Staff
Founder Michael Twiss currently serves as President/CEO of both Columbia Stone, Inc. and Natural Stone Designs, Inc. Michael oversees the day to day management and future planning of both companies. With over 33 years in the construction industry and 27 of those in the stone industry, he has utilized his drive and dedication into building two successful construction companies.
In addition to his corporate duties, Michael served on the Executive Board of the Marble Institute of America as Treasurer in 2009 and President in 2012.
Michael holds a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management from Oregon State University and is a licensed Civil Engineer in California and Washington. When he is not flying around the globe to go to range reviews, jobsite visits, and meeting with new customers, he enjoys family activities and has a passion for golf.
Linda currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of both Columbia Stone, Inc. and Natural Stone Designs, Inc.. Linda has been here since the beginning providing support from Banking to Accounting, from Human Resources to Collections. Her efforts in many areas of both companies has been invaluable. After 30 years in the trenches Linda now handles Senior Management oversight of Accounting for Natural Stone Designs.
She also handles all Banking and Borrowing Statements with the bank. Linda has turned over her Human Resources duties but still continues to oversee Medical Benefits for both Columbia Stone and Natural Stone Designs.
Linda enjoys traveling, swimming, reading and spending time with her family.
Alan joined our company in September 2016 following the loss of our long-term controller, due to family sickness with his wife. Although Alan comes from a different industry, he jumped in and took the accounting over when we were in a tremendous growth time. His solid financial skills from the University of Southern California, extensive accounting experience and positive management skills made him a perfect fit.
In 2007 Brad graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Management and joined Columbia Stone, Inc. as a Project Engineer. Through the years his roles have changed from Project Engineer to Estimator to his current position as Operations Manager. As operations manager he oversees all aspects of the projects from award of the contract to completion. His management philosophy is to always be open and honest, and to treat people with respect. Brad has managed projects from 2,000 SF to CSI’s largest project of over 200,000 SF of stone. One of Brad’s favorite aspects of working at Columbia Stone, Inc. is, “The great relationships that we are able to build and foster with trade partners, vendors, general contractors, and colleagues is what makes this company great.”
When Brad is not behind a computer screen or out on a jobsite he loves to spend time with his wife and two young boys.
Josh estimates jobs for Columbia Stone. He has worked in the construction industry for 13 years and nine of those in the stone industry. He works with new jobs regarding pricing and pre-construction services prior to turning them over to operations. Before moving to estimating, Josh worked at Columbia Stone as a Field Operations Manager. Josh has a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Oregon State University. Josh’s cross training has served him well. He currently is the senior Project Manager on Multnomah County Courthouse, a $20 million design build facade in Portland.
When not at work, he can be found at the barn with his daughter and her horse, or doing other activities with his family.
A work horse…. Jeff has been with Columbia Stone, Inc. for over twenty years. His experience and diligence have been invaluable. “The integrity and ethics of those working for Columbia Stone have made it a most enjoyable career,” he says. “It is a privilege to associate with high caliber, quality people. I never regret going to work on a Monday morning.” Getting to know others throughout the world who work in the stone industry keeps the job interesting.
A Beaver from the previous century, Jeff majored in Rugby, with a minor in bar hopping. He has many hobbies to fill his time, now that his body can no longer take the punishment of sports. “Live every day like it’s the last,” has become his motto.
Steve has been a Marble Mason for over 35 years. He joined Columbia Stone, Inc. in 2000, and has worked on some of Columbia Stone’s most prominent projects such as the LA County Museum of Arts in Los Angeles, Cal EPA in Sacramento and the LADD Tower in Portland, Oregon. Throughout his career he has worked on high profile projects, including the Legion of Honor and Union Square, both in San Francisco. According to Steve, the best part of working for Columbia Stone is the people. “I have worked for so many companies over the years, but Columbia Stone is different in that they make me feel that I matter and that I am not just another hired hand. Here my input is truly valued and utilized as part of one team in pursuit of a common goal.”
Kurt joined Columbia Stone, Inc. in the fall of 2012 as a Project Engineer. His day-to-day duties involve processing and reviewing RFIs, Change Orders, Submittals, and Shop Drawings, and assisting the project managers with current ongoing projects. He is young and new to the construction industry, but views every day as a new learning opportunity.
Kurt graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Management and a minor in Business. He is currently studying to become a LEED Green Associate and eventually wants to earn credentials as a LEED AP in Building Design & Construction.
When Kurt is not in the office he can be found at the gym or, if the weather is nice, on the golf course. He enjoys spending time with his wife Trisha, watching football, and catching up on his favorite television shows.
Meagan joined Columbia Stone back in Feb. 2015 as a project engineer. Her duties involve assisting the project managers with current ongoing projects, material procurement, support for the field, shop drawing and RFI reviews and the list goes on. Each day is new and different with multiple duties to keep each job running smoothly and efficiently.
She graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. Upon graduation in 2012, Meagan thought her job path was going to be in design. But after wanting a change of pace from the design world a few years later, Columbia Stone seemed to be a great fit. Being able to apply residential design and construction along with her openness to learn, she has enjoyed the experience and all the amazing knowledge she has absorbed so far.
When Meagan is not working she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends laughing and enjoying life. And is always up for an adventure with most weekends consisting of hiking and camping with her camera in hand at all times to capture the amazing PNW.
Although new to the project engineer title, Elishah has been actively involved with and exposed to virtually every aspect of the mason and stone industry for the last thirty-two years. With her background as a professor of composition and rhetoric, Elishah applies honed critical thinking and research skills to her new role at CSI. She has been instrumental in making a smooth transition from production to close out documents and works with project managers tracking and analyzing data to ensure jobs are progressing on time and on budget.
Elishah earned a bachelor’s degree in English at the university of California, Davis and a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition Theory with an additional concentration in Creative Writing from California State University, Sacramento. She spends time outside of work with her family, learning something new each day, and, if it isn’t raining, enjoying weekend afternoons at the local dog park with her beloved Eurasier, Gemini.
Kimberly joined Columbia Stone, Inc. February 13, 2017. She is responsible for all Payroll and HR issues associated with Columbia Stone, Inc. and Natural Stone Designs, Inc. She has 20 yrs Human Resources and Office Management experience. With this, she handles all day-to-day payroll, benefits, employee relations and various other duties.
Kimberly has been in the construction industry for approximately 10 yrs, starting in the crane rental industry. In this, a change of pace brought her to Columbia Stone, Inc. and the stone masonry world. When she is not at the office she is enjoying her family, the coast but most of all……. fishing, whenever she can get away and get out on the boat.
Jamie joined the Columbia Stone team October of 2016 as the assistant to owner, Michael Twiss. She also assists Alan, CFO, and both Columbia Stone and Natural Stone Designs employees on everyday tasks. Every day is different and involves everything from office management to assisting with the PM’s and PE’s on ongoing projects both locally and around the states.
She came from experience in the construction industry, but before that she built her resume working for the Portland Trail Blazers in Sales and Service. She has a passion for working together with people and is not afraid of doing any task. She’s a great people person and is a bright light throughout the office.
When Jamie is not working she enjoys traveling, hiking, and being outside enjoying a glass of wine with family and friends.