It’s been a few years of yin and yang for residential contractors: home construction and renovation boomed during the pandemic, as Portlanders doubled down on their nesting instincts. Then inflation and higher interest rates spiked building costs, cooling the market for renovations, additions, and accessory dwelling units. For these self-employed house and ADU builders, though, the job is about much more than the cost of wood and glass. 

Don Tankersley/Don Tankersley & Co./Business founded: 1992

How’s business? Last year was one of our best years ever. Phone rings most from: Architect friends, about projects, clients, or just, “How’s it going?” What’s your biggest stressor? We’re at 22 people now, including 11 field carpenters. We do a lot of our millwork work in-house, which is great, but I’ve got to make sure everybody’s busy all the time. I wouldn’t change it, though—this team and the work they produce are my largest source of pride. Great client: Jon and Louis. They gut-remodeled the Lake Oswego ranch house Jon grew up in. The way it’s detailed, the fit and finish—everything is really fun, because they brought a lot of passion. Recharging strategy: My husband, Mark, and I love entertaining, especially summertime when the yard’s at its prime. 

Carey Lien/GGC/Business founded: 2018

How’s business? I’ve doubled my revenue compared to three years ago and added three employees. Have you lost money this year? My van got stolen, with all my tools inside. They came into my house, took my keys, and drove the van away. Phone rings most for: Mostly remodels and additions. Biggest pet peeve? When clients don’t pick up their dogs’ poop. When we’re working on backyard ADUs, it can be a problem. What’s great about woman-owned construction? Better jobsite culture, more positive attitudes: not cutting people down or saying rude things. Recharging strategy: Going surfing whenever I can.

Curtis Bosworth/WBS Construction/Business founded: 1995

How’s business? Our slowest since maybe 2010. I attribute it to a malaise: feelings about politics and the economy. It’s affecting all of us. Phone rings most for: Remodels. We’ve traditionally been 50–50 with new construction, but the balance has shifted. Biggest stressor? Supply chains. They’ve improved, but a window that used to get here in six weeks still can take 25. What’s going well? The relationships. We have great employees and clients, who have made the projects succeed. Recharging strategy: Playing music in my home recording studio and out live.

Jason Finley/Just Call Jason/Business founded: 2021  

How’s business? We now do more remodels for people keeping their current homes. In years past, it was fixing houses to sell. Biggest stressor? Running a business is still a learning curve. If we set a price, I’m not going to change the estimate—so situations have happened where we lost money. Phone rings most for: Emergency calls where something’s broken. I started as a handyman. Wonderful client: Randy in Rose City Park has connected me with practically
everyone on his street. Less-wonderful client: A homeowner was suing a designer. The homeowner got upset when I wouldn’t come back and work for him. He didn’t understand: this designer brings me a lot of business. Recharging strategy: Bowling league every Thursday, no matter what.