Building More Than Houses: A Story of True Partnership 

By Brian Silva, Trade Manager – United Seattle 
Email: [email protected] 

In our years serving builders and general contractors across the Pacific Northwest, we’ve learned that the best projects aren’t just about exceptional craftsmanship – they’re about exceptional partnerships. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on a client who has redefined what collaborative construction looks like: Cascade Custom Builders. 

The Beginning: A Call That Changed Everything 

It was a typical rainy Seattle morning in March when my phone rang. On the other end was Michael Rodriguez, Project Director at Cascade Custom Builders, calling about a challenging multi-unit development in Bellevue. 

“We’ve heard great things about United Seattle,” Michael said. “But honestly, we’ve been burned by subcontractors before. We need someone who can handle multiple trades – siding, roofing, and exterior painting – all while maintaining our quality standards and timeline.” 

What struck me immediately was his directness. No sugar-coating, no unrealistic demands – just honest communication about what they needed and what they’d experienced in the past. 

The First Project: Setting New Standards

That initial Bellevue project involved 12 luxury townhomes with complex architectural details and an aggressive timeline. Most contractors would have seen the challenges; Cascade Custom Builders’ leadership team saw opportunities for innovation. 

Project Manager Sarah Kim worked closely with our crews to develop workflows that maximized efficiency while maintaining the premium finish quality their reputation demanded. Instead of treating us as just another subcontractor, she invited us into their weekly planning meetings, valued our input on material selections, and trusted our expertise when timeline adjustments were needed. 

“Your team doesn’t just show up and do the work,” Sarah commented during our mid-project review. “They think about how their work affects the next trade, how weather delays impact scheduling, and how to solve problems before they become problems 

The Leadership: Professionalism That Inspires 

What truly sets Cascade Custom Builders apart is their leadership approach. Company founder and CEO Roberto Martinez has built a culture where vendors are viewed as team members, not just service providers. During our first quarterly review, Roberto personally thanked our crew leaders and asked detailed questions about their experience working on Cascade projects. 

“Good builders understand that construction is collaborative,” Roberto explained. “The best ideas often come from the trades who are actually doing the work. When we listen to our partners like United Seattle, everyone benefits.” 

This philosophy extends throughout their organization. From project managers who respond to questions within hours, to administrative staff who process payments promptly, Cascade Custom Builders has created an environment where doing excellent work is not just possible – it’s inevitable. 

The Negotiation: Where Trust Meets Business 

When Cascade Custom Builders approached us about a long-term partnership agreement covering their next eight projects, the negotiation process showcased everything we admire about their leadership team. 

Chief Financial Officer Lisa Chen brought both financial acumen and genuine partnership perspective to our discussions. Rather than simply negotiating for the lowest possible rates, she focused on creating a structure that ensured quality, reliability, and mutual profitability. 

“We want United Seattle to be successful working with us,” Lisa explained during one particularly productive session. “If we squeeze your margins too tight, we’ll either get lower quality work or lose you as a partner. Neither outcome serves our clients well.” 

The result was a three-year master agreement that provides Cascade with guaranteed capacity and competitive pricing, while giving United Seattle the stability to invest in additional equipment and crew training specifically for their projects. 

The Partnership: Beyond Expectations 

Working with Cascade Custom Builders has elevated every aspect of our operations. Their clear specifications, realistic timelines, and collaborative problem-solving approach have allowed our crews to consistently deliver their best work. 

Project Superintendent Tom Anderson, who has worked construction for over 20 years, recently told me: “I’ve never worked with a builder who makes our job this straightforward. They plan well, communicate clearly, and trust us to do what we do best. It’s actually enjoyable.” 

That sentiment echoes throughout our organization. Cascade projects have become assignments our best crews request, not because they’re easy, but because they’re managed so professionally.

The Results: Quality That Speaks 

The numbers tell part of the story: zero safety incidents, 98% on-time completion rate, and quality scores that consistently exceed industry standards. But the real measure of our partnership’s success is visible throughout the Seattle area in the form of beautiful, lasting construction that homeowners love. 

Cascade’s commitment to excellence pushes us to be our best selves. Their willingness to invest in proper planning, quality materials, and reasonable timelines creates an environment where exceptional work isn’t just possible – it’s the standard. 

Our Gratitude: Recognition Where It’s Due 

To Michael Rodriguez, Sarah Kim, Roberto Martinez, Lisa Chen, Tom Anderson, and the entire Cascade Custom Builders team: thank you for redefining what client partnership looks like in our industry. 

Your professional approach to project management, your collaborative negotiation style, and your genuine respect for the trades has created something special. You’ve shown us that when builders and subcontractors work as true partners, everyone wins – including the homeowners who ultimately live in these structures. 

The Future: Building on Success 

As we look ahead to the next phase of our partnership, we’re excited about the possibilities. Cascade Custom Builders continues to grow, taking on larger and more complex projects, and we’re honored to grow alongside them. 

Their leadership team’s vision for sustainable business practices, innovative construction techniques, and long-term community impact aligns perfectly with our own values. Together, we’re not just building houses – we’re building a model for how construction partnerships should work. 

For Other Builders: The Partnership Difference 

Cascade Custom Builders has shown us that the right client relationship transforms everything about how we operate. Their emphasis on planning, communication, and mutual respect has made every project more successful and every day more enjoyable. 

If you’re a builder or general contractor looking for subcontracting partners in the Seattle area, consider adopting Cascade’s collaborative approach. The investment in relationship-building pays dividends in quality, efficiency, and job satisfaction for everyone involved. 

United Seattle is proud to serve builders and general contractors throughout the Pacific Northwest. From our Everett headquarters, we provide siding, roofing, painting, and multi-trade services that help our clients deliver exceptional results. Learn more about our corporate partnerships and how we can support your next project. 

Contact Us: 
1010 Southeast Everett Mall Way, Suite 100 
Everett, WA 98208 
Phone: (425) 521-7916 
Email: [email protected] 
Website: unitedseattle.com