The Nugget Newspaper's Partners in Construction 2021 // 2021-04-28 by Nugget Newspaper

H E A LT H & W E L L- B E I N G

Construction

R E A L ES TAT E • G I V I N G

2021

Partners P

OUT L L PU CE N E R REFE ION SECT

in Construction

The Skilled Craftsmen & Industry Experts Who Serve Central Oregon

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pg. 6

Things are topsy-turvy in the construction industry right now. Soaring costs and scarcity of materials make planning and executing projects challenging. Those conditions put a premium on working with real professionals who are invested in the Sisters community. You need expert guidance as to what projects are feasible right now and what timelines and budgets can realistically be achieved. You need to work with people who have the expertise and the innovative spirit to take on the current challenges creatively. And above all, you need to work with people who have a track record of honest, ethical service to their clients.

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The craftsman’s commitment to quality and value for every dollar spent is more important than ever. Fortunately, Sisters is home to some of the ﬁnest craftsmen and builders to be found in the Paciﬁc Northwest. Work with your Partners in Construction — with patience and grace — and they’ll help you navigate these unusual conditions to achieve your dreams.

pg. 4 Hayden Homes and the quest for affordability ..................... 2 Striving for excellence in construction, renovation ................ 4 Sisters Fence Company builds up community....................... 5

BANR Enterprises digs in with versatility, experience........... 6 LakeView Millworks navigates challenge ........................ 8 Riding to the rescue in plumbing emergencies ................10

Robinson & Owen is a Sisters powerhouse ........................10 Craftsman loves working in stone and brick ............................ 11 Safety, reliability key to tree care in Sisters Country ........ 12

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper Hulls Construction stays on the cutting edge............ 14 Ridgeline Electric lights up Sisters Country..............16 A Special Section presented by The Nugget Newspaper

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

Hayden Homes and the quest for affordability Housing affordability is a real challenge in Sisters. The iron laws of supply and demand, especially in a place as desirable as Sisters, push prices in one direction: up. And the current rocketing spike in the cost of both materials and labor puts additional pressure on the market. photo by jerry baldock

Through it all, Hayden Homes continues to strive to fulfill a mission Regional Director Chris Davis has “to build at the highest quality at the lowest possible cost.” “We are one of the most affordable new homes you can buy, and that’s in all our markets,” Davis said. “And it’s the same thing in Sisters.” Davis points with pride to Hayden Homes’ most recent project in Sisters — McKenzie Meadows Village. The development is comprised of some 200 units of varying types, from shared-wall attached homes to detached dwellings of different orientations. Homes range from 1,000 to just over 2,000 square feet. “It’s fun building there, because we really have a range of product types,” Davis said. “We very rarely get to do that diverse a mix of homes in one project.” The different types of housing and the location have drawn a range of people to the community, Davis notes — which he thinks is a reflection of the community at large. “We’ve found the demographics are all across the spectrum in Sisters,” he said. Thus, McKenzie Meadows is home to a wide spectrum of people — from families just starting out to “full-nesters” with kids in Sisters schools to retirees. Three of those families were able to become first-time homeowners thanks to Hayden Homes’ affiliated nonprofit, First Story. Three First Story homes were dedicated last year and another three are being dedicated in June. Ultimately, 10 homes dedicated

to affordable housing for families qualifying at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) threshold of 80 percent or below of Adjusted Median Income (AMI), will be part of the McKenzie Meadows Village development. The homes are sold through First Story’s 30-year noninterest loan program. First Story, along with NeighborImpact, reached out to the Sisters community to seek applicants and to help prospective homeowners prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership. The first three families are graduates of Neighborlmpact’s HomeSource Program. Claire Duncan, executive director of First Story, said that those classes are a key element of the program. “We feel very strongly that (homeowner education) puts families on a path to successful home ownership.” First Story, Hayden Homes, Neighborlmpact, and the City of Sisters worked together in the project in order to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in Sisters. Duncan called the Sisters project “the largest, most impactful project the nonprofit has ever done.” She noted that two of the three families slated to take ownership this year “are originally from Sisters and couldn’t afford to live there with their families.” She said that providing homes for families that have roots and are working in Sisters “continues to be a priority.” Three families received their First Story homes’ keys last August, in the initial phase of the

project that is expected to take three years to complete. Nathaniel Grimes said at last year’s dedication that home ownership means freedom and stability for him and his young Conner, after years of apartment living and frequent moves. “Just … freedom,” he said. “Freedom to have your own house and make your own decisions.” “This is life changing,” said new homeowner Debbi Donati. “This was the only way we (could) have homeownership for us.” Jacob Christensen spoke for his family with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you from the bottom of our heart.” He noted the value of NeighborImpact’s homeownership program, saying the family is “grateful to NeighborImpact for steering us the right way and believing in us.” First Story’s affordable-loan program provides zero-down, zero-interest, 30-year loans to qualified individuals purchasing their first home. The First Story homes are triplex units — but they are only attached at the garage and do not share a livingspace wall, giving them the feel of a single-family detached home. They are 1,058 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They come with appliances, air conditioning, fencing and landscaping in place. After almost a year in place, Duncan is gratified to see the families thriving. “What’s been really fun about this is I see the kids from the different households in the afternoon, riding their bikes together and playing together in the

neighborhood, and seeing things that these families never dreamed of,” she said. Davis said that Hayden Homes is striving to make a community feeling for all of the families that live there, with a community park, proximity to schools, and “a safe, stable atmosphere” for all residents. Hayden also reaches out into the community. “The size and intimacy of Sisters allows us to be much more involved,” Davis said. Hayden Homes and First Story have made considerable contributions to Sisters High School, the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, veterans outreach programs, Central Oregon Council on Aging, and many more projects and programs. Davis noted that Hayden Homes offers an arts scholarship — and the winner of that scholarship gets to display their work in the McKenzie Meadows Village model home. Davis notes that Hayden Homes strives to build partnerships with all of the municipalities in which it builds, but he considers the active partnership with the City of Sisters “exceptional.” Mayor Michael Preedin is especially pleased with the efforts of First Story. “I just love this town, and I love the things that we do and try to make it accommodating for all,” Preedin said in an interview with the nonprofit. “That means everybody. It has nothing to do with economics, it has nothing to do with color, gender, race, or anything like that. We’re accommodating to everybody. And this is part of that.”

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

Striving for excellence in construction, renovation By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

A family connection to Black Butte Ranch led Mike Dyer into the construction business in Sisters, where he has built a reputation for creativity and expert craftsmanship. While Mike was growing up on the beach in Corpus Cristi, Texas, his future wife, Jill, was growing up vacationing at Black Butte Ranch. The couple met in college in Lubbock, Texas. Mike’s education and early work experience was in a field unrelated to construction — and he found he did not enjoy it. On a visit with Jill’s parents at the Ranch, he was introduced to a local builder, and in 1998, he went to work for the well-regarded contractor. “I was green as all get-out. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing,” Dyer recalled. But it turned out he had a knack for construction — and he fell in love with the work. He learned to work successfully in high-end construction by adhering to a high standard of excellence. By 2001, when Mike and Jill’s first child was born, he was ready to venture out on his own with Dyer Construction and Renovation. For Dyer and his crew of craftsmen, “good enough” just isn’t. Every

photo provided

person on the crew is expected to always give their best — and that’s the way they want it. “Building a house is not rocket science, but it requires structural integrity from dirt to roof.” Mike said. “Every nail, every 2 by 4, every cut builds on the one before. We are not perfect but we’re always striving for excellence.” With that commitment, Dyer has developed a reputation that has made them a go-to firm for crafting homes in Black Butte Ranch, Sage Meadow, Coyote Springs, Deer Ridge, Sisters, Bend, and Redmond. In addition to new construction, Dyer specializes in cohesive remodels, bringing a new project to sync with an existing home. Many of their clients invest in sustainable homes and are passionate

about “green” projects, as is Dyer himself, who is professionally certified in Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes. Dyer also offers “universal design” principles that allow for a home to continue to be suitable as the Sisters population ages in place. Dyer points to a home in Pine Meadow Village where they installed an elevator, and to a home on Jordan Road that featured wider hallways and doorways that allowed the home to remain functional for an aging client. “It’s our job to provide ideas to improve on the design, and it’s your job to say yes or no,” Dyer said. Dyer recognizes that residential construction can be a very emotional process — after all, home truly is where the heart is. For many people, a home is

a family legacy. Mike is good at helping people work through the anxieties and pressures of the building or renovation process. And he loves it when clients give him and his crew the freedom to be creative. He cites a home at Black Butte Ranch where “they really allowed us to be artistic.” With freedom to innovate, the house became Dyer’s biggest-budget home and one of his favorite projects. “That house is beautiful and the design stands out,” he said. Clients looking for the highest level of quality in realizing vision for their home have learned to turn to Dyer Construction and Renovation. And a commitment to the craft keep Mike Dyer and his crew turning out to the job site each day loving what they do.

We craft custom homes that reflect the lives of our clients and the values of Dyer… Our experience was enhanced because of the flexibility, vision, and dependability of Mike Dyer. It was also good to work with a contractor who takes pride and delight in his work. — Kevin & Shannon M.

From our first deck in 2001, to the custom homes we now build from excavation to roof,

we love what we do.

Whether new construction or renovation, we build with innovative and energy-saving materials. Our founder, Mike Dyer, is professionally certified in Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes, using cutting-edge materials and technology.

For a free initial consultation, call

541-420-8448

dyerconstructionrenovation.com CCB#148365

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

Sisters Fence Company builds up community If the old saying that “good fences make good neighbors” is true, Pat Burke and his crew at Sisters Fence Company are doing more than their share to make Sisters Country neighborly. For the past six years, Sisters Fence Company has been serving the Sisters community with an ethic of reliability, fair pricing, and customer satisfaction. They take on a wide variety of projects, from backyard fences to ranch work. They have experience and expertise in residential and commercial work, creating driveway entryways, ranch fencing, custom gates, and automatic gates. Their work consistently wins the praise of their clients — and referral and repeat business. “When I needed a permanent round pen for starting colts, I called Sisters Fence Company,” recalled Sisters resident and horse trainer Craig Rullman. “I did that because it is important to me — and recent events show us all how important it is — to support local businesses wherever I can, and also because I was confident that Pat and his crew would build me a professional round pen that would be perfect for my needs. I wasn’t disappointed. Pat came in with a great bid, and his

crew got after it. They were fast, efficient, and professional, and most of all, it was fun to work with them. “In the end, ahead of schedule, Sisters Fence Company built me a highly professional pen for starting fine young colts, and added a thoughtful touch with a hand carved sign over the gate.” That kind of customer satisfaction is Sisters Fence Company’s goal — every time. “I try to instill that in the employees — ‘Hey, we have to go the extra mile; one, because that’s just what we do. Our customers need to be happy and feel like they’ve been taken care of in the project.’” Sisters Fence Company was founded as organically as it’s possible for a small business to start. “When I built my fence behind my house ... my neighbors asked me, ‘can you build my fence?’” Burke notes that he always strives to maximize the value the customer gets out of their investment. Clear communication with clients on costs, scope of work, materials, and the desired end product is key to a successful project. Burke says his crew, “really

try to figure out what they want and how they can do it, so when the project is complete, they say, ‘This is what I envisioned, and thank you.’” Sisters Fence Company prides itself on being “locally owned and craftsman built.” Learning, adapting, finding new niches, and developing their capabilities are among the great satisfactions of the work for the Sisters Fence Company crew. Client Bill Willitts noted that he asked Sisters Fence Company to build a Priefert fence, an unusual all-steel ranch fence, for the first time. “It’s tricky to put in and get it right,” Willitts said. “And (they) got it right. The gates are right, everything’s right.”

photo provided

Burke also emphasizes supporting the local economy, which he has endeavored to do throughout the hard times of the past year. Sisters Fence Company strives at every opportunity to buy materials and supplies in Sisters and Central Oregon. Burke grew up here and he wants his company to be integrated into the life of the community. “This is our community. We’ve been here since ’94 — we’re here for the long haul,” he said. Burke has always carried an ethic of service, and that’s ultimately how he sees his company’s work. “Looking back, seeing what we’ve done — it’s fun,” he said. “We enjoy it. We’re helping people.”

Exceeding Expectations through CRAFTSMANSHIP and SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Locally Owned. Craftsman Built. Residential & Commercial • Fencing, Decks, Gates Top-Notch Installation & Repair Stain & Paint, Snow Removal Using Local Materials Whenever Possible Competitive Pricing, Best Value

www.SistersFenceCompany.com FREE ESTIMATES... 541-588-2062 CCB#228388 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

BANR Enterprises digs in with versatility, experience In the world of construction, there’s no substitute for experience and adaptability. Founder Scott Davis, who brings more than 30 years of experience to bear, considers BANR “a traditional, familyowned contracting company.” BANR weds old school values of hard work, reliability, and quality at a fair price to a knowledge base that allows for exceptional versatility and adaptability. BANR does a wide array of work: Residential, commercial, and heavy civil construction are all in their wheelhouse. BANR specializes in on-time, responsive demolition, excavation, grading, and site preparation for projects of all sizes. They are a full-service excavation contractor providing all types of excavation, grading, demolition, utilities, concrete, and hardscape work. They also offer paving, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical services to complete any job. Customers range from homeowners to large companies. There is no project too small or large for BANR to take on. They can pave a massive parking lot — or pour a neighbor’s sidewalk. “Residential is a big part of our work,” Davis said. On-site project managers work closely with construction teams to assure cost-efficient, high-quality solutions to the unique circumstances of each job. Circumstances are more unique than ever right now, due to disruptions in material availability and soaring costs. That puts a premium on consulting with a professional contractor on what a viable project looks like and what kinds of timelines are realistic. “Plan ahead as far as you can,” Davis said. “Be calculated and conservative in your projects.” He encourages clients to prioritize projects that are less affected by price and material shortages. While some projects might be better deferred, others are still a go, including concrete and gravel

work. BANR has years of concrete expertise, specializing in walkways and driveways. “There’s plenty of stuff we can do, improvement-wise,” Davis said. “If you want to rock your driveway, that stuff we can get our hands on.” BANR does a lot of mechanical work for commercial production facilities. “We go into the facilities and handle the mechanical aspect of those things,” Davis said. That allows the producer to focus on their core competency — the creation of their product. Their background and skill set is ideal for the burgeoning brewery and distillery sector in Sisters Country. “We’re looking forward to working with some of those people,” Davis said. Davis is proud to be a native Oregonian. He literally grew up in the trade that would form the basis for his career. “I grew up big time in the logging-road-building business,” he said. “That’s my background.” That logging-road-building business was a family business, and the values it instilled in him were carried forward when he decided to set out on his own in the early 1990s. That’s when he got heavily into the demanding world of civil contracting. Customer service is at the top of Davis’ list of core values, no matter whether the client is an agency, a big corporation, or a local homeowner. In fact, he believes that customer service is the basis for integrity and success in any endeavor. Responsiveness is important to every client. It boils down to one key premise: “You have got to follow through,” he said. With that commitment firmly in mind, Davis is part of every job his company undertakes. “I will be the guy who comes out and talks to my customers,” he said. Davis’ commitment to his customers extends to a practice that might be thought unusual in the

construction field. “We reach out to our competitors (with work) if they meet our standards,” Davis said. And, he is eager to note, there are such contractors in Sisters, and he thinks of them as “trusted partners.” Thirty years of experience on virtually every conceivable kind of job has made BANR a go-to contractor that lives up to the informal company motto: “When the going gets tough, even the tough turn to us.” BANR Enterprises retains facilities in Tualatin in the Willamette Valley, but Davis and his family have been full-time Sisters residents for several years now. Landing in Central Oregon was a long-term prospect that was always in the cards. From his youth, Davis was often in the region for work. “I had a lot of exposure to Central Oregon, and I always loved it,” he said. A friend located a spot in Sisters he thought Davis and his family would like, and they

decided to make the move. The company is still a regional player, but this is home now. “We cover a lot of real estate,” Davis said. “We work all over the place — but our headquarters is in Sisters.” Davis is acutely aware that he’s now one of the old lions of the construction industry — and he’s concerned that fewer young people are going into the trades. In fact, he said, over the past 20 years, one of the challenges of his business has been to learn to maximize the ability to manage jobs efficiently and effectively with a small — and shrinking— labor pool. He’d like to have a hand in seeing that trend reversed. He believes strongly in the value of the work he has dedicated his life to, and sees great potential for young people who want to “work for a reason,” as he puts it. “There are huge opportunities for young people,” he said. “I’m going to be happy to talk to any young man or young lady who wants to work.”

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

from CLEARING to CONCRETE… DEMOLITION to DESIGN… “When the going gets tough, even the tough call us!”

…BANR CAN HELP YOUR PROJECT WITH: site preparation, underground utilities, driveways, parking lots, building pads, concrete, commercial food waste water systems, and facilities

We also offer paving, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical services to complete the job!

Call 541-549-6977

BANR Enterprises, LLC P.O. Box 1108 | Sisters, OR 97759 | ccb#165122

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

LakeView Millworks navigates challenge Over a period of many years, LakeView Millworks has built a successful company around relationships. Relationships with customers and relationships among its employees. masks removed for photo only. photo by jim cornelius.

“What we did was create a company around our employees,” founder Brad King said. “Everybody here works in a position they feel most comfortable in and are best suited for.” A tight-knit sense of family, and dedication to their craft and to customer satisfaction, has helped LakeView Millworks navigate some very tumultuous times in the construction industry. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with soaring

demand, has disrupted the company’s work in unprecedented ways. The dedicated crew continues to do its very best to serve its customers — but delivering a successful project now requires some new parameters. King is devastatingly blunt about the impacts. “The source of supply is broken,” King says. “We really do depend on China for a large portion of our manufacturing. It’s huge.”

When COVID-19 disrupted the delicate web of global manufacturing and trade, “the inventory of product available in the world evaporated.” That hit LakeView Millworks in core areas of their business: wood products and metal hardware. Materials and labor are all more expensive — and sometimes just not available. Commercial projects, have been delayed or halted because shipments of materials are pushed back by

weeks — or simply don’t arrive, or arrive incomplete. It’s extremely frustrating for everyone. King pulls no punches regarding the fallout from months of disruption and delay: “It’s caused frayed tempers — people not understanding. We’ve been accused of lying (about reasons for delays). It’s hardware; it’s doors; it’s windows — it’s everything, across the board,” he said. “The more COVID goes forward, the more tempers are frayed.”

King hopes to help customers understand that the landscape has altered in ways that are beyond anybody’s control. “We’re trying our best — but it makes us look bad,” King said. King also notes that manufacturers all over the world still have many of their personnel working from home. That can mean that communications are fragmented and unclear, which can lead to mistakes and incomplete orders. His crew works through such problems as methodically as possible, exercising patience and the recognition that everyone is doing their level best in extremely challenging circumstances. What does King seek from customers to help everyone navigate these strange and challenging times? “Understanding,” he says. “An understanding that things aren’t the same. Everything is different. It’s not business as normal.” And, he says, an understanding that his crew — and, really, everyone in retail and the trades — is frustrated, too, and continually strives to provide a job well done. “They’re doing their very, very best to do a good job,” he said. “This is not just for us. This is the whole community. We’re all dealing with the same things.” Projects can still be planned and jobs completed. Everyone involved just needs to build a little patience and flexibility into the process. “Prices are good for a couple of weeks, because of the fluctuations,” King says. “People

are shocked by the costs that are going up. We’re shocked, too.” Timeframes may have to be more flexible. “What used to take two weeks takes six weeks — maybe. And things can change up to the very last minute.” LakeView Millworks recognizes that the whole community has pandemic fatigue. They feel it, too — but they continue to observe safety protocols in the shop and on the jobsite, while looking forward to change. “We’re always compliant,” King said. “But we’re ready to move forward.” Some things that haven’t changed due to circumstances are the team spirit and depth of knowledge prized at LakeView Millworks. 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. They know their product, as King says, “back to the tree,” and their knowledge means that the capabilities that LakeView Millworks has to create prestige projects is scalable to any home. 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

// Partners in Construction

Shelly Clemens offers quality brands through BestVue Blinds. staff photo

blinds at a variety of price points, including Hunter Douglas, Graber, Alta, and more. They handle a variety of applications. The best thing for customers to do right now is to go ahead and make their plans — there’s no need to defer a dream. Come in, select the product you want — and recognize that some will be more readily available than others. Be prepared for “unknowns” and

recognize that anything you plan now will be subject to change. Above all, King hopes to promote a little grace through difficult circumstances that are bound to last for a while, as the pandemic and its effects continue to echo around the world. “Be patient,” he says. “Be patient with people who work in the service sector, as much as possible.”

We are in Sisters to serve you! You don’t have to go to Bend to get the highest quality doors, architectural millwork, windows, and window coverings

Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades

Give Best Vue Blinds in Sisters a try before the box store. Why? BUDGET: We can meet your budget needs while giving you the best service. EXPERTISE: This is what we do. No guessing or wondering if we were just in the appliance department selling dishwashers.

Kolbe Windows & Doors

LakeView Millworks takes your vision for new windows & doors from design to reality At LakeView Millworks we’ve been helping you design the entry of your dreams with custom doors, windows, and millwork for over 15 years. Our team of experienced professionals are with you through the process... 1. Visit our showroom in 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.

CCB #210187

TIME: No waiting in line, we make appointments to ﬁt YOUR schedule.

LakeView Millworks is locally owned – we love to serve our neighbors!

Drop by and see Shelly, our in-house blind and shade expert. Work with someone who truly cares and will be there through the entire process.

Get our best price every day on the highest-quality windows, doors, and architectural millwork.

Visit our Sisters showroom at

261 E. Sun Ranch Dr. 541-588-6201

541-549-0968

www.lakeviewmillworks.com Stop by and visit our showroom: 261 E. Sun Ranch Dr.

A division of Lakeview Millworks

www.BestVueBlinds.com

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

Shelly Clemens offers quality brands through BestVue Blinds. staff photo

We are in Sisters to serve you! You don’t have to go to Bend to get the highest quality doors, architectural millwork, windows, and window coverings

Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades

Kolbe Windows & Doors

CCB #210187

TIME: No waiting in line, we make appointments to ﬁt YOUR schedule.

LakeView Millworks is locally owned – we love to serve our neighbors!

Drop by and see Shelly, our in-house blind and shade expert. Work with someone who truly cares and will be there through the entire process.

Get our best price every day on the highest-quality windows, doors, and architectural millwork.

Visit our Sisters showroom at

261 E. Sun Ranch Dr. 541-588-6201

541-549-0968

www.lakeviewmillworks.com Stop by and visit our showroom: 261 E. Sun Ranch Dr.

A division of Lakeview Millworks

www.BestVueBlinds.com

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

Riding to the rescue in plumbing emergencies

Robinson & Owen is a Sisters powerhouse

Sisters is booming, with all kinds of new construction — and Sweeney Plumbing has been in the thick of it, providing quality, timely work on all kinds of jobs, from custom homes to commercial buildings. Second-generation owner Zach Sweeney notes that they’ve been doing a lot of work in dual-use commercial/residential settings. “We’ve had our hand in that and had fun with it,” he said. “But we do the little things, too. That’s important.” Sweeney Plumbing knows that Sisters counts on them when they need help with a plumbing emergency, and they’re never too busy to take care of their customers. In fact, Sweeney has always prided itself on treating everyone from its employees to its customers like family. Sweeney Plumbing handles everything from service calls to complete plumbing on remodels, new homes, and commercial buildings. The crew is very thorough in its work plumbing a house, knowing that it’s more than a job — they are often at work on a family’s Sisters

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 & Owen has a history of finishing projects, large and small, on time and on budget. Robinson & Owen has been involved in the construction of more than 75 subdivision infrastructures in the Central Oregon

dream home. 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. They make a point of respecting the homes and properties where they do their work. Each crew totes a shop vac on their van for thorough cleanup and they wear booties to make sure they don’t track in. Under current conditions, they are careful to follow guidelines and maintain all health protocols. “We try to be as clean and efficient as possible,” Zach said. Reliable, responsible, professional: That’s the way Sweeney Plumbing has worked for going on three decades in their hometown.

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 & Owen has also successfully completed countless government contracts for the BLM and U.S. Forest Service, performing road reconstruction, material processing, in-stream fish-habitat construction, culvert removal and construction, water-tank construction, and dam removals. Robinson & 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 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.

FULL-SERVICE EXCAVATION, GRADING, AND ROCK PRODUCTION FROM SMALL PROJECTS... Little League fields, trailheads, bike & skate parks, and rock & landscape products.

FAMILY OWNED & SISTERS PROUD

TO LARGE PROJECTS... Stream fish-habitat construction, water & septic installation, excavating subdivisions, and building roadways & runways using our own aggregate.

LOCAL. RELIABLE. PROFESSIONAL. Residential/Commercial New Construction & Remodels Emergency Service & Repairs Experienced, Reliable Team

541-549-4349 260 N. Pine St., Sisters Licensed / Bonded / Insured / CCB#87587

Partner with us on your next project!

Mike Owen & Rod Robinson | 541-549-1848 750 Buckaroo Trail, Sisters | CCB#124327

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

Craftsman loves working in stone and brick If a project involves masonry work — fireplaces, interior and exterior stone or brick work, perhaps a barbecue or a paved walk — Cesar Alvarez will not only get the job done, he’ll revel in it. The lead craftsman for Lara’s Construction & Cleaning absolutely loves stonework. And he loves pleasing his clients. “When you’re done and the house looks different and they’re happy, that makes me happy,” Cesar said. Jonathan Hicks, a Sisters resident and real estate professional, is one of the happy ones. He had Lara’s Construction & Cleaning build a fireplace in his home and lay pavers outside. “Ruth and Cesar have been a pleasure to work with through multiple projects,” Hicks reported. “They offer the highest-quality

craftsmanship with reasonable price points. I regularly recommend their services.” Cesar came to his passion for masonry on a winding path. Fifteen years ago, he was working in the restaurant business in California. A friend in Oregon urged him to move here and join him in the construction industry. Cesar and his wife, Ruth, talked about it — but there was a concern: Cesar had no construction experience. They decided to take the plunge anyway, and they moved to Oregon in 2005, where Cesar went to work and Ruth worked in residential cleaning. And it turned out that it was the right move. Almost immediately, Cesar discovered that he had a knack for masonry — and he loved the craft. There is a certain satisfaction

photo provided

in laboring in such an elemental medium, and there is an almost endless variety to the work. “There’s nothing the same, there’s always something different,” Ruth said. Over the years, Cesar gained a wide range of experience and a mastery of the craft he loves. A couple of years ago, they decided to start their own company, and Lara’s Construction & Cleaning was born. Part of the motivation was a desire to work directly with clients to realize their visions for

their home. Cesar remains the hands and the passion behind the work, even when he has others working with him on the job. “Cesar is always there,” Ruth said. “He’s always making sure the job is good.” Reliability, craftsmanship, and a fair price are the hallmarks of Lara’s Construction & Cleaning’s work. That commitment, along with a pure love for the work, leaves everybody happy and satisfied.

OUR WORK IS SET IN STONE,

TO BE ENJOYED FOR YEARS TO COME. Artistry comes in many forms and we are proud to create home accents, fireplaces, patios, walkways, and more that give your home a personality all its own. Stonework adds one-of-a-kind texture, richness and color to any project. Masonry is energy saving, mold and fire resistant, and affordable.

WHAT CAN WE DESIGN FOR YOU?

Call today for your free estimate!

541-350-3218

Bonded & Insured | CCB#223701

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

Safety, reliability key to tree care in Sisters Country By Jim Cornelius editor in chief

A lot has changed in Sisters and the world in recent weeks — but the need to care for our trees remains. Doing that job right requires a wide range of knowledge and experience; the right equipment for the job; and a commitment to safety and reliability. James Hatley and 4 Brothers Tree Service have quickly built a reputation in Sisters Country for responsiveness, reliability, and high-quality work. That reputation allowed Hatley to run two crews last summer to keep up with demand for his services. Tree work is something of a calling for Hatley. He’s been in the trade since he was 18 in Yakima, Washington, and he launched 4 Brothers Tree Service in Central Oregon in May 2017. Since then, the business has been thriving. 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, stumpgrinding, fire-fuel reduction, lot-clearing, and commercial thinning. In winter, they provide snow-removal services. He’s well-equipped to handle any tree-service job, from a planned project to an emergency such as a tree limb falling on your house or vehicle. That helps ensure that work is done in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. “The equipment I’ve acquired has made the job faster and therefore less expensive for the customer,” Hatley said. Over the past year, he’s added a larger, more efficient stump grinder and a new four-wheeldrive bucket truck. Their grinders are able to fit through 36-inch wide gates to access hard-to-reach backyard stumps. “For a surface grind we will grind the stump below grade so you may grow grass where the stump was or if you choose to replant another tree or shrub, we’ll grind the stump completely out,” Hatley said. When finished, the wood chips

are raked into a mound over the concerns about high-mortality hole and the lawn is left looking events have not come to pass so better than before. Hatley notes far. that many homeowners enjoy “There was supposed to be using the remaining wood chips as a wave of beetle kill coming mulch for flowerbeds. through,” he said. “I haven’t really “As an option, we can remove seen a lot of it.” the wood chips, fill the hole with While it might seem that they topsoil, apply seed/straw or sod, are in the straightforward busior leave a hole so you can plant ness of cutting down trees, 4 your next valuable tree,” he said. Brothers Tree Service is really 4 Brothers also provides lot about the health of the landscape. clearing services They’ll save trees — not just trees where they can. There are still things and shrubs, but Often 4 that need to be done also removal of Brothers Tree stumps, logs, Service can save as far as fire-fuel rocks, dirt, gravreduction. Necessary a vulnerable el, demolition, codominant tree things as opposed grass, weeds, etc. (one that forks to aesthetics. “Don’t be into more than afraid to ask,” one trunk) by — James Hatley Hatley said. tying it off so that “We’ll come take the trunks grow a look and help any way we can.” closer together and are less likely A couple of days’ lead-time to split away. Or, if one trunk is is usually all that is necessary to less dominant, sometimes that obtain an estimate for work. one can be limbed off. The 4 Brothers Tree Service “No two trees are alike,” Hatley crew is working through the said. “It’s all job-specific — treecurrent coronavirus crisis. specific, you could say.” Discussions about the work are A dead or dying tree can pose done by phone or at a distance, a big hazard to life and property, and crews maintain social dis- and property owners should regutance and are just working and larly assess the condition of their going home to their families. trees. “There are still things that “Look up!” Hatley urges. need to be done as far as fireSometimes branches are brofuel reduction,” Hatley noted. ken and go unnoticed until wind “Necessary things as opposed to or snow brings them down. aesthetics.” Junipers — as many folks in Customers usually know what Sisters discovered last month — they want him to do, but Hatley are brittle and subject to breaking will assess conditions and risk. under load. Sometimes he is able to allay a Look for discolored needles — homeowner’s concern about a tree that’s a sign of ill health. A tree and let them know it’s fine. that has been girdled by having When it’s evident that trees the bark chewed off by animals have to come down, Hatley will is in bad shape, too. It’s best to provide a variety of options as to be proactive rather than risking a disposition of the wood — leave catastrophic event. it down, haul it out, cut firewood Hatley enjoys climbing. — that give customers a range of “I don’t mind being 100 feet in prices to choose from. the air,” he said with a smile. Many homeowners strongly But he also acknowledges that desire to save a tree, and Hatley his is one of the most dangerwill do everything he can to make ous jobs around, and safety for that happen. He notes that, “we all concerned is always the top don’t like topping trees, because priority. it’s not right — it’s not good for Another important priority is the tree.” Under certain circum- making sure you have whatevstances they’ll do so because er permits and paperwork are “sometimes it’s the safest way required before starting to remove while still keeping the tree.” trees. Check with your homeownHatley is glad that Sisters ers association or with the City of escaped the heavy snowfall that Sisters about requirements and damaged so many trees a couple make sure all is in order before of winters ago. starting work, as fines for illegal “I’d rather not go out taking tree removal can be steep. down broken trees — because the And if you have any questions, customer didn’t want that tree James Hatley and 4 Brothers Tree removed,” he said. Service are ready to come to your He’s also pleased to see that property to make an assessment.

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

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CALL US TODAY

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Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

Hulls Construction stays on the cutting edge Doug Hull has never rested on the laurels of a highly successful, three-decade construction career. “You have new products; there are new ways of doing things, so you have to continue to learn,” he says. “You can’t think you know it all.” Hull’s continual effort to stay abreast of construction trends has stood Hulls Construction in good stead during a tumultuous time in the construction industry. Skyhigh lumber prices and scarcity of materials, along with new state mandates for energy-efficient home construction, have made innovation in construction a critical quality. Hull has deeply researched and has long been enamored with Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction, for its workability, versatility, and the remarkable energy savings it provides to homeowners. A decade ago, the front-end cost deterred most homeowners. Now, the construction method has really come into its own. “Between those two things, what used to be a more costlyon-the-front-end product is now a cheaper product to construct with,” he said. Hull is currently working on two ICF homes in Black Butte Ranch. One of them was originally planned with traditional woodframe construction. “Then we got the lumber price…” Hull said. That equalization of front-end cost opens the door for what Hull finds a superior product for home construction. There are a variety of ICF products available on the market. The particular product Hull uses is called IntegraSpec — and he is very pleased with it. “It’s more of a form system than a block system,” he said. It ships “tight,” which reduces shipping costs and limits waste. Hull noted that one job site required one six-yard dumpster to handle the construction waste.

The forms are so lightweight; materials that traditional construction would require a forklift to move can be lifted and carried by one person. The forms are easy to work with and a small crew can get a tremendous amount of work done very quickly. The system is so well thought out and versatile that a creative client and contractor can do just about anything they desire with it. “Down in California, they built a swimming pool with this product,” Hull said. “So there’s things you can do with this product that you wouldn’t think you could do.” Hull invested in a sophisticated plumb-line system that allows one person to ensure that every wall is perfectly straight when concrete is poured. A concreted house provides some obvious safety benefits in the wildland interface. It’s also exceptionally energy efficient. “The walls end up being an effective R40,” Hull explained. Boilers have become more efficient and environmentally friendly, too. “Now we can effectively run them with electricity,” Hull said. With radiant floor heating, “once a house is at temperature, it’s going to stay at a constant temperature. It’s more energyefficient — and a more comfortable home, as well.” While the construction materials and techniques are 21st century cutting-edge, you can make the home look and feel any way you want it. You can marry a rustic feel to space-age construction. If you’ve always dreamed of a log cabin nestled in the pines, Hulls Construction can put half-log siding on your home — it’ll just be stronger, safer, and far more energy efficient than any pioneer could have ever dreamed of. Hull developed his skills working in California. “I started in the trades in ’87 in San Jose, California, and then became a licensed contractor in

Faced with drastically rising lumber prices and the need for more-energyefficient homes, Hulls Construction is utilizing Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction. photos by jim cornelius

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 school-to-work program to launch himself into the family business. Hull quickly built a strong reputation for high-quality work and satisfied clients. He attributes this reputation to the quality control made possible by being on the job site, and to his determination to help clients make informed choices right from the start of a project. Hull naturally strives to create a family atmosphere among his crew and with his clients. That builds communication and trust, so that clients know that all of Hull’s skill and innovation is being brought to bear to provide them with a place that truly feels like home. Hulls Construction is committed to clear communication, informed decisions, a neat and efficient jobsite, and everyone involved treated with respect. That’s the way a family business in Sisters runs.

The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

// Partners in Construction

Craftsmanship Forged By Experience

CONSTRUCTION, REMODELS & DESIGN ARE OUR SPECIALTY ASK ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION USING INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS

CCB# 201604 • www.HullsConstruction.com • 541-312-2344

Partners in Construction // The Nugget Newspaper // April 28, 2021

Ridgeline Electric lights up Sisters Country Ridgeline Electric may be relatively new on Sisters’ construction scene, but the breadth and depth of experience they bring to the jobsite is considerable. Owner Cassidy Keeton grew up in the legacy of the elite tier of construction in Central Oregon. Cassidy has been an electrician in Central Oregon for eight years. Tim Oster started as an apprentice electrician in Bakersfield in 1981 and has been working and managing jobs in Central Oregon since 1994. John Kringlen grew up in Eastern Oregon and has worked with Oster for 11 years. With his background, Keeton had an array of trades he could have entered, and he chose to be an electrician through Oster’s influence. “I just wanted to do something different, and I grew up around Tim doing it,” he said. He pursued the field in college and then decided he was ready to head out on his own. “Basically, I always wanted to have my own company, and I got the opportunity to work with Tim, and here we are,” he said. Most of Ridgeline Electric’s work has been in custom homes, but they are fully equipped for commercial work as well. Oster

notes that he wired the new GrandStay Hotel in Sisters. The company is poised to move into large, multifamily housing jobs. Music to the ears of clients across Sisters Country, Ridgeline is committed to making timely service calls. “I’d like to have one day a week for myself for service calls,” Keeton said. He said the company is shooting for a one-week turnaround on calls for anything that is not working correctly or is causing a client concern. There are many aspects of the trade that Ridgeline is happy to help customers understand. First is the enormous array of lighting choices and schemes available. “There’s so much cool lighting,” Keeton said. LED lighting offers exceptional life and energy efficiency — and many, many applications. “They’re much more efficient than any other form of lighting,” Oster said. “Most LEDs are colorswitchable now.” Clear communication with clients is key to making sure they get what they want while sticking to budgets. Ridgeline is careful to stick to the infrastructure and leave the aesthetics to the client.

photo by jim cornelius

“We don’t pick decorative fixtures,” Oster said. “I could pick 100 fixtures and they’d all be wrong.” The electricians will, however, be sure to help their client pick lighting that conforms to codes such as local Dark Skies ordinances. Establishing what you want is a solid basis for value engineering. Back-up power is a great idea in Sisters Country, and it’s easy to install — but it has to be designed properly. In an increasingly wired world, the electricians note that many people don’t understand the concept of loads. “Everyone just wants to plug everything in,” Keeton said.

Heaters should run on their own circuits, and whole systems should be designed for the loads that high demand entail. Ridgeline’s electricians “all have pride in our work,” Oster said. They strive to work efficiently to provide customers with exactly what they are looking for. Careful, quality work, though, doesn’t happen instantly. “Things never go as fast as those reality-TV remodel shows,” Kringlen said with a chuckle. With decades of experience at hand and a commitment to customer service on jobs of all shapes and sizes, Ridgeline Electric is fully charged up and ready to light up Sisters Country’s construction industry.

WHERE WORKMANSHIP STILL MATTERS

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Residential • Commercial Industrial • Service

541-588-3088 541-5883088 CCB #234821