The Nugget Newspaper's Partners in Real Estate & Construction 2023 // 2023-06-18

Partners 2023 in Real Estate & Construction

The dream of living in Sisters is alive and well, for people of all walks of life.

Finding the right home requires a relationship with real estate professionals with a high level of knowledge and skill and a hometown touch. Real estate brokers have to be knowledgeable, diligent — and above all they have to know how to listen to their clients, to determine what property best fits their vision of the Sisters way of life. The men and women you will meet in these pages know Sisters intimately, in all of its surprising diversity. They have the knowledge and resources to help you find the property of your dreams, or to sell the one you’re in and start somewhere new.

Buying or selling a home is different now than it was a few years ago — tech-

nological tools make virtual touring and staging an essential part of the process. Sisters’ professionals are well versed in these tools, so you can count on a process that is efficient and effective with your precious time and effort.

Buying a home in Sisters is only the start of a journey for many people. Some folks want to build from scratch or remodel. And there’s always maintenance and improvement to be done. Knowledge and professional expertise — again, delivered with that all-important hometown touch — is critical in the building trades, too. Whether you are building a new home, or putting up fence, or selecting the fixtures and amenities that will make your home both beautiful and functional, Sisters’ construction professionals have

solutions for you, and the ongoing service that means your experience will be a positive one.

For many people, working to fulfill their dreams with the help of their Sisters real estate broker and their local, familyrun businesses becomes an important part of their life in the community. These professionals often become treasured friends — a powerful demonstration of the spirit of Sisters, a manifestation of the sense of community that truly does make this one of the best places in the world to make your home.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief The Nugget Newspaper

Safety, reliability key to tree care in Sisters Country

A lot has changed in Sisters, but the need to care for our trees remains the same.

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 more crews 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.

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.

He’s added a larger, more efficient stump grinder and a new four-wheel-drive 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 hole and the lawn is left looking better than before. Hatley notes that many homeowners enjoy using the remaining wood chips as mulch for flowerbeds.

“As an option, we can remove the wood chips, fill the hole with topsoil, apply seed/straw or sod, or leave a hole so you can plant your next valuable tree,” he said.

4 Brothers also provides lotclearing services — not just trees and shrubs, but also removal of stumps, logs, rocks, dirt, gravel, demolition, grass, weeds, etc.

“Don’t be afraid to ask,” Hatley said. “We’ll come take a look and help any way we can.”

A couple of days’ lead time is usually all that is necessary to obtain an estimate for work.

“There are still things that need to be done as far as firefuel reduction,” Hatley noted. “Necessary things as opposed to aesthetics.”

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, “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.”

Hatley is glad that Sisters escaped the heavy snowfall that damaged so many trees a couple of winters ago.

“I’d rather not go out taking down broken trees — because the customer didn’t want that tree removed,” he said.

He’s also pleased to see that concerns about high-mortality events have not come to pass so far.

“There was supposed to be a wave of beetle kill coming through,” he said. “I haven’t really seen a lot of it.”

While it might seem that they are in the straightforward business of cutting down trees, 4 Brothers Tree Service is really about the health of the landscape. They’ll save trees where they can.

Often 4 Brothers Tree Service can save a vulnerable codominant 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 — tree-specific, 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 have discovered — 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.

And if you have any questions, James Hatley and 4 Brothers Tree Service are ready to come to your property to make an assessment.

There are still things that need to be done as far as fire-fuel reduction. Necessary things as opposed to aesthetics.

— James Hatley

will do everything he can to make

PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK

Sisters Heating & Air offers high value

Sisters Heating & Air serves Sisters Country with residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) — including air purification and humidification, system diagnostics, maintenance, replacements, and new installations. They also offer in-depth consultation services such as system load calculations, schematics, and construction.

It’s not just what they do, but how they do it that sets them apart.

Mike Whitlatch is committed to bringing honesty and integrity to every interaction. It’s not all about dollars for Sisters Heating & Air — it’s about making sure the customer gets what they need at a reasonable price. Right-sizing your system to your needs is of critical importance, and the experience and engineering expertise Sisters Heating & Air brings to bear ensures that is what you get.

“We specialize in in-house engineered systems,” Whitlatch said. “In my 16 years working in HVAC service, I’ve seen a lot. If something can break, I probably have fixed it! This is critical when

Kennedy and Hubbard bring teamwork to clients

designing new systems, because my service experience helps me to anticipate what issues might arise. We take pride in engineering a system that is custom-designed for your unique situation. We do more than sell equipment: We create complete systems that we guarantee to work efficiently and last a long time.”

Having come up in the industry literally from the ground up, Whitlatch has the personal experience to ensure that Sisters Heating & Air offers high value and high quality at an affordable rate.

“I shoot for a very reasonable margin,” Whitlatch says, noting that he looks at a project with an engineer’s eyes, not the eyes of a salesman.

They’re able to provide excellent service at a price that is still very competitive because they are a small, nimble company with minimal overhead. They also provide warranty support.

They’ll give you a free second opinion if you’re looking into a system. Give Sisters Heating & Air a shot, and expect top-quality work with close attention to detail.

Ross Kennedy and Tiffany Hubbard serve clients across Sisters Country with Stellar Realty NW.

It’s a partnership that works effectively and efficiently — for the agents themselves, and most importantly for their clients.

The Sisters market remains one that puts a premium on quick, efficient action and clear communication so that sellers and buyers alike can meet their goals and achieve their dreams.

That’s where the Kennedy/ Hubbard team really shines.

The partnership allows Kennedy and Hubbard to be constantly “on,” while still enjoying some balance in their own lives — which in turn makes them more effective agents for their clients.

More than ever, transactions have to be nailed down at every step.

“The benefit for the client is that we’ve got two sets of eyes on the transaction,” Kennedy said.

They know how a transaction “flows,” and their experience and attention to detail makes what can be a stressful transaction go smoothly for the client — who

always remains in the driver’s seat.

“We line it out for them so it’s their decision to make,” Kennedy says.

Having lived in Sisters for many years, and being deeply invested in the community, Kennedy brings a high degree of knowledge to each transaction. He knows every neighborhood and all the different microregions of Sisters Country — from Black Butte Ranch to town and as far east as Redmond, Bend, and Prineville. That broad and deep knowledge is complemented by Hubbard’s exceptional organizational and transaction management skills. That translates to being able to find the right property for a buyer, even in a tight market, and the ability to act effectively when an opportunity arises.

Buyers and sellers alike need a strong team to help them manage a smooth and seamless transaction — and that’s why so many turn to Ross Kennedy and Tiffany Hubbard at Stellar Realty NW, where resources to promote clients abound.

Sisters Fence takes care of customers

Sisters Fence Company prides itself on being “locally owned and craftsman built.”

Being locally owned makes it imperative that the company provides excellent service and a high level of customer satisfaction — and the customers are more than satisfied.

Ann Zink and Steve Christiansen of Camp Sherman said, “Before the Sisters Fence Company came to our rescue, the approach to our home was mostly a mishmash of rocks and dirt, with a few scraggly plants scattered around. So we had been looking for ways to spiff up the curb appeal of our front yard while staying true to the Central Oregon/Camp Sherman vibe.

“Enter Sisters Fence Company. Pat Burke (owner) and Jerry (foreman) came to our home and walked the property with us so they could fully understand what we wanted. And they really listened. They offered us a few amazing ideas and plans to choose from and then took the time to explain all the best options. We were particularly impressed by the final, detailed touches that make the quality of their workmanship with the pavers and fences really stand out.

“We’re continually getting compliments on the fine work done by Sisters Fence Company, and we couldn’t be happier!”

Being craftsman-built means the crew takes pride in its work, makes sure to get it right — and continues to add capabilities. Burke is pleased to have the most experienced crew he’s ever had. He notes that 95 percent of the work associated with fence building can now be done in-house — which makes staying on schedule a lot easier, and has a big price advantage. For example, a rock drill “allows us to stay on site,” Burke says. “We just grab a piece of equipment and get to work.”

Custom welding, metal fabrication, solar-powered gate systems, spectacular driveway entryways — all of them are in Sisters Fence Company’s wheelhouse.

Burke is committed to supporting the local economy. Sisters Fence Company strives at every opportunity to buy materials and supplies in Sisters and Central Oregon. Burke grew up in Sisters and he wants his company to continue to be integrated into the life of the community. That neighborliness shows.

“Pat Burke and the entire team at Sisters Fence Company

were kind, knowledgeable, and professional from the planning stages to the finished project,” Candace and Tom Brey said. “It was important to us to work with a local company, and we were definitely impressed with the quality of their craftsmanship. Attention to detail was present at each step. Sisters Fence earned our highest recommendation.”

Whether it’s fencing a yard, miles of ranch fence, or commercial applications, Sisters Fence Company has the knowledge and expertise to get the project done

efficiently and well — and they always stand behind their work.

“It was a pleasure working with Sisters Fence Company on our recent trash enclosure project,” says Justin Durham of Sisters Coffee Company. “The quality of their product is second to none and they have an outstanding team that prides itself in customer service, craftsmanship, and overall hard work. They even followed up with us to do a walkthrough after completion to make sure we were satisfied with their work.”

Making home ownership dreams real

It’s no secret that home prices in Sisters Country have soared — out of reach for many people who have lived and worked here all their lives.

The nonprofit First Story partners with Hayden Homes to provide a pathway to homeownership for people for whom that dream would otherwise be out of reach. They’ve built nine First Story homes in Sisters, eight of them in McKenzie Meadows. Those homes — and the families that live in them — are fully integrated into the community.

Executive Director of First Story Claire Duncan has a special place in her heart for McKenzie Meadows, which lies at the west end of Sisters near the schools.

“It’s such a unique community,” she says. “It’s such a special community that’s all about inclusion.”

It’s a mix of single-family and multi-family housing, with many owning and some renting. Children ride their bikes through the neighborhood and play at the park. It feels just like a neighborhood ought to feel — and Duncan is deeply gratified that families with roots in Sisters have been able to find a home there through First Story.

“They’re all deeply rooted in the fabric of the community,” she said. “They couldn’t find a way to live there — no path to having a home in Sisters.”

First Story and Hayden Homes opened that path. The nonprofit collaborates with Hayden Homes to construct homes in their communities, which are then sold through First Story’s loan program. This approach, which avoids segregated housing, provides move-in-ready homes to qualified applicants who are at or below 80 percent area median income.

First Story’s approach to affordable homeownership removes the barriers that make homeownership inaccessible for some families and individuals

who make up the fabric of the Sisters community. For some, without programs like First Story, the dream of homeownership and all that it brings is kept just out of reach.

With the generosity and dedication of founder Hayden Homes, and loyal building partners, First Story homes are built in Hayden Homes neighborhoods and share the same aesthetics as every other home in the community. This inclusive approach to affordable housing strengthens communities and allows for the integration of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

“It’s truly been life-changing for this group of families living in McKenzie Meadows,” Duncan says.

Heather Wilson can verify that. She and her family moved into their home a year ago this month.

“I actually discovered the program through NeighborImpact,” she said.

NeighborImpact helps families in Central Oregon that are under economic stress. That described Wilson’s situation as a single mom with four kids — even though she has a good job in the

health-care sector.

“I was on the verge of being priced out of the area,” she says. “The dream of homeownership was just out of reach in this community.”

Instability in a family’s living situation has a big impact — none of it good. It’s hard to feel secure when the house you are renting may get sold out from under you at any time.

“The instability of the rental market makes it so hard for people in my situation,” Wilson says.

As a homeowner with a predictable mortgage, Wilson and her kids know that they won’t suddenly have to pull up stakes — and Wilson knows she can pay her bills.

Randall and Jazmine Ray were in a similar situation — at the mercy of a volatile rental market.

“We were literally thinking of leaving the state,” Randall says.

That was not what they wanted. Randall has lived in Sisters since the seventh grade, and Jazmine has been here her whole life. They wanted to raise their young children here, and send them to the schools where they thrived.

They took ownership of their home in McKenzie Meadows on June 15, 2021.

Homeownership was a little intimidating — after all, the homeowner is responsible for everything, and they were a bit nervous about being able to afford maintenance and repairs. But everything has worked out really well for the family.

“It kind of means the world,” Randall says.

They love their neighborhood.

“The neighborhood’s great; all the neighbors are super nice and friendly,” Randall says. “It’s kind of our little community there.”

Wilson, too, feels a strong sense of community.

“It’s very safe; we have a nice park,” she says. “We hope that Sisters will continue to be a haven.”

Ray noted that when the elementary school is completed, all three Sisters schools will be within walking distance. That’s happening just in time for their oldest child to start kindergarten.

That kind of opportunity for families is important, Wilson says.

“We need people from all walks of life and all income levels to be able to afford a home and live in this community,” she says. “I want everyone to know the immense gratitude I have for First Story and other organizations like that. Without them, [home ownership] would have just remained a distant dream — an aspiration that I don’t think I’d have been able to attain.”

The first step of a homeownership journey with First Story is education. The organization requires completion of a homeownership education course to apply for a First Story home. For information about an education program, contact NeighborImpact in Deschutes County at https:// www.neighborimpact.org.

Taking advantage of technology for clients

Jennifer King of Stellar Realty NW brings many “stellar” qualities to bear for her clients. She listens to their needs and desires and she knows her market intimately. It’s natural for her to go the extra mile for her clients.

But the quality she singles out is one that is truly critical to success in today’s real estate market. She doesn’t just know how to use technology — she’s completely comfortable with it.

“I’m really at ease with technology, and at ease with the changing trends that have affected real estate,” she says.

“My background in high-tech blends well with the technology trends that have shaped and changed the real estate world. I am at ease with digital marketing and tech solutions, offering a unique approach to marketing your home to the world. Especially in today’s market, you need a broker who is well versed in how to use technology to market and sell your home. Buyers need a broker who is at ease with virtual tours and using technology to find your perfect home.”

King understands what people

Robinson & Owen has shaped Sisters

are looking for when they come to Sisters.

“I can appreciate why people want to live here — what they’re looking for,” she says. “Resort living has really ignited my enthusiasm for mountain culture.”

That translates for clients. As one said, “We are very happy that we met Jennifer King. She did a great job as a real estate agent. Jennifer was pleasant, professional, knew a lot about the area of Sisters and the ins and outs of living there.”

She and her family have lived in Sisters for 12 years, and spent many more enjoying the area as a vacation spot.

“I love living in the mountains and enjoy hiking, skiing, and many more outdoor activities with my husband, two children, and three dogs,” she says. “I am native to Colorado... I have since traveled the world and lived in many beautiful places before finding a home in Oregon.”

King is very active in the community, noting, “I am invested in Central Oregon and strive to help make it a better place to live.”

Anywhere you look in Sisters, you see the work of Robinson & Owen Heavy Construction.

From the runways at Sisters Airport to the new Woodlands subdivision to the new site of Sisters Elementary School, their work is fundamental to the workings of our town. When the city of Sisters needed to install a sewer main under Whychus Creek, Robinson & Owen was the selected contractor. They completed the infrastructure work on the FivePine campus and the three industrial parks in Sisters, along with many other projects.

Their footprint is literally everywhere. With a synergistic partnership with Pat and Heidi Thompson of Sisters Rental, they have done extraordinary work in shaping the Sisters we know.

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 28-year history of com pleting 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.

They 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.

The company has also given back to the community, grading and trenching Sisters’ Little League fields, providing work and materials for Sisters Park & Recreation District’s (SPRD) bike park, excavating SPRD’s skate park, and sponsoring Sisters’

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

Black Butte Realty Group offers expertise and homegrown connections

Very few real estate offices in Sisters Country can say they’re homegrown and unaffiliated with a corporate conglomerate. Black Butte Realty Group (BBRG) coowners Don Bowler and Gary Yoder are determined to keep it that way.

“The multi-state offices and Zillow-style of investigating what’s out there are taking over,” says Yoder. “We prefer a more personal management style that puts our Sisters Country clients first.”

That company atmosphere of connection and caring translates to the relationships they’ve cultivated and nurtured over the years.

BBRG clients benefit from knowledgeable, ambitious agents who are experts in the everevolving Central Oregon real estate market. Bowler lives at Black Butte Ranch and brings an understanding of resort properties that can only come from living there. He’s served on many boards on the Ranch and continues to invest

his time ensuring the Ranch continues to thrive.

Yoder’s father-in-law was Robert Muir Graves, who designed Black Butte Ranch’s Big Meadow golf course and is the namesake for Robert’s Pub.

“Our family’s connection goes back to the 1960s. We moved to Sisters Country permanently in 1993 and know what a great place it is to raise a family,” Yoder says.

Yoder is a retired Air Force flight engineer who’s seen beautiful places around the globe. Once he saw the Cascade Range and Central Oregon’s forests and high desert, he knew he’d found the best place on earth. He’s worked for Black Butte Ranch in a variety of capacities. Whether he’s playing with the Black Butte Ranch men’s golf members, showing property, or spending time with clients in the new Lodge, Yoder couldn’t ask for a better place to work.

Bowler oversees the vacation rental side of BBRG and is the president and a broker. Yoder is

the principal broker managing real estate sales. They purchased the company, formerly known as Howells Realty Group in 2016.

Dick and Bonnie Howells built up a successful business offering vacation rentals at Black Butte Ranch and property sales focused on Sisters Country.

“We’re more of a mom-andpop feel, which we see as a benefit for our employees and our clients,” says Yoder.

While serving buyers and sellers throughout Central Oregon, BBRG staff pride themselves on being experts on Black Butte Ranch.

“We aren’t limiting ourselves to one area by any stretch, but if you’re looking for someone who knows the Ranch, we’re the best choice,” says Yoder.

The partners have stayed active representing sellers and buyers on the Ranch. With limited inventory currently at the resort, BBRG’s property management side, which began over 40 years ago, has pushed to the forefront of their business.

“Once people experience the Ranch, they don’t want to leave.

We provide vacationers with beautiful homes to rent while they’re having fun in Central Oregon. At present, BBRG has 35 rental homes on the Ranch. “We’ve been adding homes to our program and offer competitive prices and exemplary service for our guests and homeowners,” Bowler says.

The vacation rental side of BBRG gives them an edge when it comes to building long-standing relationships and keeping on top of what’s going on at the Ranch.

“We have relationships with homeowners and real estate sales clients that can move seamlessly from rentals to sales,” says Yoder. “We know these homes inside and out and can represent our clients more effectively because of it.”

Keeping a family feel, the BBRG office is kid and pet friendly.

“Two of our agents have young families, and we love having dogs in the office,” says Yoder.

The BBRG office is conveniently located at the corner of Pine Street and Sisters Park Drive –right across from the new Sisters Woodlands development.

We prefer a more personal management style that puts our Sisters Country clients first.

— Gary Yoder

Richardson Log Homes — A family business with artistry and heart

For Lance and Rebecca Richardson, building and restoring log homes is about integrity, follow-through, artistry, and caring for their clients. Richardson Log Homes (RLH) is based in Terrebonne, with a client base that spans the nation. With a thriving business, Lance and Rebecca feel blessed to work with family doing what they love.

“With skill and excellence, we partner with our customers to build the home of their dreams,” said Rebecca Richardson.

Decades of skill and artistry is apparent in every Richardson Log Home.

“Our standard of excellence and seasoned craftsmanship truly set us apart. We build fullscribe-style log homes, chinkstyle homes, and kit homes. In addition to new builds, we also offer log home restoration services, routine maintenance, and log home inspections,” said Richardson.

Countless testimonials from delighted clients recount how they immediately knew they were working with exceptional professionals who were creating something truly handcrafted. No manufactured log home can compare.

“We always encourage them to

come out to the log yard and meet Lance and see the houses going up,” Richardson said.

Clients immediately see that the logs are big and majestic and that the craftsmanship is extraordinary.

Clients can also visit finished homes. The Richardsons maintain long-term friendships with many clients who are eager to show prospective log home owners what a Richardson Log Home truly looks and feels like.

“We handcraft beauty one log at a time, peeling every log by hand,” Richardson said. “No milled wood can compare to the old-world style and warmth of hand-drawn logs. Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder. Beauty just is, and as you sit in front of your stone fireplace with a good book and a warm mug, you’ll never tire of gazing at these logs.”

Services provided by RLH include barn design and construction, building custom, energy-efficient homes, tiny house construction, and floor plans. Currently, RLH has three log homes under construction in their log yard and a restoration project outside Sisters.

“We’d love to do another project in Sisters Country,” said

Richardson. “My husband started building log homes over 30 years ago. He has experiential knowledge and incredible amounts of creativity and skill when it comes to building log homes. He got the desire to build log homes from his father, but he learned by teaching himself through manuals and books and increasing his knowledge as he went.”

Richardson says there’s something about the wood and history of log homes that brings comfort.

“There’s a secure, solid feeling in a log home. No matter the weather, you’re safe and snuggled inside.”

Lance Richardson watched his father build log homes when he was young. “That’s our history. It gives my husband a rich past with log homes and a deep love for them. We love people and enjoy staying in relationships with the people we build homes for,” Rebecca said. “We stay connected with them, we remain available to assist them in consultation, maintenance and long-term care of their homes.”

RLH first builds the log homes in their log yard, then the logs are numbered, loaded onto a truck, and delivered to the homesite. Customers can watch their home being built, giving them an

appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into handling huge Douglas fir logs.

“It’s helpful for our clients to visit the log yard and see the mass of the logs,” said Richardson. “We use largerdiameter logs. They are massive and handcrafted.”

Viewing RLH logs up close, you can see the peel or drawknife marks.

“This style of construction is compelling for those clients who are looking for that handcrafted, creative look. They almost always go with us to build a log home,” Richardson said. “We encourage them to look at the homes we’ve built in the area. Our clients will travel long distances to see our work. We ship our log homes nationwide. We’re grateful for our amazing homeowners and clients who have homes in Central Oregon and allow us to show them to our new clients.”

Building log homes is hard, physical work and takes a lot of muscle. When the logs are moved it requires special tools that often don’t include machinery.

Lance uses a scribe, which is a small instrument with a pencil to help measure. Because the top log is measured to go perfectly over the under log, the full scribing is not just the corners but requires the entire length of the log.

“That part doesn’t take a lot of brawn but more artistry with that pencil and scribe tool,” said Richardson.

“Lance is good at what he does, and there’s a huge amount of heart behind his work,” she said. “We are a family-owned company without a quota for what has to be made for the boss. We do what we do because we love it.”

Learn more about RLH online at www.richardsonloghomes. com. Rebecca and Lance invite folks to email them at info@ richardsonloghomes.com, or give them a call at 541-7288787. RLH’s physical address is 71330 NW Lower Bridge Way, in Terrebonne.

PHOTO BY GRACE PULVER

Caring for people distinguishes Fathom Realty

Mark Ossinger’s work sits on a strong ethical foundation — he always puts the needs of his clients first.

He has decades of experience and an innovative company behind him. Ossinger is managing broker with Fathom Realty, which is described as “a cloudbased, technology-driven, fullservice real estate brokerage … dedicated to providing … agents with the industry’s best commission splits, technology, training, and the highest level of support.”

Knowledge, experience, and support are important, of course, but Ossinger says, “I think that where we differ is in how we treat people. It’s putting them first, not you — because this can be, and often is, a self-serving business. It’s about the person, not the transaction.”

That ethic is defined in Fathom’s motto: “At Fathom Realty, we believe that whoever aspires to be great must lead by serving others.”

Ossinger doesn’t approach his work from a “sales” perspective.

Providing agents with the tools for success

He’s an educator. He believes in educating buyers or sellers, providing them the best possible information and advice so that they can make the most informed decision possible. That, for him, is the nature of service.

The passion for education also goes beyond the day-to-day work. He has developed deep expertise and dedicated himself to passing it on. He’s taught firsttime homebuyer classes, and has grown and mentored young agents. He’s a prolific writer and talented wordsmith who produces a monthly blog with subjects ranging from house colors to correct pricing in a down market.

Ossinger and his wife, Pam, who helps manage the business, note that working with clients and families is a deep trust because buying or selling a home changes lives.

Mark and Pam Ossinger are ready to serve at a new Fathom Realty location at 311 E. Cascade Ave. at the corner of Spruce Street in the former Antler Arts building.

There’s been a paradigm shift in real estate. Putting up a For Sale sign and hosting an open house isn’t enough to sell a home anymore. The way people buy houses has completely changed in just the past few years. Buyers today don’t want to look at five, six, seven houses in a day. They want to tour homes virtually, narrow down their choices, and then maybe they’ll make a visit.

That puts a premium on quality 3D interactive tours, virtual reality tours, great photography, HD drone footage and stills, floor plans, and more. It’s not easy for real estate agents to keep up with that demand — especially at a price they can afford.

That’s where Hommati comes in, a national franchise that produces dynamic visual content packages at an exceptional price.

“We help agents generate more traffic,” says William Delaney, who offers services in Sisters.

Up to four times as much traffic.

Delaney was a real estate agent for more than 22 years, and has always been a photographer. He instantly saw the value in what

Hommati provides to agents — multiple forms of media that give modern buyers exactly what they need to make their decisions.

The tools are top-drawer — and the price point is outstanding.

“No one can beat our price,” Delaney says, noting that a platinum package is set at $349.

Services include virtual staging, which makes a home stand out and feel warm and inviting, helping potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space. Virtual staging costs just a fraction of what would be spent on actual physical staging.

3D tours make the house come alive.

Video is critical to home sales today, and drone footage has exceptional impact — especially for properties where traditional photographs aren’t adequate to capture the nature of the house and land.

Drone footage available through Hommati offers versatile and creative ways to capture a property and showcase unique features that are not readily seen from a perspective on the ground.

Teamwork drives Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s

Patty Cordoni and Suzanne Carvlin have proved the value of a strong real estate team — and that proof can be seen in $200 million in sales over the past decade.

Their team at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s in Sisters just got even stronger and more dynamic with the addition of brokers Maddie Fischer and Tanner Head.

“We’re really excited to have new blood come into our team — energetic, eager to learn,” says Principal Broker Cordoni.

“Maddie interviewed to join the office and we knew we had to snap her up before somebody else did,” Carvlin said.

Fischer comes from a family of realtors, and moving into the field was natural for her. It’s also a great fit for her Sisters way of life.

“Being in real estate is great for the flexibility,” she says. “And being part of this community with my kids — real estate is really great for that.”

Head comes from a family of custom home builders and designers. He’s licensed in Montana as well as Oregon, where his roots run deep.

“We grew the team to better serve our clients,” Cordoni explained.

Many of the transactions the team works on are complex, sometimes involving land-use issues, water rights, and government entities. It pays to have multiple eyes on a transaction and multiple hands involved to investigate and run down the multitude of issues that can come up.

And the young, dynamic brokers have their own point of entry into a real estate market where many buyers are young families just like theirs. Carvlin acknowledges that housing prices are high in Sisters Country, but, she says, young families are still breaking into the market.

“To get in the market is really important, because you start building equity,” she said.

Carvlin and Cordoni have a big referral base, a tribute to the quality of their work and the relationships they build with clients.

And, Carvlin notes with a smile, “we have a personality type to suit every client.”

Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s has tremendous resources to bring to bear, a collaborative office, and an international reach. That’s helpful in a market where things can happen quickly.

“[Clients] need to have

somebody looking out for them,” Carvlin said. “If they’re looking for something, we’re pretty good at finding things that haven’t hit the market.”

There is simply no substitute for local knowledge when it comes to helping clients — and the team is stronger than ever in that regard. Carvlin encourages people to take advantage of their expertise by asking questions.

“A lot of people see something online, but they have no idea of the context,” Carvlin says. “We are here to answer questions

— and it’s OK [for them] not to know… There’s a lot going on in Sisters. People can call us with questions about what’s going on in the community.”

Many satisfied buyers and sellers can testify to the quality of the team Cordoni and Carvlin have forged. Al and Linda Becher said it clearly: “This team is very impressive. They know the area and the community very well. They are good at timing the market. I can’t brag enough about how they are just great people…. super responsive!”

BANR: Experience and adaptability in construction

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 Enterprises a “traditional, family-oriented contracting company.” BANR’s old-school values of hard work, reliability, quality, and a fair price allow 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 contractor, providing all types of 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 kind 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 tasks we can do, improvement wise,” Davis said. “If you want to rock your driveway, that’s a product we can get our hands on.”

BANR does a lot of wastewater systems 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 are 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 in the loggingroad-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 call 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 is 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 put 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.”

Family-owned businesses critical part of Sisters

Brad King of Lakeview Millworks believes passionately in the value of community — and the small, family-owned businesses that make communities like Sisters strong.

“We’re the glue for the community, all these family-run businesses,” he said. “It’s a symbiotic relationship in the community, and it’s (so) important.”

Lakeview Millworks continues to maintain their fundamental commitment to provide quality doors, windows, and window coverings at a fair price — with the best service in the field.

“We’re never the price of the big-box store — we’ll never be the same price as the big-box store,” King said.

What they will be is on the spot when you need them, long after the fact. They want their customers to be satisfied.

“We don’t care what it takes, we always work it through,” King said. “That comes from our great staff.”

Part of making sure their customers are satisfied is clear communication — up-front and all through the process of ordering

and installing. Nowadays, they need to remind their customers to plan ahead, since supply-chain issues can rear their head in construction projects.

There’s no substitute for inperson, face-to-face communication, and King urges clients to come in and talk through their project with Ken Roberts (doors and windows) and Shelly Clemens (BestVue Blinds window coverings). That way, customers know exactly what to expect with the process.

Lakeview Millworks and BestVue Blinds pride themselves on carrying first-class products from top-tier vendors. Hunter Douglas blinds is one of those.

“Hunter Douglas is a fabulous company,” King said. “They stand behind anything and everything they produce.”

The excitement King and the Lakeview Millworks staff have for the products they offer is palpable, but it’s only a reflection of what those can do to enhance the lives of their clients. Because those clients are friends and neighbors and part of a community.

Khiva Beckwith is a down-toearth professional with Coldwell Banker Mayfield, born and raised in Central Oregon with a deep knowledge of “every nook and cranny” of the region.

As a self-described “hardworking go-getter,” Beckwith is the kind of agent both buyers and sellers want in their corner. That’s why many of her clients become friends.

Beckwith is so deeply rooted in the Sisters and Central Oregon community that being “networked” is just a natural outgrowth of her life.

Beckwith has been through every twist and turn of the Sisters market, and she knows how to navigate it under a variety of conditions. She notes that there are fewer houses selling in Sisters Country this spring, but the houses that do sell are going fast, and prices remain high.

She believes that success depends on working closely with your agent to know the market and to research financing options. Interest rates can have a significant impact on monthly mortgage payments, so it pays to

Deep knowledge and hard work mean success There no Place like Home in

be savvy about those financing options.

It’s not quite the seller’s market that it was a year ago, but Beckwith says that working effectively with an agent still gets the desired result.

“The most important thing is pricing it right,” she says. “If you do that, you will get multiple offers.”

With her depth of knowledge of the varied regional market, and a willingness to always go the extra mile for her clients, Khiva Beckwith is responsive and professional and has earned the trust of both buyers and sellers across Sisters Country.

The best evidence of Beckwith’s diligence and skill comes from satisfied clients.

“Words cannot express how awesome Khiva is,” one client says. “We relocated from Tacoma, Washington, and she was on it the minute we were ready to purchase a home. Khiva was extremely genuine and made a difficult purchase happen. She never quit and worked tirelessly getting myself and family to Central Oregon.”

Steel construction offers many advantages

If you’ve ever dropped off a load of bottles and cardboard at the Sisters Recycling Center, you’ve been in a building designed and manufactured by Web Steel Buildings Northwest LLC.

For over three decades, the Sandy-based company has dotted the Central Oregon landscape with their work — warehouses, barns, homes, churches, wineries, garages, and shops.

“Honestly, I don’t think there’s a use for which we haven’t designed,” said Rob Boaz of Web Steel Buildings Northwest.

Steel construction has many advantages.

“It doesn’t warp, it doesn’t twist, the bugs don’t eat it; it’s nearly 100 percent recyclable,” Boaz said.

Steel buildings are easy to maintain. However, the primary advantage of building a pre-engineered steel building 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 our buildings together.”

Multiple configurations are

quick-to-permit, fully engineered kit, ideally suited for DIY garages, workshops, RV storage, and small commercial installations.

The Vaulted Clearspan frames offer maximum overhead clearance and wide-open, column-free spaces.

“We can design for any location – high snow load and high wind speed,” Boaz said.

While function and ease of construction are paramount, many customers get creative.

“Some of them are utilitarian,” Boaz said. “Other people are really invested in making their

building look neat, look cool. And we can do that… We help the customer configure the building they want, and try to help them do it in economic ways,” Boaz said.

Boaz did not foresee the path he’s taken in his career life.

“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 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 customer calls with a project plan, they walk through a list of questions and the building is designed to be site-specific and to meet their needs. “We help the customer configure the building they want, and try to help them do it in economic ways,” Boaz said.

Some of the finest commercial structures in Sisters — the former Laird Superfood warehouses — were designed and built by Web Steel Buildings Northwest. Their work stands up to heavy use and the sometimes rugged climate of Central Oregon.

Technology helps avert drainfield disasters

It’s a moment to dread: Your drainfield is failing. You keep hoping the problems you’re seeing — and smelling — will sort themselves out, but there’s no doubt about it.

Summer is coming on and you have to get this taken care of.

What are you going to do? How much is this going to cost? Replacing it and tearing up your yard is dauntingly expensive, running into the thousands of dollars. Summer vacation looks like it’s a goner.

But you don’t have to despair. You have an option.

What if you could restore your drainfield without replacing it?

Turn to Drainfield Restoration Services, Inc. As Central Oregon’s only factorytrained Terralift operator, they can restore your drainfield for a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Drainfield Restoration blasts air into the soil, breaking up biomat and compaction, restoring the soil’s original leaching capacity. They can also jet inside lines and remove tree roots that are often the culprit in drainfield problems in Sisters Country. It’s a one-day project — and it works for years.

In business since 1995, Drainfield Restoration has saved clients thousands of dollars across the state of Oregon. For tips on restoration and care of your septic system, visit www.RestoreYourSeptic.com.

Offering quality at bargain prices

Sisters Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers an astonishing array of furniture, tools, hardware, electronics, and garden supplies — all at excellent prices, with the proceeds funding Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding program.

That’s what’s known as a win-win.

You can make big strides on your home project or your décor without breaking the bank. They sell home improvement merchandise to the public at up to 75 percent off retail prices. They also provide a source for home improvement donations by wholesalers, manufacturers, renovation specialists, demolition companies, retailers, individuals, and others.

The store offers quality items in all categories — they don’t take just anything (you can see what they take and what they don’t on the website). Pick-up and delivery services are available.

Manager Kris Powell notes that tools and electronics are vetted.

“We do test as much as possible to make sure they are in working order,” she says.

There is a seven-day return policy on electronics.

The prices are fantastic — and they’re set and not negotiable. There is a rewards program for frequent ReStore shoppers.

“We do have regular sales, too,” Powell notes.

ReStore is a fun place to work, and volunteers are always welcome.

There’s nobody in Sisters Country with more talent and experience in moving dirt than Tewalt & Sons Excavation. Whether it’s a push-out for new construction or digging out a septic system and drainfield, they’ve got the full range of excavation services covered. It pays to get them involved as early as possible in your planning process.

“We can help you out a lot if we can get there before you start making plans,” says Daryl Tewalt.

Making sure your well and your septic system are separated appropriately is critical — and it can get overlooked in the planning if somebody isn’t used to paying attention to such things.

“Just a little prior planning — that’s a big deal,” Tewalt says.

And getting your excavator involved early can help make sure that whatever you need to do on the ground allows you to maximize and preserve your views.

Tewalt & Sons now has a camera so they can visually inspect sewer lines for obstructions or damage. That allows them to do repair work without doing any more digging than necessary to get the job done. And they’re very responsive to emergency situations.

“If your sewer’s blocked up, we’ll be there,” Daryl says.

“If you are required by DEQ to have a maintenance agreement, we can do that.”

Insurance knowledge is critical to homeowners

Wildfire risk has made homeowners insurance a fraught and complicated issue in Sisters Country. Tammy Taylor of Bisnett Insurance helps her clients navigate this complex field.

“With the risk of wildfire, I want to highlight one important benefit of a homeowners policy,” Taylor said. “That benefit is Loss of Use coverage or Additional Living Expense — also referred to as Coverage D on your policy. This coverage will reimburse you for additional living expenses such as lodging, gas, and meals. This coverage can come into play if there has been a fire loss to the home and the home is uninhabitable or if you have been officially evacuated. There typically is not a deductible for this coverage; the insurance company usually pays 100 percent of these expenses.”

Taylor urges homeowners to be proactive in reducing their risk.

“One way of protecting your home from wildfire risk is to have adequate defensible space around the property,” she said. “This is the buffer you create between any building on your

Bird brings a personal touch to real estate

property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds. You need to have enough space that a fire truck can easily maneuver down your driveway.”

With regards to defensible space, the first five feet are the most important. From there, it all depends on how big your property is. It is advisable to not have any combustable materials from 30 to 100 feet out. If trees or their limbs overhang the home, you will need to remove that tree or limb them up. When you are thinking about defensible space you need to think about creating space to slow or stop the spread of wildfire either from embers, direct flame contact, or radiant heat.

Each insurance carrier will have their own methods and means of dealing with rates when it comes to wildfire. Some are more strict than others. Touch base with your current agent on an annual basis to review your current coverage, especially regarding the home and what type of replacement cost you have.

Susan Bird’s business model has always been about providing the utmost service to the people who trust her with their real estate needs. She has a wealth of local knowledge from years of experience in real estate, plus over 30 years of involvement living in Sisters and raising three children here.

Bird has the background and experience — and the institutional support — to provide the best possible position for clients in a competitive market.

“That background helps me give sellers and buyers the service they deserve,” she said.

She is quick to credit the outstanding administrative and support staff at Coldwell Banker Bain.

“We have it all — from marketing designed for today’s world, to constantly getting education and updates from top professionals in all areas that affect real estate. Plus, a tech support staff that are lifesavers,” she said.

Bird says she’s a storyteller at heart, and there are plenty of stories in real estate — all of them with a nugget of education

at the core. She chuckles when she recounts the tale of a man who resisted staging his home, only to find it sitting on the market when it should have sold. She persuaded him to let her prepare the home — and it sold in a day.

Bird brings a real personal touch to her work, which leads to her clients becoming lifelong friends. And it also brings repeat and referral business, which is the strongest indicator of success an agent can receive.

“If people are coming back to you and referring you, you’re probably doing the job right,” Bird said.

Bird says that her buyers these days are Baby Boomers, and are often families with younger children, people in their forties and fifties who are seeking a way of life full-time or for a vacation home that they can find in Sisters Country.

“They want that lifestyle,” she said.

Helping people find the way of life they dream of is deeply satisfying to Bird. As she says simply: “I love this career.”

As an insurance agency, we par tner with different carriers. These carriers offer many programs and resources to make it easy for their customers, such as wildfire defense and mobile capabilities.

My business model has alway been about providing the utmost service to the people who trust me with their real estate needs. For 20+ years I’ve been helping people sell and buy homes in Black Butte Ranch and Sisters Sisters has been home for me and my 3 children since 1990. Decades of real estate and local knowledge help me give you the service y Plus, my office administrative staff is outstanding. Our combined skills result in highly efficient and comfortable transactions for you . My favorite moments are the interactions during, and after, the selling and buying process — and hearing Sellers and Buyers reactions to, “Your offer is accepted!” and “ e deed is recorded!” Susan

We are a full-ser vice insurance agency of fering auto, home, business, life, and health.

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 in 2005 they moved to Oregon, 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

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 a ordable.

WHAT

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.