Schlecht Construction of Kelso, Washington, recently celebrated Don Schroeder’s twentieth year with the company. Schroeder was hired at Schlecht as a carpenter foreman in 1987. He has been promoted many times during the past two decades and is now a project superintendent.
“I’m 66 and plan to work until I’m 70,” Schroeder said. “I enjoy the job, I like my bosses, and
I appreciate the family atmosphere at Schlecht. I’ve had other offers, but I’m not interested in going anywhere else.”
As project superintendent, Schroeder’s duties include organizing the crews, working with sub-contractors, monitoring job progress, maintaining a safe work environment, and communicating with clients and vendors.
He has overseen the construction of many of Schlecht’s church projects, including New Heights Church in Vancouver and Woodhaven Church in Sherwood, Oregon. Don’s resume also includes the Cascade Park Animal Hospital, Curt Warner Chevrolet, Companion Pet Clinic, and the Bank of Clark County in Vancouver. He is currently supervising a remodel of the 25,000-square-foot Moose Lodge on N. E. Fourth Plain in Vancouver. When completed in February or March, the building will serve as the new home for Vancouver Christian High School.
“Don has been a key player in numerous projects our company has undertaken, especially in the Clark County area,” said Schlecht vice president Bryan Halbert. “His knowledge and experience are extensive, and Don is well respected by clients, inspectors, vendors, and co-workers.” Halbert added that Schroeder is adept at coordinating complex projects and making them run smoothly. “The sub-contractors love him for that.”
Before moving to the Northwest, Don worked as a carpenter in California. He said the construction industry has changed dramatically during his career, citing more stringent safety requirements and the emergence of new technologies and materials.
“Dimensional wood lumber is very knotty these days, and most of it isn’t straight enough to use,” he said. “That, along with the cost factor, is why so many builders are using metal studs.”
Laser technology plays a major role in virtually all of today’s construction projects. “We use lasers for everything from pouring concrete to leveling walls and forms,” he said.
Don and his wife, JoAnn, have three children and eight grandchildren. The Schroeders live in Longview and enjoy working on their seven-acre farm and attending their grandchildren’s sporting events.