Our Team

At Trailside we’re committed to long-lasting partnerships. We carefully select talented trade partners and dedicated professionals who work proudly as a cohesive team to deliver innovative and high-quality projects.

Collectively, our team has called the area “home” for hundreds of years. We are home building and real estate experts, customer service extraordinaires, development specialists, craftsmen, architects, landscape and interior designers. Perhaps most of all, we are outdoor enthusiasts and are passionate for all the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

WARREN TAYLOR

Regional Construction Manager

Warren is a lifetime resident of Washington State. Licensed as a general Contractor for 25 years, Warren has extensive experience in Residential, Multi Family & Commercial Construction. Previously a Construction Manager for Murray Franklyn, Signature Homes Division and NW Roots, Warren offers an in-depth knowledge and understanding of trades and skills for all phases of construction which allows him to communicate effectively, meet project timelines and quality standards. In Warren’s off time, he enjoys flying, windsurfing, waterskiing and most importantly, time with my family.  When Warren needs more work to do, he enjoys working on his 110 year old farmhouse in the Kittitas Valley.

BRIAN MARTENS

Project Manager

Brian has worked in the construction industry as a Project Manager since 1999. Prior to 1999 Brain held construction superintendent positions and was also a Union Carpenter. He brings a wealth of construction knowledge to the Trailside Homes team and has exceptionally high customer service standards. Brian is passionate about guiding customers through the custom home process where his keen sense of “the bottom line” and his value of clarity and integrity help to unite happy customers with their new finished home. Brian is originally from California and moved to Washington State in 1994. Brian loves the outdoors and is currently building a cabin at Snoqualmie Pass so he can take full advantage of Upper Kittitas County Winters!

CORY SCHMIDT

Superintendent

Cory has more than 25 years of industry experience and is a jack of all trades. His love of homebuilding was instilled in him at a young age by his grandfather. Cory spent five years as an electrician but returned to building homes which is his real passion. Cory grew up in Kirkland and now lives in the Teanaway Valley. He is an avid downhill skier and road cyclist and volunteers with the local fire department.

KAT WALKER

Jr. Controller / Bookkeeper

Kat is an experienced and knowledgeable controller/bookkeeper with nearly 20 years in the construction industry. She is also a phenomenal office manager, always looking to help the team increase efficiency and effectiveness. Kat is actively involved with Search and Rescue and the Food is Free Project, and she plans to complete the Triple Crown by hiking the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest Trails with her young son.

SEAN NORTHROP

Founder & CEO

Sean has worked in real estate development and place-making since 1993. He is passionate about the outdoor lifestyle and sharing it with others. Sean is a visionary leader – having assembled a team of like-minded individuals with skills and talents that span the spectrum of home and land development, architecture, interior and landscape design – and more. He is a creative, flexible and collaborative partner who is truly invested in delivering your dream of the perfect mountain retreat. Away from the office, you can catch up with Sean exploring with family and friends in the Cascade Mountains, the San Juan Islands, or discovering the many neighborhoods throughout Seattle.

JONATHAN OQUIST

Director of Construction

Jonathan is a third generation home builder and brings over 15 years of experience to the Trailside Homes team. In addition to his construction experience, Jonathan also brings years of experience of AutoCad drafting. Jonathan’s favorite local spot is in the remote back country of the upper Teanaway valley.

JENNIFER EWART

Director of Special Projects

Jennifer has worked in the real estate industry since 1999 with experience in residential homes, land and timber acquisitions, as well as home building and land development. She directs a team who represent Trailside Homes including everything from land and custom homes, to new construction including move-in-ready, spec and resale homes. As a longtime resident of both Seattle and the Central Cascades, Jennifer enjoys time with her two amazing daughters and partnering with her Fiance, Sean Northrop Founder of Trailside Homes, on their family business. In Jennifer’s free time you can find her hiking, biking, running, cross-training, SUP’ing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and exploring the Cascades and Seattle with great friends.

ANNE CATHERINE KRUGER

Accountant

Anne Catherine (AC for short) is the Accounting & Business Manager at Trailside Homes. Her extensive accounting responsibilities include maintaining the books, payroll, tracking project costs, as well as managing all loans and capital facilities.  AC also manages our lender relationships, home closings, our offices in Seattle and Cle Elum, and keeps us all working together as a cohesive team.  The multi-talented Anne Catherine worked as a chef for 12 years, having studied Cuisine and Pastry at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Before going back to school to earn her certificate in accounting from the University of Washington. She also holds a B.S. in Physics and a minor in Marine Science from the University of North Carolina. Anne Catherine is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah.

UMA

CBO (Chief Ball Officer)

If you visit our office you’ll likely meet Uma. Uma likes to come to the Trailside Homes office with her human’s, Sean and Jennifer. Sometimes she gets to run to the Pioneer Square office alongside her Dad, who likes to bike into work. Uma is full of energy and is in charge of all things fun at the office – Balls, floor clean and napping. Her favorite things are tennis balls. The more, the better! She loves to be pet and to curl up at your feet. Uma has a voice and sometimes she’ll hear you coming and make sure you know that she’s listing. Don’t worry, she may be loud, but she’s a big softy. Say “hi” to Uma the next time you visit the team!

OSA (2003-2018)

The Original Top Dog

Our sweet Osa. The Adventurer. The Explorer. The Lover of all things food related. The Garbage Hound. The Companion. The Campsite Burglar-er, Our Partner in Crime. Our Office Dog. Our Watcher. The 1st Kid and The Tolerater of Small Children & rotten little sister puppies. We created the most awesome memories over those special 15 1/2 years Osa and there isn’t a day that we don’t think of you and smile.  We will love you always & forever, Sean & Jennifer