What I love about my job
LAUREEN SKRIVAN
President
My story
After graduating from the Sheffield School of Interior Design in New York, I founded Wren & Willow Interior Design Company. In 2008, after acquiring a general contractor's license, Wren & Willow, Inc. began as a design and remodeling company.
My favorite things
I love cooking and gardening. My favorite music is 1940s Big Band music, I love film noir movies, and my favorite books are anything and everything that have to do with business. My favorite color is red, and my favorite food is from my hometown of Philadelphia: the famous Philly cheesesteak.
What I love about my job
It is a privilege and honor to lead a team of employees who are so talented, loyal, and committed to the Wren & Willow culture of excellence. I am in awe every day that I have the opportunity to work with and learn from them. Each and every member of my team is a gift from God and I could not be more grateful.
Memberships
I have served as a board member of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County for 12 years and served as their president in 2014. I am also a member of the Design Professionals Council and Remodelers Council through the MBA, and was the chairman of the Remodelers Council in 2012. It was an honor to be elected in 2012 as the first (and, to date, only) woman President of the MBA Pierce in its 75-year history.
What I love about my job
CLIFF KENDALL
General Manager
My story
For the last 40 years, I have served in all levels of construction from running my own residential framing company to overseeing commercial projects as a superintendent and a project manager. After more than a decade in commercial construction, I decided to return to residential construction, joining Wren & Willow in 2009.
My favorite things
I love the outdoors, golfing, watching baseball, and making pizza in Wren & Willow's outdoor pizza oven for family and friends.
What I love about my job
I love working with so many personalities in the residential industry and helping our clients realize their dreams. It keeps me excited to come to work every day.
Memberships
I currently serve as a board member of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, where I also served as President in 2018. Previously, I was chair of the Remodeler's Council and co-chair of the Builders Group.
What I love about my job
STACY OSTLUND
Architect
My story
I received my Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Washington State University (go Cougs!). Five years later, I received my Washington State Architects License. My past work experience includes a wide variety of commercial projects as well as many custom residential projects.
My favorite things
My husband, Rodney, and kids, Nick and Leah are my whole world. I love my family and friends, my corgi dog Lexi, spending time at our beach place on Harstine Island, entertaining, traveling, boating, hiking, dance music, snow, Mexican food, ice cream, and playing board games.
What I love about my job
I am privileged to work with the best people! Every day involves a variety of tasks and opportunities for learning. I love the creative process, and taking a client’s dream, realizing it on paper, then seeing the completed product is a most rewarding process.
Memberships
I am a member of the American Institute of Architects.
What I love about my job
CRYSTAL BAILEY
Interior Designer
My story
Since I was a young girl I have loved interior design. I always knew it was my passion and what I wanted to do as a career. I began my design journey building and creating custom furniture designs. In 2012 I opened my own furniture company. A few years after that I went back to school for Interior Design and graduated from Clover Park Technical College with an AA in Interior Design. I do woodworking on the side but more as a hobby now. Creating beautiful things and sharing them with others will always be a passion of mine.
My favorite things
When I am not working I enjoy paddle boarding with my kids and hanging out at the lake. We love to travel as a family with road trips every summer. It is always an adventure when traveling with kids! I also love oil painting, drawing, reading a good book and camping with the family. Anything outdoors makes me happy and keeps me energized.
What I love about my job
The best part of my job is helping someone see the potential in their space and to really make it their own. I love when someone is as excited about design as I am and they can appreciate all the little details that make it come together. I love working with a team and how all of us work together to make our clients vision come to life. With design it is always changing and there are new things to learn everyday. I feel blessed everyday that I get to do what I love and work with such amazing craftsmen and women.
What I love about my job
JAMES RAYBURN
Project Manager
My story
I have several years of experience working as an estimator and project engineer for remodels, custom homes, commercial T.I. (tenant improvement), and commercial new build projects. I have extensive experience in both the pre-construction and production sides of building.
My favorite things
I enjoy working on my house with my wife when I have free time. I try to spend as much time as possible with my wife and sons. I love to take day trips around the area with them.
What I love about my job
I enjoy construction management primarily because it allows me to be a part of a project from sales and estimating through production. I get to see every side of construction and I learn new things everyday. I love being part of such an interesting and diverse team. My co-workers are fun to work with and be around. I love feeling like I am part of a positive force in the lives of our clients.
What I love about my job
KERBY MACRAE
Superintendent
My story
Formerly a "Mad Men" Advertising guy, I decied to change careers, first working for a contractor and later a furniture company, because I wanted to be able to have more tangible evidence of my efforts at the end of the day. All told, I have around 30 years of experience in the building industry. I have also personally owned and restored three old houses in my life: an 1890s Victorian farm house, a 1902 Edwardian and currently a 1930s Arts and Crafts house built by my grandfather. I guess you could say I'm an "old house guy."
My favorite things
Old house restoration, furniture design and building, working on my 1939 Hot Rod Chevy truck, and playing harmonica in the Sweet Bay Blues Band with my wife Pier.
What I love about my job
I love problem solving and finding creative solutions to make a project successful. I enjoy working with an amicable group of talented people to help owners create an artistic and functional home.
Memberships
I am a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
What I love about my job
BRYCE SALZMAN
Superintendent
My story
Construction is in my blood as I come from a long line of construction-based family members and have experience with all aspects of the industry, including my early work as head nail puller and straightener at age six. In 1992, I joined the Army and did six years as a Combat Engineer, where I learned earth work and leadership skills. Since leaving the Army, I have had the privilege of working for companies within this field who have allowed me to broad my knowledge level and experience.
My favorite things
I am a father of two amazing kids, and so when I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my kids, practicing guitar, or watching football. I am an avid Seattle Seahawks and Wisconsin Packers fan, as my roots are from Wisconsin.
What I love about my job
The best part of my job is the variety of projects I have gotten to be a part of at Wren & Willow. I take great pride in the work I do and enjoy working as part of this highly skilled team of professionals.
What I love about my job
BARRY WALSTEAD
Superintendent
My story
I began working as a carpenter with my father and three of my uncles at age 17 and continued that for 6 years before making a move into retail to try something different. I really enjoyed that but I was eventually came back to construction to work with my father and two brothers, and that eventually led me to come and work for Wren & Willow where I can now use all my experience to manage jobs.
My favorite things
I am extremely passionate about sea kayaking where I am an instructor with my club. I love surfing my kayaks and playing in rough water as well as camping trips. I am also very involved in mountain biking and have begun to do a little racing. You can usually see either my bike or kayak on my van! I am also never so happy as I am cooking for my family, and an all-day BBQ cook is a favorite.
What I love about my job
I am excited to be working in this role, and being able to manage a jobsite is a challenge I am happy to take on. Managing a project through from start to finish is always exciting and I look forward to every new project that I start!
What I love about my job
JIM TALLMAN
Superintendent
My story
I have been in the construction industry for nearly 40 years, starting in home building and remodels in the 1980s. Around 2008, I worked with a dock and marina builder, as well as some commercial construction. I joined the Wren & Willow team as a superintendent in August 2022.
My favorite things
I enjoy wood-working at work and in my spare time.
What I love about my job
I love the group of people that I get to work with at Wren & Willow. We have a complete team of builders, and it is a lot of fun to get to work with this team. I also enjoy sharing my experience and expertise with others around me.
What I love about my job
KENNETH MORRILL
Foreman
My story
I have been in construction and remodeling for several years, including working for an established construction company, working independently, and installing construction barricades in Northern California before finally joining the Wren & Willow Team.
My favorite things
My biggest hobby is playing music and repairing and repainting guitars. My family and I maintain a substantial garden each year, as I have a strong interest in health and nutrition. I also love creating and have even written a novel. I enjoy going to the movies, and I love spending time and hanging out with my kids.
What I love about my job
I love the constant problem-solving that I get to do in this job, and I love the unique project that each job proves to be. I really love working with so many positive and knowledgable carpenters.
What I love about my job
CHARLES CHITTIM
Foreman
My story
I have worked with wood since my first job, so naturally carpentry became a desired position for me.
My favorite things
Being outdoors in any form is amazing. Hiking, fishing, and camping are regular pass times for me.
What I love about my job
My favorite part is learning new things and applying them to any tool belt of knowledge. I love getting to pass knowledge down to others as well.
What I love about my job
JAIRUS ROJAS
Finish Carpenter
My story
I have been working in finish carpentry for over 15 years and in general construction for 10 years. During this period, I spent about 6 years designing and building cabinets. Because of this, I have a lot of experience with stains and finishes.
My favorite things
My family comes first in my life. With my wife, Shannon, and our three children, I enjoy the outdoors, including walks in the park and playing in the water. Shannon and I enjoy dates to our favorite Italian restaurants and we can often be found hanging out with church family and friends at social functions. I love the summer and fall, and I enjoy the arts through music, paints, and photography.
What I love about my job
I love that my work is always different and that the people I work with have a positive perspective about work and a heart for providing quality work for our clients. I especially enjoy the artistic side of what I do.
What I love about my job
ADAM SKRIVAN
Business Manager
My story
I have worked with Wren & Willow to different capacities since 2009, serving as a laborer, office manager, web designer, and human resources support. I have also worked in donor relations for an international non-governmental organization. I joined Wren & Willow full-time as the Business Manager in February 2021.
My favorite things
I love spending time with my wife and four children at our home in Tacoma. I enjoy working on projects around the house, building things out of wood, and figuring out how things work. I am a big fan of old television and movies, especially the films of Alfred Hitchcock. I am a big fan of good food, and I love using the sous vide or the smoker to make incredible-tasting meats.
What I love about my job
I love working with such a talented group of individuals who take such immense pride in their work. It is such an honor to get to witness each member of the Wren & Willow team put such care in their work, care for their clients, and support one another in their work. I am so grateful to get to be part of such a remarkable team.
What I love about my job
ANN OWENS
Bookkeeper
My story
I started out as a sales and marketing analyst and fell into being a bookkeeper by accident. At the time, my son was small, and I wanted to cut back on work hours. In the process I found that I loved numbers and helping businesses keep their finances in order.
My favorite things
Outside of work, I treasure my time with my husband and my son as well as my friends and extended family. I love to travel, play golf, watch football, and laugh.
What I love about my job
Wren & Willow is a great crew to work for and with. There is a real sense of camaraderie here that is infectious.
What I love about my job
EZRA SKRIVAN
Future President
My story
Wren & Willow has been a part of my life since I was born. I helped build the office. My handprints are in the cement under the floors. My goal is to be the 2nd president of Wren & Willow.
My favorite things
I like to do work at the office, play with my sisters outside, and work in my garden. I like making buildings out of my toy building sets and designing buildings. I designed a house that looks like a rocket with a slide.
What I love about my job
I like working because it's fun.
What I love about my job
HUXLEY
Chief of Security
My story
I have been with Wren & Willow for about 3 years. Or was it 4? I have a hard time keeping track of time because every day is so much fun! I’m so excited that I get to do this job. Don’t be alarmed if I yelp at you if you walk toward me, I just get a little scared sometimes. But don’t tell my boss. I really need this job.
My favorite things
My favorite thing is meeting everyone who comes into the office. I just want to say hi and get pet from everyone. And peanuts. They’re also my favorite.
What I love about my job
I love being around people. People are the best. I like getting to meet people and getting to be pet by people. I know I’m not very scary, but I’m hoping to keep this place secure through my love.