Published June 2021
Cowan Custom Finishing
Cowan Custom Finishing, based out of Warrenton, is a small, two-person operation, but for clients, that translates into tangible benefits.
From the moment a client contacts the company about a custom deck or fence to the moment it’s completed, they are working with either owner Amber Cowan or her trade partner LaNae Long, who have a shared passion not only for the craft itself but for helping others reach their optimal quality of life as well. That leads to an unparalleled level of transparency, communication and commitment to excellence.
“That’s kind of the way we do things,” Cowan said. “If we would feel comfortable doing it at our house, then we go for it.”
Guided by that philosophy, her goal is to help homeowners develop renovation projects that are attainable, affordable and long-lasting.
Developing a business partnership
Cowan started her business in 2019 after working roughly 20 years in the industry. She started in the union, doing a stint in Portland, before moving back to the Oregon Coast and working with other residential construction companies. Over the years, she gained experience ordering materials and products, scheduling and leading site crews.
Eventually, she decided to go into business for herself, and it wasn’t too long before she had gained enough clients to bring on an employee. Long, who worked seven years as an in-home caregiver, was the perfect fit.
The bedside manners, communication skills and attention to detail she developed as a caregiver translated into a high level of customer service and respect for clients. Plus, her father was a contractor and business owner, so she was no stranger to the industry.
“I knew exactly the stress I was putting myself into before I got into it,” she said, adding she’s picked up additional skills from Cowan along the way. “Because she has so much knowledge, I’m being taught the right way the first time. … With each job, we get better and better.”
Together, the women specialize in decks, fences, doors, windows and siding, along with occasional rot repair, and serve the entire Clatsop County region, along with outlying communities in Oregon. They feel honing a few distinct services is a better approach than attempting to do it all.
“It’s good to specialize, because then you really get good at what you’re doing, and you can produce the best of the best,” Cowan said.
If they are contacted about a job and they don’t feel it’s a right fit, they are happy to refer the prospective client to another small, local business that specializes in whatever service is being requested.
“We want you to get the best job for what you need done,” Long said.
Providing Multiple Solutions
Along with transparency, they put an emphasis on clear scheduling and communication, whether they’re working on a project that’s $500 or $5,000.
“[Clients] will know when we’re at the house, or if we’re not, why we’re not there,” Cowan said. “If you’re upfront with people, they’re really receptive.”
They also approach their craft with a problem-solving mindset and a desire to help clients find a solution that fits their project priorities and their budget.
“I communicate what my plan is and how I feel like we need to tackle the problem, depending on what it is,” Cowan said. “We try to give more than one option.”
If the initial project proposal isn’t within the budget range of the client, Cowan comes up with alternatives or gives them a breakdown of costs so they can see where they might cut back. Cowan and Long are also willing to answer questions and let clients contribute to certain aspects of a project, such as a demolition, to help them stay within budget.
On average, most renovations or deck additions take about a week to complete and sit in the $5,000 range, but some bigger, custom projects can require about two to four weeks.
Besides helping clients solve problems and improve their quality of life, Cowan demonstrates her commitment to the success of her business and the health of her community in other ways.
Cowan Custom Finishing sponsored a local youth baseball team this year, and in 2019, they rebuilt a bus stop at 4th Street in Warrenton that had been torn down. About 40 kids use the bus stop in the winter, so Cowan and Long spearheaded community fundraising for materials and donated labor to rebuild the structure.
Cowan also established a profit-sharing system, which ensures Long is fairly compensated for her work and establishes a business partner-type relationship.
“I don’t know why more people don’t do it,” Cowan said. “It’s a way you can make your employees feel invested in your company.”
By Katherine Lacaze
“It’s good to specialize, because then you really get good at what you’re doing, and you can produce the best of the best.”
As always, if you'd like to get an estimate, please send me a message or email with your project details and address, and I'll send you a ballpark estimate!!! And references!!!
Thanks for supporting living wage jobs and small businesses!!! Thanks for keeping your money in your community!!!!
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