Dana Smith, Project Manager & Co-Owner

Dana has over 40 years of experience in construction, on all scales and from all angles. She has worked as a structural engineer on massive government projects, as well as in a small residential architectural practice. She has also been instrumental in designing an alternative housing co-operative development and has been a construction site superintendent for a couple of non-profit building companies. To top it off- she’s even a grassroots activist elected to local government office, advocating for smart and practical social and environmental policy.

Ben Wilt, Lead/ Journeyman Carpenter

Ben grew up on a timber farm outside of Silverton, experiencing the intricacies of forest dynamics as well as the market dynamics of building material sources, and their real world impacts. Always interested in how things work, Ben started his carpentry career by framing his sister’s custom home under a master builder. He continued to work through the residential field, learning all phases of construction along the way. His passions for building, teaching, and equitable access to housing collided by becoming the Construction Manager for North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity. Working to provide affordable housing, he managed planning, development, and construction crews of variable skill, as well as gaining a deep understanding of the building science behind comfortable, durable homes. Ben made the leap to Second Nature knowing that the team, projects, and ethics behind the company were where he wanted to devote his time. Ben loves nerding out over the science behind air barriers, ventilation systems, and envelope efficiency, as well as having a reverence for wood that carries from design to finish. 

Bobby Dixon, Apprentice Carpenter

Bobby is a nice guy. But he won’t finish last. Growing up in rural Oregon and inner city Illinois, Bobby has never been afraid to use his hands or get them dirty. After working and serving his community as a special education teacher, he decided to get back to his roots of creating and building with his hands. Service to the community is a mantra that he lives by and has found reward and passion in helping others with their building needs. Were glad to have him and his vigor for life on our team.

Update: Bobby is an independent handyman now, reach out to us if you need small repair work done we can put you in touch with him.

Orion White, Apprentice Carpenter

Orion is deeply passionate about sustainable community building and learning within the trades. He has spent years working as a trail builder and “swamper” for AmeriCorps. Raised in the Willamette Valley, Orion loves exploring the wilderness of the surrounding area with his girlfriend, interacting with local flora and fauna. He values cultivating good relationships between all parties invested in the trades, and in creating quality finished products.

Update: Orion has moved and is now working for another similar company in the Portland area, but we look forward to the day when he comes back to us!