Eclipse Construction Group

Constructing a Dynamic Future

Built on Relationships, Driven by Craft

When Eli Routh founded Eclipse Construction in 2022, he was taking a leap of faith during one of the most unpredictable periods in the building industry. Yet in just a few short years, the company has risen to become one of the fastest-growing boutique builders in Tennessee. With a strong commitment to craftsmanship, transparency, and community, Eclipse Construction has carved out a unique niche—balancing the personal touch of custom building with the efficiency and cost advantages of higher-volume operations.

“We kind of refer to ourselves as a boutique builder,” Routh says. “We’re a custom-to-semi-custom home builder. We build full-custom homes as well as investor-funded spec homes, and we’ve never built the same house twice. Every house we do is unique, with its own design features—and that’s something we really pride ourselves on.”

What sets Eclipse apart is not just the individuality of its homes but the accessibility of its process. By operating on a cost-plus-fee model, the company provides clients with full pricing transparency while leveraging relationships and volume-based efficiencies to deliver luxury at competitive rates. “We typically pull between 20 and 40 permits a year,” Routh explains. “That gives us a little more volume than a traditional custom home builder, which helps us get great pricing that we pass along to our clients.”

For Routh, it all comes down to flexibility. “If a client wants to spend $160,000 on cabinets, they can absolutely do that,” he says with a laugh. “But if they want me to help them find something that fits better within their budget, I’ll do that too.”

Every Build Begins with Trust

At Eclipse Construction, every project begins—and often ends—with relationships. Routh sees every client, partner, and contractor as part of a connected ecosystem that supports the company’s success. “Everything we’ve done to date has been relationship-based,” he says. “Even our large-scale 20-unit development came together through relationships.”

That $25 million project began when Routh met a broker on a job site who admired the company’s craftsmanship. The connection quickly turned into a collaboration. “I’m very active on my job sites,” Routh says. “I’m walking them every day. I love building homes. Being present helps me ensure the quality of what we’re producing, and it’s also how so many of these relationships start.”

Those connections have paid dividends. One of Eclipse’s current builds is a custom home for another builder—a rare honor in the industry. “It’s always humbling when a builder asks you to build their personal home,” Routh says. “It’s a big vote of confidence in what we do.”

This relationship-driven approach extends beyond clients to include trade partners, subcontractors, and even the broader community. “We’ve never done a project that wasn’t somehow tied to a relationship,” Routh says. “It’s just how we operate.”

Advocating for the Trades

Routh’s passion for building extends beyond his company, driving his involvement in shaping Tennessee’s construction workforce’s future. “I sit on the Institutional Advisory Committee for TCATs—the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology—and help shape construction-specific curriculum,” Routh explains. “I’m also on the board of Go Build Tennessee, which acts as the marketing arm for our trade school programs. A lot of state funding goes into that to help bring awareness to the trades.”

His passion for the cause is personal. “I grew up here in Nashville and went to public school. I did a brief stint in college, but it just wasn’t for me, so I joined the military,” he says. “Back then, I didn’t know about the opportunities that existed through trade schools. Now I want to make sure other kids do.”

Under the leadership of Governor Bill Lee—a tradesman himself—the state has made remarkable progress in elevating the profile of technical education. Routh and his peers work directly with high schools to introduce hands-on learning opportunities and dual-credit programs. “We’ve had high school students visit our job sites,” he says. “They’re able to get both college and trade school credits for co-op programs. It’s been amazing to see.”

His leadership roles are extensive. Routh currently serves as the incoming President of the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, a state director, and a national director with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He also sits on the boards of the Housing Industry Political Action Committee and BuildPAC. “We see the writing on the wall with labor shortages,” he says. “That’s why I stay so involved—so we can keep attracting young people to the trades and show them that there’s a real path to success.”

Building Success Through Resilience

Launching during COVID-19 was no small feat, but Routh credits a relentless work ethic and a willingness to seize opportunities. “I made the insane decision to start a construction company during COVID,” he says with a smile. “Once I put my mind to something, I go all in. My wife says I have no chill, and she is right.”

His involvement with the Home Builders Association has also opened doors. “When I joined the HBA, I wanted to be part of it immediately,” he says. “I asked how quickly I could get on the board and get involved. The relationships I’ve built through the HBA have been invaluable—some of the most respected builders in the state have taken me under their wing and helped me grow.”

For Routh, success comes from balancing hard work with smart financial management. “Cash flow is everything in construction,” he says. “If you can manage that well, you can turn it into an opportunity down the road. Our cost-plus model helps us do that, especially in a market where interest rates have been tough.”

Where Business Meets Heart

Eclipse Construction is currently wrapping up its 20-unit luxury short-term rental development, a milestone that exemplifies the company’s capacity for large-scale coordination. The project came together through that fateful broker connection—and a lot of strategic thinking. “Another builder had fallen through, and we were able to step in,” Routh recalls. “We quickly put together a financing package and partnership that made it work.”

Eclipse also serves as a preferred builder in June Lake, Tennessee’s most significant development. “A friend of mine developed 28 lots there,” Routh explains. “We partnered on the project, and now we have 16 of those lots—more than anyone else in that section. We hope to build on that success.”

While these developments demonstrate Eclipse’s growing footprint, the company’s commitment to giving back truly defines its character. Routh and his team are currently constructing three homes in Franklin for Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit that provides mortgage-free homes for permanently disabled veterans and first responders. “My operations manager is a veteran, and so am I,” Routh says. “This project means a lot to us.”

Eclipse is also collaborating with Friends’ Life, a local organization supporting adults with special needs. “My niece has special needs, so this one is close to my heart,” Routh says. “We’ve been helping them navigate permitting, zoning, and design. Now we’re preparing to serve as general contractors for the project.”

These partnerships underline Eclipse’s broader mission: to build not only homes but also a stronger, more inclusive community. “We’re always looking for ways to use our expertise to help,” Routh says. “It’s not just about business. It’s about making an impact.”

Design Partnerships and Team Culture

Though Eclipse Construction works with outside architects and designers, the relationships are so close that they function almost like an in-house team. “My architect and I actually used to work together,” Routh says. “We both started our own businesses around the same time and have supported each other ever since. He’s a dear friend, and we work incredibly well together.”

This seamless collaboration helps Eclipse turn around design work faster and more cost-effectively than many competitors. “We’re able to get plans done quickly and at a better cost, which is key to our success,” Routh says. “Our build times are strong for the level of quality we deliver.”

Routh also credits his small but dedicated team for the company’s growth. His administrative partner, whom he describes as “like a sister,” joined him when Eclipse was founded. “She was the first person I brought on board,” Routh says. “She’s been a bookkeeper, permit runner, and even my psychiatrist some days,” he jokes. “She’s amazing—and not afraid to call me out when I need it.”

That culture of trust and accountability is one of the company’s strengths. “I take pride in what we build,” Routh says. “I’m on site because I have high expectations, but I also want my team to understand those expectations and share that pride.”

Looking Ahead

As Eclipse Construction continues to grow, Routh remains focused on maintaining flexibility—the very trait that has fueled the company’s early success. “This industry changes constantly,” he says. “You have to be able to pivot. I don’t have a five-year plan where I say, ‘This is exactly where we’ll be.’ Instead, I look one or two years ahead, always keeping projects in the pipeline.”

That adaptability allows Eclipse to explore new opportunities, from luxury homes in Nashville’s Leiper’s Fork area to community-focused developments. “We’ve got four lots there where we’re doing semi-custom and full custom homes,” Routh says. “They’ll range from four and a half to six or seven million dollars.”

Even with a full workload, Routh’s enthusiasm for the craft remains unchanged. “I love what I do,” he says. “Sometimes I probably need to be in the office more, but I can’t help it—I love being on the job sites. Construction is in my blood.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Eclipse Construction Group

What: A Tennessee-based custom home builder known for its relationship-driven approach, hands-on craftsmanship, and commitment to quality, community, and collaboration.

Where: Nashville, Tennessee

Website: www.eclipseconstructiongroup.com