ABOUT BEN
My path in the trades started with growing up on 40 acres in the woods in rural southern Oregon. My parents and many of our friends built their own homes by hand, worked the land, and lived a largely self-reliant lifestyle. While I was too young at that time to actively help with building, I was often the "go-fer" or helper, and I was exposed to skilled and hardworking builders. The first house that my parents built was a beautiful, though simple, two-story cabin called "Hill House," located on a mountainside. It was built without power tools (other than a chain saw)! The logs for the frame were harvested from our land, skinned with draw knives, and notched with hand tools. Although my style of working now relies heavily on modern power tools and technology, Hill House is still one of my favorite structures. And for me, it's a good reminder that all the fancy tools in the world are no substitute for hard work, knowledge, and skill.
As a young adult, I pursued my passions for climbing, back-country skiing, photography, travel, and adventure. After mountain guiding, ski instructing, marrying my dream girl, and other worthy pursuits, I returned to the trades as a way to help pay my way through college. I've essentially worked in the trades ever since, in a variety of capacities. I worked as a licensed contractor with my own small company in Portland, Oregon, have served as Project Manager for a design-build firm, and currently own my own construction and general contracting business here in Durango, CO. I specialize mainly in custom residential and light commercial carpentry, project management, and general contracting.
My greatest satisfaction in my work comes from seeing a job completed to as high a standard as possible. I believe strongly in taking the time to do something right the first time. Often, the realization of that goal stems as much from good planning and communication as it does from skill with the tools and materials. Coordination amongst the various trades, understanding the needs and priorities of the client, anticipation of potential problems, and good decision-making are as vital to the finished product as sound building practices. In my experience, respect and consideration go a long way toward fostering teamwork, and bringing out the best in people and in their work.
