About Us

About Copper Rock Development

Who We Are

Copper Rock Development is a Utah-based hospitality development firm. We bring development, construction and hotel operations experience together to deliver well-built, brand-aligned hotels. Our builder affiliate, KDK Construction, supports construction delivery.

Our Team

Team

Joey Nelson — Founder

Joey Nelson is a construction executive with experience in estimating, project management and delivery across commercial, hospitality and medical projects. He began his career at Jacobsen Construction in Utah, where he served as Lead Estimator, managing the concrete division's estimating team and overseeing projects from start to finish with a focus on eliminating scope gaps. In 2018, he co-founded KDK Construction with his father and now serves as its CEO. Based in American Fork, Utah, KDK is a general contractor whose work includes hotels and national franchises such as Jiffy Lube and Oil Changers. Joey is known for clear communication with clients and a sharp eye for spotting potential issues in plans. He holds a master's degree from Brigham Young University, with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Dave Hilliard — Partner

Dave Hilliard is a hospitality development executive with experience across hotels and conference centers, from feasibility and design through construction and opening. From 2019 to 2025, he served as VP of Hospitality Development at Durbano Properties, where he directed the ground-up development of Candlewood Suites – Layton from RFP through grand opening and led the full PIP renovation of TownePlace Suites – Layton. His operations background includes serving as General Manager of a Courtyard by Marriott and Assistant General Manager of a Hilton Garden Inn. He also served as Director of Operations at the Davis Conference Center. Dave is the owner and principal of Persona Communications & Design, advising municipalities and private developers on hospitality and venue strategy. He holds a BA in Communications/Public Relations from Weber State University.

Builder Affiliate

Our Builder Affiliate: KDK Construction

Construction is delivered by our affiliate KDK Construction, a Utah general contractor.

Visit KDK Construction

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Copper Rock Development · Utah

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This website is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offering is made only through a confidential private placement memorandum to eligible investors.