Meet the people of Bensonwood
Administration | Building Systems | Design | Drafting | Engineering | IT | Project Stewards | Sales | Timberframe | Woodworking |
Administration
Sheila Albere
Administrative Support, HR Hiring Administrator
To know Sheila is to begin appreciating San Francisco's charm. She was born and raised in the City by the Bay and now lives in rural New Hampshire with her husband, Jay and their youngest of four sons, Brian. The older boys have blessed Sheila and Jay with five grandchildren. Sheila is Bensonwood's contact for job applicants and she facilitates hiring and orientation of new employees. She visits California once a year, staying in touch with family and friends. When she’s not at the office her life is filled with family and neighborhood gatherings, grandchildren and a close circle of women friends.
Tedd Benson
Company Steward, basketball & bicycle enthusiast
Tedd is a rare combination of passion and precision, fueled by incredible energy, and tempered with a fine sense of humor. He literally wrote the book on timberframing, while reviving the craft and starting the business in the early 1970s. Tedd remains the core of the group, involved in every aspect of the operation. You won't meet another like him. Chevy Chase complains he is mistaken for Tedd wherever he goes. You might ask him about his recent attainment of a long-past (pre-high school?) weight.
Christine Benson
A BWC Founder, Now a grandmother
Christine’s roles at the company have been many and varied since she was a "kid" thirty-five years ago. She was there in the 70’s, living in a cabin with Tedd, helping him build a woodworking business that evolved into a timber frame design/build business in the 80’s. Her responsibilities have changed with the continued expansion of products, services, and facilities. She has a keen, ongoing interest in our evolving models of teamwork participation and management, open books, profit sharing models, ownership, informative group decision making, financial analysis, and more… There’s even more fun now that she is a Grammy to Karl. Play dates, showing him off around the office, plus knitting and sewing for him are high priorities. When not doting on Karl, you might find Christine chasing after Tedd on one bicycle or another.
Kate Nerrie
Office Manager, whip-cracker
Kate has been a crucial cog in the finely-tuned and lubricated machine which is Benson Woodworking since she took up residence at Tedd and Christine's kitchen table/office in 1970something. She manages the expanding paperwork empire, does the billing, keeps her eye on crews and costs, tends the fleet and organizes our celebrations. We don't do well when she's away. She and spouse Michael live in a beautiful solar-tempered, timberframe home they built themselves, surrounded by bountiful and lovely gardens and a charming pond. They nurture Guide Dogs for the Blind with their spare time, energy, and organizational abilities.
Virginia Smith
Reception/Marketing Assistant, prolific seamstress
Building Systems
Seth Ashworth
Building Systems/roof shop
Building Systems/roof shop
Paul Boa
Panel Designer, canoe builder, eh?
Paul found out about Bensonwood while living in Toronto with his wife, Kathryn. He signed up for one of our seminars in 1987 and liked it so much that he never left. Paul has worn many hats at Bensonwood. He got his start in the timberframe shop where he worked as a job captain for four years. In Paul's former life in Canada, he owned a small cabinet shop so when our woodworking department was born, Paul moved on to this new department where he headed up the crew. The company continued to grow and when the Building Systems shop was conceived, Paul was up to the challenge. He now stewards this department along with Hans, Jay and Eric S. Paul, Kathryn and their two beautiful daughters live in a timberframe home in Alstead that they built with the help of all of their friends.
Art Cable
Panel Constructor, in-line skater
Art came to our Building Systems department with an extensive carpentry background, and he constantly impresses the rest of the team with his "tricks of the trade." He recently purchased land in Newfane, Vermont, and plans to build a home for his wife, Amy Jo, himself, and their children, Theresa and Bobbi. Bensonwood keeps Art too busy to get away and practice his in-line skating: he considered doing laps around the shop instead (but 15 miles is how many laps?). Art's co-workers used to complain about his insistence on listening to "The Oldies" station while working but it seems he has converted a few of them to his side of the (music) tracks. Art is such a character that his wife borrowed his clothes and dressed up as him for Halloween.
Brian Knowles
Panel Builder and former ski coach
After years of renovating old, crooked homes, Brian came to Bensonwood eager to build plumb and square buildings from the ground up. He lives across the river and through the woods in Putney VT with his wife Natalie and their two cats. A self proclaimed die hard Red Sox and Patriots fan, Brian also loves the great outdoors and enjoys whitewater kayaking, golfing, and hanging out at the beach.
Marc LeBlanc
Building Systems/Panel guy
Jay Lepple
Building Systems constructor, dirt bike rider
Jay joined our Building Systems department with previous panel building experience, and has taken a lead role in the panel shop and on site for installation. He has also taken a lead role in getting our company gym finished and has promised to "pump up" the rest of his team once it's finished. Jay commutes from Marlborough, NH on his motorcycle.
Krishna Maples
Panel Builder, abstract painter
Krishna came to Bensonwood with more than ten years building experience. Proud to be a fourth generation Vermonter, he lives in nearby Putney in a house he’s restoring. Krishna enjoys good wine and his three children--Kaya, Jack and Audrey.
Luke Marcum
Building systems, long distance runner
Building systems, long distance runner
Hans Porschitz
Panel designer, Oktoberfest host
Hans is a leading member of our Building Systems Team, working on both product and process development to improve the performance, efficiency and longevity of our Building Systems components. A native of southern Germany, he attended the University of Applied Sciences in Rosenheim and graduated with an Engineering Degree in wood technology. Hans joined the Beamteam in March of 2000 and helped to grow the Building Systems part of the operation. To prove his commitment to settling in New Hampshire he married his Emily and is now a permanent resident of the United States. They live in the legendary "cabin" that could be considered the very first Bensonwood home built in the early seventies. While he enjoys life in New England, his roots are hard to deny with his penchant for VW's, Beemers and German tools. He loves the outdoors, skiing, biking and traveling.
Eric Selmer
Panel Guy, entrepreneur
The majority of Eric's time is spent in our panel shop working with messy foam insulation and the remainder of his time spent in Building Systems. His past work experience in various lines of construction have made for an easy transition into our company. Eric grew up in the Massachusetts and also the Monadnock area. Eric and his wife Sherry are currently living in West Chesterfield, NH and he describes their relationship as being quite adventurous and business driven. They have recently opened up a new consignment clothing store in North Hampton, MA and mentioned that this is their fifth business venture. In the past, they owned a tanning salon, did some estate maintenance and also purchased old homes, fixed them up and sold them. He likes canoeing and hiking when he's not working hard with his wife on their latest entrepreneurial partnership project.
Jeffrey Starratt
Panel constructor, high-energy blues man!
Although his native hometown is Meridan, Connecticut, Jeff has lived in several states, including California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont before finally landing in Roxbury, New Hampshire. He lives in a log cabin on ten peaceful acres with his beautiful wife Debbie and his precious eight-year-old daughter Mazie. They are a family that loves listening to and playing music, especially the guitar. Their long list of favorite family activities include traveling, cooking, hiking, camping and fishing. Jeffrey said that a simple twist of fate brought him to Bensonwood; he can't explain it, but he's thankful.
Kevin Stowell
Building Systems/Wall panel guy
Building Systems/Wall panel guy
Dennis Wright
Roof panel constructor, rescue volunteer
Roof panel constructor, rescue volunteer
Jonathan Wright
Roof panel constructor, brewer of fine beer
A sixth generation Vermonter from Westminster, Jon didn't have to travel far to find a job that fit with his love of building and woodworking. When not in the shop or traveling to job sites, he spends most of his time working on his own home, which he and his wife Karen built on a dirt road in Putney, Vermont. They share their home and land with two dogs and an assortment of cats, sheep, and goats. In his spare time, Jon likes to read, cook, and brew beer. He’s also active in both town politics and local community service organizations.
Raymond Zabel
Panel constructor and sculptor
Ray agreed to join our Building Systems team just seconds before Tedd rear-ended his vehicle in the parking lot after Ray's interview, and somehow we managed to convince him not to change his mind. The great organization and inventory management skills that Ray acquired during many years of working in the rental business have been a great asset for the panel shop. Ray lives in Keene, NH. His daughter Faith, plus hobbies including painting, sculpture and astronomy all add up to his being, according to him, "one of the most boring people you'd ever run across."
Max Zurmuhlen
Building Systems/Panel guy
Design
Chris Adams
Designer, ex-VW bus owner
Chris was raised in this area, so taking his fresh architecture degree from Roger Williams University to Norway seemed to make sense to him. Subsequent, less explicable, jaunts included working in a schooner galley off Maryland's coast. When the mood finally hit Chris to actually to use that degree, he decided to return to New Hampshire at the same time. Once on a "settling in" roll, Chris was tough to stop, so he went on to marry Laura Malinoski, buy a local antique and charming house project, and acquire two dogs. Not to stray too far from his roots, Chris also owns and maintains the oldest of the VW buses in our lot.
Curtis Fanti
Designer, cyclist and surfer
While designing custom homes in Boston, Curtis heard of Bensonwood through contacts at a premium wood flooring supplier. Seven years in the big city seemed sufficient so he, high school sweetheart-now-wife Lauren and their Labs Bailey and Beau came to New Hampshire. His surfboards are still dry, but he also has some serious bicycles which fit in nicely around here. Curtis figures the company culture is why he’s here, especially "the quality and integrity our work represents."
Hilary Harris
Architect, rock climber/coach, outdoor enthusiast
Hilary lived all around the world throughout her childhood until she made her way to Colorado where she lived for 14 years. During that time, she got her degree in environmental science, but eventually decided to embark on a career in architecture because of what she says are the many adverse effects our modern built environment has had on people and place. While her primary role as an Architect is to design homes for Bensonwood, she also plays a key role in helping to develop the sustainability efforts of the company. Before coming to Bensonwood, her professional background had been primarily in "green" light commercial work & adaptive re-use projects. Her interest in coming to Bensonwood was due to our commitment to building for longevity and the great team. Hilary keeps herself busy outside of her day job by teaching at Antioch University, Yestermorrow Design Build School, and working on her 200-year old cape with Geoff and Chester. When not spending time working on the old house you can find her climbing at one of the many spectacular crags in New England or coaching young hopefuls in the sport.
Bill Holtz
Architect, prankster and trombone player
This suburban refugee now hangs his hat(s) at the Beamery. An architect and planner--be it cottage or manor--he strives to make dreams materialize. Bill also has a penchant for polygons and towers. He maintains an arsenal of potato launchers; and is prepared to show them to you. Bill is probably our most energetic prankster. He and Patty live in a landscaping project and gardening wonderland at the end of Pratt Road with the one-and-only Redheaded Rebecca (not W.P.H.VII). Bill has also showed up at our parties in lederhosen - and worse.
Doug Reitmeyer
Designer, sax player
Doug started reading about timber framing and Bensonwood while working as prototype designer and architectural model maker for Michael Graves & Associates. We are thrilled to have him on board as one of our designers. He grew up in wonderful Asbury Park, New Jersey, but left the Redbank area of New Jersey for an old farm in Vermont. He and his wife Krystina had home births for their beautiful daughters Aili Sage and Anika Lucia at that farm. Hanging out with his family is his favorite time-off activity, but Doug also loves listening to jazz and attempting to play the alto sax. He's very excited to be living so close within nature and to Vermont's three season (not mud) snowboarding wonderland.
Allison Smeltz
Interior Designer, Caribbean Camper
After receiving her degree from Colorado State University, Allison recently joined us as an Interior Designer but she is no newcomer. One of the original Bensonwood rugrats, Allison grew up in nearby Keene and has been visiting the shop for as long as she can remember. Already part of the family, her own desk in the Design studio makes her part of the team as well. An avid reader, Allison also enjoys camping, especially in the Caribbean, and riding her primitive bicycle with the more high tech cyclists around the company. Offer to trade the bicycle for a cruiser bike or British sports car, however, and she may just do it, especially if there's room for Tiny Tim, her three-legged Golden Retriever. And then there are the raccoons. She won't say why, or when or where it started, but the foxes, coyotes and bears around these parts don't bother her. But those raccoons . . .
Laura Taheny
Designer, California Girl
People find us and sometimes it clicks. Like Laura who drove by on her way to brunch. She saw the Bensonwood sign, checked out our website, and proceeded to convince us we needed someone from California who grew up in the redwood forest, studied Interior Design and worked for a small architecture firm before coming east. We're glad she did. Now that she and her new husband have settled in, they're building their menagerie. Anapamu and Miles, two kittens paroled from the local shelter, are first. A dog is next. And then ... well, if you had horses growing up and studied dressage for 12 years and now you own some land and work with people who could build a really cool barn, what might you think would be the next animal in that family?
Randall Walter
Architect. Hockey anyone?
Randall wisely replaced the bedraggled old English sports cars that would follow him home with a series of "undermaintained" buildings. He has bought several older buildings and remodeled them with fine results. Eventually, however, Randall found he could not resist that classic architect trap -- designing and building his own new home. While his friends and loved ones watched with baited breath, he pressed on to that most extraordinary of conclusions -- a sweet and completed home. Randall and the ever-calm Marni have gone on to warm that lovely new home with pets and the sweet Carina. Those of us worried that Randall has left his first passion behind, however, need only note the first syllable of his first-born's name.
Drafting
Keith Fiorey
Building Systems designer, drives cool cars
Keith, his wife Matora, and their baby daughter Victoria, recently moved to Surry, NH. Surry is Keith's hometown, and he was ready to return after a decade in Boston. Keith joined our Building Systems with a great design background, and extensive knowledge of Autocad. He now is dedicating most of his time to Cadwork designs. His proficiency on the computer is impressive, but his killer instincts on the volleyball court and car collection are what really make his teammates jealous.
Nino Jordan
Drafter, motorcycle papa
David Levasseur
Drafter, mountain biker and skier
A recent addition to the Beam Team, Dave came with an interest in timber framing and timber frame structures. Dave is married to his best friend Ellen. They met while they were both ski instructors at Smuggler s Notch in Vermont. Now they live in nearby Keene with their Yellow Labrador named Lhotse, who is as much in love with the outdoors as his masters. Dave s personal and lifelong goal is to summit Denali (Mt. Mckinley) someday.
Michael Luebeck
Building Systems draftsman, electronic music artist
Mike is originally from Farmington, CT, but presently resides in Keene, NH. He recently graduated from Keene State College with a degree in Architecture. He enjoys long distance running, snow boarding and ultimate frisbee. In other words, he enjoys waking up with sore legs. One of Mike’s biggest passions lies with composing and producing electronic music, which he has been doing since age 15. He would someday love to visit the sites of ancient architectural marvels and go skydiving, but for now is content with life in New England.
Eric Sandberg
Draftsman, white water rafter
Growing up in the same town, Eric knew that Bensonwood would be a great place to work and find a career. In the back of his mind, he always thought he would end up here and is very excited to be a member of the Beam Team. His journey to the Drafting Department included a stint with a local builder, a Bachelors degree from the Keene State architecture program and leading white water rafting and snowmobile tours in the mountains of Colorado. Like several other people around here, Eric dreams of surfing but makes do with snowboards. Like a lot of other people around here, Eric enjoys his mountain bike and wouldn't mind traveling the world in search of new trails.
Engineering
Chris Carbone
Engineer, fanatical hiker
Chris first learned of Bensonwood while reading Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built for his thesis work at MIT. He decided that a hands-on internship in our timberframe shop would be a great way to spend the summer between his two years of graduate study. He came to the shop and was hooked. While he did return to get his Masters of Science in Building Technology, he was back working at Bensonwood within a year of his internship, this time in the Engineering Department. Chris's graduate coursework was focused on structures with a minor in energy. His thesis work concerned the use of biologically-based building materials in future generations of sustainable architecture. Chris is a project engineer who strives to design structures that are smart and efficient, while still being straightforward and buildable. At the same time, he's not afraid of complex structures and will spend hours (if not days) detailing building solutions, when needed. In addition to project work, Chris is actively involved in the research and development of new biologically-based building systems. He loves cellulose fibers wherever they are used, be they in structure or insulation. He enjoys talking about these issues and has presented at the Build Boston conference, architecture offices throughout New England, and MIT. He is building his own house and experimenting with new wall systems in its construction. He is a fan of cold roofs and adequate moisture protection for buildings (especially foundations). He is also the community garden coordinator, so lock your doors if zucchini is in season!
Sam Sherrill
Engineering assistant, avid outdoors man
Growing up in Vermont Sam has always found time to hit the hills and discover new terrains to climb, ski, hike, and fish. He graduated from Vermont Technical College with a degree in Architectural Engineering. His interest in engineering and complex wood structures led him to Bensonwood and its engineering department. He lives in Bellows Falls and is a member of the BF fire department.
IT
Eric Gough
Doctor Database, city boy
Eric used to get up by 5:20am to get out of the house by 6:00 to get the train by 6:26 to get to the subway by 7:35 to get to Wall Street by 7:50 to get to the office by 8:00. At 6:30pm, a true rat in the race of life, he would do it backwards. Eventually, after searching for quality of life from Maine to North Carolina, he stumbled across a Tedd book in a Grand Central Terminal bookstore after missing a train. Awed by the wood, the joints and the sites, he dreamed of tapping mortises and dancing on the beams, but was finally convinced he would be more productive tapping keyboards and dancing through the databases. So now each morning, Eric wakes up later, dawdles over coffee with his wife Ting and walks to work. Evenings are spent on activities completely unknown before. Their new life has just the quality they were looking for.
Ting Gough
Photo Librarian, avid gardener, loves to cook
Ting came to Walpole because her husband had a dream. To her surprise and his immense relief, she has blossomed farther north than she ever thought possible. She has discovered wild mushrooms, rediscovered knitting, and her garden this year promises to be the best yet. All that happens when she’s not taking care of the Photo Library, updating Picture of the Day or pitching in with the databases. She has definitely grown where she was planted.
Patrick Ziselberger
Webmaster, another happy city transplant
Our talented webmaster escaped "corporate" life to join us here at Bensonwood. He still spends his day in front of the computer, but the commute is easier, the building is funkier, and the co-workers are friendlier. Patrick has also had a chance to enjoy some road adventures, most recently at the Knight job where two 60 foot towers were constructed for his webcams that broadcast the raising live on our website. Patrick got a real workout running up and down those towers. Patrick is accustomed to life on the road, having pursued his passion for building theater sets for several years. Patrick and his girlfriend, Jen, divide their time between Saxtons River, VT and New York, NY where she works as a set and costume designer.
Project Stewards
Jeff Coleman
Project Manager, Skier, Kayaker
Since walking in the door in 1981, Jeff has spearheaded many aspects of the BWC services. He was hired as a designer, but has taken frames through the shop, trained panel crews, leads our Project Stewardship team, and heads up our critical and delicate project scheduling efforts. He only recently retired as the sole member of our snowplowing team. Jeff, his wife Debi, and their two children, Caitlyn and Craig, live nearby in a home they built themselves.
Tom Olsen
Project Manager, former Peace Corps volunteer
Tom was building homes in Cape Cod, MA before coming to reside in Marlborough, New Hampshire and join our Project Manager team. Tom attended the University of Colorado, home of the Golden Buffalos, and graduated with a degree in Finance & Economics. After some years in Alaska, Tom headed for Western Samoa as a Peace Corps volunteer. Returning to Breckenridge, Colorado, Tom worked in the ski industry for several years before moving to Cape Cod to learn about the ocean. His wife Kathryn and two children, Scott and Kari, have convinced him to settle down a bit. Now, working on his house is his primary hobby, but he also likes to ski, sail, and fish.
Lovell Parsons
Project Manager, folk music aficionado
Originally from Essex, MA, but now lives just over the river in Springfield, Vermont. Lovell has been in the construction business for 35 years, as a carpenter, general contractor and construction manager (and now a Project Manager). He is married with five children, three grand children, and two grand dogs. He has been known to stop mid-sentence to listen to good folk music ... especially live. He owned, lived in, and raised his children in what is known as the second frame that Tedd and others cut on Pratt Road back in 1975. He raised the frame himself (with some friends) in 1977. He has since sold the house and "coming to Bensonwood is in a sense like coming home." He and his wife moved to Vermont to simplify their lives and to enjoy the beauty and more gentle pace of the area. Their goal is to keep doing that.
Brian Petrovitch
Project Manager, former gold coast dweller
Originally from Connecticut, Brian comes from a family of builders and earned a degree in Civil Technology from the University of New Hampshire. His several years in construction followed by project management experience at an architectural firm make him a natural fit on our project management team. Brian married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, and wooed her to the country. They live in Alstead, in a 1780's post and beam cape that they're restoring while raising their two small children, Luke and Emma. In his "spare time," when not playing with his kids, Brian enjoys fishing and skiing.
Erin Philbrick
Reception, Admintrative Support, Wonder Woman and Jeep enthusiast
Erin grew up just a few towns away and may just live the closest to work of all the Beam Team associates where she shares an apartment with her two cats Peanut and BearBear. Erin is an aspiring over-achiever who also works hard (and early) at UPS and bartends on the weekends. In the little time off that she has, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, skiing, muddin' up or cleaning her Jeep, or pretty much any other activity that gets her outside. Someday, somehow Erin will figure out how to swim with the Manatees without actually being in Florida. Until then, dreaming about it will have to do.
Tony Poanessa
Project Manager, ex-brewpub owner
Tony has owned and operated a variety of businesses including a general contracting company, a hot tub and sauna store and Southwest New Hampshire's first brewery. After selling the brewery and taking too much time off, Tony decided it was time to try working for someone else. Writing an appealing resume was challenging but his efforts did the trick and the rest is history. Still an avid hophead, Tony enjoys pretty much anything, including working on lofty aspirations like being serious for two consecutive hours. Outside of work he spends his nights and weekends building a new home with his wife Debbie.
Erik Walker
Millwork Coordinator, perambulator and musician
Erik grew up in Erie, PA -- home of the second best sunset on the planet (by National Geographic's estimation). He spent a lot of time on the water there, capsizing all manner of small boats out on Presque Isle Bay. He was an adequate sailor; but what he lacked in seamanship he made up for in piracy: Erik could unfailingly blindside an opposing skipper with a bailerful of baywater at 20 yards. Erik moved to Lempster, NH in 1997 and resides there to this day in a 19th century farmhouse with lovely daughter Lydia (11) and talented son Neville (16). Lydia is destined to be a best selling author; and Neville is equally destined to challenge Bob Marley for musical "household name" status. Either way, Erik's retirement is secure. In Lempster, he has held the elected positions of School Board Chair and Trustee of the Trust Funds, as well as the appointed positions of Cold River LAC Representative and Town Perambulator. The latter position may have been the second-best job ever since it entailed walking through the woods one day each autumn in exchange for $650. When not coordinating millwork, Erik can be found thumping the low E-string on an upright bass or twanging a melody out on an old National Steel Style-O resonator guitar. His current combo -- The Cold River Ranters -- is spreading its unique brand of hot-gonzo-primitive-folk-jive to burrito joints throughout Keene, NH. Beyond work and music, Erik is a devoted student of the bible, with a particular interest in the thirteen Pauline epistles and is currently enrolled in The Grace School of the Bible, an intensive 3-year program of study designed to edify bible believers.
Sales
Greg Boiles
Project Facilitator, former nuclear engineer
Greg fell in love with timberframing while growing up in the Midwest. This self-declared "upper-crust hillbilly" has re-invented himself from nuclear engineer, to corporate executive, to finally reaching the pinnacle as a timberframe job captain at Bensonwood. After decades of living and working in California, he moved to New England specifically to be in the timberframing industry and is in love with the craft. Willing to try just about anything at least once, he particularly enjoys a good red wine, people-watching, new experiences and travel.
Tom Goldschmid
Marketing & Sales,
Senior Designer, drummer and first Bensonwood employee
Tom was the first BWC employee, and we were proud to have him back after a five year sabbatical. He returns to the design team with his knowledge of timber framing annealed in the furnace of eight years' study at the Boston Architectural Center. Tom has collaborated with local architects and builders and worked as a free-lance designer. Tom commutes from Vermont, where he lives with Raine and their two children in a timberframe home they built themselves. He is the proud owner/operator (during daylight, only) of a MG TD he has had since high school.
Marilyn Taggart
Marketer and photographer
Marilyn operates one of the personable voices you might hear over our phones. She was born a Benson; one of the three lovely sisters who helped to civilize their eight raucous brothers. Not wanting to lose touch with all that guy energy, she married Tom; one of the best childhood friends of the Benson Boys. They live in a classic and charming Seattle craftsman bungalow, and feel lucky that their grown-up children Matt and Marta still live in the vicinity. The wonders of modern technology make her remote Bensonwood outpost feasible; the time zone difference makes it convenient. The Northwest climate explains Marilyn's Dorian Grayish complexion; the smile is all Marilyn. Marilyn is a talented amateur (for now) photographer, and is never without a couple of cameras slung around her neck.
Keith Zimmermann
Marketing & Sales, wine connoisseur
Timberframe
Duane Beiler
Timberframer, former farmer and long-haul trucker
Duane grew up on a small farm near Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. After twelve years of farming on his own, and another seven driving trucks over the road, he was looking for something more challenging and rewarding. He was introduced to timberframing through watching an episode of "This Old House." He attended Heartwood Timber Framing School in Massachusetts. Duane is now living in Westmoreland and looking forward to all of the outdoor recreation that New England has to offer. One of the things he likes most about working here is the informal and friendly atmosphere.
C J Brehio
Timberframer
Timberframer
David Chase
Hundegger honcho, windsurfer
David is a relative newcomer to timber framing. Dave followed his guiding light Anna, a podiatrist (that's feet, not babies), from Ohio to Keene, NH. Given our climate, he decided it was time to give up his career in air-conditioning and pursue a long-time dream of woodworking. Now he spends much of his day arm in arm with our tool/machine/muse, the Hundegger. Dave said that he and Anna rarely ever do things separately, but he still enjoys hiking, biking, windsurfing and other outdoor activities.
Jesse Gallagher
Timberframer
Timberframer
Tom Hancock
Timberframer, very early riser
Tom is a sweet-looking, but worldly young fellow from these parts. He came to Bensonwood with an extraordinary amount of previous timber framing experience and an outrageous work ethic. He adapted quickly to Bensonwood methods and adopted our pursuit of excellence. "Getting an early start" means 4:00am to Tom. Tom took his family homestead, moved it back 38' (to the brink of a cliff), and added a timberframed room. Now that Tami has made an honest man of Tom he keeps busy rebuilding their own home.
Philip Henry
Timberframer, moved from Japan
Philip brings layers of international experience to our timber framing team. He grew up in Bolivia and studied architecture in college here in the U.S. Phil did some fine woodworking before heading to Japan where he spent five years studying joinery. He became interested in timber framing and found us through our website. Phil and his wife Alison just bought a house in Keene where they live with their sweet and energetic young William.
Dennis Marcom
Timberframer, Greek translator
A timberframer since 1978, Dennis is a steward of the timberframe shop, the safety director of the company, and a timberframe job captain. We all depend on him. Dennis's preternatural calm makes him our premier crane liaison and is probably rooted in one of his past lifestyles, spent in a monastery. He is married to Krystyna, who firmly and thankfully grounds him in this world. About four years ago, Dennis quit smoking after 2.5 decades. We are thrilled that his lungs are good enough again to wear out his legs on a mountain bike. Dennis makes bow ties better than you will believe.
John McElroy
Timber framer, philosophical weatherman
John is an aspiring job captain who came knocking after reading about us in the newspaper. He and his wife Mary, along with their dog Raven, currently live too far from work but we hear about goals to build his own timberframe. Perhaps it will be closer. In the meantime, if you're talking about the weather, the oceans, the planet and how it all fits together, you could do worse than looking for John's knowledge and opinions in your conversation. He's got both and is not afraid to share them.
Chops Polcari
Timber framer and rock star
"Chops" has been building frames since 1975 and has been a manager of our biggest projects since 1985. A sometime rock musician and full-time treat, Chops is lucky enough to share a photovoltaic home and mini-farm of his own construction with wife Jenny and their beatific son Michael. An innate philosopher, he helps us all to cope. Chops and family host the "Crisis Cabin," the emergency (and temporary) housing in the woods for our more adventurous and rustic new co-workers. They are also avid vegetable gardeners and usually have a dog and a couple of cats at home.
Dan Rennoldson
Timberframer, zoo-keeper
Dan came to us the long way. He's been everywhere, doing some timberframing, stick building, roofing, decking and tending bar. An avid outdoors man, Dan enjoys skiing, snow boarding, camping, fishing and hiking. Having literally traveled the world, he finds himself hooked on the hills and open space of rural New England, and is looking for a spot of land to put down roots and build a house of his own. Meanwhile, he shares a place with a roommate and a menagerie that includes a dog named Zena, a cat named Twitch, a horse named Fritz, three no-name alpacas and a chicken named Chicken. Did we mention he's also a volunteer fireman in nearby Langdon? We're glad Dan is here.
Mark Roentsch
Timberframer, watch out when he's on his snowmobile
Mark is one of the Roentsch boys who, as a group, seem to hold the entire Alstead area together. Unlike most of our framers, Mark came to Bensonwood with considerable experience in the craft--which became apparent once he finally got some decent hand tools. Mark was the most consistent element of our fifteen home GreyHawk development in Colorado, and he has taken a lead role in laying out the new Walpole facility for the company. Playing golf and riding snowmobiles provide just some of the thrills in Mark's life. He keeps promising to combine the two into an intriguing new sport.
Dan Sheehan
Timberframer, Haiku writer
Dan escaped from the corporate environment to become a first class timberframer. He claims to be "a space/time traveler, lost in the cosmos, searching for signposts in a strange land." but really he's an indulgent toy making uncle.
Liam Smith
Timberframer, actor
Timberframer, actor
Joe Szuch
Wood Czar, our gentle giant
The nicest guy in the entire operation. Utterly unfazed by chaos in any form, this quiet giant has turned the laissez-faire jumble of our timber inventory into a predictable and confidence-inspiring timber delivery system. We haven't run out of timbers since Joe took over the yard. His son Joe promises to be even bigger than his dad, and better looking, too. Speaking of chaos, Joe and Amy have reproduced, in the fine form of Alyssa. An old, perhaps apochryphal, story about Joe concerns his remarkable grace on figure skates. The image of Joe, in a double axel, can bring tears to the steeliest eyes.
Doug Ward
Timberframer, carver
One of the more pleasant people in the Timberframe shop, Doug joined the Beam Team in Spring '05. He is the father of two teenage boys and makes his home in Peterborough, NH.
Rick Whitcomb
Timberframer, will ski water - liquid or solid
Rick decided he wanted to be a timberframer at Bensonwood, and has made this happen in his understated and absolutely inexorable way. He proved to be a natural, both to the craft and to the company ways. Rick is sweet, dedicated to the craft, and is just about the best skier (snow or water) in the company. His spouse, Trilby, is a much better volleyball player than Rick, and his two young sons are funnier and better-looking than Dad. As much as Rick enjoys working on his cars, he maintains the healthiest attitude toward them; they are ALL for sale.
Peter Wotowiec
Timberframer and kayaker
Peter has an oaken grip and the ruddiest red cheeks at January raisings. He is an organized project framer and a timberframe jack-of-all-trades. Peter can be found modeling a frame on the computer, designing joinery, selecting timbers, piloting the timber frame machine, wheeling the forklift, or managing a job in the shop or on the road. With a keen interest in supporting our combined efforts, he assists in the management of the timberframe shop, is a member of our Human Resources Continuous Improvement Team and a Company Steward. Peter spent his formative years in Central America, with both the Peace Corps and the woman he was lucky enough to wed, Sandra. Along with their son Steven, they have put down their roots on an off-the-grid homestead in nearby Acworth; where they cultivate fruits, vegetables and rocks. If Peter is not at home, you are likely to find him enjoying the local landscape on foot, mountain bike, canoe, or kayak.
Woodworking
Kevin Bittenbender
Woodworker, avid "Two Planker"
After studying economics at Middlebury College, Kevin took a "sabbatical" to work on his MBA (Masters in Big Air) in Breckenridge, CO. When the mountain closed, he took a carpentry job and discovered his passion for building homes. Speaking of passion, he also met his wife, Peggy, during this four year ski bumming stint. The two of them have since co-authored Gus, Beatriz, and Georgia, the brightest-eyed trio we know. This sweet family has moved into the oldest timberframed home on Pratt Road. Kevin is retrofitting the home with the foundation it has been missing for more than two centuries. They are wicked busy, but never too busy to share a beer and a laugh.
Collin Clifford
Woodworker, stickler for details
We first met Collin when he was employed by the general construction company that was working on an addition for Tedd's house. While adept at framing, roofing, sheetrock, siding etc..... Collin was really known as the guy who had the "touch" for installing millwork at the final stage of a project. When the job was getting down to the details, he was there making sure that the finish work was top notch. Collin joined our millwork team a few years ago, and now, instead of installing doors, he is making them. His deep understanding about construction coupled with his well tuned eye for detail has made him a very welcome addition to our team in the woodworking shop. Unlike many of us at BWC, Collin is a true local to this area. He went to high school right here in our backyard, so it's always interesting to hear the stories that he comes up with about some of the local folks that we know. (There's some good dirt out there.) When he's not at work you might find him boating, on the slopes, or generously lending his building expertise to help a friend or relative who has some kind of construction project in progress.
Scott Frazier
Woodworker, farmer
Scott worked in our timberframing shop for several months before joining our woodworking team. He is a trained mechanic and was doing autobody work in Keene before joining Bensonwood. Some part-time carpentry work he was doing on the side gave him the woodworking bug and prompted his applying here. When Scott's not woodworking he's busy with the cows, horses, and pigs on the farm that he, his wife Shaine, and their three children own in Sullivan.
Skip Singer
Woodworker and artist
Skip is a bonifide "machine wizard," and has proven to be an invaluable addition to our woodworking shop. He just seems to know how absolutely everything works. He loves developing our processes and getting involved in finding creative solutions to obstacles. Skip was making pre-cast terra cotta molds for architectural decoration before joining us. Since then, he has done everything from building a new glue machine to adding an entirely new and wondrously creative dimension to the writing in our internal newsletter "The Beam Team Journal." Skip lives miles away in Hopkinton, NH with his wife Fem, and their dog Beegee. He is already filling it up with his own metal sculptures. Now, if he would sell some of his studio efforts as well as his shop work, we could open yet another Bensonwood Division.