Your Home, Our PROfessionals

Your Resource for  Remodeling Professionals

As we look forward to spring and early summer and the remodeling “season” kicks into high gear, homeowners all over the Portland Metro area are searching for a resource for professional contractors and service providers.  At the PRO, we are that resource.

The  Professional Remodelers Organization of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (PRO) consists of the area’s top remodelers, subcontractors, and suppliers who work together to promote quality and professionalism in the home remodeling industry. In the past 13 years, the organization has grown to 220 members and currently is the third largest in the United States.

“Our members take pride in their craft, have years of experience in the field and are knowledgeable about the newest and most innovative products on the market,” said Mitch Stanley, former Professional Remodelers Organization chairman. “One of the big reasons our group continues growing fast is that we are committed to ethical business conduct and we encourage our membership to invest in training and education.”

The National Home Builders Association estimates that Americans will spend $145 billion in home remodeling in 2013. Remodeling accounts for 2 percent of the US economy and 40 percent of all residential construction.

Each spring, the Professional Remodelers Organization produces the Tour of Remodeled Homes, which showcases the top remodeling projects in the area. They also are active participants in the Home Builder Association’s Spring and Fall Home and Garden Shows, and PRO members are involved in several fundraising events throughout the year to support local charities. In the last several years years, the group has raised thousands of dollars for the Home Builders Foundation, which creates shelter opportunities for the disadvantaged or transitional homeless and provides educational opportunities for future generations of industry professionals.  The PRO also won a national CADRE Award for their participation in the  complete remodel and upgrade of the Cordero House.

The organization has been recognized nationally for its energy, commitment to the industry, dedication to the community and government affairs efforts. To date, the Organization has won 12 prestigious  Council Awards for Demonstrating Remodeling Excellence (CADRE) the highest national honor any organization can receive. Category wins include Outstanding Community Service Project, Outstanding Member Services and Education and Outstanding Public Relations and Promotion Program. The PRO was also recognized nationally  with and Association Excellence Award (AEA) for their volunteer project building the Santa House at Bridgeport Village Shopping Center for the 2011-2013 holiday seasons.

To find out more about the professional members of the PRO, search our online directory and look for the PRO logo!

2011 Tour of Remodeled Homes Participants Announced

For over ten years, thousands of homeowners have taken the Tour of Remodeled Homes to find a remodeling company, get great ideas and begin the journey of remodeling their own home. The Northwest’s finest remodeled home tour, The Tour of Remodeled Homes, returns this March 12-13, 2011 with newly remodeled homes to explore in the Portland metro area and beyond.

Sixteen Remodelers will be participating in the 2011 Tour:

• Arciform
• Cascade Restoration & Remodeling
• COOPER Designbuilders, Inc.
• Fouch Building & Remodeling
• Leitner Construction Inc.
• Master Plan Remodeling- Design/Build
• Metke Remodeling and Woodworking  Inc.
• Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling
• Olsen Homes & Renovation, LLC
• Portland Remodel
• Rio Renovation
• SLS Remodel and Additions
• Stanley Renovation & Design, Inc.
• T.H.E. Remodel Group

Thank you to our sponsors CFM, PARR Lumber and The Fixture Gallery for supporting the 2011 Tour.

Tualatin Contractor Named Remodeler of the Year

From The Tigard/Tualatin Times, by Nick Petersen

Remodeler of the Year: Steve Stolze, SLS Remodeling

Tualatin contractor Steve Stolze has been named Remodeler of the Year by the Professional Remodelers Association arm of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland. Stolze is the owner and president of SLS Remodel and Additions.

“We are so excited to be awarding Steve Stolze the Remodeler of the Year award,” said Hallie Gentry, manager of the Professional Remodelers Organization of Metro Portland. “Steve was chosen for the award based on his leadership, support of the industry and community involvement.”

As a member of the Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) of Metro Portland, Stolze is active on the Tour of Remodeled Homes Committee and PRO Exec Committee. He served as chairman of the 10th annual Tour of Remodeled Homes and co-chairman of the 2010 Paint a Better Tomorrow Project on behalf of the Professional Remodel Association and is active on steering and executive committees in the HBA.

He has also served his community in various capacities, including as mayor of Tualatin from 1988 to 1994, Portland Metro Boundary Commission from 1995 until it was decommissioned in 1997 and as chairman of committee to rewrite the Metro charter in 1992.

“He is an effortless leader who is never afraid to take on a challenge,” Gentry added. “He has the ability to engage fellow members, and his enthusiasm never ends.”

Stolze said it was “quite an honor” to receive the award.

“My initial reaction was that I was totally humbled,” Stolze said. “And I was surprised – I had no idea that award was even out there. In general, it just felt really good. After 30 years, it’s kind of nice to be recognized by your industry.”

Stolze has been involved with the HBA since 1983, when he started his business.

“Originally, we started as a home builder. Then about 15 years ago it became very clear that the economy was not going to withstand what people were doing, so I decided it was a good time to start remodeling and not working on bank financing,” Stolze said. “We do everything from a full house remodel on down. We have become very proficient in kitchens and bathrooms, but we do all types, including additions. There’s nothing we won’t do.”

Even with the economic downturn, said Stolze, business has been good for him the last couple of years.

“Quite honestly, because of our longevity – and the majority of our work comes from referrals of past customers – we have stayed steadily busy,” Stolze said. “And my particular future looks very bright for the next year.”

Stolze was given the Remodeler of the Year award at the Remodeling Excellence Awards Banquet on May 22 at the Portland Waterfront Marriott.

Remodeling Industry Celebrates Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony

The Professional Remodelers Organization of Metropolitan Portland is pleased to announce the 2009 Remodeling Excellence Award winners. Sponsored by Contract Furnishing Mart/Ansonylon, the Remodeling Excellence Awards recognize outstanding work throughout the remodeling industry.

“It is important that we take some time each year to applaud the individuals and companies who lead our industry though their efforts,” said Steve Frazier of Contract Furnishings Mart. “We were proud to have so many difficult decisions to make while judging submissions. The Portland area’s remodeling industry is home to some amazing talent and some outstanding professionals.”

Kitchen Remodel $100,000 and above: Cascade Restoration & Remodeling

Whole House Remodel under $250,000 : Stanley Home Renovation & Design

Remodeling Excellence Awards
Bathroom Remodel $50,000 and above : Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling
Kitchen Remodel under $100,000 : Craftsman Design and Renovation
Kitchen Remodel $100,000 and above: Cascade Restoration & Remodeling
Open Category : Craftsman Design and Renovation
Exterior/Outdoor Living/Deck Remodel : Champion of Portland
Whole House Remodel under $250,000 : Stanley Home Renovation & Design
Whole House Remodel $250,000-$375,000 : Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling
Whole House Remodel $375,000-$500,000 : Metke Remodeling & Woodworking

Residential Kitchen Design : Z-3 Design Studio, Inc.

Design REX Awards
Residential Bath Design : Paolo Design Group
Residential Kitchen Design : Z-3 Design Studio, Inc.
Residential Whole House Design : Paolo Design Group

Thank you Surplus Sale Volunteers!

The annual Builders Surplus Sale, produced by the Professional Remodelers Organization of the Home Builders Association took place September 10-13 at the Portland Fall Home & Garden Show.

We would like to thank the numerous companies who donated products so that we could achieve our goals:

Angela Todd Designs
Cooper Mountain Custom Homes
Craftsman Homes Group LLC
JB Construction
Legend Homes
Medallion Industries Inc.
Milgard Windows
NW Renovations & Design
Paragon Tile & Stone
Progressive Builders Northwest
Reierson Construction
Rental Housing Maintenance Services, Inc.
Room By Room
Stanley Home Renovation & Design
T.H.E. Remodel Group
Timberland Homes
United Tile
WILLCO Painting & Construction
Z-3 Design Studio Inc.

A special thank you also goes out to the volunteers who donated their time to make the sale a huge success, especially chair Jim Bruce of JB Construction. Thank you to all of our volunteers:

Jim Bruce, JB Construction
Jim Feild, Progressive Builders Northwest
Jim Fisher
Darin Moore, Fisher Roofing
Roy Parker, Fisher Roofing
Steve Sanow, Integrity Homes, Inc.
Aaron Sawyer, ServPro

Thank You PRO Parking Lot Volunteers!

Thank you so much to all those who volunteered at the 2009 Street of Dreams PRO Parking Lot! With your help we were able to reach our fundraising goal.

Jim Bruce, JB Construction
Louise Farrar-Wegener, Z-3 Design Studio
Kathy Fuller, Fuller Spaces
Steve Klingerman, T.H.E. Remodel Group
Bryce Linton, Yalecrest Renovations
Glenda McAdam, Standard TV & Appliance
Ken Millard, Aries Engineering
Josh Polvogt, Artistic Cabinet Creations
Steve Pruitt, Cascade Restoration & Remodeling
Steve Sanow, Integrity Homes Inc.
Steve Stolze, SLS Custom Homes
Lee Zajic, N.W. Renovations & Design

Singing the praises of unsung heroes: Tough economic climate fails to deter progress on major Home Builders Foundation project

By: Luke Morley, HBF Board Member

The Foundation’s Cordero House remodel, which breaks ground in just a few weeks, is a daunting challenge. Cordero House is a community based treatment program providing a safe haven for teenage boys. The original objective was to simply increase the number of beds at Cordero House, as the highly successful program had been forced to turn away applicants due to a lack of capacity.

But the tired, old 6,500 square foot structure was also in dire need of major repair, a fact that was not lost on builder captains Jim Feild of Progressive Builders Northwest and Mike Arnett of Lifestyle Homes. Feild and Arnett deduced that a $900,000 remodel of the facility would be required to convert this “facility” into a real “home.”

Feild feels that “donor creativity” has made the difference in an otherwise stingy environment for contributions of expertise and materials. “Individuals and companies have risen to the occasion to show their support for the project. While the donation may not be what was originally intended, they are still on board with co-op opportunities. The Foundation and its partners are looking for other ways to help, including helping write a grant that got the Cordero House $12,000 worth of kitchen appliances from the USDA. Thinking “out of the box” ensures the success of all us and allows us to fulfill our promises during these times.”

As Mike Arnett so aptly stated, “It may not be as easy to maintain our individual donations and commitments in these unprecedented times, but for those in our industry who are able to stay the course, there’s a house full of kids eagerly waiting the fruits of our giving, whose counseling and treatment will be enhanced and expanded exponentially. That’s our ultimate goal…helping these individuals move on with their lives, enabling them to make a positive difference in the world at large.”

Never having been known to “mince” words, Feild concludes, “Making the Cordero House a part of what I do this year is still a priority regardless of the adversity surrounding us. We all are busy. My experience with busy people is that busy people get things done. So let’s get this done!

Major HBF Contributors:
Alarm Access Control Technologies
Blazer Development
Central Air
Farnsworth Building
Design and Planning
Gary’s Vacuflow
George Morland Plumbing
Globe Lighting
JB Insulation
Jim Fisher Roofing
Lakeside Lumber
Lamps Plus
Lifestyle Homes
Medallion Industries
Milgard Windows
Miller Paint
ProBuild
Progressive Builders NW
Red’s Electric
Sherwin-Williams
Sports Court of Oregon
Terry Voss Framing
The Carpet Place
United Tile
Westland Industries, Inc.

20 Questions With Angela Todd

Angela Todd’s vibrant red hair, impeccable taste in clothing, Midwestern drawl and perky personality make her as unique and memorable as the rooms she styles.

This professional designer has deep roots in all things artistic and has a passion for life and beautiful spaces. Consequently, in 2006 she started Angela Todd Designs, a full-service design firm dedicated to incorporating clients’ personal style and treasures into their spaces.

While relatively new to the HBA, Todd’s made the most of her year with the association by joining the Professional Remodelers Organization, PRO Marketing Committee, PRO Steering Committee and the Communications Committee and helping out at the Ultimate Open House by staging and styling homes with the Interior Design Society of Portland, where she serves as Vice President Elect. She’s a consistent fixture at HBA events and is quick to flash a smile, tell a joke and leave you feeling more upbeat about the world in no time flat, making her a welcome addition to any group she joins.

A regular contributor on KXL’s Around the House with Handyman Bob during her segment, “The Design Angle,” Angela is also a regular blogger on her site and guest blogger for the Interior Design Society of Portland, Home Gain, and The Society of Decorating Professionals.

In her free time, Todd enjoys weekends in wine country and on Oregon coast, spending time on the water and in her garden, and relaxing with those she loves. Her pride and joy are her two darling dogs, a golden retriever named Kashmir and a sheltie named Sadie Sue.

Business Basics

Education: I got my bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota and then attended a private design school.

How’d You Get Started: I started my career in marketing and sales. It was a great foundation for running a successful business. When I stopped liking what I did for a living, I knew it was time to follow my dream of designing interiors.

Secrets to Success: As a designer, I listen first and then speak. As a business partner, I work to connect people and share opportunities.

Measuring Success: I measure success by my personal happiness.  To me, being happy is the secret to success in all of life.

Business Mentors or Heroes: I love my mentors – so many have influenced me! My father is a great entrepreneur and taught me the value of building strong relationships with people and business partners. I also have great respect for successful business women like Brandy Marsh from Area Floors who is a great partner and coach for me.  Additionally, I have learned tons from the remodelers and builders I work with, including Mitch and Arlene Stanley from Stanley Home Renovation and Design.

Making the Call

Business Decision You’re Most Proud Of: Giving up my “golden handcuffs” and finding the courage to go back to school and start my own design business.

One You’d Like to Have Back:  When I first started my business, I spent most of my time in leads groups. After about a year of weekly meetings and passing many referrals, I realized nothing was back coming to me. After that I started focusing my networking to homogeneous groups like the HBA. It has made a huge difference in growing my business.

Principals I Use For Big Decisions: Do what feels right.  Be honest and direct when you need to but always with kindness. And I always talk through big decisions with mentors. They keep me grounded and focused.

The Best Business Advice You’ve Received:  Do what you are most passionate about and the money will follow.

Where I’ve Been, Where I am Going

What I Learned From My First Job: I worked for my Dad and knew I had a burning desire to grow and run my own business someday. Dad said, “There are three kinds of people in life. Those who make things happen, those who let things happen, and those that wonder what happened. Decide who you are Angela.”

First “Career” Job: I worked in marketing and branding at a hearing health care start up.  It relocated me to Portland.

As a Kid, I Wanted to Be: A designer, a business owner, a writer or a professional singer.  I am fortunate to have done all four.

If I Weren’t Doing This, I’d Be: Living a life I didn’t intend.

Insider Information

People Would Be Surprised to Know:  I was a lead singer for a wedding and event band in Portland for eight years.

If I Could Work For Free For Any Cause/Charity, It Would Be: I would create special spaces for children and families who are dealing with tough times, poverty or illness.

Famous Words I wished I’d Said:  “If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” – Zig Ziglar

I Need More Time on Weekends For: Hiking, boating, spending time with family and friends and taking the occasional afternoon nap.

2008 Remodeling Excellence Awards

The Remodelers Council of Metropolitan Portland is pleased to announce the 2008 Remodeling Excellence Award winners. Sponsored by Contract Furnishing Mart/ Stainmaster Carpets, the Remodeling Excellence Awards recognize outstanding work throughout the remodeling industry.

“It is important that we take some time each year to applaud the individuals and companies who lead our industry though their efforts,” said Steve Frazier of Contract Furnishings Mart. “We were proud to have so many difficult decisions to make while judging submissions. The Portland area’s remodeling industry is home to some amazing talent and some outstanding professionals.”

Remodeler of the Year: Scott Gregor, President of Master Plan Remodeling  With 36 years experience, Scott Gregor has assembled a team of experts that consistently create award-winning remodels for Portland/Vancouver homeowners. Master Plan provides complete in-house design services and Wood-Mode Cabinetry.

Ten years ago, Scott joined other remodeling industry leaders like Tom Kelly, Lee Zajic, Lora Creswick and David Ewing to help found the HBA Remodelers Council.  Through the years the Remodelers Council has continued to grow and is now the third largest Remodelers Council in the United States.  While his involvement started ten years ago, he is still very active today.  In 2008, Scott served on the RC Steering Committee and the RC Programs subcommittee.  He served as Chair for the 2008 Tour of Remodeled Homes and also was one of the Tour participants.   He also served as one of the judges last year for the Remodeling Awards program with the Twin Cities HBA – part of a partnership we have to help elevate the awards program of our HBA.

Scott cares passionately about his work, his family, his integrity and his customers.  He brings that passion to his leadership in the RC.  As the old saying goes, iron sharpens iron, and Scott brings his high standards and drive to help push the RC and the HBA to excel. 

Trade Contractor of the Year: Quadrant Systems  Quadrant Systems has been in business for twenty years and its owner, Gary Nedelisky, is a long-time supporter of our industry and the HBA.  Quadrant has been an HBA member for over eight years and is also an active member of the Remodelers Council.  The company has supported builders in the Street of Dreams for over 15 years and has also contributed auction items to the Home Builders Foundation.  Last year, Joe Ness and Curt Nelson, both active in the HBA in a variety of areas, served as the Chair and Vice-Chair of our Membership Council, providing strong leadership in a very tough year. 

Other Excellence Award Winners:

Whole House Remodel Under $250,000   
Highland Ridge Custom Home Remodeling

Whole House Remodel $250,000-$499,999 
Cascade Restoration & Remodeling

Whole House Remodel $500,000-$999,999 
BC Custom Homes Corp.

Whole House Remodel over $1,000,000
Metke Remodeling and Woodworking

Kitchen Remodel Under $100,000  
Craftsman Design & Renovation

Kitchen Remodel $100,000 and above 
Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling

Bathroom Remodel under $50,000  
Metke Remodeling and Woodworking

Bathroom Remodel $50,000 and above 
Yalecrest Homes

Master Suite Remodel    
Cascade Restoration & Remodeling

Exterior/ Outdoor Living/ Deck Remodel 
Metke Remodeling and Woodworking

Open Category    
Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling

Interior Design and Project Designers

Residential Bath Design   
Fuller Spaces

Residential Kitchen Design   
Paolo Design Group

Residential Whole House Design 
Z-3 Design Studio Inc.

Tom Kelly Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award

Members of the Home Builders Association and Remodelers Council of Metropoltian Portland gathered yesterday to award Tom Kelly of Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling the prestigious Building Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tom Kelly’s influence on housing, the remodeling industry, and communities and people in general is amazing.  In 1980, he took over the operations of a successful remodeling company founded by his dad, who was also a legendary remodeling and housing pioneer in our region.  He’s built that into one of the most well-known and successful remodeling businesses, not just in Portland, or even Oregon, but in the entire Country.

While the number of accomplishments, awards and recognition Tom has received would fill pages, there are a few areas that stand out as reasons why he is so deserving of this award from our industry.

He has certainly been an active and involved member of the HBA.  He has served on the HBA Board of Directors, as an HBA Officer, and was HBA President in 1996 – the first remodeler to hold that position.  His company has participated in many of our Tour of Remodeled Homes, has been supportive of HBA events and activities, and has numerous employees and staff serve on HBA committees, councils and Task Forces.
 
Tom’s also not shy about taking action, especially if he thinks there needs to be a better vehicle built for working on industry issues.  He was one of the founders of HBA’s Remodelers Council – making sure the Home Builders Association had a strong venue for promoting, representing and advancing this fast growing segment of the construction industry.  He also is a founder of the Oregon Business Association, which started just a few years ago when Tom and other business leaders felt a different approach was needed to represent business at the legislative level.  OBA now has over 300 of Oregon’s top businesses as members.

He was green before green had a color.  His company has done more to innovate and adopt green building practices and the use of sustainable building materials than probably any in our region.  In 1997, his firm embraced the principles of the Natural Step – a way of approaching business that reduces environmental impact and increases efficiency.  In 2006, he built a net zero energy home, which actually produces more energy than it uses.  It was awarded the first LEED for home silver certification in the west coast.

Tom doesn’t rest on his laurels, nor is he afraid of making change.  He took what was already a successful local remodeling company and has expanded it to help diversify its business.  The company now also has a home repair division, a custom home division, a home performance division and an environmentally friendly cabinet company.

But no review of Tom’s accomplishments and contributions, no matter how succinct, would be complete without mentioning his heart for Oregon’s communities and others less fortunate.  Tom’s support and involvement goes to a wide variety of educational, environmental, and social service organizations including groups such as the Portland Children’s Museum, Volunteers of America, Providence Medical Foundation, the Oregon Solutions Project, Children’s Cancer Association, Columbia Riverkeeper, EarthShare and the Albina Rotary Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund.  And he’s continued his company’s 30 year active participation in Loaves and Fishes / Meals on Wheels, serving on the Board and chairing its fundraising committee.  For ultimately, Tom combines a strong spirit of pioneering and progress built on the respect for the legacy his father established.