Celebrating 43 Years

Origins of Specialty + Small Jobs Divison

October 11, 2024

The Specialty + Small Jobs department is one of the key elements that makes TreHus unique, with roots in the company’s carpentry heritage. It all started with Doug Dimond, who joined TreHus as a carpenter in 2004 and quickly became a lead carpenter within a year. Doug’s passion for handyman work stood out, and Dave Amundson, the founder and owner at the time, recognized his talent for detail. Dave asked Doug to take on “quality control,” addressing punch list items and ensuring projects were finished to the highest standard.

As TreHus grew, past clients began reaching out for help with minor repairs and projects around their homes. With project managers focused on larger jobs, they didn’t have the capacity to handle these requests. Recognizing an opportunity to enhance client service, TreHus officially launched the Specialty + Small Jobs division, with Doug as the leader. From 2006 to 2014, Doug managed everything—from writing estimates and performing carpentry to handling billing and project oversight. As demand increased, an additional carpenter was hired, allowing Doug to transition to a full-time Specialty + Small Jobs project manager. Today, the department has grown to include four project managers, a dedicated master carpenter, and a painter.

The Specialty + Small Jobs department requires a broad skill set and deep knowledge across multiple trades, handling projects ranging from exterior restoration, deck and porch repairs, and window replacements to kitchen and bathroom refreshes. Quick decision-making, adaptability, and strong communication are crucial, as these jobs often present unique challenges despite their smaller scale. Every project manager in this department began their journey in the field, gaining hands-on carpentry experience before transitioning to office roles, just as Doug did.

Now, the Specialty + Small Jobs department serves both past and new clients, thriving as an integral part of TreHus. While many design-build firms shy away from smaller projects, this division has flourished, consistently delivering exceptional service to all clients and treating every job as the most important, regardless of size.