Design-Build General Contractor | Iowa / Midwest
When principle guides your project, success follows. Explore how we deliver in:
The team of engineers and construction managers, field supervisors and construction craftsmen at Carl A. Nelson & Company has extensive experience in numerous construction markets, and today serves the design-build construction, construction management and general contracting needs of clients in a range of market sectors. To learn more about the work we do, and to see project examples from our portfolio, choose one of the options below:
• Industrial
• Education
• Healthcare
• Recreation
• Commercial & Office
• Laboratory Facilities
• Community & Public
• Warehouses & Distribution
• Energy Systems & Utilities
• Water & Wastewater Treatment
• Energy Systems & Utilities
The CANCO team works hard to earn your business — and even harder to keep it. Here's how:
Deliver Value. Build Trust. Repeat.
Value means solving problems before they become setbacks.
We create value by focusing on the details: accuracy, timeliness, consistency—everything that prevents surprises, protects your budget, and keeps projects on track.
Trust is built by delivering real results.
Each time we meet—or exceed—expectations, your confidence in us grows. And that trust doesn’t just strengthen relationships—it drives better project outcomes.
Trust empowers action.
When we’ve earned your trust, we can plan better, act faster, and resolve issues before they escalate. That’s when value multiplies—and that’s why clients come back.
Start the conversation. We’ll show you what it means to deliver value and build trust.
“In this business, trust isn’t something you get once and keep forever — it’s something you earn every day. Showing up for our clients with fairness, honesty, quality work and service second to none is how Carl A. Nelson & Company earned its reputation, and how we maintain it today.”
Chris Smith, President
27 years with Carl A. Nelson & Company
100+ years of service across Iowa, the Midwest, and the United States.
Trusted by repeat clients in every market we serve.
Iowa-bred commitment to quality, safety and your success.
More About CANCO
In business since 1913, Carl A. Nelson & Company — call us CANCO — is a design-build, construction management, and general contracting firm. Founded and still operating in Burlington, Iowa, with an additional office in Cedar Falls, our teams work as one to serve the needs of clients across the region and beyond. Learn what sets us apart, where we work, and why more than 80% of our business comes from repeat clients by visiting the About Us section of the website.
Our Story | Safety First | Where We Work | Leadership Team
“We met them. We could tell what kind of great partners they were going to be. ... After we met them, we decided we were going to run as fast as possible to Carl A. Nelson.”
Matt Bormann, CEO
Western Smokehouse Partners
Read more about Western Smokehouse Partners
“They're trusted in this community. They're committed to this community. And they're valued. There's a good reason why they're chosen for those projects.”
Tiffany Finch, Director
Cambridge Little Achievers
Read more about Cambridge Little Achievers
Our Services
We are capable of delivering a full range of services to clients, including multiple project procurement options, as well as needs assessment and master planning, pre-construction, design, self-performed construction and maintenance. Choose an option from the list below to learn more:
• Design-Build
• Construction Management
• General Contracting
Additional ways we can meet your project needs:
• Needs Assessment & Master Planning
• Pre-Construction Services
• Code Study, BIM & Design-Assist
• Self-Performed Construction
• Routine Plant Maintenance
CANCO News
Stories in our news section are taken from the pages of our wibi newsletter, breaking project-related news, coverage of company events, and more. Click below for some recent headlines, or visit the news section to see what else we've been up to.
Here are some recent headlines. Discover more in our CANCO News section.
Title change reflects goals for Nelson Plant Services
Now as manager, the longtime superintendent of Carl A. Nelson & Company's industrial maintenance division sees expanded role in growing the business.
Soon-to-be-Northern Iowa grad set for full-time CANCO role
With internships and part-time work, Hailey Nie will transition to full-time with two years of Carl A. Nelson & Company experience already on her resume.
Nelson Design, Inc., grows with addition of designer
Following graduation from Iowa State University in architecture, Kendra Schulz has joined Carl A. Nelson & Company's in-house architectural design firm.
Based on an acronym that represents shorthand for our quality assurance efforts, the wibi newsletter is mailed to clients in the industrial, healthcare and education markets, as well as published online in an e-edition. It features our projects, articles on topics helpful to clients — Decoding the Code focuses on code-related issues that can affect project budgets and long-term costs of ownership; and Building Value, which aims to help facility owners achieve value in their plans, projects and upkeep — and spotlights on our people and our safety program.
Visit our wibi page to see current and back issues of the newsletter.
Experience the Carl A. Nelson & Company difference
Thank you for visiting our website. It's here 24/7 to help you explore the value of choosing Carl A. Nelson & Company for your next construction project. If you’re ready to experience our pledge to Fairness & Honesty, Quality Workmanship, and Service Second to None, let’s schedule a call and talk about your project.