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My construction career started in 1989 when I went to help my parents with a log home dealership they started in Washington. My dad hired an old school carpenter to build the packages they sold and I was going to help and learn. That old timer taught me a lot about foundations and framing— albeit by him yelling and cursing the whole time — it was just his way. We eventually hired our own crew and I worked and learned with them while taking on project management duties as well.
In 1993, I got a General Contractor license and went out on my own. I still built log home packages for my parents as a subcontractor, but was able to pursue my own projects. In addition to being a general contractor, I would subcontract out to do foundations, framing, and interior/exterior finish carpentry work. One of my more interesting adventures was when my parents sold a log home package to a developer in Seoul and I spent 21 days in the countryside building a log home alongside a South Korean crew.
I finally got tired of working and living in rainy Washington, so we moved to Bend, Oregon in April 2005. I got licensed in Oregon and my first project was building our current house. I had obtained a permit before moving, so fortunately I was able to start construction right away. Since I didn’t know anyone in town yet, I did the foundation and framing by myself. I quickly made connections and was able to find some good subcontractors, and we moved in January 2006. When my house was in mid-completion, I also started a spec house in Sisters, Oregon. I completed that house after the housing market peaked and prices were starting to fall. I made out ok, but the writing was on the wall and I wasn’t going to go down that road again. Looking back, I’m just not a spec home guy— it takes a different mentality to be really successful in that market.
I applied and was hired as a project manager for Sun Forest Construction and worked there from June of 2006 – March 2009. I managed the Pronghorn Villas project, which ended up being a two-year, twelve million dollar project. I built a fabulous custom timber frame home as well, which ended up on the cover of Timber Home Living. I really valued my time there, as I was able to work and gain experience on some great projects.
I started Jeff Ferrell Construction, LLC in April of 2009 and have been busy helping people with their dreams ever since, whether it be a custom home, addition, or remodel. I would like an opportunity to make your dreams come true as well.