Specializing in environmentally and socially conscious remodeling of kitchens, bathrooms, basements and attic conversions, fine carpentry, custom cabinetry, and do-it-yourself consulting.
Our Mission
Our mission is to assist in quality home development while empowering the home owner to learn as much or as little of the craft of carpentry along the way. Whether remodeling or just in need of some repairs, Empowered Hands will consult the home owner on how to complete the work themselves, assist the home owner and show them the craft along the way, or allow the home owner to stand back and enjoy having the work completed for them in a clean, timely, and professional manner. Empowered Hands LLC is dedicated to facilitating the safe and responsible completion of your home projects.
About the Owners
William Skorohodov
There are two things that Bill has always had a passion for in life: carpentry and helping people. It wasn’t until he had worked for 15 years as a carpenter, going back to school to receive his bachelors degree along the way with the hope of being able to empower people through the social services that he realized he could combine his two passions. Empowered Hands LLC is the result of this journey. Bill’s passion for carpentry is represented through his dedication to creating beautiful, environmentally friendly spaces by helping people find the true potential of their homes, regardless of size. His passion for helping is represented by his desire to assist in people becoming empowered through carpentry including his crew and clients. Bill believes that knowledge is better shared and gives back to his community through running free how-to workshops, and running a weekly SMART Recovery meeting to assist those struggling with addictions to become empowered. Bill truly believes in the potential of all people.
Elizabeth Skorohodov
Elizabeth has 11 years experience working behind the scenes at a local architectural company where she learned the importance of being able to work with and communicate with all types of people. As Office Manager and an Associate Elizabeth was responsible for staffing, human resources, and assisting with any and all of the office needs. Her background in administration and familiarity with architecture and construction allows her to help run the business while Bill and his crew are busy doing the actual work. In 2007 Elizabeth went back to school to receive her masters in education in the hope of being able to empower our youth and create positive changes in our community. It is Elizabeth’s firm belief that empowering people young and old is crucial in the new global community and she is excited to be a part of a company that is dedicated to creating this positive change.
Employees
Kaeli Casati, a graduate of the Oregon Tradeswomen program, came to Empowered Hands with a desire to learn the art of carpentry from someone with a desire to teach the art of carpentry. Kaeli has a background in organizing on issues of environmental justice and a passion for seeing the many complicated sides to the challenges this generation has set forth to reclaim and restore. She has always been driven by a passion to learn through doing. She was raised in Alaska where she was witness to the extreme changes taking place in the form of climate, ways of life, and technology. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Wilderness Studies from the University of Montana. It is through her explorations in culture, place and action, that have led her to pursue an understanding of this trade and inspired her to join in the ambitious endeavor of combining useful skills with empowering ideas. Empowered Hands is a unique combination of practical and purposeful work that Kaeli is extremely grateful to be part of and excited to contribute to.
