Our Story

A Husband-and-Wife Team

Eric and Juliana Bower are the husband-and-wife team behind Bower Builders, with over 20 years of combined experience in the trades.

Eric is a qualified carpenter who originally received his training in New Zealand, then immigrated to Canada, making Fernie his home in 2010. After 5 years as site superintendent with one of Fernie’s premier mountain home builders, the timing was right to venture out on his own. A desire to manage a project from start to finish, coupled with the determination to make his own mark in the industry, led Eric to work towards his Licensed Builder Certification. Eric is passionate about building healthy homes that will stand the test of time. He oversees all the day to day site operations, and can still regularly be found with his toolbelt on, coaching the next generation.

Jules moved to Fernie in 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Monash University in Australia. After nearly a decade of running a painting subcontracting business in the Elk Valley, she gained first hand experience in every phase of construction. This exposure honed her ability to critique project timelines, execution, management styles and more. Jules’s dedication to analysing a project, figuring out where things could have been done better, and then implementing those changes is what drives her. She is heavily involved in the design phase and oversees scheduling and administration.

Jules and Eric met on a construction site, and it's still where they are both most comfortable. It is more than just a way of life. The littlest Bowers (their two young kids Lachlan and Chloe) can often be found sweeping the site or picking up nails on the weekends. It's truly a family affair.

Know that when you hire Bower Builders you're not just getting a 9-5 project manager. You're getting the whole family, and you become a part of the family. Building your home is as personal as it gets, and we are just as invested as you are.

family of four outside on bridge

Our Mission

To be a leader in building science, technology and product application. To inspire our clients and push the boundaries of creativity and comfort, while building a home that will endure. Our goal is to never stop learning.

Our Commitment

Clear, concise and honest communication is the cornerstone of how we conduct any interaction, be it with our clients, our team, trade partners or suppliers.

From the initial concept to the finishing touches, we are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and making the home construction process an easy and enjoyable journey.

Meet Our Team

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    Mitch - Field Crew

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    Mitch moved to the Elk Valley in 2022, with his partner Mel and young daughter Audrey. Mitch previously worked in Ontario Lake Country building decks, boat lifts and boat houses. He brings a great attitude and a high level of execution to the team at Bower Builders. In his free time, you can find Mitch exploring his new backyard with his family.

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    Ryan - Field Crew

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    Originally from the Ottawa Valley, Ryan moved to the Kootenays with his partner Danielle in 2019. Their first son Oliver was born in Fernie in 2023. Ryan ran his own renovation company for 5 years prior to joining the Bower Builders team. He is one of our invaluable lead carpenters and has an excellent ability to problem solve and find creative ways to deal with the inevitable project curveballs! He spends his free time hiking, biking and snowboarding.

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    Jesse - Field Crew

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    After one visit to Fernie, Jesse and his wife went back to Australia, sold their acreage, animals, and everything they owned, and returned with 10 suitcases and 3 kids. Jesse has had a variety of careers including being a firefighter, underground miner, surfboard shaper, boat builder, and most recently, carpenter. He loves Fernie and claims he never wants to leave Canada! At Bower Builders, Jesse brings his craftsmanship, adaptability, and adventurous spirit to every project he works on. We hope he never leaves too!

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    Justin - Field Crew

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    Justin was born and raised in Fernie and grew up playing hockey. He started his carpentry apprenticeship with Bower Builders in 2021 and wrote his Level 3 in March 2024. Justin has grown tremendously since he joined the crew, learning the processes of building a custom home from the ground up. He has a passion for music and playing instruments, loves the outdoors and is also an auxiliary firefighter.

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    Anabelle - Office Administration

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    Originally from Quebec, Anabelle spent the last 12 years in Australia, where she and her Australian husband Rob had two children. In Australia, the couple owned their own building company, specializing in residential renovations and builds. Anabelle is a great fit to the Bower Builders team with her extensive experience in the industry, amazing organizational skills, and her attention to detail. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the Elk Valley and travelling abroad. She loves to dance and has a keen interest in photography.

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    Christa - Marketing + Communications

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    Christa has called Fernie home since 1989, where she and her husband, Andrew, raised their two sons. For over two decades, she ran her own sales and marketing business, supporting many of Fernie’s small businesses. That experience—combined with her enthusiasm for tackling new challenges—makes her an invaluable part of the Bower Builders crew. When she’s not creating engaging social media content or coordinating photo shoots of our projects, Christa is a Feng Shui practitioner, Chinese astrologer, and yoga teacher. She loves to hike, mountain bike, and paddle and is an avid cross-country skier.