Hold Fast Construction is a Portland-based general contractor founded by Conor MacLeod, a Southeast Portland native with deep roots in the local building community. Raised by a lifelong custom home builder, Conor developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship, historic structures, and the level of detail required to create work that lasts.

After graduating from La Salle High School, Conor pursued a different path earning dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Marine Engineering from the California State University Maritime Academy, graduating with honors. He went on to work as a Merchant Mariner, serving as an engineer aboard deep-sea vessels powered by diesel, gas turbine, and steam systems, traveling the world while maintaining complex mechanical systems on ships over 1,000 feet long.

While the work was rewarding, Portland was always home. That experience ultimately reinforced how meaningful it was to return and build something lasting in the community that shaped him.

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Growing up in a family of builders instilled not only an appreciation for construction, but a deep respect for quality, materials, and craftsmanship. Today, that same precision required to operate complex, interconnected ship systems carries into every project where success depends on how well each detail comes together.

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In 2017, Conor returned to construction full-time, taking on the restoration of a condemned, fire-damaged historic property in downtown Milwaukie. Over three years, he restored multiple structures—bringing them back to life with careful attention to historical integrity while elevating quality beyond the original build. That project ultimately became his home and a defining milestone in his approach to craftsmanship.

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During this time, Conor also served as a project manager with MacLeod Construction, leading high-end residential and commercial projects. In March 2023, he founded Hold Fast Construction in response to growing demand and a desire to focus on custom residential and commercial work.

Today, Hold Fast Construction continues to grow primarily through referrals—a direct reflection of its commitment to delivering exceptional value, clear communication, and high-quality results. The company is supported by a trusted network of skilled subcontractors, built through decades of relationships in the Portland area.

At its core, Hold Fast Construction is built on a simple promise: treat every project with care, execute with precision, and ensure clients feel confident and supported from start to finish.

Whether you’re planning a custom home, ADU, commercial tenant improvement, or ground-up commercial project, Hold Fast Construction is here to bring your vision to life—with craftsmanship that stands the test of time.