Customer Corner
We rely on Clif and his staff 100 percent for all our hardware and hardware setup, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else. A quick response is important to our size of business with our rather limited computer and IT knowledge, and I would highly recommend Dr. Networking to any small business.
~ Mike Neely, Ken Krumdieck, Inc.
Dr. Networking recently had a chance to chat with the very busy Mike Neely, president of Ken Krumdieck, Inc., a premier custom building company in the Rogue Valley. As an industry leader, Mike has held many leadership roles, including president of the Home Builders Association of Jackson County. He was also recognized as Builder of the Year 2006 by the Jackson County Home Builders Association. Dr. Networking is pleased to provide computer and IT services to Mike and his business.
Dr. Networking: Mike, thank you so much for taking time to talk with us today.
Mike Neely: I am happy to do so.
DN: Mike, please tell us about your company.
MN: Well, we have been around for over forty-five years. Ken Krumkieck started the company in the 1960s, building custom homes. The company incorporated in 1981, by which time there were three principle owners, Ken, Bob Sommerlot, and me. We each were responsible for one of the three key departments: General Administration and Sales, Custom Cabinetry, and Construction Management. Ken retired in 1990 and Bob in 2006, so now I carry on the tradition of providing custom building services, ensuring that we keep the same high standards for quality and customer care that we have always been known for.
DN: Wow, you have been around a long time! Tell me about how the business is now.
MN: As a general contracting company, we work with discerning Southern Oregon homeowners, architects, and designers to provide superior custom construction, remodeling, and repairs. We’re based in Ashland, and we are a Certified Green Professional and a Certified Lead-Based Paint Renovator. These qualifications are now more important than ever, and they set us apart from other companies.
DN: Please tell us a little about your staff.
MN: Well, I started with Ken in 1972 as a carpenter. I became a partner in 1981 when the business incorporated, then became president and sole owner in 2006. I oversee everything from office administration and estimating to sales, marketing, and construction management. I still enjoy what I do, especially when I can balance it with some golfing, fishing and camping.
Kevin Johnson is our construction superintendent. He is the life and blood of all the construction work we do. He is the guy who works directly with homeowners during building projects, trains and supervises other construction employees and subcontractors, and addresses and resolves any issues that might come up. Kevin has been with the company since 1988.
Ron Savage is our carpenter and has been with us since 1998. He handles construction tasks and projects: everything from studying plans and selecting, cutting, assembling, and installing materials to inspecting finished work. He also installs windows, doors, trim, and finish hardware. He’s a master.
Margo Madden handles all our data entry, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable. She is outstanding at managing the general office duties, and she makes sure that the construction administration is done in a timely manner.
DN: It sounds like your computer needs are crucial to the company. How long have you been using Dr. Networking’s services, and what do you like about working with them?
MN: We have been loyal customers since 2004. Clif and his staff are always timely and responsive to our computer needs. We are a small company, and we rely heavily on our computers and software for the day-to-day operations. We are especially grateful for their quick response times when we have computer or IT problems.
DN: Do you work with one technician in particular?
MN: Over the years we have worked with a number of different technicians from Dr. Networking, and they have always been knowledgeable and helpful.
DN: How has Dr. Networking helped you in a computer emergency or other urgent need?
MN: Clif and his staff are always very quick to respond, whether we contact them by phone, text, or email. Most recently we were pleased that Liz was able to solve some problems we were having immediately, right over the phone. Her instructions were so clear and easy to follow that we were able to take care of everything right then.
DN: What else would you like to say about Dr. Networking?
MN: We rely on Clif and his staff 100 percent for all our hardware and hardware setup, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else. A quick response is important to our size of business with our rather limited computer and IT knowledge, and I would highly recommend Dr. Networking to any small business. I also want to say thank you to Clif and the whole team.
DN: Thank you for your time today, Mike.
MN: It’s been a pleasure.
Contact Ken Krumdieck, Inc. at 300 Helman Street, Ashland, OR, 97520, visit their website at www.kenkrumdieck.com, email Mike Neely at mike@kendrumdieck.com, or call the office at 541.482.4566.
By Jessica Vineyard
