9WOOD Team Biographies

9Wood's staff bring together decades of woodworking, operations and project experience towards executing Made-to-Order projects (Grilles, Linears, Tiles) and Engineered-to-Order projects (Wood Waves, As-Built defined projects). Nothing in specialty fabrication substitutes for experience and natural gifting. That is the 9Wood difference: attracting and keeping talented people. It certifies our watch word: "Experts in Wood Ceiling Fabrication."

The Founders

Leo Batenhorst leads our Project Management efforts, entering the field in 1999. Effective project management is a critical link in successful project-oriented manufacturing. A background in teaching, supported by an MDiv and an MS in Mathematics, are a testament to Leo's solid commitment to customers and reps alike. In his spare time, Leo enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities with his family and learning how to text message fast enough to keep up with his daughters.

Dan Boustead works as a highly-specialized drafter on some of our most in-depth and complex projects. Having been Head of Engineering, he is perhaps the best wood ceiling Project Engineer in the country today, with a long list of accomplishments to his résumé. Dan is an integral part of our Engineered-to-Order process, a service that guides your project through the upfront planning path of Approvals toward successful execution of material procurement and production.

Andy Gossard is our Financial Manager. But he brings far more to the job than just counting beans and collecting money. Andy spent ten years in the import plywood business. He knows wood composites, a key-and growing-raw material used in suspended wood ceilings. Andy also has been a catalyst, as chapter boardmember for The Association for Operations Management, toward introducing 9Wood to Enterprise Resource Planning and the Theory of Constraints management.

Charley Coury serves as the President of 9Wood and the National Sales Manager. Entering the wood ceilings business in 1991, Charley has built rich relationships throughout the industry, including some of the most talented independent sales reps in the country. Acting as Positional Leader of 9Wood's Executive Leadership team, Charley is tasked to keep 9Wood's managers producing key resource management decisions.

Project Management

Brad Leonard is our newest Project Manager. When he originally joined 9Wood in 2007, Brad was snagged by the Sales Department the first time he stepped foot in the 9Wood office (ironically, he was applying for a Production position) and hired directly into Estimating, a move that recognized his knowledge and potential. Because Brad spent two and half years as a Project Manager at a large asphalt company, Brad’s graduation to Project Management in 2009 was no surprise, considering his in-house Sales experience, as well as his honed knowledge about the holistic start-to-finish process of complex projects. Add to that an Associate of the Arts Degree from Columbia Basin College, and managerial experience at a national coffee chain, and the result is a well-rounded addition to the 9Wood team. In his spare time, Brad enjoys the outdoors, a good round of golf, and spending time with his beautiful wife and two young children.

Rebecca Hart is one of our Project Coordinators. Rebecca joined the 9Wood clan in 2008 with extensive administration and managerial experience. Her past jobs have included spending eight years working for a local retailer, in such varied jobs as Business Management, Operations Management, Customer Service, and even as a Vault Teller. She has also worked as a District Administrator at a regional natural gas company and in Project Management at a local construction firm. Rebecca also serves as a small group leader for her church, a role that continues to strengthen and develop her leadership skills. Rebecca's wide array of talents get a good deal of exercise as she manages the many diverse and complex aspects of keeping the approvals process running smoothly. When she isn't enjoying hiking and backpacking with her husband and two kids, you can find her exploring her passion for cooking, whether it's new kitchen gadgets or undiscovered recipes.

Our Master Scheduler works behind the scenes. So far behind the scenes, in fact, that we're not even sure what he looks like. We do know that he holds a BA from the University of Oregon, and as Master Scheduler, he works with the Project Management team by applying production strategy and Enterprise Resource Planning in order to improve and schedule productivity. Attention to detail and continuous improvement are important in helping to balance the manufacturing processes within scheduling. His job is unique at 9Wood, and as the driving force behind it, his hard work and dedication cannot go unnoticed. When he's not thinking about scheduling he likes to spend his time reading, exercising, and improving his drumming and drawing skills.

Ron Glazier is one of our Project Engineers. Ron joined 9Wood with experience in residential construction, and with two years of experience working in Production, Shipping, and as a shop lead-man in a wood ceilings company. He also spent a year managing the college co-op for his local church, demonstrating both his planning and people skills. Joining 9Wood in the spring of 2006, Ron barely had a chance to adjust to his Assembly position before he was promoted to Shipping and Receiving Manager a mere two weeks after he was hired. Ron now applies his proven managerial skills to balancing scheduling, quality, and expectations as a Project Engineer, a key role in the vital Project Management process. Not surprisingly, in his free time he enjoys mountain climbing, a testament to the perseverance and skill required to stay at the summit of 9Wood's commitment to excellence. When he's not studying his way to finishing his Business Management degree from Northwest Christian University, he enjoys spending time with his growing family.

Kyle and Kelsey Schnabel are an integral part to keeping the 9Wood office Sample department functioning smoothly. Kyle joined the 9Wood team and began working in the in-office Sample department in 2006, and his (then) soon-to-be-wife, Kelsey, followed suit in 2008. These days, Kelsey helps keep every aspect of 9Wood's sample library running, and when he isn't assisting her, Kyle spends his time inventing and implementing systems to make 9Wood run smoother, as well as making sure that everyone has the tools they need to function effectively. Whether they are chatting with reps and customers or reinventing a 9Wood system, this power couple embodies 9Wood's commitment to maintaining a quality work environment for the employee, and making sure that no dilemma or roadblock should stand in the way of delivering quality material to the customer. When they aren't whistling or skipping around the office, they enjoy playing Scrabble at a local bookstore, hiking, and camping.

Sales & Marketing

Michael Roemen began working in the wood ceilings industry six years ago after graduating from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). Since that time, he has departed and returned, but not before working in a variety of capacities including a prolonged stay as a teacher in Nagano, Japan. He came back to 9Wood to work in the Sales and Estimating department in 2005 where he keeps busy with quotes, phone calls, and promotional responsibilities.

Joshua Crouch is our Estimating Supervisor. Joining the 9Wood Project Management team after getting a degree in Technical Drafting and Applied Science and spending five years working at two different wood ceilings companies, Joshua brings an abundance of experience in Drafting and Project Engineering. Joshua has since made the transition to supervising our Estimating Department, where he puts his technical and supervisory experience to good use streamlining our Sales Process. Joshua also spent time living in Europe, where he cultivated a passion for architecture and design. His zeal for every project he works on is evident, and whether it's getting the details just right or working hard to resolve even the most minor issues, Joshua is a pivotal part of 9Wood's estimating force. When he's not working, Joshua enjoys traveling, serving at his local church, and celebrating with his wife on the birth of their son, Titus.

Becky Taylor originally joined 9Wood in early 2008 to work on the Engineering team. Because she has been running her own residential construction business with her husband for more than fifteen years (they specialize in timber framing), she brings a wide range of wood and management experience, including drafting, building, and even bookkeeping. Becky has also supplemented her experience by taking drafting classes at a local college, and by working as a drafter at a former wood ceilings company. Becky recently made the move to Estimating and is enjoying applying her considerable skills to learning a whole new set of ropes. When Becky's not lending her diverse talents to the 9Wood team, she enjoys snowboarding and traveling with her family.

Katie Schmidt works in our Estimating Department. With a degree in Drafting with an emphasis in Architecture, as well as substantial experience doing marketing and drafting work for a cabinet shop and another wood ceilings manufacturer, Katie’s unique combination of both technical and personal skills make her invaluable at 9Wood, where she supports both the Estimating and Engineering teams. Her passion for service is also apparent in her out-of-work activities, where she takes on the challenge of leadership at her church’s High School group. When she isn’t chatting with customers or mentoring local youth, she enjoys exploring urban architecture and watching Oregon Ducks football with her husband.

Milo Skinner serves as 9Wood’s Communication Manager, assists Michael Roemen in our marketing and also oversees design samples. A graduate of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Milo was in marketing before spending several years working as a professional pilot. He returned to the Northwest in early 2009 and has been at 9Wood since. In his free time, Milo enjoys hiking, biking, playing music and flying.

Engineering

Phil Swygart heads our Engineering Department. He combines a strong background in woodworking, from cabinet, furniture and plywood fabrication, progressing toward the wood ceiling industry in 1999. His expertise in computerized fabrication machinery and a natural talent for detail have led him to CAD drafting. In the realm of custom As-Built projects, exact and accurate production drawings are critical to quality control. Phil's exemplary performance continues to link engineering and production at 9Wood.

Tonya Cronkright came to 9Wood late in 2005, discovered by our very own "Professor Pfeifer." Starting as a drafting student who worked part-time, she soon graduated and joined us full-time. She has a strong work ethic which means she prides herself on producing quality work, willingly takes responsibility, and follows through on projects with minimal supervision. In addition to her proven work history, she brings a good foundation in AutoCAD, and has the ambition to learn more.

Petr Kovarik is a valued member of the 9Wood team and has extensive experience in the engineering and development of wood ceilings. Petr has been involved with several large-scale projects, most notably Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles. Petr has also worked in the Project Management division, which has added another dimension to his knowledge-base and capabilities. He currently works another job expanding his multimedia forte, while continuing to assist 9Wood's Engineering team with his seasoned experience.

Ryan Crane assists Engineering. Ryan spent two years working for his father's drafting company before starting work with a local drafting firm, where he worked for a year before starting work at 9Wood on the shop floor in 2006. He continued hand drafting part-time until 2007, when he started working at 9Wood full-time assisting Project Management and Engineering. An avid sports fan, as well as a long-time disc golfer, Ryan enjoys pretty much anything that involves kick-offs, goals, free-throws, or scoreboards.

Research & Development

Nathan Pfeifer heads our Research and Development Department, and not without a studied experience in wood ceilings. Taking an uncommon but exceptional path to Engineering, Nathan began his career on the shop floor in 2000. Marshalling a personal drive to grow and learn, Nathan mastered the skills of AutoCAD drafting and engineering to rise to the position of Head of Engineering, but he didn't stop there. Now he utilizes his wealth of knowledge as the leader of Research and Development, a key part of 9Wood's commitment to continue to innovate, always staying on the cutting edge of design and function.

Operations

Jonathan Warner brings a strong background in wood ceiling manufacturing. Starting on the shop floor in 1995, Jonathan rose through the ranks to eventually lead the critical Finishing Department and Custom Stains. Tapped for his product knowledge and detail orientation, Jonathan was promoted to Project Management in 2000. His passion for "earned optimism" and digging out the details, twin keys to successful project management, made him a very successful Project Manager. He currently employs his considerable talents as our Operations Manager, while continuing to apply his time-tested experience towards perfecting our MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) infrastructure.

Supply Chain Management

Barry Hughes has been our Logistics and Supply Chain Manager since 2007. Good vendor relationships are key to 9Wood's growth and productivity, and Barry heads up this area, combining his depth of experience in cabinet and wood ceiling manufacturing (since 1996) and the strong leadership gift and natural talent for operations that resulted in his previous role as 9Wood's Shop Foreman. Besides a MS in Botany, Barry's eclectic talents--with wood and people--have made him an indispensable leader at 9Wood.

Production

Michael Creech is our Shop Foreman. Starting out at 9Wood in the fall of 2006 as a woodworker on the shop floor, Michael rose to the position of Shop Foreman in the summer of 2007. Having spent twenty-two years of his life as a commercial fisherman, Michael brings an exceptionally-focused work ethic to the 9Wood team. He sports a BS in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Oregon and has worked numerous highly-skilled jobs including logging, remodeling (both commercially and residentially), and construction. Michael's experience, tenacity, and studied ability to problem-solve make him an invaluable asset to 9Wood, and an excellently-suited Shop Foreman. When he's not at work he devotes his energy to spending time with his family and to teaching woodworking at the craft center at the University of Oregon campus, where he's worked for over six years.

Billie Collins is the head of our Shipping & Receiving department. And while she is new to wood ceilings, Billie joined the 9Wood family in early 2008 with five years of management experience in the retail/wholesale business. As a mother, Billie brings 9Wood her less conventional (but equally valuable) experience in dealing with the multitude of unexpected (and sometimes unprecedented) dilemmas. Billie’s drive to learn, as well as her willingness to confront any situation head-on, make her a great Shipping & Receiving manager, and she is tasked with the important role of coordinating between production, customers, reps, truck drivers, and Project Managers. When Billie isn’t enjoying her varied and high-paced job, she and her five year-old daughter Bailey spend their time reading together and making lots of good memories.

Kevin Olson entered the wood ceiling field in 2002, having owned his own cabinet shop, after years as a journeyman cabinet maker. Kevin's asset is a wealth of experience-and in woodworking nothing substitutes for know-how. Kevin's craftsmanship and knowledge of wood ceiling products sets him at the Master Craftsman level. Kevin is deeply committed to passing on his sample knowledge, and currently manages a group of key 9Wood employees to create a team of craftsmen who can revolve in and out of the Sample department as needed.

Bill Miller is the Supervisor of our Coatings Department. Bill joined 9Wood in Spring of 2007 with fifteen years of manufacturing and management experience from two different RV manufacturing companies, in addition to knowledge gained from running his own cabinet shop, being the Assistant Manager of a furniture warehouse, and being a Production and Project Manager at a wood ceiling company. Bill's extensive experience in a diverse number of fields makes him the perfect candidate for successfully managing the complex stream of custom colors and coatings that flow through 9Wood's finish booth each day. When he isn't acting as our in-house superhero, Bill enjoys working with his family in supporting his thirteen year-old daughter's six-time champion outlaw cage kart racing team, proudly adding Crew Chief to his many job roles.

Steve Kovarik is our Production Dispatcher. Before joining 9Wood in 2006, Steve spent three years after high school as an exterior residential painter before moving into a retail management position. These experiences solidified his commitment to team leadership while developing a passion for operations management. Once onboard at 9Wood, Steve became our Coatings Team Leader, where he oversaw the finish process, a key value-added part of 9Wood's manufacturing process. Now Steve serves as our Production Dispatcher, bridging the critical gap between the production process and the production planning and scheduling systems. Steve's passion for turning components into high-quality finished products is reflected in his mechanical and home-construction activities outside of work. When he's not building or working with his cars and tools, Steve serves in a local church using his presentation and computer skills.

Business Management

Vjera Thompson is our Assistant Bean Counter. She was new to the wood ceiling business when she joined 9Wood in autumn of 2005, but quickly learned to manage payroll, invoices, and piles of bills with zeal. Her attention to detail and growing experience make her the perfect administrator in Business Management, where she assists the owners and Project Managers and keeps things running smoothly. She supports being "green" by coordinating a group bus pass program for 9Wood's employees and managing a bicycle commuter mileage tracking program. And occasionally, she even rides her unicycle to the office.

Aaron Schnabel is our System Administrator. By the time he graduated Oregon State University in 2007 (Go Beavers!) with a BS in Computer Science, he enjoyed a year studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, and advanced his computer skills with internships at Intel and Garmin. Joining 9Wood shortly after graduating, Aaron employs his vast knowledge of systems, software, and connectivity to keep the 9Wood office running smoothly.

Hope Arnold joined the 9Wood team in late 2005 to work in 9Wood's In-House Promotional Material Production team. She moved into an administrative role in the spring of 2006 when she took a position at the front desk. After stepping away in the fall of 2007 to travel across Europe, she returned to pursue her education. With an Advanced Placement Scholar Award and College Board commended writing and literary skills under her belt, Hope now employs her vast array of eclectic skills in Business Management, where she spell-checks, proof-reads, and credit-checks to her heart's content. When she isn't doing odd jobs or elbows deep in toner doing copy repairs, she enjoys juggling, and occasionally balancing things on her head.