RALPH L. SMALLWOOD

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Semi-retired/ Construction Consultant/ Vocational Educator
I have been involved in the construction industry for over 40 years; building log homes, new construction and remodeling, creating custom furniture, kitchen design and custom cabinetry.  Specializing in high end audio/video cabinetry using state of the art materials and woods.

1995-current: HomePort Learning Center/ Alternative School for At-Risk Youth; Director and Teacher
Overseeing day to day operations and finances, teaching all methods of construction, from framing to custom cabinetry. Involved in mediation with parents, teachers and students for 20 years. Achieving an overall 85% success rate, based on students transitioning to local tech school, Job Corps and work force.

1975-1995:  Welcome Woodworks; owned and operated as a general contractor, a full-service construction business, specializing in residential and commercial new construction and remodels.
Kitchen design; designed and built custom kitchens and furniture.
Restaurant design; designed and constructed all facets of the business, from trim and flooring to custom bars
Audio Video Entertainment Centers; one of a kind, for homes and businesses: restaurants, specialty shops and professional offices.

1976-1995 Bellingham Technical College, Vocational Educator, taught all aspects of the building trades, from framing to fine woodwork
1986-1987 Western Washington University, Industrial Technology Degree
1972-1975 Cal State L.A., earned B.A. and Teaching Certification in Industrial Arts
1971-1972 L.A. Trade Tech; Earned degree in Cabinetmaking
1967-1970 U.S. Navy; USS Hector repair ship, served in Viet Nam
Organizations and Memberships: United Way, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA