2025 Chalk Line Magazine Issue #4

Page 1


CHALK LINE

BUILDING BETTER BUSINESS WITH AI.

CAN AI HELP YOU GET THAT PERMIT FASTER?

BE INSPIREDMEMBER PRO TIPS.

grow Using AI to

grow Using AI to your business.

04 Letter from the 2025 OMB President, Jeff Kuster.

05 What's Happening At-A-Glance.

06 2025 Golf Tournament Recap.

07 Letter From Our Executive Officer.

08-09 Can AI Help You Get That Permit Faster?

10-11 Building Better Business with AI.

12-13

Industry Advocacy Update and TAHC.

14-15

Member Pro Tips and New & Renewing Members.

MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT

2025

I want to personally thank you for being part of this incredible community. Your commitment to excellence in building and remodeling is what makes our industry stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

Being a member of OMB means more than just being part of a professional organization—it means having access to tools, support, and a network that truly understands your business. From advocacy and training to member discounts and networking events, OMB is here to help you grow and succeed. If you haven’t already tapped into our educational resources or joined us at a recent event, I encourage you to do so. The value is real—and it’s designed for businesses like yours.

One exciting trend we’re seeing among members is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dayto-day operations. Whether it’s writing more effective marketing content, improving SEO for websites, or streamlining customer service, AI is proving to be a game changer for small businesses in our industry.

We are very excited about this issue and sharing ways to use AI to help grow your business and work smarter – not harder. These tools aren’t replacing the expertise and creativity you bring to your work— but they’re helping free up time so you can focus on what you do best.

OMB is committed to helping members stay informed, educated, and empowered and we hope these ideas help your businesses continue to thrive!

CHALK LINE magazine

2025 EDITION - ISSUE #4

OFFICER

Building Futures, Not Just Homes: Residential Construction Academy Tackles the AI Age with Skilled Hands

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, there's one thing it still can’t do: pick up a hammer, climb a ladder, or feel the grain of wood beneath its fingers. That’s why OMB’s Education Foundation, United Way, and South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) worked hard to offer the Residential Construction Academy — a 10-week program built not just to meet the region’s demand for skilled workers, but to preserve the essential craftsmanship that machines can’t replicate.

In a world chasing automation, the trades are standing firm — and standing tall. From framing walls to installing eco-friendly systems, the handson work of homebuilding remains uniquely human.

With 75 years of combined experience, instructors Daimon Doyle and Al Rieland have officially launched the inaugural program and are looking forward to many more.

Share the Word About the Residential Construction Academy!

The Residential Construction Academy is more than a class — it’s a career launchpad. The Home Builders Institute (HBI) is an industry-certified curriculum that equips students with both the theory and practical skills needed to thrive in the modern construction industry. Whether you're fresh out of high school or switching careers, this program is designed to get you job-ready fast.

Program Highlights:

• 10 weeks of immersive, hands-on training

• Expert instruction blending lectures and skill-building workshops

• Scholarships available to cover program fees for those heading straight into the workforce

• Curriculum backed by industry leaders to ensure real-world relevance

As technology evolves, the trades evolve too — adopting green practices, using smart tools, and optimizing workflows. But the heart of building homes will always be human. And that’s exactly what the Residential Construction Academy cultivates: not just skills, but pride, purpose, and a path forward.

How Can OMB Members Help?

HIRING! These students will be looking for a job after graduating from the program. Please reach out if your company is hiring!

SHARE! Spread the word about the program!

DONATIONS! The program will be looking for material donations from time to time. If you’re interested in helping out, please let us know.

I want to give a big shout-out to Builders FirstSource for donating the first round of much-needed building materials! Learn more at SPSCC’s Residential Construction Academy page. https://spscc.edu/corporate-continuing-education/residential-construction

The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 490 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.”

2025 Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jeff Kuster, President

Gina Carlson, First Vice President

Mark Brown, Second Vice President

Kim Asay, Treasurer

Rusty Ruiz, Associate Vice President

Christina Janis, Second Associate Vice President

Melissa Kirkeby, Secretary

John Johnson, Builder at Large

Chris Winters, Immediate Past President

NATIONAL DIRECTORS

Jeff Kuster

Daniel Doyle

Linda Mosier-Vaudt

STATE DIRECTORS

Jeff Kuster

Rusty Ruiz

Andrew Spear

Kelly Jensen

Karen McClennen

Kai Fyrst

Rob Cook

Daniel Doyle

Amber Bevacqua

Janine Ezzell

Tyler Beairsto

Chad Pearson

Bob Kagy

Melissa Stone

BUILDER DIRECTORS

Rob Cook

Mark Shepard

Michael Robinson

Daniel Doyle

Maddy Cantrell

Kai Fyrst

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Nichole Saeger

Melissa Kirkeby

Jackson Maynard

Tara Sawyer

GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – Rusty Ruiz, Hung Right Doors, LLC

LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – Kelly Jensen, DJs Plumbing

MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS

President – Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear

Construction, LLC

LEGAL COUNSEL

David Vanderpol, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC

Association Staff

Executive Officer – Angela White

Events Director – Brianna Bedell

Communications Director – Jill Williams

Membership Director – Jenn Wasson

Government Affairs Director – Jessie Simmons

Office Administrator – Beka Rudolf

Less Red Tape, More Build Time Can AI Help You Get That Permit Faster?

JESSIE SIMMONS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

What if you could flag code issues before you even submit your plans? AI tools are helping builders do just that—and more.

THE AI ADVANTAGE IN CODE COMPLIANCE

As permitting backlogs grow and building codes become more complex, many Washington builders are asking the same question: How can we reduce delays and streamline compliance? The answer may come from an unexpected place—artificial intelligence.

Once reserved for tech labs and research firms, AI is now showing real promise on job sites and in design studios across the state. Whether it’s simplifying dense code language or flagging violations in architectural plans before submittal, AI can help construction and remodeling professionals save time, improve accuracy, and get projects moving faster.

And for builders in the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) region—Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Pacific Counties—these tools are not just futuristic; they’re already practical.

How can we reduce delays and streamline compliance? The answer may come from an unexpected place— artificial intelligence.

1. Translating the Building Code

Washington’s building code ecosystem—covering the IBC, IRC, and WSEC—is full of technical language and layered amendments. AI models can now distill that complexity into plain-language summaries tailored to the specific needs of a project and jurisdiction.

Example: A remodeler in Tumwater asks whether they can build an ADU above a detached garage. An AI assistant checks zoning codes, height limits, and ADU design standards—delivering a clear, customized response in minutes.

2. Reviewing Plans Before You Submit

When connected to design tools like Revit or BIM, AI can scan plans in real time and flag issues such as incorrect stair rise, inadequate egress window sizing, or missing insulation—all before submission.

Example: A home plan in Centralia is reviewed by an AI tool, which identifies a stair run that’s too steep and a missed glazing requirement near a landing. Both issues are flagged with direct links to local code language.

3. Localizing Compliance by Jurisdiction

Each city and county in Southwest Washington adds its own flavor to the state code. AI can now pull jurisdiction-specific permitting checklists, amendments, and inspection requirements.

Example: A contractor juggling projects in rural Shelton and Ocean Shores uses AI to compare the two jurisdictions. The system alerts them to coastal wind load requirements in Grays Harbor County not required in inland Mason County—saving time and preventing a rejected application.

4. Automating the Paperwork

Permit applications, code narratives, plan markups—these can eat up hours of staff time. AI can generate or assist with these tasks by pulling the correct citations and inserting them into site-specific plan narratives.

Example: A drafter in Lacey uploads a duplex plan. The AI detects that ceiling insulation specs fall short of WSEC standards for Climate Zone 4C, and suggests revised language for the compliance narrative—ready for copy-paste into the city’s permit portal.

WHY AI ISN’T A MAGIC WAND (YET)

Human Oversight Still Matters: AI cannot interpret gray areas, conditional exceptions, or site-specific challenges. Jurisdictional staff still make the final call—and they will expect human reasoning behind any request for flexibility.

Jurisdictional Adoption Is Uneven: Most counties in the OMB region are not accepting AI-generated outputs as official submittals. At this stage, AI is a powerful pre-check tool, not a replacement for formal review.

Current Data Is Key: AI only works if it is pulling from current code libraries. Smaller jurisdictions may have outdated or unstructured portals, meaning builders need to ensure their tools reference the latest requirements.

It is a Supplement, Not a Substitute: AI does not account for wetlands, slopes, or local overlays like Shoreline Management or Wildland-Urban Interface zones. Professional review remains critical.

THE BOTTOM LINE: USE AI TO BUILD SMARTER

Whether you are drafting in downtown Olympia or managing coastal permitting in Pacific County, AI can help reduce back-and-forth, cut down errors, and streamline your process. The technology is evolving rapidly—and builders who embrace it early will be better prepared to meet demand and stay competitive.

AI will not replace your permitting department. But it might just help you submit cleaner plans, get answers faster, and spend less time navigating red tape—and more time building.

What Can AI Help You Do Today?

• Translate building and energy code language

• Flag non-compliant features in design software

• Retrieve permit checklists and local amendments

• Generate site-specific code narratives

• Support faster, cleaner submittals

Suggested AI Software for Code Compliance and Construction

• UpCodes AI – Real-time code checking integrated with design platforms

• Foresight – Automated code compliance scanning for digital plans

• TestFit – AI-powered site planning and feasibility modeling

• CoveTool – Energy modeling and code compliance automation

• Symbium – Zoning and permit intelligence for ADUs and residential projects

• Revit + Dynamo AI – Custom rule automation in BIM workflows

AI is transforming administrative and HR functions by automating tasks, improving efficiency, and enhancing strategic decision-making. AIpowered tools can handle recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement, freeing up HR professionals for more strategic initiatives.

Here's how AI is being used:

1. Automating Administrative Tasks:

Recruitment: AI can automate resume screening, scheduling interviews, and initial candidate communication, saving significant time and effort.

Onboarding: AI-powered chatbots can answer new hires' questions, guide them through paperwork, and provide personalized onboarding experiences.

Performance Management: AI can track employee performance, generate reports, and identify areas for improvement, streamlining the review process.

General HR Tasks: AI can automate tasks like payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee record updates.

2. Enhancing Employee Experience:

Personalized Learning: AI-powered platforms can identify skill gaps and provide tailored learning and development opportunities for employees.

Employee Engagement: AI can help draft engaging newsletters, personalize communications, and gather feedback through automated surveys.

Improved Communication: AI-powered chatbots can provide instant support and answers to employee queries, improving communication and efficiency.

3. Strategic HR Applications:

Workforce Planning: AI can analyze workforce data to identify trends, predict future needs, and optimize staffing strategies.

DEIB Initiatives: AI can help identify and mitigate bias in hiring and promotion processes, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Data-Driven Decisions: AI provides valuable insights into employee performance, engagement, and other key metrics, enabling HR to make informed decisions.

4. Addressing Bias and Ensuring Ethical Implementation:

Bias Mitigation: Organizations need to be mindful of potential biases in AI algorithms and implement strategies to mitigate them.

Transparency and Accountability: Ethical considerations are crucial when implementing AI in HR, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in its use.

In essence, AI is transforming HR from a primarily administrative function to a strategic partner, enabling organizations to optimize their workforce, improve employee experience, and drive business outcomes, according to HR think tanks and technology companies.

Building Better Business with AI: Automating Estimates, Schedules, and Designs

AI can significantly benefit remodelers and builders by automating tasks, improving project management, enhancing design and planning, and boosting overall efficiency. AI tools can help with tasks like estimating costs, creating 3D models, managing schedules, and even predicting potential issues on a job site.

Here's how AI can be utilized in your business:

1. Estimating and Proposals:

Automated Estimates: AI can analyze project details and historical data to generate accurate and fast cost estimates, reducing errors and saving time. Tools like Handoff can even integrate with supplier databases to provide real-time pricing and availability.

Proposal Generation: AI can assist in creating professional proposals by incorporating the estimated costs, project timelines, and other relevant information.

2. Project Management:

Centralized Platform: AI-powered project management tools like Procore can centralize all project information, including drawings, documents, photos, and schedules, making it accessible to the entire team.

Scheduling and Task Management: AI can automate scheduling, track progress, and manage tasks, ensuring that projects stay on track and deadlines are met. Collaboration and Communication: AI can facilitate communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders through features like automated progress updates and instant messaging.

3. Design and Planning:

3D Modeling and Visualization: AI can generate 3D models of spaces, allowing homeowners to visualize the remodeled space before any work begins.

Design Suggestions: AI can offer design suggestions based on client preferences, material availability, and other factors, helping to create personalized and functional spaces.

Material Selection: AI can assist in selecting materials based on cost, durability, and aesthetic preferences.

4. Site Management and Safety:

Hazard Detection: AI-powered cameras and sensors can monitor construction sites for potential hazards, such as unsafe working conditions or equipment malfunctions, and alert workers and managers to potential risks.

Progress Tracking: AI can track the progress of construction projects through site monitoring, identifying potential delays and ensuring that projects stay on schedule.

Equipment Maintenance: AI can analyze data from building systems and equipment to predict maintenance needs and prevent equipment failures.

5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

Lead Generation and Analysis: AI can analyze customer data to identify potential leads and understand customer preferences, helping remodelers target their marketing efforts more effectively. Personalized Communication: AI can help personalize communication with clients based on their past interactions and preferences.

6. Cost Estimation and Budgeting:

Accurate Cost Projections: AI can analyze historical cost data and project specifications to provide accurate cost estimates, helping remodelers stay within budget.

Waste Reduction: AI can analyze material usage and predict potential waste, helping to minimize costs and reduce environmental impact.

7. Quality Control:

Defect Detection: AI can analyze images and sensor data to identify defects in construction work, ensuring that projects meet quality standards.

By strategically implementing AI solutions, remodelers and builders can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, enhance the quality of their work, and ultimately, increase profitability.

AI Tools That Market Smarter, Not Harder

Strategic prompts are indeed a key to effectively using AI for marketing your business. AI tools, particularly generative AI, are powerful assistants, but their output is highly dependent on the quality and specificity of your instructions - the prompts.

AI can significantly enhance your business promotion efforts through automation, personalization, and data-driven insights. AI-powered tools can automate repetitive tasks, personalize customer experiences, and improve marketing strategies by analyzing vast amounts of data.

Here's a breakdown of how to leverage AI for business promotion:

1. Automate Repetitive Tasks:

Content Creation: AI can generate marketing copy, social media posts, email campaigns, and even blog content based on your prompts.

Social Media Management: Schedule posts, analyze performance, and engage with customers using AI-powered social media tools.

Website Optimization: AI can help optimize your website for search engines, improving its visibility and attracting more traffic.

Customer Service: Chatbots can handle routine customer inquiries, freeing up your team to focus on more complex issues.

2. Enhance Customer Experience:

Personalized Marketing: AI can analyze customer data to identify preferences and deliver targeted content and offers.

Personalized Recommendations: Suggest products or services based on individual customer behavior and preferences.

Targeted Advertising: AI algorithms can help you reach the most relevant audience with your ads, improving campaign effectiveness and ROI.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making:

Predictive Analytics: AI can analyze past data to predict future trends, allowing you to anticipate customer needs and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Marketing Analytics: AI tools can provide insights into campaign performance, helping you identify what's working and what needs improvement.

Market Research: AI can analyze data to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitor strategies, providing valuable insights for your business.

4. Content Creation and Curation:

Content Ideation: AI can help you brainstorm new content ideas based on trending topics and audience interests.

Content Generation: AI can assist in writing blog posts, articles, social media updates, and other marketing materials.

Content Optimization: AI can help optimize your content for search engines and social media, improving its visibility and reach.

5. Choose the Right AI Tools:

Consider your specific needs: Identify the tasks you want to automate or improve with AI. Research different AI tools: Explore various platforms and tools designed for marketing, content creation, and customer service. Start small and scale up: Begin with pilot projects to test the effectiveness of AI tools before implementing them on a larger scale.

By strategically implementing AI, you can streamline your marketing efforts, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately drive business growth.

Think of it this way: Without strategic prompts, using AI for marketing is like giving a talented artist some tools but no direction. You might get something, but it's unlikely to be what you need or want. Strategic prompts provide the blueprint, guiding the AI to generate outputs that are not only high-quality but also aligned with your broader marketing objectives.

To maximize the benefits of AI in your marketing efforts, focus on crafting prompts that are:

• Clear and Specific: Avoid vague language and provide as much detail as possible about your requirements.

• Contextualized: Give the AI the necessary background information, such as your target audience, brand voice, and goals.

• Structured: Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps to guide the AI's response.

• Iterative: Be prepared to refine your prompts based on the AI's outputs and continuously test and optimize for better results.

Samples of effective marketing prompts

• Provide specific details: The prompt "Write a 200-word product description for our new eco-friendly water bottle, highlighting its benefits and inviting customers to visit our website for more details" is effective because it clearly states the product, length, key features, and desired action.

• Include context: The prompt "Create a friendly and engaging social media post promoting our summer sale. Include hashtags and an image suggestion" is effective because it provides the purpose, platform, and desired tone.

• Define the target audience: The prompt "Write an engaging Instagram post for teenagers promoting our new app" is effective because defining the audience helps tailor the content and language.

• Specify the desired outcome: "Generate a catchy tagline to increase brand awareness" clearly defines the goal.

• Use clear and concise language: Prompts like "Write a blog post explaining how small businesses can use social media to increase sales" are good because they are straightforward and clearly state the topic and audience.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

2025 Government Affairs: Where we have been and where we are going.

JESSIE SIMMONS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

Regional Comprehensive Plan Engagement –Progress Update

Olympia Master Builders (OMB) continues to play a critical role in shaping local Comprehensive Plans throughout our five-county region. Our strategic engagement has helped reframe policy conversations around housing and land use to prioritize production, affordability, and collaboration over regulation-heavy approaches.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE INCLUDE:

• Promoting Incentive-Based Policy Culture: OMB has successfully advocated for a shift away from punitive compliance models toward policies that incentivize homebuilding. This includes greater emphasis on streamlining permitting, reducing administrative burden, and encouraging market-responsive development.

• Reduced Parking Minimums: In line with recent state law and smart growth principles, OMB’s input has helped jurisdictions consider or adopt policies to eliminate or reduce mandated parking minimums near transit and infill areas—lowering development costs and unlocking more land for housing.

• Climate Chapter Input: With the state now requiring climate elements in Comprehensive Plans, OMB has worked to ensure that local approaches to climate resilience focus on feasible, cost-effective strategies that do not undermine housing goals. This includes emphasizing passive design flexibility, electrification readiness over mandates, and climate adaptation that supports new construction.

• Cost Driver Awareness and Mitigation: Through consistent testimony and technical comment letters, OMB has identified potential cost drivers in draft plans and Environmental Impact Statements—leading to revisions that align more closely with the realities of project feasibility, especially for small- and medium-sized builders.

• Alignment with New State Laws: OMB has become a trusted voice in ensuring local plans comply with HB 1110, HB 1337, HB 1181, and other recent legislation. We have pushed for language that supports middle housing, ADUs, climate planning integration, and density increases in a way that minimizes unintended barriers to housing delivery.

• Securing Industry Representation: Finally, OMB’s efforts have solidified the homebuilding industry’s role as a critical stakeholder in ongoing land use policy development. We continue to be invited to advisory committees, stakeholder roundtables, and implementation planning workshops across the region.

As jurisdictions finalize their 2025 Comprehensive Plans, OMB remains committed to ensuring local policy supports housing supply, economic opportunity, and regulatory balance—for the benefit of builders and the communities we help create.

Progress Update on Thurston County Policy Reform and Process Improvements

Olympia Master Builders (OMB) has made meaningful progress in shifting the direction of housing policy and regulatory implementation in Thurston County through ongoing collaboration with the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Department. Recognizing the need to “turn the ship” toward a more efficient, housing-friendly environment, OMB has focused on building trust, offering technical expertise, and pushing for practical reforms that reduce barriers for builders.

KEY AREAS OF PROGRESS INCLUDE:

Culture Shift Toward Housing Production

OMB has helped reframe internal and external conversations within CPED and County leadership to emphasize the importance of housing availability and affordability as a countywide priority. This shift includes acknowledgment from staff and decision-makers that housing is infrastructure, and policy must support—not restrict—responsible growth.

Streamlining Permit Review and Development Processes

OMB has worked closely with CPED staff to identify inefficiencies in permit workflows and suggested concrete changes to reduce review timelines. Collaborative discussions have focused on:

• Concurrent rather than sequential reviews

• Early feasibility coordination meetings

• Clearer checklists and submission standards

• Improved communication between planning, engineering, and public works

Comprehensive Plan Coordination

OMB has provided constructive input on Thurston County’s Comprehensive Plan update to align growth management goals with recent state mandates (e.g., middle housing, ADUs, climate planning), while ensuring the plan remains grounded in economic and infrastructure realities. CPED has acknowledged this feedback and engaged OMB as a recurring stakeholder throughout the process.

Staffing and Capacity Solutions

Recognizing the staffing constraints at CPED, OMB has supported policy adjustments and resourcing strategies that enable the department to better meet permit demand and customer service expectations, such as:

• Cross-training staff across review disciplines

• Advocating for technology upgrades and workflow automation

• Supporting consultant support for backlog reduction when necessary

• Rebuilding trust and transparency

Perhaps most significantly, OMB has helped reestablish a relationship of open communication and mutual respect between the County and the building community. CPED leadership has been increasingly willing to receive direct feedback and work collaboratively to implement solutions that are builder-informed and customer-oriented.

Looking Ahead:

OMB remains committed to working alongside CPED and County leadership to finalize and implement the Comprehensive Plan in a way that accommodates projected growth, fulfills state mandates, and reduces systemic cost drivers. As the County transitions toward implementation, OMB will continue to serve as a proactive partner in permitting reform, policy alignment, and housing delivery.

Support The Affordable Housing Council of Olympia Master Builders, Help Elect Pro-Housing Leaders, and Protect the Future of Homebuilding.

The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC) is the non-partisan political action committee (PAC) of Olympia Master Builders, dedicated to supporting candidates at the local level who understand the critical role housing plays in community well-being, economic development, and workforce stability.

Why It Matters

Local governments make the decisions that most directly impact our industry—zoning, permitting, infrastructure, fees, and housing regulations. With major updates to state law now requiring local implementation, the November 2025 elections will shape how jurisdictions respond: Will they embrace housing opportunity, or will they double down on barriers?

Your support of TAHC helps ensure we elect leaders who:

• Prioritize housing supply and affordability

• Streamline and modernize permitting processes

• Support construction jobs and economic growth

• Recognize builders as essential community stakeholders

• Implement state housing laws in a way that works locally

2025 Donor Levels

Every contribution makes a difference. TAHC offers four recognition tiers for annual donors:

• Vanguard – $1,000 VIP access to TAHC events + all other benefits

• Champion – $500

Recognition at events + early access to candidate endorsement insights

• Advocate – $250

Invites to TAHC-hosted candidate meet & greets + donor recognition

• Trustee – $125

Supporter recognition + updates on local races and issues impacting housing + voting power

All donations—regardless of amount—are welcome and appreciated. Whether you're a tradesperson, supplier, designer, or developer, investing in this work protects your future. For more information, contact Jessie Simmons, OMB Government Affairs Director, at ga@omb.org or (360)754-0912 ext. 102.

olympia master builder member

pro tips

AI supports our business by streamlining content creation, marketing, and project organization. We use it daily for writing, design, communication, and quick research— saving time and enhancing creativity. It’s like having a 24/7 assistant helping us grow smarter, faster, and more efficiently across every part of our company.

We’ve started using AI tools to help with some of our behind-the-scenes work—like writing social media posts and improving our website.

AI helps us come up with fresh ideas and write posts that show off our latest projects, tips, and design inspiration. It also gives us a hand with SEO (that’s how people find us on Google), making sure our website uses the right keywords so homeowners looking for remodeling help can find us faster.

Basically, AI helps us spend less time on the computer and more time doing what we love—bringing your remodeling ideas to life.

Jeff Kuster Kuster Homes & Remodeling, LLC

Want to take a home from drab to fab without the expense of a remodel?

Pro designers share their secrets:

The best way to update your home without a full remodel is through small, impactful changes—replace cabinet doors, refresh textiles, add statement lighting, and bring in greenery.

Each update may seem minor, but together they create a transformation that elevates your space without major construction or cost.

Start with ideas that include lighting, paint , wall cladding and accent pieces to add color , texture, mood and hospitality to your home.

Lighting is both functional and ethereal by picking fixtures that draw the eye including lamps & new bulbs styles that create layers of light and interest to walls, art pieces and tasklighting. Must have dimmers and new wireless technology!

Paint is cheap but creates depth, light and mood to a space especially with saturation throughout the space, an accent wall or piece of furniture or even a contrasting ceiling.

Wall cladding is in style with so many options that can be easily applied to add texture, style and a high end design feel to a room, wall, fireplace or wainscoting .

Gina Carlson | Dunamis Interiors & Design Build

welcome to our New Members!

Joined between May-June 2025.

BOYD’S PLUMBING

(360) 456-6081

dede@boydsplumbing.com

Sponsor: Jeff Kuster

CORLEY COMPANY, LLC (360) 239-2042

bill@corleycompanyllc.com

Sponsor: Debbi Boyd

FRONTIER BUILDERS (360) 292-0178

frontierbuildersco@gmail.com

Sponsor: Michael Robinson

KELLER SUPPLY (206) 285-3300

tochiltr@kellersupply.com

Sponsor: Jeff Kuster

PACIFIC COAST PAVING (360) 968-0254

pacificcoastpaving@outlook.com

Sponsor: Roy Slaybaugh

TRUTEAM (360) 456-3540

423ar@truteam.com

Sponsor: Daimon Doyle

CHEHALIS VALLEY TIMBER (360) 529-6075

cvt@chehalisvalleytimber.com

Sponsor: Daimon Doyle

DRYWALL BY HUDSON'S (360) 701-1440

drywallbyhudsons@hotmail.com

Sponsor: Jeff Kuster

PETROCARD (800) 950-3835

sales@petrocard.com

Sponsor: Jeff Kuster

SOLVIDA IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE, LLC (360) 218-2888

hello@solvidairrigationandlandscapes.com

Sponsor: Gina Carlson

thank you to our Renewing Members!

1-4 YEARS

United Drywall Plus Corporation

Veristone Capital

Lake Washington Windows & Doors

North Pacific Electric, Inc.

Aetheling Homes, LLC

Dream Landscapes, Inc.

All City Seamless, LLC

Red Door Interiors

The Nichols Group Government Relations, LLC

Bowers Construction, Inc.

Mason County Clean Outs & Junk Removal

TDL Design, LLC

Alpine Ductless, LLC

Cascade Trader, Inc.

Ai Electric, LLC

Emerge Electrical, LLC

Dickey’s Remodel and Repair

Garrette Custom Homes

Better Homes, NW

Lyons Timber, LLC

5-9 YEARS

Mr. Do Right Construction, LLC

Woody’s Septic Specialties, Inc.

C & C Development Companies, Inc.

Louws Truss, Inc.

Doyle Construction, LLC

Mr. Appliance of Olympia

R4 Contractors, LLC

A+ Septic & Plumbing Service

Bay Shore Construction

Deschutes Law Group

Eli’s Paver Patios, LLC

Woods Electric

Kifer Construction

High Definition Homes

Northwest Cascade/Honey Bucket

10-14 YEARS

First Finishers, LLC

FGM Construction & Development

Mosier-Vaudt Consulting

Larson & Associates, Inc.

Edward Jones Investments

Scherer Trucking & Excavation

Lloyd’s Automotive

Bud’s Lumber & Electric

Trimtek, Inc.

15-19 YEARS

Carnahan’s Pest Control Co.

Hometown Property Management

Custom Source Woodworking

Brumfield Construction, Inc.

JT Painting Company, LLC

KC Maintenance Services

Shanex, LLC

Olympic Iron Works, LLC

Aaron Carter Construction, LLC

20-24 YEARS

Pape Machinery, Inc.

Capitol Lumber, Inc.

Oyster Bay Construction

OSG Dozing, LLC

Capital Heating & Cooling

Alderbrook Quarry, Inc.

25 - 29

Weatherguard Roofing, Inc.

John J. Karnas Co.

John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.

TwinStar Credit Union

Oman & Son Builders Supply, Inc.

Quigg Bros., Inc.

CSM Heating Cooling & Roofing

Brad Davis Construction, Inc.

Brad Davis Construction, Inc.

Wirkkala Construction

Precision Pipe Fabricators

Ford Electric Company, Inc.

30 + YEARS

Olympic Heating & Cooling, LLC

Northwest Design& Development

CH20, Inc.

McMeekin Construction, Inc.

Skillings, Inc.

96.9 KAYO & 95.3 KGY

Lew Rents West, Inc.

W.E. Davis Company, Inc.

Adroit Contractors, Inc.

1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506

$1.25 per copy

360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org

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