Who Is East Tennessee Contractors?

When you Google search for the best contractors in East Tennessee, one name keeps rising to the top: East Tennessee Contractors (ETC). This isn’t just another construction company. It's the vision and passion project of Alaz Looper and Luke Bussey, two men who turned a shared dream into one of the best custom home builders in the region.

Alaz and Luke’s journey began back in 2015, when they were both fresh hires at a local HVAC company, cutting their teeth on projects that stretched from Georgia to Kentucky. Long drives between jobs became brainstorming sessions, with one recurring question: “What would it take for us to start our own business?”

By March 2020, that question became reality. Alaz launched East Tennessee Contractors, crisscrossing the state to take on everything from decks and tile work to pole barns and custom projects. That fall, Luke joined as 50% owner, and together they set out to build something bigger...a company rooted in faith, integrity, and excellence.

From Startup to One of the Best Contractors in East Tennessee

Since launching in 2020, East Tennessee Contractors has seen explosive growth, quickly becoming one of the best contractors in East Tennessee and a leader among best custom home builders. What started with $300,000 in completed projects in its first year skyrocketed to $900,000 in 2021, $3 million in 2022, $9 million in 2023, and $15 million in 2024. This year they are striving for the bold goal of reaching $22 million.

This rapid expansion isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to ETC’s reputation for delivering exceptional craftsmanship, honoring client trust, and consistently outperforming expectations in East Tennessee’s highly competitive construction market.

The Passion Behind East Tennessee Contractors

Alaz grew up in small-town Monterey, TN, driven by ambition from an early age. Whether it was excelling on the football field or launching a successful garbage removal business at 16, he’s always been wired for hard work. His time as a United States Marine (earning his Eagle Globe and Anchor in 2015) solidified his discipline and grit — qualities that now fuel ETC’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Luke’s path was shaped by a family of entrepreneurs and academics. With a father who became a veterinarian and a grandfather who ran multiple banks and nursing homes, Luke understood from a young age the power of commitment and resilience. Even though college wasn’t his path, Luke knew he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps and build something of his own.

Building More Than Homes — Building a Legacy

What sets East Tennessee Contractors apart from other builders? It’s not just the impressive portfolio or rapid financial growth. It’s the culture.

Alaz and Luke have created a workplace where people can grow, thrive, and find their own path to success. They’ve assembled a team of some of the most skilled men and women in the industry — from field laborers to construction managers — all united by a shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

For homeowners and businesses searching for the best custom home builders or the top contractors in East Tennessee, ETC stands as a trusted partner, ready to deliver projects that honor their vision and exceed expectations.

East Tennessee Contractors and You

Whether you’re planning a custom home, a large-scale renovation, or a commercial project, East Tennessee Contractors is ready to bring your vision to life.

Contact the best contractors in East Tennessee today — because when it comes to craftsmanship, passion, and integrity, ETC doesn’t just build projects; they build legacies.