Hunter is President of Mantell-Hecathorn Builders and is responsible for all daily operations. Our standards of quality and commitment to certified high performance homes require Hunter’s exceptional knowledge and supervision of project to meet these goals. Hunter oversees every aspect of each project, including design, budget, value engineering, building science, scheduling and quality control. All of our clients count on Hunter’s communication skills, personal oversight and integrity. He personally dedicates time to each client as well as onsite supervision. His knowledge of building science and high performance technique and standards is without match in Southwest Colorado.

Hunter has worked in the business since he was a teenager, helping him to develop a strong work ethic and learn the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Hunter came to Durango, Colorado in 1999 to study Geology at Fort Lewis College, and fell in love with the area. His love of mountain biking, skiing, hiking and backpacking kept him in Durango beyond his years at Fort Lewis. He soon realized that nothing could replace the satisfaction and creative stimulation he gained from building.

Hunter has immersed himself in every aspect of the business and has dedicated himself to building science and focused his education to energy efficient building practices. Hunter takes continuing education classes, attends seminars, webinars and conferences to ensure that his knowledge is current with the most innovative technology, materials, and building practices.



When not working, he most values spending time with his wife of 16 years, Miranda and their daughters, Maya (13) and Olivia (9). Hunter also enjoys pursuing his passion of photography, along with family camping in the desert and mountains. Occasional trips to his family cabin in the Brooks Range of Alaska along with joining in the get togethers of Miranda's multigenerational Durango family.

Miranda first became involved in the business in 2011. She as President manages all day to day aspects of business administration. Her previous 10 years of working as a legal assistant in an asset in overseeing the execution of all client and subcontractor contracts, insurances and project permitting. In addition to the contractual side of business administration, she is also involved with managing the accounting for the business and projects, and oversees all marketing operations. 

Miranda was born and raised in the Durango community as a 4th generation native. She graduated from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Communications and continues to support our local college through the FLC Alumni Association. Prior to joining the family business, Miranda spent 10 years working as a legal assistant and office manager for a local civil attorney and worked for the 9-R School District as a secondary and Business educator at the Robert E. Denier, Youth Detention Center. She is a member of the Professional Women’s Network and HBASC.

Outside the office, Miranda’s attention is on her family. Miranda and Hunter enjoy spending time in the mountains and nearby canyon country with their daughters, Maya (13) and Olivia (9), and 5 year old Chocolate Lab Selby. Miranda loves practicing yoga, reading, writing, crafting and fly fishing our local rivers.