Joseph Sheets owned Sheets Construction for more than a decade before the Great Recession forced him to close. When his employer, Todd Hess, asked him to take over his construction company in 2021 so Hess could retire, Sheets hit the ground running.

He and his wife, Danielle, changed the company’s name to TH Builders Corp.; obtained their own license and insurance; took over the existing contracts, tools and equipment; and retained the Hess team.

“One thing we love the most about our work is that not one project is the same. Every project is different, so you get to learn about new clients and what they do every day,” Joseph said.

Danielle appreciates that the small ESB is like a family. “I love going to work not only because of the variety of the projects we get to work on, but also because of the people we get to work with.”

The post TH Builders Corp. appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

As a former wildland firefighter, Jarell Lambert is no stranger to hard work. He has long had an interest in how things work and how to repair them, so when people started talking to him about a career in construction he wanted to learn more.

Lambert participated in a four-year apprenticeship where he learned carpentry. With about five years of construction experience under his belt, he decided to leave the apprenticeship and start his own company last year.

“I saw how companies were run and how employees were treated. I wanted to exemplify a good atmosphere and fairness, and have some financial gain to care for the community and my family,” he said.

Sky NW Construction provides framing and finish work in residential and commercial construction, renovations and remodels as well as concrete services. As a general contractor/subcontractor, Lambert employs three people, including a co-worker from a former contractor employer.

The post Sky NW Construction appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Stanley Orr Jr. grew up in Stayton and knew from a young age that he wanted own a business in heavy civil construction. After high school, he started his career as a carpenter apprentice.

He gained five years of experience in contracting and another five years as an inspector for the city of Portland. He described the latter as “an accelerated experience in heavy civil construction work, from a different perspective, one which most contractors do not have.”

In 2021, he started Turner-based ORR Inc. with his father, Stanley E. Orr Sr., and his uncle Paul Orr, both of whom have worked in the industry since the late 1980s.

“I’m very fortunate to have such experienced and skilled partners in the two of them. Many families cannot work together, but we all work together very well,” Orr Jr. said, adding he also wanted to show appreciation to his mentor, Bill Martinak.

The post ORR Inc. appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.

Corbin Mullen has been working full time in construction since he was 17, when he started working for his dad’s small construction company. He saw firsthand both the struggles and the pride that come with building something with your own hands.

He started Salem-based Corbin Michael Construction in 2021, specializing in multifamily projects such as apartment complexes, townhomes and condominiums. The company also builds custom homes and commercial projects.

Mullen said he finds reward in starting with just a set of plans on paper and turning that vision into reality. But, for him, it’s not just about the buildings.

“It’s about the people. The relationships you form with clients, builders and the team around you, those become like family,” he said. “You spend more time with your crew than almost anyone else in your life, and that bond is something I truly value.”

The post Corbin Michael Construction appeared first on Daily Journal of Commerce.