We’re continuing our interview series with the team here at Chuckanut Builders. Next up is Jake, one of our Project Managers. Jake grew up working for his father, a custom home builder on Camano Island, which really set the stage for his career. We’ll hear about what he’s learned over the years, what drives him, and the kind of projects he’s excited to do next!
What was your first job in construction or trades, and what’s one thing from that job that still sticks with you? “I’ve had a lot of different experiences over the years, but one thing that’s stuck with me is how many decisions people have to make during a build. It taught me that clients don’t just need information; they appreciate guidance. Helping people navigate the hundreds (maybe thousands!?) of choices is just as important as the construction itself.”
What’s a home or space you’ve helped build that you’re still proud to drive past? “Honestly, all the Chuckanut Projects. Each one has something unique about it. When I was working with my dad, there are a few homes on Camano Island that I built that were very aspirational – I’m proud to have had the opportunity to work on these.”
How do you maintain high standards while keeping crews, clients, and yourself in a good headspace? “Building strong relationships is what it’s all. When a client feels heard, and everyone is working towards the same goal, the process is smoother. At the end of the day, I want people to be excited about the design, confident in the decisions they’ve made, and genuinely happy with the finished product.”
What does a high-functioning team feel like to you when you’re in the middle of it?
“It’s exciting. Everyone is solving problems together, communicating well, and moving toward the same goal. When the whole team is working in sync, clients notice and the end result is better because of it.”
Looking back, what’s a mistake early in your career that taught you more than any training ever could? “Sometimes it’s the smallest oversight that creates the biggest headache. I once saw a project get held up because someone forgot to order the roofing material before the old roof came off. That kind of experience teaches you the importance of planning ahead and paying attention to the details.”
High-performance building and passive house methods take extra care – what gets you excited about that level of detail? “I enjoy the challenge! Working through design decisions, collaborating with architects, and value engineering a project while maintaining performance is rewarding. It’s especially exciting when the drywall is up, the cabinets start going in, and the clients can finally see everything coming together.”
How do you explain the “why” behind green building choices to a client who may not come in asking for that? “It’s really about helping people find a path that makes sense for their project. Every client has different priorities. My job is to explain the options and help them understand the long-term value of high-performance materials and techniques without making it overwhelming.”
What construction techniques do you want to learn more about? “I’d love to dive deeper into timber framing and continue expanding my knowledge of Passive House construction. If you want something truly custom, those building methods open up a lot of exciting possibilities.”
What kind of project would you love to sink your teeth into that you haven’t gotten to do yet? “I’d love another opportunity to work on a restaurant or other commercial public-use building. Those projects present a different set of challenges, and I enjoy tackling them!”
What’s one thing you always keep in your truck that has nothing to do with the job?
“An extra pair of sunglasses- and a $20 for tacos! You never know either one will come in handy.”
What’s your walk-up song if you strolled onto a job site like it was a baseball game?
“ “Only Girl” by Rihanna. No explanation needed!”
You can probably see why we love having Jake on the team. A great attitude, big-time skills, and of course, cash in the car for emergency tacos!