PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • HEALTH & WELLBEING
Construction
REAL ESTATE • ARTS & EDUCATION • INNOVATION
2019
Partners P in Construction
The Skilled Craftsmen & Industry Experts Who Serve Central Oregon
pg. 16
S
isters is home to some of the finest craftsmen and builders to be found in the Pacific Northwest. These are outfits that could build anything anywhere. They choose to be in Sisters. One reason, obviously, is that there is a market for their skills and expertise. Sisters is a place where people seek to create their dream home, either building from scratch or through extensive remodeling. But there are deeper reasons. These partners in construction value the connection that can be found in working on behalf of their friends and neighbors and their community. Most of the construction outfits in Central Oregon are family owned and operated, and they bring that bond to bear in their work. The ethic of genuine craftsmanship is alive and well in Central Oregon — and it’s not just for those with a big budget to work with. No matter what the scale of your project, you’re getting quality work from people who are invested in Sisters and truly care about a job well done.
pg. 2
Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper
pg. 5 Engineering supports contractors in the field .....................pg. 4
Hulls Construction: building homes, relationships ........... pg. 6
A family tradition for Simmons Contracting ............pg. 12
Home Customizations raises the bar of excellence ............. pg. 15
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Taking care of the trees By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
photo by jerry baldock
Trees are the pride and joy of many a property owner in Sisters Country. And, as many found out in February’s “Snowmaggedon,” they can be a problem when they break, fall, and crash to the ground — or on your deck, your house, or your car. Caring for your trees — or dealing with a problem — requires a wide range of knowledge and experience; the right equipment for the job; and a commitment to safety and reliability. That’s what James Hatley brings to bear with 4 Brothers Tree Service. He’s been in the trade since he was 18 in Yakima, Washington. “I worked at a fitness center in the evenings and both my cousin and my uncle worked for a gentleman who owned a tree service,” he recalled. “I’d go to work for him from six to 11 a.m., then I’d go work at the gym from 12 to 10 p.m.” Something about the tree work clicked. “I liked being outside,” he said. “Every day is a new adventure…or a new task.” Hatley started his own business in Yakima in 2009 — which is still operating under his cousin’s ownership. He and his wife moved to Redmond in 2016 and he launched 4 Brothers Tree Service in May, 2017. The company is named in honor of his four young sons and the logo is a silhouette of the boys. Family is a key aspect of the way Hatley operates. “I’ve always been in family business,” he said. “My dad and my grandpa had a wrecking yard in Washington for 33 years and all the companies I’ve worked for have been family owned and run.” The family aspect puts “a little bit more integrity into the work, I believe. A little more caring in the work. It puts it a little more on the personal level than the business level to me.” 4 Brothers Tree Service provides a full range of services — tree removal; pruning; stump-grinding; firefuel reduction; lot-cleaning; commercial thinning. In winter, they provide snow-removal services. There is a five-man crew, including James, and he’s looking to hire more personnel “because the work load is getting large.” He’s wellequipped to handle any tree service job. That helps ensure that work is done in the most efficient and costeffective manner possible. “The equipment I’ve acquired has made the job faster and therefore less expensive for the customer,” Hatley said. A couple of days lead time is usually all that is necessary to obtain an estimate for work. “I can almost always come and take a look at a job within a week,”
Hatley said. Customers usually know what they want him to do, but Hatley will assess conditions and risk. Sometimes he is able to allay a homeowner’s concern about a tree and let them know it’s fine. When it’s evident that trees have to come down, Hatley will provide a variety of options as to disposition of the wood — leave it down, haul it out, cut firewood — that give customers a range of prices to choose from. Many homeowners strongly desire to save a tree, and Hatley will do everything he can to make that happen. He notes that “we don’t like topping trees, because it’s not right — it’s not good for the tree.” Under certain circumstances they’ll do so because “sometimes it’s the safest way while still keeping the tree.” Often 4 Brothers Tree Service can save a vulnerable co-dominant tree (one that forks into more than one trunk) by tying it off so that the trunks grow closer together and are less likely to split away. Or, if one trunk is less dominant, sometimes that one can be limbed off. “No two trees are alike,” Hatley said. “It’s all job-specific — treespecific, you could say.” A dead or dying tree can pose a big hazard to life and property, and property owners should regularly assess the condition of their trees. “Look up!” Hatley urges. Sometimes branches are broken and go unnoticed until wind or snow brings them down. Junipers — as many folks in Sisters discovered last month — are brittle and subject to breaking under load. Look for discolored needles — that’s a sign of ill health. A tree that has been girdled by having the bark chewed off by animals is in bad shape, too. It’s best to be proactive rather than risking a catastrophic event. Hatley enjoys climbing. “I don’t mind being 100 feet in the air,” he said with a smile. But he also acknowledges that his is one of the most dangerous jobs around, and safety for all concerned is always the top priority. Another important priority is making sure you have whatever permits and paperwork are required before starting to remove trees. Check with your homeowners association or with the City of Sisters about requirements and make sure all is in order before starting work, as fines for illegal tree removal can be steep. The season of home and landscape maintenance and improvement is starting to get busy, so now is the time to take a walk outside and take a good look at your trees. And if you have any questions, James Hatley and 4 Brothers Tree Service are ready to come to your property to make an assessment.
The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
// Partners in Construction
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Building a business out of Solid Rock
Engineering supports contractors in the field
Solid Rock Stone Countertops works with a range of suppliers of natural stone and engineered quartz slabs. “We will help you in your selection for material that will be right for your project, budget and lifestyle,” said Carol Ezell. Custom-fabricated stone countertops — for sinks, kitchen counters, barbecue surrounds and other applications — are more within reach than many homeowners realize. Many people have inaccurate preconceptions about the cost and quality of different stone options. “A lot of people think it’s more expensive than it is,” Ezell said. “Stone countertops are a longterm investment in your home.” She urges people to contact them for a free consultation where they can explore materials from granite to marble, limestone, soapstone, travertine and onyx or engineered quartz slab. “I just love educating people,” Carol said. She also recognizes that living in the small community they’ve been a part of since 2006, providing superior service, quality craftsmanship and a fair price are of critical
Banton Engineering fills a critical niche in the Sisters Country construction community. It’s hard to find quality engineering for modest-sized projects; most big firms are working on major commercial projects. “Central Oregon needs somebody who will do small projects,” Denise Banton said. “There’s a need for it. Our philosophy is to support the community with quality engineering. There’s a HUGE need for it. Because we’re a family firm, we can do what we want.” The father-and-son team of Steve and Garrett Banton are highly qualified and capable – and they bring their expertise to a tremendous variety of projects. “Everything that can be engineered, we do,” Denise Banton said. “We’ve done everything from strawbale houses to 12,000-square-foot mansions that have huge timber framing.” They’ll even do epoxy inspections, which is a hard service to find. Steve has a general contractor’s license, which gives him extra insight to the needs of the 200 or so builders Banton Engineering
photo provided
importance. “I’m always mindful that I’m going to see these people again,” she said. “We treat our customers like we treat our neighbors.” Fabrication is done in a state-ofthe-art shop in Sisters with CNC technology that provides a high level of quality and consistent fabrication. A professional team of fabricators and installers take a lot of pride in their workmanship, so attention to detail is a hallmark of each project. Fabrication and installation are guaranteed for life.
photo provided
serves. “He knows what the builders are doing in the field,” Denise said. “He knows what they’re up against.” Supporting those contractors in the field is everything to Banton Engineering — working on site to solve problems. As Denise puts it, “solving the problem is all of what engineers do.”
Serving Central Oregon for 25 years Custom fabrication and installation of natural stone and engineered quartz slab countertops and other slab surfaces.
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We like to solve problems — big or small — and we still support builders in the field!
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LATERAL DESIGN, GRAVITY LOAD, FOUNDATION, STEEL, TIMBER AND MORE
541-549-8550
541-719-1281 | team@bantonengineering.com
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Licensed in OR, ID, WA & MT | CCB# 107468
723 N. Curtis Ct., Sisters | SolidRockOregon.com
17007 Golden Stone, Sisters
The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
// Partners in Construction
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Building in the blood for Steve Keeton Construction By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
Steve Keeton cut his teeth on construction in Central Oregon. “Since I was (a teenager) I was working for my uncle,” he said. That uncle was Arland Keeton of the renowned Keeton-King Contracting, which is still active in Central Oregon. Steve spent a three-year interlude in the U.S. Army. “I went in the military because it was 1981 and there was no work here,” he recalled. He served as a military policeman and was trained as an expert in accident reconstruction. When he got out, he thought he’d go into law enforcement as a career — but there was a better living to be made in his old trade, and he went back to work for Keeton-King, managing construction at the new development of Eagle Crest. It turned out to be the right path — for Steve Keeton Construction, founded in 1990, has built a reputation as one of Sisters Country’s premier builders. That premier reputation can be a double-edged sword, making some people assume that hiring Steve Keeton Construction is out of their reach. That’s not at all the case.
“Just because you build a really nice house doesn’t mean you’re more expensive than the next guy,” Keeton says. “When we bid something out, we’re competitive all the time.” Pam Keeton, who works with her husband in the business, notes that, in fact, there’s more expertise, so they’re getting a better bargain. The quality control and scheduling flexibility of having a permanent crew of skilled men in-house helps Steve Keeton Construction consistently bring projects in on time and on budget. “Definitely having our own crew improves how fast you can get a job done,” Keeton noted. Steve Keeton Construction builds and remodels houses, builds barns and commercial structures of all kinds with all sorts of functions. They also handle excavation. Pam says they’ll build anything from a chicken coop to a jet hangar — and they have. Keeton prides himself on his crew’s attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship — “we’re not big putty guys when it comes to finish work,” he says with a grin. “It has to fit.” But perhaps the main element that Keeton brings to bear that sets him and his company apart
photo provided
from others is a knack for value engineering. “That comes back to experience,” Steve says. Steve works closely with owners, architects and engineers to find the most cost-effective options for delivering the desired end product. Sometimes that can mean a change in materials, sometimes a change in approach or technique. “Sometimes it saves huge amounts of money, sometimes it save a little,” Steve says. “If you can work as a team, it really helps the owner a lot.” And the expertise and quality of work come with the package.
“It doesn’t cost people more to have that,” Keeton says. “That’s what’s hard to get people to understand.” Big budget or small, massive undertaking or modest project, Steve Keeton Construction approaches them all the same way — with an expert crew with decades of experience, with an eye to producing the best possible quality at the best possible price. That’s what continues to give Steve Keeton satisfaction after more than 30 years in the saddle. “I like building,” he says. “I enjoy it — the sense of accomplishment you get when you’re done.”
one-of-a-kind design we’re proud to put our name on
specializing in custom home craftsmanship commercial construction equine & specialty construction 30 years in Sisters • Owner satisfaction guaranteed!
541-549-6571
68590 Cloverdale Road, Sisters CCB#63813
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Hulls Construction: building homes, relationships By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
Hulls Construction specializes in remodeling Sisters Country homes. But if you talk to Doug Hull for long, it becomes clear that his true building expertise is in crafting strong relationships. It’s truly a family business: Doug’s 23-year-old son Trevor works for the company, and Doug says that carpenters Rod Johnson and Steve Pease “are like brothers to me.” He strives to build solid relationships with other tradesmen in the field. And Hull strives to create real relationships with clients, who often return to Hulls Construction for additional work or for services at their home. It’s not unusual for a client who is a second homeowner to give Doug a call to check on their place when the weather is rough and there’s a worry about frozen pipes or damage. “We’re trying to give value to the clients, not just in remodeling, but in servicing their home,” Hull told The Nugget. “It’s just trying to create a family atmosphere,” Hull said. “I think that’s the biggest thing — creating a family atmosphere.” Hull developed his ethic and his skills working in the San Jose area in California. “I started in the trades in ’87 in San Jose, California, and then became a licensed contractor in 1994, down there in California,” he recalled. “I worked for a couple of really good contractors, so I was able to learn the trade — the big scope; the big picture.” Understanding what all the trades have to do to make a job progress smoothly has stood him in good stead managing projects ever since. While he was remodeling lots of houses, the soaring market of Silicon Valley meant affording a home for his family was continually just out of reach. And the family was looking for a more grounded way of life. So, like many before and since, they hit the new Oregon Trail northward and landed in Bend in 2001. Hull found himself working in Sisters and he liked the place, so they moved to Sisters in 2005. “It’s a great small community; ‘everybody knows your name’ kind of thing,” he said. Hull’s children went through Sisters schools — with Trevor utilizing Sisters High School’s schoolto-work program to launch himself into the family business. Hull quickly built a strong reputation for highquality work and satisfied clients. He attributes this
photos provided
reputation to the quality control possible from having in-house carpenters, and to his determination to help clients make informed choices right from the start of a project. He emphasizes that he never rests on the laurels of his 30 years of experience. “Even though you have that, it’s still evolving,” he said. “You have new products; there are new ways of doing things, so you have to continue to learn. You can’t think you know it all.” He always tells his crew to speak up if they see a better way of doing things. A well-prepared client can do a lot to affect the outcome of a project. A well-defined scope of work created early in the process helps make a job run smoothly and usually means less cost to the customer. Hull urges clients to make sure that they are making apples-to-apples comparisons when it comes to work and materials, and it’s important to be well-informed and realistic about costs. While Hulls Construction has only raised its prices once since they started working in Sisters, commodities prices do change. He also notes that clients should look for a contractor they will work with best, and not focus solely on the bottom line.
“Create a working relationship with that contractor,” Hull says. “Communication is huge to having a project that is what you are looking for.” The bulk of Hull’s work over the years has been whole-house remodels in Black Butte Ranch. Such jobs require not only a high degree of skill in the trades and in project management, they also require sensitivity to the needs of a family. “We try to accommodate those who are going to stay in the house through the whole process,” Hull said. “Obviously, it’s easier when they’re not staying in the house.” In all of their work, Hulls Construction keeps a
neat job-site and communicates clearly with subcontractors to keep projects running smoothly and efficiently. Time and again, success comes back to an ethic of mutual respect: “Take care of the people who take care of you.” While Hulls Construction has built a reputation for high-quality work on extensive projects, they are far from being an exclusive company. They bring the same commitment to quality, attention to detail, and sense of respect to small jobs and repairs as well as big ones. “We do miscellaneous work for people all the time,” Hull said. Providing a good service is just Doug Hull’s nature — but it’s also smart business: “We’ve gained a lot of bigger jobs because of a smaller job we’ve done — a repair,” he said. Whether they’re doing a cabinet repair or completely remodeling a home, Hulls Construction is committed to the same goals — clear communication, informed decisions, a neat and efficient job-site, and everyone involved treated with respect. That’s the way a family business in Sisters runs.
The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
// Partners in Construction
Craftsmanship Forged By Experience
CONSTRUCTION, REMODELS & DESIGN ARE OUR SPECIALTY 541-312-2344 •
www.HullsConstruction.com
152 Barclay, Unit 1, Sisters • CCB# 201604
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
LakeView Millworks occupies the entire upstairs space on the west side of Town Square — which is an easy fact to miss unless you look up and see the variety of business signs that denote LakeView Millworks’ multitude of products and services. And then there’s a 2,500-squarefoot shop in the Sisters Industrial Park. “We’re a full-house millworks house for everything,” owner Brad
Gilbert Porraz and Jeff Young take care of customers in the field.
King explained. “Doors, hardware, custom and non-custom. We’re doing custom pre-hanging in the shop.” They offer trim packages, windows, skylights and hardware — including electrified hinges and doorhardware that allow a homeowner or property manager to unlock doors remotely by cell phone. LakeView Millworks evolved uniquely around relationships. King and door and window representative Ken Roberts have worked together in the industry for 40 years. Bringing Roberts into the company was a natural move for King. “What we did was create a company around our employees,” King said. “Everybody here works in a position they feel most comfortable in and are best suited for.” Gilbert Porraz manages the window and door production and handles technical services in the field. “His work ethic is amazing and his photo by jim cornelius skills are amazing,”
Looking up at LakeView Millworks By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
This Sisters company is built on long-term relationships and commitment to customer satisfaction. They pride themselves on bringing top-quality work to a range of project budgets. King said. Porraz’s son, Abel, is now part of the company. Scot Fetrow, a Sisters contractor since 1982, manages window and door installations. “He is an expert at taking out the old and replacing it with the new,” King said. “If it’s crooked, he can make it fit!” The willingness to work with the strengths and capabilities of employees is reciprocated by a cooperative spirit focused on getting the job done and done right, even down to unloading a shipment of doors or windows. “When we’ve got a big truck, we all go over,” Roberts said. Susan Bennett is the
office manager. “She touches everything, from operations to scheduling orders,” said King. “She is the glue that holds the business together.” Skill, decades of experience and attention to detail put LakeView Millworks in a position to deliver on work many companies shy away from. “We try to work with the customer and figure out a solution,” King said. For such jobs, the temperament and character of the people involved is as important as any other element. “Communication has to be great,” King said. “And there has to be mutual respect for the trades. And at this grade of construction, you can
Look up! We’re in S
You don’t don n’t have to go to Bend to millwork, wind aarchitectural rchite
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LakeView Millworks takes your vision for new windows and doors from design to completion At LakeView Millworks we’ve been helping you design the entry of your dreams with custom doors, windows, and millwork for over 15 years. We also offer installation! No need to hire several contractors; we will install, stain/paint, and complete the trim work.
Our team of experienced professionals are with you through every step of the process... 1. Visit our showroom in downtown Sisters to discover the windows and doors to complete your home build or renovation. 2. We’ll come to your home to take the measurements, then place your order. 3. Our expert team will install your new windows and doors, finish them as required, and complete the trim work with meticulous attention to detail through every step.
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The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Brad King, Shelly Clemens, Ken Roberts, Susan Bennett and Scot Fetrow bring decades of experience to their work. photo by patti jo beal
get that.” Depth of understanding of the product — for, say, a custom entry way and door package — has to be profound. “You have to know the log; you have to know the mill,” King said. “You have to know all the way back to the tree. You have to ask the right questions because the last thing you want to hear is, ‘That’s not what we imagined.’” A reputation for quality materials and top-flight custom work can be a double-edged sword. Potential customers sometimes simply assume that LakeView Millworks’ products and services are out of their reach. That is not the
case. In fact, the qualities that allow LakeView Millworks to excel in prestige projects are scalable to any home. “Because we’ve got that custom capability, we’re not afraid to bring that to a tight-budget project,” King said. “We’re always going to pay attention to details.” Shelly Clemens brings the same outlook to her end of the LakeView Millworks business. Clemens is the sales manager for BestVue Blinds. She brings to the table experience in sales, a strong customer-service ethic — and the ability to read a set of plans. BestVue Blinds offers quality blinds at a variety
// Partners in Construction
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of price points, including Hunter communication and the relationDouglas, Graber, Alta and Nor- ships he builds with his clients. His man. They handle a variety of installations ensure proper function — and he backs the installation applications. “We do a lot of commercial busi- on an ongoing basis with service on blinds when needed. ness,” Clemens said. From doors and hardware to winClemens rests confidently upon two key selling points: quality and dows and shutters to blinds, the service. Less expensive blinds are staff at LakeView Millworks stand available from big box stores — but behind their product and their work Clemens notes that “you get what and hold themselves accountable for their customers’ satisfaction. you pay for. You seriously do.” Even the same brand name from a big box store is “not the same quality as the blind we sell,” Clemens notes. A first-time investment in quality always pays off — in satisfaction and durability. “They’re like an appliance,” Clemens said. “They should last 10 to 15 years before you have to replace them.” Shelly Clemens Jeff Young manages the commeroffers quality cial and residential brands through window covering installation aspect of BestVue Blinds. the business. He is photo by patti jo beal known for excellent
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Hayden Homes pays it forward By Sue Stafford correspondent
For the team at Hayden Homes, customer care is the single most important aspect of building houses, according to Geoff Harris, Hayden’s regional manager. “We must understand what’s important to the people in the area in which we are building. Our goal is to be there as long as we can,” explained Harris. “Our commitment begins at closing. We are here to advise and deal with any problems that may come up. “Most builders use the area median home price when setting their sale prices. We look at the median area income and build to that so people can afford our homes,” he went on. Hayden offers an in-house homeowner’s warranty program. They have instituted a 400-point quality inspection that is ongoing throughout the construction process. Halfway through a build, a third-party inspector checks on each house. Special homeowners’ “touch point” meetings occur with each buyer, escorted by a Hayden team member to answer any questions or concerns that come up. “We’re working on ways to make it more accessible and safer for buyers to visit their house during construction,” Harris said. Safety is the main reason they ask buyers to not walk through houses under construction unescorted. In addressing earlier problems with some of the first homes built in Sisters, Harris said, “We haven’t done everything right and we know that. We trust that the community sees that we will always remain engaged and work toward positive solutions.” Hayden Homes, the largest builder of homes in Central Oregon, has had a big impact on the Sisters community since they first started building homes here 13 years ago.
They have worked with 170 Sisters customers over that time period, building single-family homes, townhouses, and small rental units. Village at Cold Springs, located off both sides of McKinney Butte Road, was their first venture here. They are currently working with the City for approval of their master plan for McKenzie Meadow Village, which is adjacent to Village at Cold Springs, and will bring 200 more housing units online to provide moderately priced housing to help with the current housing shortage. In 1989, land developer Bob Watson and his wife, Virginia, sold the first Hayden home, which cost $49,000. The story goes that Bob, being a former resident of California, priced the house in honor of his favorite “49ers” football team. The company was named for their son Hayden who, along with friend Dennis Murphy, built that first home during their summer break from college. Ten homes were constructed that first year in Redmond, Hayden’s headquarters. Since 1989, Hayden has built over 16,000 homes in underserved, secondary markets throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, making them the largest privately owned new homebuilder in the Pacific Northwest. In 1995, son Hayden took over running the business and now serves as Chairman of the Board. Murphy is the CEO, and Steve Klingman became president in 2015. Klingman started as a project manager and worked his way up the ladder. Harris moved from Virginia to Central Oregon to join the Hayden team in 2015. “I had a job before we knew where we were going to live,” Harris said. “I was attracted by the spirit of giving exemplified by Hayden as well as their professionalism in homebuilding.” Harris related that Hayden
Homes was named the 2019 #1 Hayden’s size, they can buy buildBest Company to Work For in the ing materials like a big builder with large companies category for Or- economies of scale, but are able egon Business Magazine. The 100 to deliver affordable housing in a Best list recognizes companies for way most other big builders can’t. excellence in benefits and com- They are always looking for local pensation, work environment, subcontractors, or trade partners. decision-making and trust, perfor- Harris pointed out that their local mance management, and career building projects provide numerous economic benefits. Their trade development and learning. An integral part of their business partners who are constructing the homes provide model is support business for lofor the communiMost builders use the cal gas stations ties in which they build, including area median home price and restaurants. Hayden uses the direct charitable when setting their sale local Western donations from Hayden Homes, prices. We look at the Title office for closings, and has as well as prohundreds viding monetary median area income and paid of thousands of donations and inbuild to that so people dollars in comterest-free home can afford our homes. missions to local mortgages with — Geoff Harris realtors. no down payHarris said that ment, through the servant leadtheir 501(c)(3) nonprofit First Story. At McKenzie ership and positive collaborative Meadow Village, their plans call for culture of Hayden Homes is what 10 First Story homes for purchase makes it such a great workplace. “It is the spirit of generosity that and 10 affordable rental units. In Sisters, Hayden and First unifies us,” Harris said. Each member of the team is given Story have made considerable contributions to Sisters High School two days a year of paid leave time for visual arts supplies, athletics, to devote to charitable endeavors and a new arts scholarship, as well throughout their communities. as to the Sisters Area Chamber of Harris told the story of an elderly Commerce for the Holiday Parade, disabled widow in Redmond who Sisters Arts Association, Sisters needed a new roof on her home Habitat for Humanity, Friends of (not a Hayden home). Employees the Children, Sisters Rodeo, Sis- of Hayden worked with a local roofters Folk Festival, Sisters Chris- ing company to secure materials tian Academy prayer breakfast, and in one weekend reroofed her Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, Sis- house. Every time a Hayden home is ters Park and Recreation District SALI lacrosse tournament, and sold, one-tenth of one percent of the sales price goes to support the HousingWorks. Sisters is smaller than the usu- First Story program. For the sale al community in which Hayden of a new home, Hayden pays the builds, but it is also in their back- percentage. When that first buyer yard. They began building here to sells the home, they pay the same provide for the unmet need of mod- percentage and so on, each time the house sells. Harris calls it “paying it erately priced homes. Harris explained that because of forward.”
photo by patti jo beal
The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Give as you go
Building hope and homes throughout Central Oregon
Hayden’s mother, Virginia, did more than help found our company: she found the spirit of generosity in everyone she met. She knew a shoulder to lean on was stronger than any 2x4. And that leading by example was the greatest gift of all. For 30 years, we’ve partnered with nonprofits, provided the dream of homeownership to deserving families, and empowered every team member to be the next generation of givers. We call it GIVE AS YOU GO. It turns out Virginia was right. The more we give, the more grateful we are.
N E W H O M E S F RO M T H E LOW $ 3 0 0 s
Sold by New Home Star Oregon, LLC | CCB 172526
// Partners in Construction
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Robinson & Owen is a Sisters powerhouse Robinson & Owen Heavy Construction is a full-service excavation, grading and rock production company based in Sisters. The company was started in 1996 by Rod Robinson and Michael Owen and has a 25-year history of completing private and public projects throughout Oregon. Rod and Mike started working together in logging operations in 1986. As the logging industry declined, they decided to turn their experience and expertise in operating heavy equipment into their own business. And they took their ethic with them. As Mike puts it: “If we’re honest, fair and follow through with everything we say we’re going to do, everything will be good.” With the experience of longterm employees, company-owned material sources, and a wide range of equipment, Robinson and Owen has a history of finishing projects, large and small, on time and on budget. Robinson and Owen has been involved in the construction of more than 75 subdivision infrastructures in the Central Oregon
area and has earned an excellent reputation working in environments that involve a multitude of restoration projects, where the protection of the surrounding ecosystems is of utmost importance. Robinson and Owen has also successfully completed countless government contracts for the BLM and U.S. Forest Service, performing road reconstruction, material processing, instream fish habitat construction, culvert removal and construction, water tank construction and dam removals. Robinson and Owen’s heavy construction fleet includes 10 highway trucks, three off-road rock trucks, five wheel loaders, eight excavators, full-scale rock production equipment, and grading equipment for small and large projects. The company has also given back to the local community, grading and trenching Sisters’ Little League fields, providing work and materials for the Sisters Park & Recreation District’s bike park, excavating SPRD’s skate park and sponsoring Sisters’ OHSET team and Sisters Rodeo.
A family tradition for Simmons Contracting Daniel Simmons was born into the construction trade. His dad and both of his grandfathers were skilled carpenters, so it was a natural inheritance. Like many young men, he actually resisted the natural path into the trade — but that changed soon enough. “I really decided I was a lifer when my first kid was born,” he recalled. Freshly dedicated to his craft, he built a business — and found that he liked that a lot. “I started liking my job more as I took on more responsibility,” he said. And for the past 20 years, he and his crew (now composed of eight craftsmen) have worked out of Powell Butte all across Central Oregon. Currently, he said, “our bread and butter is siding.” Dan Simmons Contracting is, however, fully capable of delivering on new construction and home remodels, and Dan is actively seeking more and more of that work. “I like working with the homeowner and being on site with my guys,” he said.
Pride in a job well done and a commitment to lasting quality is part of Simmons’ inheritance. “Money is never the bottom line,” he said. “The customer getting a product that they’re going to be happy with and that will last is what matters. Giving the customer what they want is huge for me. Because that product is going to last a long time… you should take enough pride in it that it will last long after you’re gone.”
“... the product is going to last a long time... you should take enough pride in it that it will last long after you’re gone.” — Daniel Simmons That’s an ethic that has driven Dan Simmons Contracting for two decades — and it’s one his dad and his grandfathers would well appreciate.
FULL-SERVICE EXCAVATION, GRADING AND ROCK PRODUCTION FROM SMALL PROJECTS... Little league fields, trailheads, bike & skate parks, and rock & landscape products.
DANIEL SIMMONS CONTRACTING, INC. TO LARGE PROJECTS... Stream fish habitat construction, water & septic installation, excavating subdivisions, and building roadways & runways using our own aggregate.
Partner with us on your next project!
Mike Owen & Rod Robinson | 541-549-1848 750 Buckaroo Trail, Sisters | CCB#124327
WE BUILD ON TRUST
New construction, remodels, siding repair specialists, interior & exterior work, big or small, we do it all! Our mission is to provide quality, on-time work that will be here long after we are.
Serving Central Oregon for over 20 years
541-350-9061 simmonsfm5@msn.com CCB# 210298
The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
// Partners in Construction
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Web Steel Buildings offers construction options By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
If you’ve ever dropped off a load of bottles and cardboard at the Sisters Recycling Center, you’ve worked in a Web Steel building. When Laird Superfood needed to build an extensive production facility in Sisters, they turned to Web Steel Buildings Northwest. Over more than two decades, the Sandy-based company has dotted the Sisters Country landscape with their work — from warehouses to barns to churches to backyard workshops and garages. “Honestly, I don’t think there’s a use for which we haven’t designed,” Rob Boaz of Web Steel Buildings Northwest told The Nugget. Steel construction has many advantages. “It doesn’t warp, it doesn’t twist, the bugs don’t eat it; it’s literally nearly 100 percent recyclable,” Boaz said. Steel buildings are easy to maintain. However, the number-one advantage is ease of construction. The structures come ready to bolt together. “A lot of our customers do it themselves,” Boaz said. “Somebody who is reasonably competent in
construction can put a lot of our buildings together.” Three configurations are available: The Delta Truss is designed as a quick-to-permit, fully engineered kit, ideally suited for DIY garages, work shops, RV storage, and small commercial installations. The Vaulted Clearspan offers maximum overhead clearance and wide open, column-free spaces. Web Steel Buildings Northwest’s professionally engineered Rigid Frame system provides design flexibility and best possible performance. “We can design for literally any location — high snow load… high wind,” Boaz said. While function and ease of construction are paramount, many customers get creative. “Some of them are just totally utilitarian,” Boaz said. “Other people are really invested in making it
photo provided
look neat, look cool. And we can do that.” A variety of roofing materials can be used to conform to CC&Rs. Boaz did not foresee the path he’s taken in his career. “Actually, I have a degree in biology, believe it or not,” he said. But a friend asked him to join the business, and he’s made a career of it, weathering the Great Recession of 2008 to come back strong. “We persevered, stayed with it, made it work and have been growing at double-digit percentages ever since 2013,” he said. When a client calls with a project plan, they walk through a list
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of questions and the building is designed to be site-specific to meet their needs. “We help the customer configure the building that they want and try to help them do it in an economic way,” Boaz said. If you want to do a project this summer, it’s time to make that first phone call. “Right now we’re booking projects into June, into July,” Boaz said. “If you want to do something this summer, you’d better do something really, really quick.” For more information visit http://wsbnw.com or call 1-855-668-7211.
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Sisters Rental offers Sweeney Plumbing: equipment and expertise decades of service By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
Do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike have been turning to Sisters Rental for the past two decades and more to equip themselves for jobs large and small. The toolbox at Sisters Rental includes heavy construction equipment and an array of hand tools — and everything in between. At Sisters Rental, you can rent everything from a backhoe or an aerial lift or a jackhammer to a wallpaper steamer. They’re a STIHL dealer, which means they have a tremendous selection of chainsaws and related outdoor power equipment. The rental yard is also fully stocked with landscaping materials from various types of mulch to gravel. Their equipment and materials facilitate landscape projects, not just lawn maintenance — although they can help out with that, too. It’s one of the few rental yards in Central Oregon that is open on Saturdays, making equipment
Big
rental easier and more cost-effective for local users. But Sisters Rental’s true value to the Sisters community lies deeper than its fully stocked equipment yard and showroom. “Not only do we rent equipment to them, we also advise them on the proper way to do things,” said Sisters Rental owner/operator Pat Thompson. “The equipment they need to do (a project) and what the professionals use to do a job. We’re a wealth of information to get materials and who to recommend to do a job.” The staff at Sisters Rental has a broad range of experience to bring to bear in providing advice on how to approach a project, what tools are most effective and, if a job is outside the scope of a DIY effort, what contractors in Sisters Country are best suited for the work. That makes Sisters Rental an invaluable community resource to help people accomplish their projects quickly, efficiently, safely and cost-effectively.
or Small…
By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
For more than a quarter century, Sweeney Plumbing has been fixing leaks, repairing broken pipes — and plumbing entire homes and commercial buildings — all across Central Oregon. Now in its second generation of family ownership and operation, Sweeney Plumbing has persevered through all the ups and downs of the Central Oregon economy. “Having that longevity says a lot about the character of the company,” said Zach Sweeney, who now runs the family business. The Sweeney Plumbing showroom features fixtures from toilets to tubs and sinks; kitchen and bathroom faucets from all of the major manufacturers like Delta, Kohler, Moen and Grohe. Customers are invited to peruse the showroom and handle the merchandise to see what they like. But it’s not the fixtures that make Sweeney Plumbing what it is — it’s an ethic of service and respect, hard work and professionalism.
That starts with having someone at the shop to pick up the phone and answer questions — and Zach says he strives to return every phone call as promptly as possible. “Even if it’s bad news,” he says with a grin. “Even if it’s to say we can’t get there for a month.” Sweeney Plumbing is in high demand. They recently plumbed the new GrandStay Hotel in Sisters. But they don’t neglect the small jobs. “We have a guy who’s completely dedicated to service calls, fixing the little stuff, too,” Zach said. Sweeney Plumbing has always believed in treating everyone from employees to customers like family. They make a point of respecting the homes and properties where they do their work. “We do a lot of calls where people just leave the key under the mat and expect us to treat their home like they do,” Zach said. “And we do. We’re very clean.” That’s the way Sweeney Plumbing has worked for going on three decades in their hometown.
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The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
// Partners in Construction
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Home Customizations raises the bar of excellence By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
Chris Patrick of Home Customizations has always prided himself on quality work in every aspect of home remodeling and improvement work. Now, he’s focusing in on a particular area of expertise. “Our specialty that we’re targeting is paint — interior and exterior paint,” he told The Nugget. Lots of people can sling a paint brush, but Patrick and his partner Rose Pearson — an expert painter from the Bay Area — are committed to an altogether different level of quality. “Most of a paint job is preparation,” Patrick said. “And then beyond that it’s getting the paint where it’s supposed to be and not where it’s not supposed to be. Cleanliness.” Sounds simple enough, but it’s not easy — and many people truly hate it. Not Patrick and Pearson. “A lot of people do think it’s tedious,” Patrick said. “I think it’s meditative. The thing about painting is, you can’t rush it. The project determines the pace.” A good painter understands the product and different methods of application. They leave clean lines
of transition from one surface to another. And they leave your home or commercial space clean and ready for action. “When we walk out, we want it to be completely fresh and clean and ready to live in again,” Patrick said. Any kind of painting job is within Home Customizations’ skill set. “I like a challenge,” the contractor reflected. “I do like faux finishes and textures.” While Home Customizations is honing in on painting as a specialty, they are still available for other jobs. “We pretty much have to be available to wear multiple hats,” Patrick acknowledged. The Sisters contractor is wellqualified to wear those multiple hats. While living in Texas in the 1980s, he recalled, “I worked for HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) as a maintenance foreman at a retirement village.” That background gave him experience with virtually any kind of work that can crop up in and around a building — from heating systems to, well, painting. Patrick has done all kinds of jobs and acquired a suite of tools to do
photo provided
each. Part of his effort to specialize is a desire to pass those tools on. “I’d like to offload some of the tools that I’ve got,” he said. “I’ve got a whole warehouse of tools that I don’t use.” Patrick has lived in Sisters for a decade after moving here from Texas. In addition to his contracting work, he is a working musician, playing bass with Sisters artist Melanie Rose Dyer and in a brass quintet in church. “I’ve played music since I was 5
years old,” he said. Patrick says that his work philosophy is a simple one — and one that extends beyond the paintbrush: “Serve everyone with humble excellence. That really informs all aspects of our lives, not just business.” He advises getting in touch now if you have a project in mind. “We should be talking about the project now for about a two-month start time,” he said. “Six weeks to two months.”
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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 24, 2019
Laredo Construction has served Sisters for 25 years By Jim Cornelius editor in chief
Laredo Construction is standing on a solid foundation established 25 years ago in Sisters. “It was built on integrity and hard work,” said Laredo owner Carla Merrell. Shane Riemer, the newest member of the Laredo Construction executive team, adds one more element: “I think what Laredo brings to the client, to the project, is craftsmanship.” Many people talk about craftsmanship, but, as Riemer notes, true master carpenters are hard to find. Laredo boasts carpenters who have been with the company for over two decades. Riemer recalled walking into a house Laredo had built 13 years ago and marveled at the attention to detail in the tongue-and-groove ceiling. He was impressed with the quality of craftsmanship. “To me, it’s the attention to detail, the willingness to do it right, and the desire to do it right,” Riemer said. Laredo brings that ethic to all of its work — regardless of scope and budget, they will take the time to complete the project with excellence. That’s an attitude Riemer salutes
— and one that Merrell has relied upon for a quarter century: “They just give their heart and soul,” she said. “The question is why Laredo is in business,” Riemer said. “We’re in business because of the passion.” That passion — and genuine caring for the needs of clients — has made Laredo Construction’s client list something of an extended family. “We have personal relationships with all of them,” Merrell said. “They know our expectations; they know how we work. This has been evident with the relationships seen in Jared, Matt, and Ed who have been part of the Laredo family for a combined 50-plus years.” Laredo crews will service second-home clients’ homes when weather threatens, offering real peace of mind. “We’ve got your back,” Carla says. A reputation for master-craftsman quality can lead people to think Laredo Construction is out of their league — but that’s not the case. In fact, what it means is that a client with a small job is getting the same quality, attention to detail and caring attitude that a “big client” gets. Riemer emphasizes that, while Laredo specializes in ground-up
photo provided
and remodeling work, the company is open to all kinds of projects, from a repair to a full-house remodel or new construction. “I’ll look at the $200 job,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s $200 or $2 million — we’ll take small to large, or simple to complex projects.” As Merrell has learned over the past 25 years, small jobs can turn into big jobs and first-time clients into lifelong friends. She noted that one recent project started with a call to fix fencing around a heat pump. A savvy client knows that a job well done on a quick, easy project bodes well for work of greater scope.
D ESIGNERS & B UILDERS of D ISTINCTION
For Merrell and Riemer, it all comes back to a commitment to craft and an ethic of service. “Residential construction is a colossal mix of design, emotion, craftsmanship, weather, material selections and many circumstances,” Merrell said. “When you strap on the attitude of meeting the need of the client along with being prepared for the unexpected, you get a whole bunch of joy over something built that will make others happy. So we’ll keep on striving to serve and make the construction process an enjoyable part of the lives (of) our clients.”
Laredo Construction’s mission is to earn customers for life by providing outstanding quality, service, and value while producing award-winning projects — large and small. We have been proudly serving Sisters for 25 years with our trusted crew who have been with us for over two decades.
“Laredo Construction has been our ‘go-to’ builder for remodels and new home construction for the last 20 years. The quality craftsmanship and customer service have been outstanding. Thank you, Laredo!” — Ken and Sheryl Ruettgers
541-549-1575 |
WWW .L AREDO C ONSTRUCTION . COM
|
CCB#194489