Meet Our Team

Nate Norris - CAD Designer, Master Carpenter and Licensed Builder - Cell: 989.942.0392 - Email: nate@cuttingedgebuilders.net - Linkedin

Nate graduated from Taylor University in 2000 with a BS in Business Systems. He worked in the fast paced computer field on the tail end of the .Com boom and as that wound down he found himself unemployed. Having become increasingly restless in the computer field and looking for a change, he started working with a friend in construction and quickly found his passion in life. He moved to Michigan in 2002 to marry his college sweetheart Leslie and began working for a small local builder where he really began honing his skills as a true craftsman. Nate is a very detail oriented carpenter and as such, he loves creating timeless craftsmanship that Cutting Edge and their clients will be happy with for many years. Since the construction industry is no less fast paced than any other, he also brings valuable business education and experience to the company.

Nate is also our in-house CAD designer and loves to work closely with clients to blend their ideas with ours to come up with custom solutions to fit the client's needs and desires. As a designer of many homes and high end additions/renovations, Nate is a valuable asset to Cutting Edge and our clients.

Tom Norris - Master Carpenter and Licensed Builder - Cell: 616.262.0690 - Email: tom@cuttingedgebuilders.net

Tom got his start in construction with his education at Lane Community College in Eugene Oregon where he attended the Construction Technology program. He continued his education working for a local contractor in his hometown building high end rustic style lake homes for out of town clientele. He also spent a year renovating rooms at the Winchester Bay Inn in his hometown, gaining valuable experience in a wide variety of trades, making him invaluable to Cutting Edge in the area of quality control. Although Tom is skilled in many trades, he is a fine craftsman and his true passion is being a trim carpenter. He loves a challenge and always tries to incorporate something new in each home he trims. With his education, passion and unique experience, Tom is a valuable asset to the Cutting Edge team.

Doug Kleinheksel - General Contractor, Licensed Builder, CGR, CGB, CGP and CAPS - West Michigan Cell: 616.813.8649 - Mid Michigan Cell: 989.942.1518 - Email: doug@cuttingedgebuilders.net - Linkedin

Doug graduated from Hope College in 1993 with a degree in business and economics and earned a masters degree in accounting from Western Michigan University in 1995. He obtained his CPA license and worked for BDO Seidman, a national accounting firm, both in the Chicago office and Grand Rapids office. Although he enjoyed working on high profile clients such as Alticor, Steelcase, and Blackwater USA, he decided to pursue his first interest, building and construction. Doug worked for a local builder learning the art of being a general contractor.

Doug brings valuable administrative, sales, and estimating experience to Cutting Edge Builders. He considers himself a life long learner and is currently completing his Certified Graduate Remodelor designation through the National Home Builders Association. He is a frequent contributor to the Grand Rapids Press “Home of the Week” and sits on several councils of the Greater Grand Rapids Home Builders Association.

Jason Stevens - Lead Carpenter

Jason joined the Cutting Edge Team in the summer of 2007 while taking coursework at Grand Rapids Community College in Construction Management. His on the job training with Cutting Edge has helped him become a very skilled carpenter in both framing and trim. Jason loves a challenge and he really shines when given a complex trim project and handles many projects on his own or as the lead carpenter. Customers tell us often how fine a craftsman Jason is and how pleased they are to have him working on their project.

In addition to the owners, Cutting Edge Builders employs an in-house carpentry team that is the best in our market. Our carpenters are experienced in framing, trimwork and hardwood flooring. Tom and Nate personally oversee and work along side our carpenters ensuring that the quality of our framing, trimwork and hardwood floor installations meets our demanding expectations. Having an in-house carpentry team also gives us the better flexibility in completing our projects than relying on subcontractors for these important tasks.

Innovative Approach. Timeless Craftsmanship