OMB Education Foundation Live and Silent Auction Recap.
07 Letter from the Executive Officer, Angela White.
08 How OMB Members Are Maximizing Their Membership.
10 2025 Remodeling in Excellence Award Winners.
13
Rent Control. Well Intentioned, but Counterproductive for Housing Supply.
15 Why “Kept on Salary” is a Benefit to You!
2025
JEFF KUSTER 2025 OMB BOARD PRESIDENT
Thank you for being a valued member of Olympia Master Builders. Your membership is more than just a name on a roster — it’s a gateway to valuable resources, meaningful connections, and opportunities to strengthen your business and influence the building industry in our region.
To truly maximize the benefits of your membership, we encourage you to actively engage with all that OMB offers. Attending events, whether they are networking mixers, educational seminars, or community outreach initiatives, allows you to connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships. Your participation not only strengthens your business but also contributes to a more vibrant and informed builder community.
Staying informed is also key. Be sure to regularly check our website and newsletters for updates on
New Residential Construction Academy at SPSCC Aims to Tackle Washington’s Housing Crisis.
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), in partnership with the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Foundation, United Way of Thurston County (UWTC), and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn), is launching a new 13-week Residential Construction Academy to train and certify the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
legislative advocacy, industry news, and upcoming events. Olympia Master Builders works hard to represent your interests at the local, state, and national levels, and your involvement helps amplify our collective voice.
Consider serving on a committee or volunteering for one of our programs. These are excellent ways to gain leadership experience, increase your visibility in the industry, and help shape the future of our association.
Lastly, remember that your membership includes access to valuable discounts, marketing support, and business development tools. If you ever have questions or need help navigating your benefits, our team is here to support you.
We are proud to have you with us and look forward to seeing how your involvement grows and benefits both your business and our building community.
Let’s build something great together.
With Washington state currently short 225,000 housing units, the Residential Construction Academy responds directly to a critical labor shortage in the homebuilding industry. The program launches June 30, 2025. “We need to build a future-ready workforce,” said Angela White, Executive Director of the Olympia Master Builders. “This program creates a powerful entry point for those interested to earn a certification and step directly into family-wage careers.”
The Academy is the result of a United Way led taskforce who identified workforce development as one of the region’s top challenges. With guidance and support from industry experts and local workforce leaders, students will gain practical, hands-on experience in residential construction, preparing them to enter the trades immediately upon graduation.
Building Futures Through Partnership
This SPSCC-branded program is powered by a collaborative effort among education, industry, nonprofit, and workforce development leaders. The Academy not only reflects the needs of the construction industry but also supports broader efforts to provide equitable access to high-demand careers.
“We’re proud to stand with SPSCC, OMB, and PacMtn to provide real solutions for young adults and job seekers,” said Chris Wells, Executive Director of United Way of Thurston County. “This program is more than a certification—it’s a pathway to opportunity.”
Registration and program details are available through SPSCC (spscc.edu/corporate-continuing-education/residential-construction). Outreach is already underway to local school districts and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.
WHATS HAPPENING
Wednesday, July 16th from 4:00-7:00pm, at The Hub in Lacey
SileNT&LIVE AUCTION we raised $52,000 for The education Foundation!
CHALK LINE magazine
2025 EDITION - ISSUE #3
ANGELA WHITE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Associations Giving Back: Building Stronger Communities,
One Nail Gun at a Time
Who says professional associations are all about meetings and business cards? For groups like the OMB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, it’s just as much about rolling up your sleeves, grabbing a nail gun, and making a real difference in the community!
PWB members teamed up for the Habitat for Humanity Women Build event, putting their muscles to good use—one nail at a time— to help build homes for families in need. And they’re not stopping there! The group has a heart for service and has also been a proud participant in United Way’s Day of Caring, with plans already set for 2025. Talk about making a lasting impact!
But here’s the thing: These aren’t just volunteer events—they’re fun, team-building adventures that allow members to connect with their peers and the community in a meaningful way. Whether they’re building homes or simply lending a hand, PWB members are proving that professional organizations can be a force for good—and have a blast while doing it!
Giving back doesn’t have to be all serious business. With a little teamwork, some hard work, and a lot of heart, we’re showing everyone that it’s not just about what you do for your career, but what you do for your community that really counts.
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
"Despite not being a builder or in the trades, OMB has served me with a great understanding of our cities laws, advocacy, and strong scene of community with its fierce leaders and great networking opportunities."
Lindsay Grantham Promo Northwest Sales Associate
The OMB Contractor's Roundtable has been one of OMB's most popular councils. Since it's induction in 2023, through knowledgeable speakers and engaging topics, these meetings have grown to pack the house each month.
Zack Altona CEO of Aetheling Homes shares, “Every time I attend a Contractor's Roundtable, I learn lots of stuff and that makes me happy. Attending these roundtables have helped me improve my business ownership skills. I've learned useful information from my peers such as project management software being used and the hottest new design trends in remodeling. And the networking opportunities with contractors doing what I want to do is invaluable."
Don't miss out on our future Roundtables—these engaging sessions offer contractors a great opportunity to exchange valuable insights, connect with peers, and strengthen our industry together.
your maximizing membership
Kevin McCrea, cofounder of Mallard Brothers Construction, along with his two business partners Keenan Duke and Tyler Alverson, share ways they have maximized their OMB membership over the past four years.
"In 4 years, our company has grown into something far more than we ever anticipated, and it is entirely due to the network and resources we received by joining Olympia Master Builders. Notably, the events OMB hosts allow for widespread name recognition and networking. We have participated in the Big Home and Remodel Show at St. Martins 3 years running. The show has been phenomenal in building our brand and meeting other contractors in the area. We’ve managed to meet and partner with multiple subcontractors whom we met at the show. Additionally, we have brought in north of $100k in business due to that event alone."
Kevin adds, "2024 was our first year on the Tour of Homes, and WOW. This event put us on the map in terms of well known and reputable contractors. Not only did we manage to close over $500k in sales directly related to the Tour, we were honored to win multiple awards from the Tour participants and judges. We would not be here without the mentors we met through OMB. Chris at Lifespan Construction, Michael at 4th Dimension Construction, Daniel with Doyle Construction, and many more have been unbelievably generous in sharing their advice, and even referring business our way. Olympia Master Builders is a must for any contractors looking to grow in the community!"
Why Take Advantage of ROII (Return On Industrial Insurance)? Many OMB members have heard about the ROII program, but what exactly makes it such a valuable benefit of being a member of OMB?
ROII is a safety program member companies may qualify for that promotes workplace safety and risk management, all with the goal of keeping L&I premium costs low. As an added benefit, companies that have good safety records, end up receiving a partial refund of their L&I premiums each year. Yep! You read that right…as an ROII participant, you can get money back!
Jeff Kuster of Kuster Homes and Remodeling exclaims, “I appreciate knowing there are knowledgeable claims reps that will help me through the claims process if I ever need it. And the refunds aren't half bad either!”
While a yearly refund is great, many ROII participants will tell you, the reassurance of having start-tofinish claims support from their very own claims representative can be a lifesaver. If you have ever had to navigate through a workers comp claim as an employer, you know first-hand how overwhelming and time consuming it can be to deal with L&I. Imagine having someone you can depend on to take care of everything for you so that you can do what you do best…run your company.
John McKinlay of Doors Unlimited says, “I had the misfortune of having an employee injured on a jobsite. The ROII team was so helpful in navigating the L&I claim and helping us get the care for our employee so he could get back to work quickly. The value of this service is priceless.”
Prioritizing injury prevention is a key focus of the ROII program, and as a participant, you benefit from their expertise. The ROII team collaborates with member companies to establish and implement effec
tive safety practices in the workplace. They also provide risk management support, helping members identify potential hazards and establish safety measures to prevent injuries and claims.
Additionally, members of the ROII program have access to a variety of safety courses, including Heat Stress Training, Minimizing Risk, and Fall Protection.
“Chairing an event has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and establish strong connections with the committee as a leader, while also collaborating closely with the INCREDIBLE staff at OMB.”
Nicole Montoya, OlyFed, 2025 Tour of Homes Chair
“There
is no comparison. ROII offers me the services I need to keep my employees safe and save me money. The best part is, it doesn’t cost me anything extra, and it’s all in-house,"
Kai Fyrst of First Finishers, LLC
Advertising through Olympia Master Builders (OMB) can significantly maximize your membership and benefit your business in several impactful ways. Here's how and why:
1. Targeted Exposure to Your Ideal Audience
OMB serves professionals in the building industry— contractors, suppliers, designers, and more. Advertising through OMB connects your business directly with:
• Builders and remodelers looking for reliable partners.
• Vetted industry professionals who value local, reputable connections.
• Decision-makers in residential and commercial construction.
• Your message reaches those who are most likely to need your services or refer you to others.
2. Increased Credibility Through Association
OMB is a respected, long-standing trade organization. This enhances your reputation and can differentiate you from competitors. When you advertise, your brand benefits from:
Trust by association — Members and the public often view OMB advertisers as reputable and established. Professional positioning — Your business is seen as an invested member of the local building community.
3. Multiple Advertising Channels
OMB offers a variety of advertising platforms, such as Newsletter features, Website banner ads, Sponsorship opportunities for events and meetings, Membership directories and guides, and Social media shoutouts and cross-promotion. These multiple touchpoints reinforce your brand visibility and keep your business top-ofmind.
4. Networking and Referrals
Advertising is not just about visibility—it builds trust and relationships within the organization. When other OMB members see your business consistently represented in OMB media, they are more likely to reach out for partnerships, refer clients to you, and invite you to bid on projects.
5. Support of the Local Industry
By advertising with OMB, you're contributing to the strength and unity of the local building industry. Many members prefer to do business with those who actively support the community.
"We find value in advertising with OMB for a couple of reasons: Our business is showcased to homeowners and industry professionals actively seeking our services; the publications are high-quality and professionally crafted; the publications are available in print and online, increasing our visibility; and we love to support Olympia Master Builders."
Amber Bevacqua, Vice-president Maple and Marble Cabinets & Interiors
winners
REMODELING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025
THIS YEAR WE HAD 28 ENTRIES IN 15 CATEGORIES. EACH SUBMISSION WAS EVALUATED AND JUDGED BY A PANEL OF LOCAL BUILDING AND DESIGN PROFESSIONALS. THE CRITERIA USED TO JUDGE THESE PROJECTS INCLUDED AESTHETICS, SPECIAL OR UNIQUE DESIGN SOLUTIONS, QUALITY WORKMANSHIP, USE OF APPROPRIATE BUILDING MATERIALS, BUDGETARY CONSIDERATION, AND REMODEL CHALLENGES AND/OR OBSTACLES. AND THE 2025 REMODELING IN EXCELLENCE WINNERS ARE.....
JOHN ERWIN REMODELING EXTERIOR OVER $40K BATH $30K TO $60K
AGING IN PLACE $35K TO $60K JUDGES CHOICE AWARD
4TH DIMENSION CONSTRUCTION
BATH $60K TO $80K BASEMENTS, GARAGES, AND ADUS
FIRST FINISHERS
ENTIRE HOUSE UNDER $200K ENTIRE HOUSE OVER $500K
KITCHEN $70K TO $135K
RED DOOR INTERIORS AND CABINETRY KITCHEN $40K to $70K
AGING IN PLACE OVER $80K
DUNAMIS INTERIORS AND DESIGN BUILD RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY/OPEN HISTORIC RENOVATION RESTORATION
CW CONSTRUCTION, INC. KITCHEN OVER $135K
LIFESPAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. ENTIRE HOUSE $200K TO $500K
DICKEY’S REMODEL AND REPAIR KITCHEN UNDER $40K
THE POWER OF ADVOCACY:
Why
Industry Advocacy
Matters to Olympia Master Builders and Our Members.
When it comes to protecting the interests of builders, remodelers, and trades professionals in the South Sound region, Olympia Master Builders (OMB) and our members don’t just build homes — we build influence. One of the most valuable, yet often behind-the-scenes, benefits of being an OMB member is access to our robust Industry Advocacy/Government Affairs program.
WHY GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS?
Local, state, and federal policies directly affect how our members do business. From permitting delays and impact fees to zoning regulations and building codes, the decisions made by elected officials and government agencies can either support or stifle the construction industry.
OMB’s Government Affairs team works to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are protected. We advocate for reasonable regulations, fair permitting practices, and policies that promote housing affordability and workforce development. Simply put, we’re your eyes, ears, and voice in the political arena — so you can focus on building.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU…
As a member, your investment in OMB translates into active, ongoing representation: Policy Advocacy: We track and respond to proposed legislation and rule changes at all levels of government. (i.e., in coordination with BIAW, OMB has helped monitor and track more than 3 pages worth of land use and property rights legislation alone, but also more than 48 pages of tax increases and revenue bills during the 2025 session.)
Relationship Building: OMB cultivates strong connections with local elected officials, agency leaders, and decision-makers to promote a pro-business, pro-building environment.
Regulatory Watchdog: We monitor code updates, permit trends, and enforcement practices to prevent costly surprises.
Member Mobilization: When critical issues arise, OMB empowers members to take action through calls to action, public testimony, or direct engagement with lawmakers.
REAL RESULTS!!!
Thanks to our proactive advocacy, OMB has helped:
• Streamline permit processes in multiple jurisdictions.
• Block or amend harmful legislation that would have increased costs for builders and homebuyers.
• Champion workforce housing initiatives, opening doors to more attainable housing across our communities.
• Stay Informed and Get Involved. We believe advocacy works best when our members are informed and engaged. OMB provides regular Government Affairs updates through newsletters, member alerts, and in-person events. Whether you join our Government Affairs Committee or participate in Capitol/jurisdiction visits, there are many ways to be part of the solution.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP MAKES IT POSSIBLE! Our strength lies in numbers. The more members we have, the stronger our collective voice. Your membership helps fund the advocacy work that protects your business and shapes the future of homebuilding in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Pacific counties.
"Your voice alone carries little weight with government entities but combined with hundreds or thousands of your colleagues, the message is much stronger."
– Daimon Doyle, Chair Washington State Building Codes Council, Builder, and Building Science Expert.
“I’ve participated in the industry Hill Day event for each of the last two years, and the access to decision makers and policy making process is unmatched.”
Schumacher Electric, Inc. (360) 482-3233 admin@selectric1.com
Sponsor: Jeff Kuster
Bicycle Homebuilding, Inc. (360) 481-6036 admin@bicyclehomebuilding.com
Sponsor: Debbi Boyd
National Chimney & Roof Services (360) 999-8170 nchimneyroofrepair@gmail.com
Sponsor: Michael Robinson
Pine and Palm (808) 280-8319
pineandpalmdesignsllc@gmail.com
Sponsor: Amber Bevacqua
RENT CONTROL
JESSIE SIMMONS
GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS
DIRECTOR
Well-Intentioned, But Counterproductive for Housing Supply
Rent control has long been a flashpoint in debates over housing affordability. Advocates often see it as a direct path to protecting tenants and making cities livable for low-and middle-income households. But while the intentions are laudable, the economic outcomes often tell a more troubling story, particularly when it comes to the long-term effects on housing supply.
Economists have consistently warned that rent control can backfire, creating exactly the shortages it aims to prevent. These policies reduce the financial incentive for landlords to maintain or invest in rental properties, and they often encourage owners to exit the rental market entirely. The result? A shrinking pool of available rental units, and, paradoxically, higher rents for everyone else.
In the United States, data on the long-term impacts of rent control is limited to a few cities. But a recent and robust study from Stanford economists Rebecca Diamond, Tim McQuade, and Franklin Qian offers a clear and sobering case study: San Francisco. San Francisco’s rent control law, first adopted in 1979 and expanded in 1994, created a natural experiment by suddenly applying rent restrictions to small buildings built before 1980— properties that previously were exempt. By comparing these buildings to similar ones built after 1980, the researchers were able to isolate the impact of rent control on housing outcomes.
The findings are stark:
• Rental housing supply declined: Rent control led to a 15% reduction in the number of renters in affected buildings and a 25% drop in the number of renters in rent-controlled units relative to pre-1994 levels.
• Overall market supply dropped by 6%, pushing market-wide rents up by an estimated 7%.
• The loss in welfare for renters across the market totaled an estimated $5 billion.
• Faced with declining returns, landlords responded by converting rentals into condominiums, pursuing owneroccupancy evictions, or demolishing older buildings altogether. In some cases, landlords offered tenants buyouts to vacate units so they could escape the constraints of rent control.
While some tenants benefited, particularly older, long-term residents, the broader effect has been to reduce the availability of affordable housing and drive gentrification, particularly in higherincome neighborhoods. The policy meant to protect vulnerable renters has, ironically, accelerated their displacement. As the authors put it: “Rent control has actually fueled the gentrification of San Francisco—the exact opposite of the policy’s intended goal.”
Beyond reducing supply, rent control also contributes to inefficient use of housing stock. Tied to one unit by below-market rents, tenants often remain in apartments that no longer fit their needs. This “lock-in effect” disproportionately affects younger renters, who experience more frequent changes in household size or job location but are unable or unwilling to leave their below-market homes due to the steep cost of relocation.
San Francisco’s experience shows that rent control can’t be viewed in a vacuum. While it provides short-term gains for a lucky subset of tenants, its long-term consequences include reduced supply, higher market rents, and more economic displacement, especially among the very people it aims to help.
For cities and states grappling with housing affordability, like Washington State, this research offers a cautionary tale: policies that restrict rent increases may feel like progress, but they often do more to worsen the underlying problem of too little housing.
A summary and the entire Stanford Rent Control Study can be found at: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/rent-controlswinners-losers
thank you to our Renewing Members!
Renewed between January-April 2025.
1-4 YEARS
Baker Underground and Construction, LLC
ForeverLawn Puget Sound
Dodie’s Design Co.
Gold Standard Landscaping
Slingshot Construction NW, LLC
Certapro Painters of Olympia
Sunquest Construction, Inc.
Olympia Remodeling Co.
Drew Construction Company
Northwestern Woodworks, LLC
Oyhut Development, Inc.
Pella Windows and Doors of Western Washington
Red Fox Custom Carpentry
Randle Woods, LLC
Capitol Painting Company
Dowers Power Wash, Exterior Cleaning, LLC
Honest Garage Doors
Kim Asay Insurance Agency
MAR Construction, LLC
SW Central Homes, LLC dba: Lexar Homes (Centralia)
C & H Construction
Ken Engelbert
Contract Furnishings Mart
Alliance Door Products-Lynden Door
Urban Glass, LLC
Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation
BECU
Lakeview Contractors, Inc.
Baker All Phase Construction & Remodel, LLC
Quali Electric, LLC
Fortress Builders
PURaFOG
The Nichols Group Government Relations, LLC
Realty One Group Bold
KD Design General Contractor
AAA Septic, LLC
C.P.C. Landscape, LLC
American Plumbing Contractors, Inc.
Capitol Fire Protection
Bud Clary Auto & Commercial Vehicle Group
Moore Glass Company
Lacey Glass
Cross Country Mortgage
Quality Geo NW, PLLC
Suprema Homes
Panza (dba: New Horizon Communities)
Harmon and Harmon Construction
Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Sparrow Design Company
James Hardie Building Products
NW Permit Solutions
TAGS Awards & Specialties
R L Smith Logging, Inc.
Berner Law Office, PLLC
Outdoors by Design, Inc.
Tops Countertops
Midway Underground, LLC
Sigma Drafting and Design Services
Yesterday’s Homebuilders, LLC
5-9 YEARS
DL Phillips Construction
Ferguson Enterprises, LLC-Tacoma
4th Dimension Construction, LLC
Controlled Rain
Northfork Asphalt Paving
The Collins Team-Guild Mortgage
KBH Construction Company
Jackie Ashley RE/MAX Northwest Realtors
Varsity Electric, LLC
1st Security Bank
The Showroom Interior Solutions
All Star Windows
DK Boos Glass, Inc.
Christina Janis-Epic Realty
Union City Plumbing, Inc.
Guild Mortgage-Lacey
Michael’s Roof Service
Ascend Roofing Company
Hamilton Construction Co.
Franciscovich General, Inc.
The Rants Group-Evergreen Olympic Properties
Steelhead Framing & Drywall, Inc.
Sound Native Plants, Inc.
Buck Electric, Inc.
GHB Insurance/Acrisure
Lexar Homes
Sandrini Restoration, LLC
RHD Enterprises, Inc.
10-14 YEARS
Jesfield Construction Company, Inc.
Bucks Logging, Inc.
O Bee Credit Union
K.T. Charboneau Trucking, Inc.
Western Steel & Supply, Inc.
Lifespan Construction, Inc.
J. Kerzie Homes, LLC
Seabrook Construction
Interior Dimensions, LLC
Integrated Claims Management, Inc.
Polar Bear Construction
Pacific Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Rosenbach Plumbing, Inc.
Easter Roofing and Gutters, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of Mason County
CW Construction, Inc.
Yelm Plumbing and Pumps
United Roofing Solutions, Inc.
15-19 YEARS
Michael’s Custom Woodworks, Inc.
BC Gas Repair
Flying Colors Painting Co.
Olympia Construction, Inc.
Americool Heating and A/C
Albert Lee Appliance
Morgan Stanley
Reliable Electric, Inc.
Kugel Construction
Maple + Marble (Formerly Cabinets by Trivonna)
Karen Jerome McClennen
Fireside Home Solutions
20-24 YEARS
Al’s Welding & Steel Fabrication, Inc.
Fox Head Construction, LLC
Brodie Heck Construction, Inc.
SoundBuilt Homes, LLC
Snell Crane Service, Inc.
HiLine Homes (dba: Creative Design Builders, Inc.)
Home Resource Co.
Brooks Plumbing Co.
Zeigler’s Welding, Inc.
Mason County PUD #3
MDK Construction, Inc.
Sound Credit Union
Lacey Roofing, LLC
Martin & Martin Construction, LLC
House Brothers Construction, Inc.
Nor-Cat, Inc.
25 - 29
Skyline Pump & Machine Co., Inc.
Black Diamond Roofing, Inc.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Norm’s Construction, Inc.
Miller and Sons, Inc.
The Bathroom, LLC
Bailey General Contractors, LLC
Brown Building Contractors
Washington Cedar & Supply Company
Robbins’ Air Inc.
L.G. Isaacson Company
Chicago Title Company-Lacey Pascher Construction, Inc.
Olympia Sheet Metal, Inc.
McKinney’s Appliance
Eversion Asphalt Paving, Inc.
30-40 YEARS
Moerke & Sons Pump & Drill, Inc.
Chimney Techniques, Inc.
The Roof Doctor, Inc.
Timberland Bank
Boistfort Valley Water
Buehler Homes, LLC
Rainier General Development
Olympia Overhead Doors
Construct, Inc.
Rob Rice Homes, LLC
Boulton Insulation Company
Sandrini Construction & Remodeling, Inc.
40+ YEARS
Olympia Fireplace and Spa
Olympia Federal Savings
Builders FirstSource-Shelton
Bayview Building Materials of Olympia
Sunset Air, Inc.
JENN WASSON OMB MEMBERSHIP & SALES DIRECTOR
Why
When an employee is injured on the job, it is not uncommon for a doctor to certify that the employee cannot work. This decision typically leads the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to pay time-loss directly to the injured worker. And while this may be a convenient way for employers to deal with an injured worker, it can adversely affect your business in three key ways:
“Kept on Salary”
is a benefit to you!
1. **Loss of Your Claim-Free Discount**
This discount cannot be re-earned for another three years.
2. **Rate Increases**
Time-loss claims can nearly double L&I rates for every hour and every employee, also for a duration of three years.
3. **Employee/Employer Connection**
Keeping employees engaged by allowing them to continue working, even in a limited capacity, helps them maintain their connection to their employer and co-workers.
The good news is that all of this can be avoided by utilizing Kept on Salary (KOS)! KOS is a requirement of being an ROII participant. While some companies shy away from KOS, it is important to understand that the goal is to bring employees back to work in a cost-effective way and avoid increasing the costs that you, as the business owner, pay for your employees. One misconception of KOS is that it is longterm, when, in reality, it is a MAXIMUM of 30 days…that’s it! Whether those 30 days are consecutive or over the course of the claim, that is the maximum requirement for enrollment in ROII, which ultimately helps you avoid increased premiums, protects your claim-free discount, and ensures that you continue to earn maximum ROII refunds each year. It’s a win-win for you and your employees!