Home Team

Our Foundational Values Build Secure Homes

We understand the importance of a solid foundation, both in construction and in our values. The Fort is grounded in pillars of integrity, transparency, and dedication to our clients.

“Fort” comes from the Latin word “fortis” which means “strong”.

Katie Pendleton

Katie is a seasoned project manager with over 15 years of experience in commercial and residential construction and project management. Supported by a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management - Business Administration, her expertise lies in value engineering, forecasting, subcontractor management, and budgets/accounting.

In 2020, Katie created The Fort, inspired by what she had seen and heard from clients during her tenure - their home secured life’s most prized possessions. Their home is their modern-day fort. When not executing tasks on a job site, you’ll find Katie serving on the Central Oregon Builders Association Board of Directors and working on her family farm alongside her husband, and three sons.

Owner - Project Coordinator

Project Manager

Jon Shaw

With over 15 years of residence in Central Oregon, Jon has an unparalleled understanding of the high desert climate. As a pioneering figure in residential framing within the region, Jon has dedicated more than a quarter-century to serving the community, with a keen eye for structural design and construction.

Jon rounds out The Fort team with a well-established local reputation characterized by reliability, accountability, and honesty.

Maryrose Scheidler

As the Office Manager at The Fort, Maryrose plays a vital role in implementing seamless operations and creating a productive workplace. With a background in construction administration, Maryrose brings expertise in coordinating daily deliverables, streamlining administrative processes, and facilitating effective communication with our clients, industry partners, and The Fort team.

Her role goes beyond managing tasks; Maryrose is here to support our dedicated staff and contribute to our shared goal of creating luxury custom homes for The Fort clients.

Office Manager

Data Manager

Karen Pagen

Karen has over 20 years in client management and lends her expertise to optimize operations, enhance the customer experience, and ensure The Fort runs at peak potential. Karen has a remarkable ability to roll up her sleeves and dive into any operational challenge. Her self-taught journey through the intricacies of business operations has made her a valuable asset to The Fort.

Haley Ellison

Haley is a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Communications Specialist with a passion for driving success for The Fort. With over 18 years in the industry, Haley has worked with a diverse range of clients and industries, helping them establish their brand identity and foster the client experience.

Marketing & Communications

Discover the difference of The Fort today.