...and, so much more!
2025
The Importance of Voting: A Message from our President
JEFF KUSTER 2025 OMB BOARD PRESIDENT
As President of Olympia Master Builders (OMB), I often feel the weight of leadership. Every decision I make on behalf of our members and staff carries responsibility— to keep our community safe, to support our industry, and to ensure that we continue to do what we do best: network, advocate, and provide affordable housing for our region.
One constant in our lives, even during challenging times, is election season. Each year, The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee, works diligently to interview local candidates. Their goal is simple but critical: to identify those who understand the issues facing our industry and who are committed to supporting OMB’s mission.
The candidates endorsed by TAHC are individuals who recognize the vital role homebuilding and small businesses play in the strength of our local and state economy. Their support—or lack thereof—directly impacts how we can build, grow, and thrive.
Residential Construction Academy Ribbon-cutting Ceremony and First Graduates Celebration!
That is why I cannot stress enough the importance of voting. Each one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in shaping the future of our communities and our industry. Your vote ensures that decision-makers at every level of government hear the voices of builders, remodelers, tradespeople, and small business owners.
As you prepare to cast your ballot, I encourage you to use the Voters Guide included in this issue (pages 9–11), which outlines the candidates endorsed by TAHC. Let it serve as a resource in your research and decision-making process.
Local elections matter. Together, our votes can help secure a future where housing remains accessible, small businesses thrive, and the building industry continues to be a cornerstone of our economy. So please—make your voice heard. Vote.
On behalf of South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), the Olympia Master Builders Education Foundation, and United Way of Thurston County, we were proud to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony and first graduates of the Residential Construction Academy at SPSCC.
This unique partnership was created to address Washington’s housing and workforce needs, preparing students for meaningful careers in residential construction. The event marked both the official launch of the Academy and the graduation of its very first cohort—a milestone moment for our community, local workforce, and housing industry. We are excited to see the bright futures these graduates are building!
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 – Jessica Krynak
CHALK LINE
ANGELA WHITE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
IT’S ELECTION TIME— DO YOUR HOMEWORK
It’s that time of year again—yard signs are popping up on every corner, your mailbox is full of campaign flyers, and your social media feeds are filled with opinions, endorsements, and debate.
Each cycle, we’re bombarded with messaging from candidates telling us who they are, what they stand for, and—let’s be honest—what’s wrong with their opponents. In today’s highly charged political climate, it can be tempting to latch onto the loudest voices, share a flashy headline, or adopt the views of a friend or influencer without much thought.
Don’t Just Scroll—Dig Deeper
Social media has its place, but it’s not a substitute for real research. Candidates often tailor their messaging for specific audiences, and sometimes what you see is only a piece of the full picture. Before you fill out your ballot, take the time to visit official campaign websites, read multiple sources, and—if available—watch candidate forums or debates.
Use the OMB Voter’s Guide
Local and state elections have a huge impact on our daily lives— housing, transportation, education, public safety, and more. For our members at Olympia Master Builders, this is where your Voter’s Guide comes in. Inside, you’ll find candidate information and recommendations carefully reviewed through the lens of our mission: ensuring affordable housing opportunities across all economic segments of society. You can be confident that the candidates highlighted here align with the priorities of our industry and the values of our members. Use it as a trusted tool to guide your research and compare with what you learn from other sources.
Think Before You Share
One of the biggest challenges in today’s political landscape is the rapid spread of misinformation. Before you post or share something—especially a bold claim, meme, or video—take a moment to check its accuracy. If something sounds too outrageous or too convenient, it’s worth a second look. Amplifying false or misleading content, even unintentionally, can do real damage. Be part of the solution by being a careful and responsible sharer.
Make Your Vote Count
It’s good to talk to friends, family, and coworkers about the issues—these conversations are healthy and important. But remember, your vote is yours. Use it based on your values, your community's needs, and your own informed judgment.
This election season, let’s all commit to being active participants in our democracy. That means doing more than just showing up— it means showing up informed—and thinking before we post, share, or vote.
October is Careers in Construction Month
Recognize contributions made by the professionals working in construction, instill a sense of pride in the industry, increase awareness and foster a positive career image.
October is officially “Careers in Construction Month,” and the purpose is to increase public awareness of the opportunities available on construction trade professions. You can choose any month, week or day that works for you. The most important thing is for local and state associations and members to do something each calendar year. Ongoing efforts are important to achieve your goal of increasing the number of professional construction related employees in your area.
The goal is to get involved in your community to help increase public awareness of the opportunities available in construction careers, inspire a positive image of all construction trades professions, and instill a sense of pride in the industry.
To meet future workforce demands, educators and employers need to reach out to the next generation of construction craft professionals. It is through industry and education partnerships that students get first-hand work experience. Here are a few ideas and activities that you could consider to help spread the message of Careers In Construction in your community!
Careers in Construction Activities
WALK AND LEARN
Coordinate a walk to get children thinking about the built environment. Help students understand how construction affects every aspect of their lives. Explain the various jobs involved in building the things you see on your walk.
HUNT FOR KNOWLEDGE
Organize a construction treasure hunt in your neighborhood. Have your students walk a prearranged course around the community and search for answers to questions about the built environment.
OPEN UP YOUR SITE
Open your construction site and host a field trip. Arrange for students to tour the site and gather firsthand information on what it takes to have a successful career in construction.
BUILD A RESUME
Help students prepare for a career in construction by coordinating a resume building session. Provide interview and resume tips.
TOUR OF HOMES WRAPS UP ITS 25TH YEAR
This event is one of our favorites, as it gives us the opportunity to showcase the incredible projects of our members to the public. We are deeply grateful to our builders and sponsors—your support makes it possible to bring this event to life year after year. Did you miss the Tour this year? Visit OMB.org to view the 2025 Tour website for another opportunity to explore the craftsmanship of our region’s finest.
Thank you to our sponsors!
THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNCIL
These candidates have been endorsed by The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee. TAHC focuses on endorsing candidates who understand and support issues within the building industry.
2025 VOTERS GUIDE
REMINDER:
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4th! Drop boxes close promptly at 8:00pm.
Olympia PROPOSITION 1
Workers’ Bill of RightsTAHC Position:
Oppose
THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU'LL VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 1
WHY YOUR VOTE MATTERS TO HOUSING:
The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC) is your voice in local elections. As the political arm of Olympia Master Builders, we work to support candidates who understand the importance of housing supply, affordability, and the health of the homebuilding industry.
Every policy decision, from zoning and permitting to fees and infrastructure, directly impacts our ability to build homes and meet the region’s housing needs. That’s why TAHC carefully reviews candidates and endorses those who will stand up for common-sense solutions that make housing more attainable for families in our communities.
The candidates listed in this voter’s guide are champions for housing. Your support at the ballot box helps ensure our industry has strong partners in public office.
The Affordable Housing Council has joined with the Oly Together – No on Prop 1 coalition to oppose Olympia Proposition 1. While well-intentioned, this ballot measure would create costly new requirements that undermine housing affordability, strain small businesses, and add layers of bureaucracy without addressing the root causes of Olympia’s challenges.
WHY TAHC OPPOSES:
• Prop 1 would increase costs of housing and development, making it harder for builders to deliver homes at attainable prices.
• It introduces duplicative regulations that conflict with existing state and local laws, creating confusion and barriers for businesses.
• Rather than fostering collaboration, Prop 1 risks discouraging investment and economic growth in Olympia at a time when the community urgently needs housing solutions.
OUR COMMITMENT: TAHC is dedicated to advancing policies that expand housing opportunity. Unfortunately, Prop 1 moves in the opposite direction. By standing with the Oly Together coalition, we are working to protect affordability, encourage balanced growth, and ensure Olympia remains a place where families at all income levels can find a home.
Mayor of Tumwater
Endorsed Candidate: Leatta Dahlhoff
BACKGROUND: Leatta Dahlhoff currently serves as Tumwater’s Mayor Pro Tem and has a history of community service and collaborative leadership. She has supported initiatives on environmental stewardship, growth management, and housing access.
WHY TAHC ENDORSES: Dahlhoff has demonstrated a willingness to engage with the homebuilding industry to find practical, balanced solutions. Her commitment to collaboration and smart growth makes her a strong partner for addressing Tumwater’s housing needs.
CANDIDATE QUOTE: “I’m running for Mayor of Tumwater because I believe collaboration is the key to real progress. With support from TAHC, I’m committed to working together to build a future rooted in smart growth, housing access, and community strength.” – Leatta Dahlhoff
OTHER HIGH-PROFILE CAMPAIGNS FROM TAHC:
Olympia City Council, Position 6 - Justin Stang
Mayor of Yelm - Joe DePinto / JW Foster (Dual Endorsement)
Yelm City Council, Position 3 - Griselda Arias
Rainier City Council, Position 1 - Amy Baker
Shelton City Council, Position 4 (Mayor) - Eric Onisko
Port of Olympia – District 2
Endorsed Candidate: Bob Iyall
BACKGROUND: Bob Iyall, a Nisqually Tribal Member and current Port of Olympia Commissioner, has been a steady advocate for responsible growth, economic opportunity, and community partnerships. As an incumbent, he brings experience and a proven record of working across sectors to strengthen the region.
WHY TAHC ENDORSES: Iyall understands how balanced policies at the Port can support housing affordability, job creation, and long-term economic growth. His commitment to collaboration makes him a strong ally for TAHC and the homebuilding industry.
CANDIDATE QUOTE: “The endorsement from the Affordable Housing Council affirms my commitment to support responsible growth and affordable housing opportunities with practical, balanced solutions. It reinforces that my campaign is grounded in building partnerships that expand access to safe, affordable housing for working families.” – Bob Iyall
Olympia City Council – Position 4
Endorsed Candidate: Wendy Carlson
BACKGROUND: Wendy Carlson is a community advocate and candidate for Olympia City Council who has engaged with TAHC and shown a clear understanding of the city’s housing challenges.
WHY TAHC ENDORSES: Carlson has demonstrated support for policies that expand housing supply and reduce barriers to homebuilding. Her willingness to work with industry partners makes her an important voice for affordability and responsible growth in Olympia.
CANDIDATE QUOTE: “I’m grateful for the endorsement of the Olympia Master Builders because they understand the importance of creating housing that is both attainable and built to last. Their support affirms my commitment to policies that encourage responsible growth while strengthening Olympia’s economy and neighborhoods.” – Wendy Carlson
Port of Olympia – District 3
Endorsed Candidate: Anthony Hemstad
BACKGROUND: Anthony Hemstad is a leader with a strong background in economic development and public service. He recognizes the role of the Port in fostering regional prosperity through trade, jobs, and infrastructure investment.
WHY TAHC ENDORSES: Hemstad views housing as a cornerstone of economic development. His pledge to strengthen partnerships between the Port and Olympia Master Builders aligns directly with TAHC’s mission of expanding housing opportunity.
CANDIDATE QUOTE: “Housing is central to economic development, so it makes sense that the Port and OMB be close partners. I appreciate OMB's support and look forward to working with you closely in the years ahead.” – Anthony Hemstad
Lacey City Council – Position 6
Endorsed Candidate: Evette Temple
BACKGROUND: Evette Temple has been actively engaged in community issues and is committed to ensuring Lacey continues to grow in a balanced and affordable way.
WHY TAHC ENDORSES: Temple has demonstrated an understanding of how regulatory and policy decisions directly affect housing supply and affordability. Her commitment to reducing barriers and promoting attainable housing aligns with TAHC’s mission.
CANDIDATE QUOTE: “It is very meaningful to be endorsed by the Affordable Housing Council. As someone who has worked in the real estate industry and Affordable Housing, this is truly from people I consider peers. The faith that they have in me and my campaign is humbling. Thank you so much for this honor.” – Evette Temple
INDUSTRY ADVOCACY
DRIVING POLICY FORWARD: 2025 ELECTED OFFICIALS HOMEBUILDING BUS TOUR.
The 2025 Homebuilding Bus Tour provided local elected officials with an on-the-ground look at the realities of our region’s housing market. Organized by a coalition that included Olympia Master Builders, Thurston County REALTORS®, Intercity Transit, Rob Rice Homes, Hatton Godat Pantier, Keller Williams, Timberland Bank, and other committed partners, the tour highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges in building housing that meets the needs of Thurston County residents.
Why This Tour Matters
Elected officials make critical policy and budgetary decisions that shape whether housing is attainable for working families, military families, and young professionals who want to live and work in our communities. Yet, many of the obstacles in the process, permitting delays, fees, infrastructure bottlenecks, inconsistent regulations, and land-use restrictions, are not fully visible until you see them firsthand.
The bus tour created that unique vantage point. By walking sites, hearing directly from builders, planners, REALTORS®, bankers, and engineers, and riding alongside industry experts, local leaders gained a practical understanding of the “real world” glitches in the system that too often make housing either extremely difficult, or nearly impossible, to deliver at an affordable level.
Building Relationships and Solutions
Interviews with councilmembers on the tour underscored how valuable it is for elected officials to hear directly from those building and financing housing on the ground. Strong relationships between policymakers and the homebuilding industry are essential for creating balanced, workable solutions. When elected officials engage in dialogue with industry leaders, they can better anticipate unintended consequences of policy decisions, align local pri-
orities with regional housing needs, and identify reforms that reduce barriers while protecting community values.
The coalition of organizations that came together for this event reflects the breadth of commitment to solving our housing crisis. Builders, REALTORS®, transit leaders, bankers, engineers, and community partners all share the same goal: ensuring every family in our region has access to safe, attainable housing.
HOME BUILDERS EXPO
and General Membership Meeting
JANUARY 15, 2026
Indian Summer Golf & Country Club I 5pm-8pm
VENDOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
CALLING ALL ASSOCIATES!
Now is your chance to WOW our Builders! Whether you want to showcase a new product, or inform them about your company, this event is for you! The Homebuilders Expo is similar to our Home Show, but on a smaller scale, with Builders as the customer rather than the general public. We have limited space, so book your table today!
OMB MEMBER PRICING
Full 8’ Table $300 (includes one event ticket)
Full 6’ Table $275 (includes one event ticket) Event Ticket: $50
NON-MEMBER PRICING
Full 8’ Table $400 (includes one event ticket)
Full 6’ Table $375 (includes one event ticket) Event Ticket: $50
CALLING ALL BUILDERS!
This event was created FOR YOU! A great opportunity for you to meet our associate members and learn about their products, as well as discover new products out there. The evening includes time to peruse vendor tables, heavy appetizers, a drink ticket, and the opportunity to win great prizes!
Each builder company will receive one free event ticket! Additional tickets are $50.00.
VISIT OMB.ORG FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
Joined between July-August 2025.
PNW Pole Buildings (253) 312-8853
brans@pnwpolemetalbuildings.com
Sponsor: Mark Brown
Alside (425) 291-9161
asc194w@alside.com
Sponsor: Chris Winters
JWILCO (360) 628-0020
josh@JWILCO.com
Sponsor: Kim Asay
Lossing Construction (425) 291-9161
accounting@lossingconstruction.com
Sponsor: Christina Janis
Thurston Turf & Pavers, LLC (206) 963-1039
thurstonpavers@gmail.com
Sponsor: Chris Winters
Macadam Floor & Design (206) 658-2000
ops@macadamfd.com
Sponsor: Tyler Beairsto
Evergreen Permitting & Consulting (360) 520-1251
permits@evergreenpermitting.com
Sponsor: Amber Bevacqua
Brian King Agency (360) 705-0699
bking2@farmersagent.com
Sponsor: Jeff Kuster
Woodpecker Construction (360) 972-0208
woodpeckerconstruction@yahoo.com
Sponsor: Michael Robinson
you to our Renewing Members! Renewed between July-August 2025.
1-4 YEARS
J4 Contractors
Pacific Restore
Williams Contracting, Inc.
Denise Keegan
Signarama-Lacey
5-9 YEARS
Extreme Excavation
Toepelt Log, Inc.
John L. Scott-Centralia
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
DRP Holdings, LLC (dba: Hansen Construction Group)
General Sheet Metal, Inc.
Family Man Remodeling
Jackie Ashley RE/MAX Northwest Realtors
AC Burton Homes
Lifetime Granite
Pacific Mobile Structures, Inc.
American Pump & Drilling
10-14 YEARS
Water Doctor of Washington, Inc.
M & C Drywall, Inc.
Sterling Breen Crushing
DJ’s Plumbing, LLC
Exodus Engineering, Inc.
15-19 YEARS
Alderbrook Properties
Bliss & Tulttle Certified Public Accounts
Olympic Door & Trim
Bayview Building Materials
Virgil Adams Real Estate, Inc.
Capital Electric, Inc.
A-1 Roofing, Inc.
J T S General Contractor, LLC
20-24 YEARS
Advance Environmental, Inc.
Allied Electric Service, Inc.
Heritage Restoration, Inc.
Johnson Custom Homes, LLC
Goebel Septic Tank Services, Inc.
Great Floors
Hung Right Doors, LLC
Town & Country Roofing, Inc.
25 - 29
Andrew Spear Construction, LLC
Lacey Door & Millwork, Inc.
30 + 39
Desco Audio & Video
Holroyd Company, Inc.
Rainier Valley Construction
MC Squared, Inc.
Truss Components
Doors Unlimited, Inc.
Lew Rents
40
+ YEARS
Kell-Chuck Glass Company, Inc.
First American Title Insurance
B & R Flooring
WHAT AN AWESOME TIME WE HAD AT THE MEMBER APPRECIATION BBQ!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out on September 12th to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at 23 Kitchens. We enjoyed delicious food, refreshing drinks, and had a blast playing Pickleball and Cornhole!
A special shoutout to our lucky winners who snagged some fantastic door prizes, thanks to the generosity of Signarama-Lacey and Promo Northwest. Huge thanks to Chad and Lindsay for making that happen! If you couldn’t join us this year, don’t worry— stay tuned for the date of next year’s event! We can’t wait to see you there!
Membership Blitz
It’s game time! The 2025 OMB Membership Blitz runs Sept. 12 – Oct. 31—and you could win two tickets to see the Seahawks vs. LA Rams on Dec. 18! We “KICKED OFF” the drive at the Member Appreciation BBQ!
Two Ways to Win:
Recruit New Members – Every new member you bring in earns you an entry into the prize drawing. Be The Top Recruiter-The person who brings in the most members automatically wins one pair of the tickets. The more you recruit, the more chances you have to score big.
Help us grow our team—and you could be cheering on the Hawks at Lumen Field!
Make sure the public can find you!
Our online Hire A Pro Membership Directory averages over 10,000 hits per month. Make sure the public can find you when they come looking!
Log onto your membership account at omb.org today to update your contact and business information. If you'd like help with your selected categories, please contact Jenn Wasson at membership@omb.org.
1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506
$1.25 per copy
360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org
