Your Team

Your team is headed by Jim Edwards who started the company in 1994 and Andy Smith who joined in 1997 and became a partner in 2008.

Jim and Andy’s combined experience (over 75 years) in custom residential and commercial building and remodeling provides the assurance that Edwards Smith Construction has the expertise to deal with and resolve any complexities your project may entail.

Jim and Andy limit the number of projects accepted each year – ensuring each gets the time, attention and care it deserves. Additionally, they insist on working with only the most talented and dedicated employees as well as subcontractors who share in the company’s philosophy. Several individuals and companies have been associated with Jim and/or Andy for more than 25 years. At Edwards Smith Construction, we recognize it’s a team effort and that it takes the entire team (owner, architect, builder, subcontractors, etc.) working together to get the outcome you desire. The result is a project in harmony – and it’s evident in everything we build.

Click on any of the team members below to find out more…and be sure to check out what our clients have to say about the team here.

Meet the Team

Jim Edwards

Owner

Jim Edwards

Owner

Entered the construction industry in 1975 as a framer. After 13 years of firsthand experience, he branched out to become a general contractor, continuing to self-perform in multiple aspects of his construction projects. Jim has an inherent ability to surround himself with high quality, high performing personnel and subcontractors. Jim's success as a custom luxury home builder can be attributed to 40-plus years of experience, an eye for detail and strong communication skills.

Integrity, according to Jim, is what sets Edwards Smith apart. "Maintaining trust is paramount, not only in business, but in life. It's the foundation of our company."

Industry Involvement:
-National Association of Home Builders
-Idaho Building Contractors Association
-North Idaho Building Contractors Association – Past Builder Director and past member of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs committees
-Multiple Parade of Homes winner

Community Involvement:
Leadership CDA

Andy Smith

Owner

Andy Smith

Owner

Entered the construction industry in 1990 as a framer. In 1995, Andy went into business as a framing contractor, where he was then hired by Edwards Construction, Inc. and framed multiple projects. By 1998, not only was he acting as the framing contractor, he was taking on superintendent roles for Edwards Construction, eventually merging companies in 2008, to become Edwards Smith Construction, LLC.

“Authenticity,” according to Andy, “is what matters. In a world where truth and honesty are becoming harder to find, being real, being authentic defines Edwards Smith. We’re the real deal. We tell the truth and work hard. We do what we say we’re going to do.”

Industry Involvement:
-National Association of Home Builders
-North Idaho Building Contractors Association
-Passive House Alliance
-Black Rock Design Review Committee

Community Involvement:
Kootenai Humane Society – Current board member and past president

Mike Ridlehoover

Project Manager

Mike Ridlehoover

Project Manager

Entered the construction industry in 1997 building curved stairs. He started working for Smith’s Contracting Services in 2005 prior to the Edwards Smith merger. When asked what he sees as the most important responsibilities in his position as project manager, Mike said every piece of the puzzle – from the smallest to the largest was important, noting that paying attention to every detail is what sets Edwards Smith Construction apart from the competition.

Tipping the satisfaction scale for Mike is “handing over a one-of-a-kind work of art to our delighted clients.”

Buff Kobs

Superintendent

Buff Kobs

Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 1975 working for Dave’s Drywall in Coeur d’Alene. His association with the company goes back to completing the very first drywall job for Jim Edwards. Today, in his capacity as superintendent, Buff’s goal is to ensure everyone associated with a project is moving in the same direction. As a project nears completion, he enjoys seeing the talented labor of a lot of people come together to create a great home for the client.

“I am proud to be part of a tremendous group of talented craftsmen,” says Buff, “and that goes for all of our crew, as well as our subcontractors.”

Chris Sears

Superintendent

Chris Sears

Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 1999 as a carpenter’s apprentice. He joined Smith’s Contracting Services in 2004. After a brief hiatus, he returned to Edwards Smith Construction in 2014. As a superintendent, Chris says his most important responsibility is making sure the highest level of quality and sustainability is achieved at each phase of the project.

Job satisfaction, says Chris, is the result of “providing quality craftsmanship, maintaining integrity and striving to exceed customers’ expectations.”

Doug Robertson

Superintendent

Smiling man in checkered shirt on gray background

Doug Robertson

Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 1993 as a laborer, moving into a framing position within a year. He joined Edwards Smith Construction in 2019, bringing with him over 25 years of construction experience. Doug's top priority as superintendent is creating and maintaining a cohesive environment for all involved with a project. His goal is to foster a sense of pride among the team and deliver exceptional results to our clients.

"Being part of a company with the highest level of standards and integrity and seeing this reflected in the homes we deliver to our clients," says Doug, is what gives him the greatest satisfaction.

Michael Sanderson

Superintendent

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Michael Sanderson

Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 2009 with his own general contracting business, specializing in finish carpentry and remodeling. While coordinating all aspects of a project is inherent in his role as superintendent, Michael is also focused on facilitating great relationships between Edwards Smith Construction and our clients, subcontractors and employees.

"To be able to do the best job possible at the highest level of quality" brings Michael the greatest fulfillment. "I'm all about the end product and client satisfaction."

David Baker

Superintendent

David Baker

Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 1990, handling framing and concrete forming. He joined Edwards Smith in 2015, specializing in trim carpentry before moving into his current role. As a superintendent, David says his most important responsibility is ensuring timely and accurate coordination of a project’s supply and labor resources.

Tipping the satisfaction scale for David is “knowing I did my best to perform the tasks in my charge.”

Jeff Halbert

Superintendent

Jeff Halbert

Superintendent

Jeff entered the construction industry in 1985 as an apprentice for a tile and masonry contractor. He joined Edwards Smith in 2022, bringing over 35 years of construction experience. Organization, says Jeff, is key to his position as superintendent, helping him effectively communicate and coordinate with everyone involved throughout a project.

Jeff says doing his best helps him exceed client expectations, and that provides the greatest satisfaction.

Robert Tinagero

Superintendent

Smiling man with a beard in a black shirt against a dark background.

Robert Tinagero

Superintendent

Robert entered the construction industry in 2009, starting as a HOD carrier and stone mason. In 2024, he joined Edwards Smith Construction with a strong foundation in craftsmanship and attention to detail. Robert believes his most important responsibility is ensuring that each home is completed on time and to the highest standards. For Robert, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the homeowner's face light up when they take possession of their new home, knowing that every detail has been meticulously executed.

Max Martin

Finish Carpentry Superintendent

Max Martin

Finish Carpentry Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 1980, moving quickly from a laborer to a framer. He’s been with the company since the beginning, working with Jim Edwards prior to the Edwards Smith merger. Today he is responsible for trim design and the material takeoffs and budget associated with those designs. He also manages our trim crew. As time permits, Max is in the shop or our clients’ homes deriving his greatest satisfaction ensuring the end result, from conceptual drawing to finished product, is just as expected.

“Edwards Smith builds more than just functional houses,” says Max. “We create true works of art.”

Russ Nalley

Carpentry Superintendent

Russ Nalley

Carpentry Superintendent

Entered the construction industry in 1988 handling framing, siding and concrete. He joined Smith’s Contracting Services in 1999 and has been a part of the Edwards Smith team ever since. He is charged with ensuring accurate material and labor estimates in addition to hiring our stellar crew.

At the end of the day, says Russ, “it’s about getting the right materials and the right staff to the right place at the right time, resulting in a job well done.”

Casey Hildesheim

Estimator

Casey Hildesheim

Estimator

After earning a bachelor's degree in wood construction and design with an emphasis on construction management, Casey worked in purchasing for multiple large-scale builders prior to joining Edwards Smith in 2018. In his role as estimator, Casey is responsible for acquiring accurate material and labor pricing from subcontractors and vendors, efficiently tracking project budgets and helping communicate project information to superintendents in the field.

"Being part of a team that is focused on maximum organization and communication," says Casey, is what gives him the greatest satisfaction.

Rachel Myshak

Project Administrator

Rachel Myshak

Project Administrator

Entered the construction industry in 2015, where she worked as an administrative assistant for a small general contractor’s office. She joined Edwards Smith in 2017. In her current role, Rachel ensures each project is in compliance with all required jurisdictions from the very start until completion.

“Watching the journey from paperwork to home possession,” says Rachel, in addition to “working with a great group of people” equals job satisfaction.

Jessica Winn

Accountant

Jessica Winn

Accountant

After graduating from the University of Montana in 2008, Jessica worked for a national consulting firm, guiding the accounting for multiple businesses in many industries, including construction. From there, she went on to work for a CPA firm and with private equity accounting. As the accountant for Edwards Smith, she is responsible for managing the company’s accounts, and accurately billing clients.

“I love being part of a great team,” says Jessica, “and working for a company that prides itself in the highest quality of what they do.”

Your Team

Meet the Team

Jim Edwards

Andy Smith

Mike Ridlehoover

Buff Kobs

Chris Sears

Doug Robertson

Michael Sanderson

David Baker

Jeff Halbert

Robert Tinagero

Max Martin

Russ Nalley

Casey Hildesheim

Rachel Myshak

Jessica Winn

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