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Jay Hansen recalls seeing stress and anguish on his father鈥檚 face during economic downturns and when facing other challenges of running a company before he joined the family business in 1984. When he became a third-generation leader of C.J. Hansen Company in 2010, he took steps to help it better navigate such difficult times.

鈥淲e have a very strong and sound service department and one thing I have done is fostered, developed and built out our existing service department,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat allows us to weather the ebbs and flows of market economics.鈥�

C.J. Hansen Company was founded by CJ and Ruth Hansen in 1948 and quickly grew into a full-service commercial and residential mechanical construction company. Jay Hansen carries on that success and describes his leadership philosophy as one based on stoicism.

鈥淚 try my best to shield our team from the fluff and foam that is not important, and to empower them to be able to focus on what is mission critical,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 try to create an environment where my people are enabled to succeed.鈥�

As Harder Mechanical Contractors celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014, Dustin Harder transitioned to president and became the firm鈥檚 fifth generation of leadership. He continues the legacy his great-great-grandfather, James Michael Harder, began when he started the Portland-based company in 1934.

Harder Mechanical Contractors specializes in process piping fabrication and installation, equipment installation, commercial HVAC piping and plumbing, instrumentation and controls, civil and poured-in-place concrete work, and structural steel erection services.

Under Harder鈥檚 leadership, the company has gained recognition for its outstanding commitment to workplace safety. In 2023, Harder Mechanical Contractors was named the safest mechanical contractor in the U.S.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited about what we鈥檝e accomplished as a company,鈥� Harder said. 鈥淭he previous generations would be proud.鈥�

In 2016, Harder Mechanical Contractors received a Teddy Award from Risk & Insurance magazine, which honors companies and public entities that have exceptional safety, workers鈥� compensation and disability management programs. The award is named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1908 introduced and promoted the first piece of important workers鈥� compensation legislation in the United States.

While beginning her career as a union electrician, Isis Harris dedicated herself to diversifying the construction industry by introducing other women and BIPOC community members to job opportunities in the trades.

Harris also is an entrepreneur who launched her business, 3v3ryday Grind, in 2021. The company produces brightly colored gear designed for high visibility for on-the-job safety and embraces 鈥渂lending out.鈥�

It is a personal venture for Harris who, as a Black woman, stands out on jobsites. The 3s in her company鈥檚 name honor her three sons, and she said the brand 鈥渆mbodies not only how I grind, but who I grind for daily.鈥� Revenue from 3v3ryday Grind is supporting her goal of starting her own electrical contracting business.

Harris teaches pre-trades and apprenticeship at Columbia River Correctional Institution, and is a board member for Oregon Tradeswomen and Pathfinders Network. She also is a member of the Prosper Portland Action Leadership Committee, Diane Wade Advisory Council, International Brotherhood of International Workers and National Association of Minority Contractors Oregon chapter.

Around a year ago, Jon Hay was promoted to vice president and general manager of Oregon for MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions. Credited for his ability to develop a strong vision and execute winning strategies, Hay has guided the company to 225 percent growth in Oregon since joining the team in 2021.

Hay brought a wealth of leadership experience from his previous role in the Oregon aviation industry. He rose from aircraft mechanic to general manager of Hillsboro Aviation. He also served as president of Hillsboro Aero Academy.

He has an extensive background in business and management, and strong business acumen for developing teams and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. He has been instrumental in building a cohesive and high-performing unit committed to excellence. Hay鈥檚 customer-first approach continues to strengthen MacDonald-Miller鈥檚 relationships, ensuring the company remains the trusted partner its clients rely on.

Hay also has brought expertise in logistics and operations to MacDonald-Miller, which is bringing its design-build solutions to both new construction projects and existing buildings in the Portland and Eugene/Springfield markets.

Narelle Hooker purchased Eugene-based McKenzie Stone & Tile from her father and stepped into leadership during the challenging post-2008 recession period. With limited equipment and no formal systems in place, she led a full-scale modernization effort.

Hooker鈥檚 son, Nick, serves as the company鈥檚 vice president and her husband, Randy, is lead salesperson. Their leadership philosophy is rooted in fairness, integrity and empowerment. They lead by example, place people in roles where they can thrive, provide autonomy balanced with support, and create space for honest communication and shared problem-solving.

What drives them all is the impact their business has on the lives of their employees and their families. As McKenzie Stone & Tile continues to grow, they remain committed to coaching, mentoring and celebrating the next generation within their workforce.

Narelle Hooker is a member of Lane Leaders of Lane County and a partner in All Slab Fabbers. She has helped host multiple workshops across the country each year, bringing together fabricators, sharing innovations and strengthening the industry. McKenzie Stone & Tile is a longtime member of the Natural Stone Institute.

Nick Hooker started working for his family鈥檚 business, McKenzie Stone & Tile, in January 2019. He became the third generation of leadership in the Eugene company owned by his mother, Narelle Hooker. Together, they have transformed it from a modest, process-limited shop into a state-of-the-art fabrication business capable of competing at the highest levels.

When Hooker began his career in his early 20s, he was the facilities and warehouse manager. In this role, he ensured that fabricators consistently had the materials, tools and support they needed to do their jobs effectively.

Hooker was instrumental in the installation of McKenzie Stone & Tile鈥檚 new, large equipment upgrades. From there he moved into the office and started receiving training in how to read commercial blueprints, estimate project costs and lead the company鈥檚 marketing efforts.

Over time, his natural leadership abilities, strong operational insight and commitment to continuous improvement positioned him to step into the role of vice president. Today, Hooker helps oversee operations, support staff development, and contribute to the company鈥檚 high standards of quality and efficiency.