From The Tigard/Tualatin Times, by Nick Petersen
Remodeler of the Year: Steve Stolze, SLS Remodeling
Tualatin contractor Steve Stolze has been named Remodeler of the Year by the Professional Remodelers Association arm of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland. Stolze is the owner and president of SLS Remodel and Additions.
“We are so excited to be awarding Steve Stolze the Remodeler of the Year award,” said Hallie Gentry, manager of the Professional Remodelers Organization of Metro Portland. “Steve was chosen for the award based on his leadership, support of the industry and community involvement.”
As a member of the Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) of Metro Portland, Stolze is active on the Tour of Remodeled Homes Committee and PRO Exec Committee. He served as chairman of the 10th annual Tour of Remodeled Homes and co-chairman of the 2010 Paint a Better Tomorrow Project on behalf of the Professional Remodel Association and is active on steering and executive committees in the HBA.
He has also served his community in various capacities, including as mayor of Tualatin from 1988 to 1994, Portland Metro Boundary Commission from 1995 until it was decommissioned in 1997 and as chairman of committee to rewrite the Metro charter in 1992.
“He is an effortless leader who is never afraid to take on a challenge,” Gentry added. “He has the ability to engage fellow members, and his enthusiasm never ends.”
Stolze said it was “quite an honor” to receive the award.
“My initial reaction was that I was totally humbled,” Stolze said. “And I was surprised – I had no idea that award was even out there. In general, it just felt really good. After 30 years, it’s kind of nice to be recognized by your industry.”
Stolze has been involved with the HBA since 1983, when he started his business.
“Originally, we started as a home builder. Then about 15 years ago it became very clear that the economy was not going to withstand what people were doing, so I decided it was a good time to start remodeling and not working on bank financing,” Stolze said. “We do everything from a full house remodel on down. We have become very proficient in kitchens and bathrooms, but we do all types, including additions. There’s nothing we won’t do.”
Even with the economic downturn, said Stolze, business has been good for him the last couple of years.
“Quite honestly, because of our longevity – and the majority of our work comes from referrals of past customers – we have stayed steadily busy,” Stolze said. “And my particular future looks very bright for the next year.”
Stolze was given the Remodeler of the Year award at the Remodeling Excellence Awards Banquet on May 22 at the Portland Waterfront Marriott.
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