He loves the vision for what something can be to walking through with clients as they move into their new space.

When not working Nathan has taken full advantage of the regions mountain biking scene. A frequent on the trails and active participant in local not-for-profit organizations that advocate for biking and outdoor lifestyles. A father of two beautiful young girls and husband to an equally beautiful wife enjoying Northwest Arkansas is a family affair.

Ashley Steele

Ashley Steele

Director of Operations

After obtaining my education in “Business” specializing in Entrepreneurship, I joined the business world while raising a family. Working, raising a family, and juggling my husband’s firefighter work schedule was not an easy task. We endured and sacrificed over the years. In the last 5 years I have passionately focused on Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Office Management; most recently in the Construction Industry. As a Northwest Arkansas local of 33 years, I have seen so much change in that time. I want to be a part of that change in my community. Here at Red 5 Construction, we do exactly that! Our team wants to invest in the community by putting our best efforts into everything we do. I couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else.

When I’m not managing the office, my husband and I are raising 3 little boys, a beautiful teenage daughter and of course two pets. We spend our time enjoying outside activities, competing in sports, and enjoying NWA to the fullest!

Eli Lavan

Superintendent

Hello! My name is Nyame (don’t worry I can’t pronounce it either), just call me Eli. I’ve been in the construction world for almost 8 years now. Started out as a delivery driver for a company right out of high school, it was supposed to be a temporary job till I found something else, but I quickly worked my way up the ranks to a manager position and soon came to love the work. I bounced around and worked for a few different companies making as many connections and learning as much as I could when I stumbled upon Red5 almost 2 years ago and have been here since. It’s nice to be a part of a company that takes such pride in how it goes about business, not only on the quality side of things but also building strong relationships along the way. I’m a bit of a workaholic but when I do find some time for myself, I love to spend time with my family and be in nature, anything outdoor related and I am a fan.

Eli Lavan
James Sawatzky

James Sawatzky

Superintendent

As a fresh NWA transplant from Minnesota. I’ve spent most of my life around construction and would consider myself a craftsman. I have worked in several different trades and personally renovated multiple homes over the years. As a new Superintendent for Red5 Construction, I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the management side of construction. I embrace the importance of quality craftsmanship and building relationships with our clients as well as the tradesmen doing the work. A motto I apply to my work is that every problem is just an opportunity to find a solution. My interests include spending time with my wife and kids, creative home improvement projects, mountain biking, golfing, and traveling.

Wes Eggabraaten

Project Manager/Superintendent

Hey there, I’m Wes, the seasoned construction. Connoisseur of Red 5 Construction. I’ve been swinging hammers and cracking jokes since the late 70s. I have worked every aspect of the construction trade, which brings an overall balance to building a quality product. I love what I do and most importantly love to build relationships along life’s journey. Aside from work my life revolves around three amazing things: God, my family, and an endless cup of coffee. On weekends, you’ll find me gathered around the breakfast table with my family, creating unforgettable moments filled with food, laughter, and love. So, if you’re looking for a contractor with a coffee addiction, a wicked sense of humor, and the ability to turn dreams into reality, Red 5 Construction can make it happen. Let’s grab our coffee mugs and build something great together, one laugh at a time!

Wes Eggabraaten
Benjamen Chop

Benjamen Chop

Superintendent

I have worked my way through various types of construction over the last 17 years. I started my career working as a laborer natural gas pipeline crew where I worked my way up the ranks to the job foreman. I then moved home to be closer to my family and took a job as the superintendent for a local natural gas contactor. I then moved into residential construction with a local custom home builder, where I again moved up the ranks to become the company’s first Level II Field Manager. I joined Red 5 in 2022 to grow my skillset and help bring beautiful buildings to life. I am excited to be part of the team and working to help develop Northwest Arkansas. Outside of work I enjoy going on adventures with my four children, and working on the ever growing list of home projects that my wife likes to dream up.