Our People
Our People
Building a new home requires clear communication and dedication on every level. Our team from our dedicated office staff to our extremely talented craftsmen on the job site form the foundation on which we construct each exceptional project.
Doug Bing
Owner / President
Born:
Edina, MN
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 1974 arrived in Big Sky for the skiing and to work for a Minnesota based construction company building some of the first buildings at Big Sky Resort, started Blue Ribbon Builders shortly thereafter.
Hobbies:
Alpine skiing, water skiing, fishing, hunting, and hockey. Doug loves to create projects and bring them to fruition.
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is the environment and the people
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
Since inception
Why I love my job:
Exceeding people’s expectations
Favorite tool:
Chris-Craft antique wooden boat
JoDean Bing
Owner / Accountant
Born:
Trenary, MI
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 1973 the first year the Big Sky ski area opened
Hobbies:
Cross country skiing, hiking and traveling
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is the open space
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
Since inception
Why I love my job:
The methodology and craftsmanship that make each home unique
Favorite tool:
My laptop computer
Kyle Barner
Operations / Project Manager
Born:
North Platte, NE
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 1985
Hobbies:
Hunting, hunting, hunting, fishing, woodworking and dog training
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is July, August, September, October and November
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
24 Years
Why I love my job:
Seeing a client enjoy their home and appreciate the hard work that it takes
Favorite tool:
Leatherman
Controller
Born:
Big Sky, Montana
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 1984
Hobbies:
Alpine Skiing, Mountain Biking, Water Skiing, Wake Surfing, Music, Art
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky recreation opportunities and the amazing people make Big Sky so great.
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
4 Years
Why I love my job:
I have always loved designing, creating, and building things. Working for Blue Ribbon Builders allows me to be part of a team that is helping to build peoples dream homes. It also allows me to stay in Big Sky a place I love to be.
Favorite tool:
Sage 300 – Construction and Real Estate
Project Manager
Born:
Wayne, Nebraska
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 2006
Hobbies:
Trail riding in my jeep, hunting, and building furniture
Best thing about Big Sky:
I love the diversity of recreation available in this part of Montana
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
6 Years
Why I love my job:
Seeing the excitement on people’s faces when viewing their completed homes for the first time
Favorite tool:
Construction Master calculator
Cathy Douglas
Staff Accountant
Home Town:
Saranac, NY
Arrived in Big Sky:
2014
Hobbies:
Hiking, painting, baking, reading
Best thing about Big Sky:
Fresh air, the ability to see the stars at night, the absence of city noise, lights and traffic, the wonderful people, the abundance of wildlife and outdoor activities all make it where I plan to call home for a very long time
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
4 months
Why I love my job:
I am proud to be associated with a company having a longstanding and impeccable reputation in the building industry. The daily challenges and opportunity for expanding my knowledge are very rewarding along with the gratification of seeing projects evolve from beginning to end related to the numbers on paper. The staff and crew are a true pleasure to work with.
Favorite tool:
Rolling Pin
Chris Thomas
Foreman / Supervisor
Born:
Fairfield, CA
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 2002
Hobbies:
Snowboarding, fishing and hunting
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is the outdoor recreation
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
10 years
Why I love my job:
Seeing the final product and making sure the clients are happy
Favorite tool:
Chain saw
Andy Cox
Foreman / Supervisor
Born:
Trail Creek, MT
Arrived in Big Sky:
In the late 1970’s
Hobbies:
Hunting, fishing, and skiing
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is the spectacular sunrises on the surrounding peaks in the quiet early mornings… and the many, many great friendships that have evolved over the past years from neighbors and clients.
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
32 years
Why I love my job:
When my crew/team members and I walk from a finished project, I know that we have created a home of the finest quality and craftsmanship.
Favorite tool:
Tape measure
Joseph Hamilton
Foreman / Supervisor
Born:
Houston, Texas
Arrived in Big Sky:
2006
Hobbies:
Being a Dad
Best thing about Big Sky:
Being able to do the level of carpentry that Big Sky promotes. Love the snow and the people I have met
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
6 Years
Why I love my job:
My job allows me to do the work I love and being with Blue Ribbon has let me expand in my knowledge in this area
Favorite tool:
My Hands!
John Williams
Foreman / Supervisor
Born:
Flint, MI
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 2004
Hobbies:
Skiing, Fly Fishing, Mt Biking, Hunting
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is having world class recreation right out your front door
Years with BRB:
7 years
Why I love my job:
It gives me that chance to work on unique one of a kind projects in a great setting
Favorite tool:
Chisel
Will Standard
Lead Carpenter
Born:
Dorset, Vermont
Arrived in Big Sky:
In 2004
Hobbies:
Hobbies fishing hunting
Best thing about Big Sky:
The best thing about Big Sky is the mountains, snow, and fishing
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
8 Years
Why I love my job:
Custom Work
Favorite tool:
Skill Saw
Tim Stoppa
Carpenter
Born:
Havre, MT
Arrived in Big Sky:
1989
Hobbies:
Hunting, Fly Fishing, Backpacking, Snowboarding
Best thing about Big Sky:
The Mountain
Years with Blue Ribbon Builders:
2 Years
Why I love my job:
I enjoy seeing the results of a hard days work
Favorite tool:
Band Saw
Norm Susens
Foreman
Where were you born?
Alma, MI
When did you arrive in Big Sky?
March 2014
What are your hobbies?
Mountain Biking, backpacking, jeeping, camping, and fishing
What is the best thing about Big Sky?
The Views
How long have you been in the construction industry?
My first job in construction was in the summer of 1992.
Why do you love your job?
I enjoy bringing a home out of the ground, and seeing a client’s dreams become reality.
What is your favorite tool?
String Line
Joe Umberger
Project Manager
Where were you born?
Chicago, IL
When did you arrive in Big Sky?
2015
What are your hobbies?
Fly fishing, snowboarding, camping, mountain biking, and spending time with my wife and 2 kids.
What is the best thing about Big Sky?
The people are genuine, I am surrounded by amazing fly fishing, and the mountain is huge and steep.
How long have you been in the construction industry?
Since 2004
Why do you love your job?
I get to be a part of a team building the finest homes in the area
What is your favorite tool?
13 Foot-6 Inch, 7 weight Spey Rod