OUR FOUNDERS

Chris Rhodes and wife

Chris and Mara Rhodes began Soda Mountain Construction in 2006. Their vision took shape while specializing in fine home finish carpentry installation and quality small business management. As the years progressed, so did their business. SMC began excelling in new home construction, luxury remodels, and interior finishes while staying committed to lower volumes of work and high customer satisfaction. As SMC continued to grow, it was unique residential building opportunities that showcased the company’s talents. From 2009 to 2012, both custom and speculative projects kept their business afloat during one of Steamboat’s hardest-felt recessions. In 2013 their developing design/build methodology received the highest honors with multiple residential projects featured in Steamboat Magazine’s Architectural & Design Edition and along the Colorado Group’s Parade of Homes Tour. Over the years, this vision evolved with Soda Mountain Construction + Design enduring as one of Steamboat’s finest Custom Home Building companies with numerous homes built throughout the valley.

Today, Soda Mountain Construction + Design honors that founding legacy and continues to build at the highest level of quality. Our team consists of seasoned builders, skilled craftsmen, and collaborative designers set on materializing our clients’ visions with unparalleled attention to detail.

Learn more about our team below:

President

CHRIS IMBLER

As the President of SMCD, Chris draws on his background in commercial real estate development and private equity to provide strategic direction and oversight of the firm’s financial and operational activities. Prior to joining SMCD, Chris was employee number two at Four Points Funding, a $100M private real estate investment fund with a portfolio encompassing one million square feet of multifamily housing developments across Colorado’s Western Slope. During his time at Four Points Funding, Chris was integral to the development of the firm’s project underwriting, acquisitions strategy, project development, and talent acquisition. He was previously the Director of Asset Management at Blue Sage Ventures, a Steamboat-based real estate development company, where he executed the development of 910 Yampa, an award-winning historic rehabilitation project in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Chris is a full member of the Urban Land Institute and serves as the Treasurer of Historic Routt County. He holds a B.S. in Finance and Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Architectural Design

TRAVIS MATHEY

Travis Mathey moved to Steamboat Springs in 2003 after graduating from Montana State University with a Masters of Architecture (2003) and a Bachelors of Environmental Design (2002). During his time at Montana State University, Travis spent his summers working as an architectural intern in Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. While gaining experience at other firms, Travis was fortunate to work on a wide variety of projects, including large-scale commercial developments, modest remodels, and extravagant custom residential homes. Each experience has led him to focus his talents on mountain residential architecture. Travis believes in the design-build model and has witnessed the benefits of this streamlined process. In 2013 Travis partnered with Soda Mountain Construction to round out the current design/build team.

“I love to push the boundaries and create new ideas with every client. Each person I work with has a unique vision and an original story to tell. I value the relationship I build with the homeowner, and I’m always honored to help translate their ideas into reality. That’s what produces authentic results. Listening has become one of my most valuable tools throughout the design process. It’s not about my vision; it’s about bringing someone else’s to life.”

Construction Lead

JON SHERMAN

Jon moved to Steamboat Springs after high school 32 years ago, a year after he started his construction career. Starting with demoing old commercial buildings and installing insulation as a summer job, Jon began his fully immersive construction career gaining extensive experience in all aspects of the work including building foundations, fine finish carpentry, and owning and running his own custom building company for 15 years. Jon’s experience has helped him become an ultra-efficient project manager and he’s proud to tell you he’s passionate about the work. Jon and his wife have two sons, 21 and 16. Jon will tell you these boys are his two greatest builds.

Interior Designer

Kathleen Rosencrantz ImageKATHLEEN ROSENCRANTZ

Kathleen moved to Steamboat in 2001 after graduating from the University of Vermont (with Mara!), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design and Art History. Before starting her interior design business, Kathleen worked for local Steamboat designers for 12 years. These years provided her with exposure to the various aspects of the industry, from fabricating draperies, tile design, full-service residential remodel, and custom building. Over time Kathleen became a flawless fit with the Soda Mountain team. Her relaxed demeanor and creative flare have continued to bring style and beauty to each project. Kathleen works closely with Chris and Travis from the conceptual design stages of each space and home.

“I have a true love for all things Design. I strive to keep myself and my skills up-to-date as trends and tastes change. Each project and every client provide an opportunity to expand my knowledge of industry standards and products. Every new opportunity is exciting because no space and no home is the same. The vision is always unique.”

Project Manager / OM

ZACHARY BUCKALLEW

Growing up as the 3rd generation of builders and tradesmen Buck was introduced at a very early age to the concepts of quality, pride in workmanship, punctuality, and forthrightness. He carried these qualities through his college career, where he studied economics while teaching in Penn State’s architecture department. After college, Buck was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he served 10 years active duty and continues to serve in Air Force Special Warfare as a National Guardsman. During that time, he was transplanted to the Western States and made up his mind that he was never leaving. Between founding and running several companies, Buck went back to school for an art degree in fine furniture making from one of the premier programs in the United States at Red Rocks in Denver.

As SMCD’s Operations Manager, he is responsible for ensuring that the company is positioned with the best equipment, tools, and subcontractors to execute our unique builds. Furthermore, he is one of SMCD’s project managers who can leverage both his Project Management Professional (PMP) and LEED Green Associate training to fastidiously manage the schedules, budgets, procurement, and interpersonal relationships required to meet our discerning customers’ desires.

When he is not building some of the Yampa Valley’s most sought-after homes, he enjoys horseback riding, hunting & fishing, ranching, and indulging his passion for vintage motorsport.