TEAM
Meet the Crew
We are successful because of our employees. Since day one, we’ve hired passionate, honest, well-rounded people.
JESSE ROWDEN
COO/Partner
Hometown: Shady Cove, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Fly fishing, music, work, family (not in that order), and exploring spirituality.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: I enjoy offering a service to the community I am passionate about. I also love the human development aspect of growing an amazing team.
Proudest Accomplishment: Watching my two beautiful children grow into delightful, loving young humans.
Most Sentimental Possession: My mind—without it, I am nothing. My dearest and closest family and friends—without them, I am alone. It is hard to find sentiment in material items.
Favorite Quote: “When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor present use alone” – John Ruskin
CHARLEY ROBERTS
CFO/Partner
Hometown: Texas
Interests/Hobbies: Reading, book collecting, oil painting, and cooking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Growing a team that enjoys working together. Finding creative ways to do things differently—and better—in the construction field.
Proudest Accomplishment: Marrying my wife.
Most Sentimental Possession: Hand-made gifts from my kids and some of my rare books.
Favorite Quote: "You must force yourself to consider opposing arguments. Especially when they challenge your best-loved ideas." — Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway
MELISSA JO ROWDEN
Controller
Hometown: Bend, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Oil painting, poetry, Peloton, backpacking, camping, Broadway, live music, Phish concerts, travel, reading, and spirituality.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The camaraderie of the SJC team and the support given.
Proudest Accomplishment: Choosing to create a life for myself by letting go of past expectations and bravely moving forward with the life I want.
Most Sentimental Possession: My grandmother's Kleenexes with her lipstick blots. I have it in a shadow box with her handwritten note to me.
Favorite Quote: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — R.W. Emerson
ANGEL ROMERO
Bookkeeper
Hometown: Terrebonne, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Spending time with family, 3D printing, and riding motorcycles.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Interacting with all the jobs and everything that goes into them, and our culture as a community.
Proudest Accomplishment: Becoming an uncle to three amazing nieces.
Most Sentimental Possession: A watch gifted to me from my mom when I was 15.
Favorite Quote: "Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
RACHEL KUYKENDALL
HR Manager
Hometown: Portland, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Romantasy novels, mindlessly playing Skyrim for hours on end, and completing the NYT Mini Crossword in under 30 seconds (nearly) every day.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Being able to solve complex issues with creative thinking and contributing to the success of a company.
Proudest Accomplishment: Graduating from the University of Portland and marrying my best friend.
Most Sentimental Possession: A painting done by my grandmother and my engagement ring. Also, my cat Jade.
Favorite Quote: “What if we go on,” he said, “only to more pain and despair? What if we go on, only to find a horrible end waiting for us?” Aelin looked northward, as if she could see all the way to Terrasen. “Then it is not the end.”
RYAN ROBERTS
Marketing Dept. — Director
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Interests/Hobbies: Writing and reading children's books, marble hunting, hiking, and kayaking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: I genuinely like and respect everyone that works here.
Proudest Accomplishment: I rode a bull for 1.8 seconds.
Most Sentimental Possession: A drawing my daughter made of our dog who is no longer with us.
Favorite Quote: "Isn't it pretty to think so?" — last line of The Sun Also Rises
NGAN LE
Marketing Dept. — Brand Manager
Hometown: A-town, Oklahoma
Interests/Hobbies: Being in the backcountry - away from the masses, and spending time with my partner and pooch.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Inspiring people to be their best and implementing a grassroots culture of involvement.
Proudest Accomplishment: Becoming a father and teaching myself to play stringed instruments.
Most Sentimental Possession: My grandfather’s ivory Buddha.
Favorite Quote: "There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars" -J. Kerouac
MINDY MIRANDA
Marketing Dept. — Disaster Restoration Manager
Hometown: Prineville, OR.
Interests/Hobbies: Spending time with my most incredible family and dog, music, shopping, fashion, antiques, travel, plants, gardening, lake days, museums, ART, watching baking shows, and doing a good puzzle!
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Hands down, it's the amazing people and the spirit of the company. There's a level of kindness and community at Sierra James that is unmatched!
Proudest Accomplishment: Graduating college magna cum laude at age 38 while working full-time and having a toddler at home. I'm still catching up on my sleep, but it was worth it!
Most Sentimental Possession: A stack of coloring books from my childhood that sat in the same cupboard at my grandparents' house for 40 years. The pages all smell like I remember their home smelling when I was a kid and it makes me so happy!
Favorite Quote: "Let the children lose it. Let the children use it. Let all the children boogie." -D. Bowie
IAN BURGESS
Design-Build Dept. — Licensed Architect
Hometown: Billings, MT
Interests/Hobbies: Surfing, snowboarding, fly-fishing, backpacking, and working on my van so that I can get outside and do all the above.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The culture and diversity of work.
Proudest Accomplishment: Riding a motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina through 16 countries.
Most Sentimental Possession: My drift boat that's been in my family for over 30 years
Favorite Quote: "Less is More" -— Mies van der Rohe
CHARLIE FORD
Design-Build Dept. — Pre Construction Manager
Hometown: Tualatin, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Gardening, biking, skiing, camping, hiking, and fishing.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The culture and vibe - most days it doesn't even feel like a job.
Proudest Accomplishment: Marrying my wife and having our first child.
Most Sentimental Possession: My wedding ring: it was also my grandfather's wedding ring.
Favorite Quote: "The time is always right to do the right thing." Martin Luther King Jr.
JASON SMITH
Design-Build Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Salem, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Any and all sorts of “fun-having” in the great outdoors.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The genuine family dynamic we cultivate here.
Proudest Accomplishment: Having and guiding two incredible little boys.
Most Sentimental Possession: A photo of my father and grandfather.
Favorite Quote: “Do everything in moderation, even moderation.” — Confucius
ED RAMSEY
Design-Build Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Soquel, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Skiing (Alpine & Cross Country), mountain biking, hiking, and spending time with the family.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Each unique project offers new challenges to solve.
Proudest Accomplishment: My daughter and my wife who has put up with me for 27 years of marriage.
Most Sentimental Possession: My grandfather's gold pocket watch and my dad's '65 Mustang.
Favorite Quote: "Do it now, sometimes later becomes never" -Tiny Buddha
COLLIN GREEN
Design-Build Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Interests/Hobbies: Kiteboarding, climbing, playing piano (jazz and funk), and cooking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: I love the family feel. I didn't realize how important company culture was to me until I worked here.
Proudest Accomplishment: Completing the Tchoupitoulas Challenge: 4.5 lbs. of ice cream consisting of eight scoops and eight toppings!
Most Sentimental Possession: My piano
Favorite Libation: Mezcal Negroni
MICHAEL BRYDGES
Design-Build Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Shoreline, WA
Interests/Hobbies: Cross-country skiing, basketball, and crossword puzzles.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: I get to solve a new problem every day.
Proudest Accomplishment: Only one cavity ever!
Most Sentimental Possession: My 1984 Schwinn Worldsport. I bought it for $100 about 10 years ago and I've put thousands of miles on it, including a ride from Bend to Phoenix via the coast.
Favorite Libation: La Croix, on the rocks.
SEAN COETZEE
Design-Build Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Interests/Hobbies: Seeing people break free from addiction. Also, camping and floating.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Being part of a team that cares about what they do.
Proudest Accomplishment: First place at World's Powerlifting competition.
Most Sentimental Possession: I dont have sentimental possessions, but sentimental memories abound.
Favorite Quote: “They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can't get away from us now! - Lewis B. Puller
LAUREL GULLIFORD
Design-Build Dept. — Project Coordinator
Hometown: Decorah, IA
Interests/Hobbies: Traveling with my husband and volunteering with Think Wild
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Hearing everyone's self-banter around the office, it's very funny and strangely comforting.
Proudest Accomplishment: Learning to be a coach. It was born out of personal curiosity and turned into something much bigger but was my first chance to give back.
Most Sentimental Possession: A bamboo pyramid-shaped clock given to me by my friend, Dow. It wakes me up slowly and very zen-like. His mantra was "slow your roll.”
Favorite Quote: “Why do something right when you can do it yourself. Joking!”
BRAD LESHER
Design-Build Dept. — Project Coordinator
Hometown: Westfield, IN
Interests/Hobbies: Sports enthusiast—I'll watch just about any sport, but I'd rather play it.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The support —everyone is willing to help out one another.
Proudest Accomplishment: I'm the only one in my family to graduate from college.
Most Sentimental Possession: My grandfather's necklace that was passed down to me.
Favorite Quote: "The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem." — Jack Sparrow
TRACEY JOSLIN
Design-Build Dept. — Project Coordinator
Hometown: Buckeye, AZ
Interests/Hobbies: Bungee diving off 200' bridges, cave diving with sharks and 100 year old turtles in Maui, and hanging on the beach at my casa in Puerto Penasco.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: I love working in a cool atmosphere with some of the sharpest and most creative minds in Central Oregon.
Proudest Accomplishment: Beating cancer as a Life Warrior and becoming a cancer advocate and mentor to others.
Most Sentimental Possession: A black and white photograph of my father's family with eighteen kids. My grandma still had a waist!
Favorite Quote: "We must use time as a tool, not as a couch." - JFK
COLIN CRONIN
Design-Build Dept. — Pre Construction Project Coordinator
Hometown: Napa, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Camping, off-roading, gardening, cooking, traveling, and trail running.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Company culture and contributing to the local economy.
Proudest Accomplishment: Backpacking around the world for a year.
Most Sentimental Possession: Pocket watch that has been handed down from my great-great grandfather.
Favorite Quote: "If you will it, it is no dream." - Theodor Herzl
RICK GULLIFORD
Design-Build Dept. — Superintendent
Hometown: Traverse City, MI
Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, travel, making stuff...a lot of stuff.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The culture and friendly people.
Proudest Accomplishment: Being in the Antarctic Circle on the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, and 6 months later being in the Arctic Circle on the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.
Most Sentimental Possession: All of my dad's stuff, A.K.A. my shop. Also, my dog and my wife.
Favorite Libation: Pearl IPA
FRANK DREJKA
Repairs Dept. — Large Loss Estimator/Sr. Project Manager
Hometown: New Castle, DE
Interests/Hobbies: Enjoying life with my amazing wife, Amanda.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: A true family environment that exemplifies a genuine concern for our client's disaster restoration or construction needs to make them feel like an extended family member and not just another number.
Proudest Accomplishment: Serving & supporting this country as a veteran of the United States Army.
Most Sentimental Possession: My grandfather's shadow box with memorabilia from his service with the US Army during WWII.
Favorite Quote: "Success is when preparation meets opportunity!"
BRYON MALITZ
Repairs Dept. — Estimator
Hometown: Redmond, OR
Interests/Hobbies: College football, golf, and fly fishing.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Overall culture—friendly and team-oriented.
Proudest Accomplishment: My daughter and grandson.
Most Sentimental Possession: My dad's military medals/ribbons and my parents’ old photos.
Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Mud pies.
HANNAH JUNG
Repairs Dept. — Estimator
Hometown: Small town, KY
Interests/Hobbies: Collecting house plants, building critter enclosures, camping, paddle boarding, and country drives.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The ever changing dynamic of the SJC family and the clientele - Keeps life interesting.
Proudest Accomplishment: Traveling to 9 countries around the world.
Most Sentimental Possession: A small container holding a part of my dad. I miss him everyday.
Favorite Quote: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." -Winnie the Pooh
BRENT EDENS
Repairs Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Denver, CO
Interests/Hobbies: Family, spending time outdoors: mountain biking, trail running, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, camping, and learning to fly fish.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The friendly and collaborative culture.
Proudest Accomplishment: Convincing my wife that I was worth building a family with.
Most Sentimental Possession: A little turquoise bear figurine that my father believes contains some of my mother's spirit.
Favorite Quote: "The master in the art of living makes little distinction between work and play…they simply pursue their vision of excellence at whatever they do, leaving others to decide whether they are working or playing." — J. Michener
SAM JONES
Repairs Dept. — Large Loss Project Manager
Hometown: Portland, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Snowboarding and golf
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The teamwork and comradery.
Proudest Accomplishment: The relationships with friends and family I have built and maintained.
Most Sentimental Possession: 1967 Camaro I restored with my dad as a kid.
Favorite Quote: "Well done is better than well said" - B. Franklin
MERRIT GORMAN
Repairs Dept. — Project Coordinator
Hometown: Redwood City, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Hiking, exploring new places, beaches, and cooking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Working with all sorts of different people in Central Oregon and building relationships with customers and contractors.
Proudest Accomplishment: Raising my two beautiful children: Devon and Danielle.
Most Sentimental Possession: My great grandmother's photo album which is filled with family enjoying our lake house in California.
Favorite Quote: "Sometimes things have to break before you can fix them" - K. Garcia
RACHEAL FORESTIER
Repairs Dept. — Project Coordinator
Hometown: Healdsburg, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Traveling to Idaho to horn hunt and hike with my dad. I also love spending weekends exploring with my son.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Meeting our clients and growing lasting relationships with them.
Proudest Accomplishment: Being a Mother.
Most Sentimental Possession: My grandmother's hope chest and vanity that my dad and I rebuilt from the 1800s.
Favorite Quote: "Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire." - St. Catherine of Siena
JENN JONES
Repairs Dept. — Large Loss Project Coordinator
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Interests/Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, concerts, and cooking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Assisting the community in rebuilding their homes and businesses after experiencing a catastrophic event.
Proudest Accomplishment: Leaving Texas after 30 years and moving to Bend!
Most Sentimental Possession: My dog, Bailey.
Favorite Quote: "Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a different direction" -G. Kent
BRETT HARPHAM
Mitigation Dept. — Manager
Hometown: Eureka, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, shootin' (bow & guns), gardening, cooking, exercising, reading, and hiking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: To continue to do what I enjoy and build up the mitigation department. I also enjoy working with and crossing paths with former/current co-workers.
Proudest Accomplishment: Raising three fine young gentlemen.
Most Sentimental Possession: A signed Nolan Ryan baseball.
Favorite Quote: "Rub dirt on it!"
GONZALO REYES
Mitigation Dept. — Estimator
Hometown: West Cavina, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, camping, concerts, and hanging out with friends.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The people that work here. It makes a huge difference working with a cool and down to earth team.
Proudest Accomplishment: I caught a ling cod on the Oregon coast my first time fishing!
Most Sentimental Possession: My dog, Chapo.
Favorite Quote: "That's the way she goes, boys. Sometimes she goes, and sometimes she doesn't.”
KEALIB KUYKENDALL
Mitigation Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Bend, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Drawing, painting, gardening, cooking, and mushroom foraging.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Awesome group of individuals—everyone is encouraged to be themselves, and the work varies daily, so I'm never bored and always learning.
Proudest Accomplishment: Following my dreams to move back to Oregon, where I am now happily married and closer to family.
Most Sentimental Possession: A collection of fly fishing gear that once belonged to my father.
Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Djent metal music
NICK FORSETH
Mitigation Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Prineville, OR.
Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, camping, and golf.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: No two days are alike, and the culture is great!
Proudest Accomplishment: Overcoming personal and life challenges and becoming the person I am today.
Most Sentimental Possession: Life itself: my health, friends, and future goals.
Favorite Guilty Pleasure: A stream to myself in the middle of nowhere, flyrod in hand.
BYRON JENSON
Mitigation Dept. — Project Coordinator
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Interests/Hobbies: Exploring Central Oregon and playing lots of golf.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Definitely the camaraderie amongst co-workers and the genuine care for doing things the right way.
Proudest Accomplishment: Helping my wife raise two boys that are confident, assured and kind individuals.
Most Sentimental Possession: Family photo albums.
Favorite Quote: "You either ride life, or it rides you. Your mental attitude determines who is rider and who is horse." - Napoleon Hill
KYLE DELONG
Mitigation Dept. — Technician
Hometown: Redmond, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Camping, paddleboarding, hiking, and traveling to new places.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Traveling around Central Oregon while learning with fun co-workers.
Proudest Accomplishment: Building a four-bedroom custom home with just three people.
Most Sentimental Possession: Life in general. I am grateful to be alive and learning.
Favorite Quote: "Nothing changes if nothing changes.” — Donna Barnes
ALEXIS VILLASENOR
Mitigation Dept. — Technician
Hometown: Covina, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Shooting pool, going to the gym, watching movies, working on cars, and hanging out with my friends and family.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Working with a great team of guys and always learning new things.
Proudest Accomplishment: Traveling and meeting people from all over the world.
Most Sentimental Possession: My first car.
Favorite Libation: Modelo Especial
ALAN REYES
Mitigation Dept. — Technician
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
Interests/Hobbies: Playing hoops, traveling, gaming, and watching sports.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The work environment. Everybody gets along like a big family!
Proudest Accomplishment: Learning how to read/speak Japanese.
Most Sentimental Possession: My 2008 Chevy Silverado—it's basically our family heirloom.
Favorite Quote: "Be phenomenal or be forgotten." —E. Thomas
MELISSA ATKINSON
Fire & Contents Dept. — Manager
Hometown: Olympia, WA
Interests/Hobbies: Drag racing, family get-togethers, walking my dogs—Rusty and Grumpy Cat—and cooking.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The team atmosphere.
Proudest Accomplishment: Raising three wonderful children.
Most Sentimental Possession: A sculpture of my father's hands.
Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Nehalem Bay sweet red wine and cinnamon bears.
J.C. FINNEY
Fire & Contents Dept. — Project Manager
Hometown: Bryan, TX
Interests/Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, and spending time with my family.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Being able to deal with customers during their time of need.
Proudest Accomplishment: Being married for over 20 years.
Most Sentimental Possession: My glass insulator collection.
Favorite Quote: "Never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite, and never outstay your welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience, and if it hurts, you know what, it's probably worth it." -A. Garland
ERIN HALEY
Fire & Contents Dept. — Technician
Hometown: Warren, NH
Interests/Hobbies: Anything that includes being outside, spending time with animals, and drinking wine.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Being able to work a hard days work and feeling appreciated for it.
Proudest Accomplishment: Being adventurous and brave enough to move across the country four times and visit 46 states!
Most Sentimental Possession: My first stuffed animal: a hound dog named "Tracker".
Favorite Quote: "There's no normal life, Wyatt. It's just life. Get on with it. " -Doc Holliday
MIKE THOMAS
Lead Painter
Hometown: Parts Unknown
Interests/Hobbies: Snowboarding, golfing, making music, and WWII history.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Having my experience and opinion valued and appreciated.
Proudest Accomplishment: Building a strong, love-centered family.
Most Sentimental Possession: Anything that was my Dad's.
Favorite Quote: “Do remember to forget anger, worry and regret. Live while you have life to live. Love while you have love to give.”
RICK HEINE
Lead Carpenter
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Interests/Hobbies: Woodworking, hockey, and chicken wings!
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The family-friendly culture and environment.
Proudest Accomplishment: I paid off my student loans.
Most Sentimental Possession: A sharp Japanese chisel.
Favorite Quote: “Forget about style; worry about results” — Bobby Orr
TUCKER WEBER
Carpenter
Hometown: Boston, MA
Interests/Hobbies: Distance running, scuba-diving, spearfishing, hiking, and cutting trees.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The great people I work with!
Proudest Accomplishment: Ran a marathon with only 3 months of training.
Most Sentimental Possession: My 1983 F-250 custom build truck.
Favorite Libation: Boneyard RPM
RUSS JOHNSON
Shop Manager
Hometown: Corvallis, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Long-range and combat pistol shooting and gardening.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: The atmosphere and teamwork mentality.
Proudest Accomplishment: Raising my children.
Most Sentimental Possession: A 1922 Silver Dollar, which is my mom's birthyear.
Favorite Guilty Pleasure: Soda pop and cookies.
BLUE
Marketing Dog
Hometown: Bend, OR
Interests/Hobbies: Backcountry excursions with my dad and going hiking with my mom.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Eat, Play, Sleep, Wash, Repeat.
Proudest Accomplishment: Learning to be gentle with my cat-brother, Jazz.
Most Sentimental Possession: My tug toy!
Favorite Libation: Puppuccinos.
WALKER
Office Dog
Hometown: Missouri City, TX
Interests/Hobbies: Sunbathing in dirt, digging holes in my backyard, taking truck rides with my people, and meeting as many new people and pups as I can.
Favorite Aspect of Working at SJC: Greeting all my new friends, attending dept. meetings, getting pets from everyone, and circling the conference table for scraps.
Proudest Accomplishment: Peacefully coexisting with the chickens.
Most Sentimental Possession: My spot on my bed with my people.
Favorite Libation: Hey, if something is there...