The Team
Brian Highberger, President
My love of the camaraderie of team sports, a persistent curiosity about how homes are constructed, and an inexplicable need for constant physical exertion lead to the creation of Upright Construction, Inc. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in economics my passion for home building never subsided. I continued to hone my skills as a carpenter for several years, acquiring as much knowledge as possible before starting my own company. Today, the “hands on” sense of accomplishment I experience is very satisfying but the real joy comes from working with an extraordinary team that shares the same passions that I do. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
Colette Highberger, “Superwoman”
In charge of the Landscape Division for Upright Construction Inc., Colette single handedly designs, installs and maintains up to 20 gardens a month. In addition, she takes care of her husband, gardens for her family and friends, volunteers for garden societies all over town and still has time to make it to hip hop class three times a week! A truly amazing woman, she provides the unconditional love and support that makes all things possible.
Robert Mitton, “The Mechanical Genius”
Robert is the type of guy that could make a space shuttle out of aluminum foil and duct tape. He worked as a machinist and tool and die maker for 20 years before joining me in the construction business in 1996. He is a master carpenter “jack of all trades” and his problem solving skills in the field are unmatched. He always finds ideal solutions to difficult problems. He is an extremely honest and dedicated craftsman who takes great pride in his work. In fact, many of his finest touches may not even be noticed until the homeowner has lived in their home for a while – a true testament to his integrity.
Ron Horne, “Mr. Reliable”
Leonardo Da Vinci based his famous drawing of “Vitruvian Man” on one of Ron Horne’s ancestors. Ron is in perfect balance mentally, physically and emotionally. He brings a contagious positive attitude to work every day and has become a top notch carpenter. Ron left a lucrative management position in the corporate world to join the Upright team as an apprentice in the fall of 2000 and has never looked back. He is highly organized and meticulous. These traits combined with his construction skills make him an ideal construction supervisor. Ron is also very kind and personable making him the perfect candidate to guide the new homeowners through the orientation process.
Jason Summers, “Pi”
Steady Eddie’s twin brother is more consistent than a mathematical constant. Dependable, confident and easy going, Jason has been a joy to work with since he started with Upright Construction in the summer of 2003. He is strangely unaware that he is stronger than the rest of us and can demolish a room or frame a wall in half the time. A card carrying member of the Green Party Jason is very environmentally conscious, converting his truck to bio-diesel the day after it was purchased. Jason will be in charge of keeping us on the road to “Building Green” energy efficient homes.
Scott Atkins, “The Natural”
The spatially gifted son of a Boeing rocket scientist, construction seems to come easily to Scott. Looking to gain more experience in home building he joined the team in 2004 after running his own concrete finishing company. He solves problems intuitively and approaches tasks with a calm sense of confidence by planning every step in his head before he begins. He is an extremely capable and efficient worker and is a tremendous asset to the team. Plus it sure is nice having a concrete specialist around!
Kim Vogel, “The Unsung Hero”
One of the most diligent, focused workers I have ever seen, my loyal sister is very inventive and has a knack for finding unique ways of doing things that no one else can see. Kim is a true team player - whether it’s in the field or in the office she is always willing to help in any way she can.
Linda Muzzy, “The Savior”
Upright Construction would not be operational without Linda Muzzy’s Bookkeeping Services. An auditor for many years she is a bookkeeping perfectionist with a heart of gold. She is extremely organized and visits the office twice a month to make sure everything is always in order. I trust her implicitly and would be totally lost without her.
The Painters, “The Intangibles”
Steve Bell and Rick Wozeniak of Greater Seattle Painting embody the Upright Creed: “Always going above and beyond”. Good painters can make or break a project which is why we use the same two guys every time. Steve and Rick have been in business for over 20 years and friends since childhood so they work together 
like twin brothers. They could probably communicate telepathically but instead choose to engage in a steady stream of witty banter (always very entertaining if you are lucky enough to be within earshot). They are both extremely dedicated to Upright Construction and will continue to play a vital role in our success for years to come.