Courtesy Hilltop Construction
By Paul Post
Tom Albrecht Sr. launched Hilltop Construction with a dollar and a dream.
Now marking its 50th anniversary, the firm is one of the area’s best-known residential and commercial builders, with projects from Saratoga to the southern Adirondacks and from Great Sacandaga Lake to Lake St. Catherine in Vermont.
But Albrecht says he never worked a day in his life.
“That’s because I loved the business, every aspect of it,” he said. “But more importantly, I loved building people’s dreams.”
A celebration for clients, current and former employees and business friends is planned for August at Hilltop’s new headquarters at 21 Casey Road in Queensbury’s Airport Industrial Park.
Albrecht and his wife, Cindy, recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Now retired, they enjoy spending time with grandchildren and traveling, especially to major league ballparks across the country.
Their son, Tom Albrecht Jr., daughter, April, and her husband, Dan Washburn, now co-own and manage the company. A third generation, Noah Albrecht and Cameron Washburn, recently joined the business.
“The goal, since we took over ownership five years ago, was to set this up to go another 50 years,” Tom Jr. said. “We’re putting Noah and Cameron in the field, the same way we learned, so they understand all facets of how to run the business and develop continuity with our young employees who will probably be here 25 or 30 years.”
Like many self-employed people, Tom Sr. initially found much of his work through family and friends. Relentless hard work, integrity and sound business practices, from financial decisions to human relations, helped drive Hilltop’s growth and success.
Perhaps most importantly, he never turned down a job, taking on challenges such as home remodeling projects that others avoided. “I always felt, bring it on!” he said.
“Everybody wants to build a new house because it’s easy,” Tom Jr. said. “We do a lot of remodeling at a high level.”
Diversity is also key.
Hilltop’s portfolio includes some of the area’s most impressive custom-built homes. But the company also handles a wide range of renovation work, including porches, decks, kitchens and baths.
“You’ll never see a slowdown if you use that philosophy,” Tom Jr. said.
Tom Jr. oversees most residential jobs, while Dan Washburn handles the commercial sector. Since joining the firm in 2005, Dan has expanded commercial projects, including numerous Stewart’s Shops, auto dealerships and several commercial and industrial projects as a Kirby Steel Building Systems dealer.
April Washburn keeps operations running smoothly as business manager, using skills she learned from her mother, Cindy, who handled the books for Tom Sr. when they started out.
“I went to work for Continental Insurance because we needed health insurance,” Cindy said. “So I worked there 10 years and did books at night on the dining room table.
There were lean years, including the early 1990s, when work slowed to a crawl because of economic conditions. But Hilltop stayed out of debt by avoiding “financial adventures,” never buying equipment or new vehicles until it had enough money to pay for them.
The Albrechts built a solid reputation through fair dealing and delivering more than promised. “If I had advice for a young builder just starting out, I would tell them don’t focus on money, focus on customer satisfaction,” Tom Sr. said. “When you’re chasing money you’re headed down the wrong road. That goes for whatever it is you’re doing. Don’t cheat on materials. Don’t say you’re going to give them hemlock and you’re giving them pine. That happens in this industry.”
“We didn’t build homes just to sell them, we wanted to help customers,” Cindy said. “We enjoyed relationships.”
“If you give people customer service, treat them with respect and do what you say you’re going to do you’ll have all the work you’ll want in this world,” Tom Jr. said.
Giving back has also long been one of Hilltop’s core values.
The company supports many local organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, a 100% local organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout the region.
With families facing increasing challenges, mentorship matters more than ever. Whether as a donor, volunteer, partner or advocate, everyone has the power to positively influence a child’s future.
Hilltop is also using its 50th anniversary to help a company family member whose two children are battling cancer. Financial donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/standing-together-for-the-kilmartin-family.
“Our success would not have been possible without the incredible people who have been part of the Hilltop family over the years,” Tom Jr. said. “As a family-run business, we believe our employees are family and we strive to treat them that way every day. In 2026, we are especially proud to celebrate numerous team members who have dedicated 10 to 21 years of service to our company.
“We also take time to remember those we have lost,” he said. “One of those individuals is Tom VanNess, a longtime employee, trusted mentor and dear friend. His impact on our team, our company and our lives will never be forgotten.”
Hilltop employs 40 people, and both its residential and commercial businesses are extremely healthy. Although no longer involved, Tom Sr. and Cindy know the company is in capable hands and believe its future is bright.
“It’s so exciting to see the grandsons joining in,” Cindy said.
“Not all families have the luxury of family members who want to take over the business,” Tom Sr. said. “It’s a real blessing to have them carry on the Hilltop name.”