Our Story
We are craftspeople, skilled with all manner of tools to build things with. We are more then just carpenters. We are creative problem solvers. We are passionate about our work. We are dedicated to excellence in everything we do.
Raising the Industry Standards
We chose this for our company tagline because in addition to providing excellent customer service and a good-to-great construction experience for the customer, in our opinion the entire construction industry has room for improvement. A lot of room. It’s not that the industry is broken, or full of scandalous people that do shoddy work. It is not. Most of the trades and the people operating them do good work and are honest and fair with their customers. But that is not always the case, and after the Tubbs fire (and others in the region), it brought out the worst in some cases and people who weren’t qualified to do some of the work and projects misled people. That’s not right and this sort of action causes reputational issues for our industry. While we cannot change the behaviors of others, we can strive to do better than what the industry standard has become.
This is our commitment.
CSLB# 1072739
MISSION STATEMENT
“We deliver a professional residential construction experience that raises the industry standards.”
Core Values
Transparency
Accountability
Results
Discipline
Alignment
Precision
Our Focus
To raise the standards in our community through our commitment to world-class customer service.
To provide the most professional residential remodeling and custom homebuilding experience possible.
To make the most out of a customer’s budget and work in a timely manner to deliver our projects on time and on budget.
To earn the respect and trust of our customers, to create life long relationships that are a win/win.
To hire, train and mentor young craftspeople and carpenters to learn the skills necessary to become master-craftspeople.
Meet The Team
Our Founder
Russell Wahl
Founder Russell Wahl grew up in the construction business. His father worked in the trades, and as an elementary-aged school kid, Russell worked at job sites, picking up nails, sweeping floors and moving materials, yet upon graduated he attended Santa Rosa Junior College and earned a certificate in automotive repair, and went to work. After a few years of fixing cars, he realized he didn’t like repairing other people’s cars, and put on a tool belt where he became a construction industry journeyman. He worked for plumbers, electricians, a sheet metal contractor and carpenters until he decided to get his own GC license. Once licensed, for a dozen years or so Russell continued to do general construction and carpentry, most often on other contractors’ projects.
Then personal tragedy struck.
In January of 2021, his wife’s leukemia required a bone-marrow transplant and she went to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto to receive treatment for 90 days. Russell went with her and suddenly, he could no longer do the day-to-day work of a carpenter or general contractor, so he hired his first employee and managed his client commitments from 100 miles away. Hence, “necessity is the mother of invention.” Put simply, he had to change how he knew what to do, and then committed to building a company, not just completing projects, and Sonoma Country Carpentry was born. We are pleased to report that his wife is cancer-free, and they are raising a daughter.
In addition to his devotion to family and his business, Russell is a dedicated student of Klemmer & Associates, a consulting company that specializes in Leadership Training and Character Development.
Nayeli Marquez
Office Manager
A proud native of Santa Rosa, Nayeli’s professional journey began in the dynamic world of banking. Over 9 ½ years, she honed her skills and led bank operations with dedication and finesse. However, her heart yearned for an avenue that resonated with her true passion: real estate and home designs.
Driven by this passion, Nayeli embarked on a new chapter as the Office Manager at Sonoma County Carpentry. Here, she’s harmonized her flair for operations with a deep interest in homes, allowing her to contribute uniquely to our team. In this role, she finds immense joy in coordinating our efforts and ensuring seamless operations.
Beyond the professional realm, Nayeli shares her life with a loving partner who has two wonderful children. Outside of the office, she’s often found engrossed in the world of her energetic 2 ½-year-old French Bulldog named Fendi. She’s also an avid runner, relishing the outdoors and the sense of accomplishment that comes with each stride.
As Nayeli continues this enriching journey with Sonoma County Carpentry, she’s excited to be part of creating homes that reflect the vision and dreams of our clients. Let’s work together to turn your ideas into beautifully designed spaces you’ll love to call home.
Richard Lindsay
Project Manager
Meet Richard, our dedicated project manager at Sonoma County Carpentry. With 26 years of experience in commercial and residential construction, Richard brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Originally from Santa Rosa and now residing in Guerneville, he’s deeply committed to delivering exceptional results.
Richard’s journey has been one of continuous improvement. He’s well-versed in welding, safety protocols, and has completed specialized Grant Cardone employee training. This background ensures his projects are not only well-executed but also prioritize safety and quality.
In his personal life, Richard is a proud husband and father. He enjoys outdoor adventures with his 12-year-old son, as well as the company of his energetic labradoodles. When not overseeing projects, Richard can be found indulging in his love for hunting, fishing, camping, and kayaking along Tomales Bay and the ocean.
Richard’s dedication to excellence shines through in all he does. He’s an essential part of our team, turning your construction dreams into reality.
Mike Spencer
Project Manager
Michael’s journey in carpentry and construction began in South San Francisco, and he’s carried his passion for crafting into every facet of his life. Originally from Sacramento and now residing in Rohnert Park, Michael’s path has been uniquely shaped by his experiences.
With over 20 years in the industry, Michael’s early years included attending framing classes at just 16, sparking his fascination with construction. He further honed his skills working on historic Victorian homes in San Francisco from 19 to 22, leaving an indelible mark on his craftsmanship.
Despite a detour into computer software, Michael’s heart always yearned for the art of building. In 2007, he embraced his calling once again, blending his construction expertise with his technological background. Today, he seamlessly merges creativity and precision, resulting in homes that perfectly marry form and function.
Outside of construction, you’ll find Michael exploring the outdoors with his Alaskan Husky mix or crafting woodworking projects. Now as a Project Manager and Lead Carpenter at Sonoma County Carpentry, Michael brings his meticulous attention to detail, rich experience, and passion for craftsmanship to your project. With him by your side, your dream home is in capable hands, ready to be transformed into a stunning reality.
Anthony Magda
Project Manager
Originally from Petaluma and now based in Santa Rosa, CA, Anthony’s construction journey began in his teens, working alongside his father, a retired painting contractor. His hands-on experience as an apprentice carpenter paved the way to becoming a skilled journeyman carpenter and now, our accomplished project manager.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Anthony oversees projects from conception to completion. He’s not only a construction professional but also a devoted family man, proud husband, and father to two wonderful daughters: Maddie, a spirited 8-year-old, and Lace, their precious 20-week-old bundle of joy. Beyond the job site, Anthony enjoys outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and sports.
With Anthony at the helm, your project is in capable hands. His diverse expertise and passion for craftsmanship ensure your vision comes to life seamlessly. Sonoma County Carpentry is honored to have Anthony leading our team, turning your home improvement dreams into reality.