our team
Kip and Nancy started Ridgetop in 1990 as a husband and wife team. Ridgetop has since grown into a team of laborers, equipment operators, and project managers that continue to operate like a hard working family business.
KIP Kalbrener
Owner – Lead Shaper
Kip started Ridgetop with his wife, Nancy in 1990 after years of working in landscaping, construction and as a guide on Mt.Rainier. Since the start of the company Kip has completely devoted himself to continuing his operating experience that now stands at over 40 years, 30 of that specifically in the golf course construction industry. He has been trusted by renowned architects on countless projects and a handful of “Top 100” courses in the United States. His character is well known throughout the industry, with unquestionable work ethic and a commitment to quality that has resulted in renovations of his own work years down the road. He has been a model to those around him, growing laborers into equipment operators and creating a team that operates like family – Quite literally – Passing down his passion to his son, Casey, who is now bringing his education and dedication to the business. 2021 Pacific Northwest Golfer Magazine Article.
Cell: (253) 686-5477
Nancy Kalbrener
Owner – General Manager
Nancy started Ridgetop with her husband Kip in 1990 after meeting him at Mt.Rainier, miles away from her childhood home on a farm in Ohio. They have created a well balanced team, and Nancy has built on a business degree and a variety of detail oriented jobs. She now has over 30 years direct experience in all business aspects of golf course renovations, her organization and attention to detail has made every project possible as she is closely involved with each one from inception to completion. Nancy mirrors the work ethic that is common within Ridgetop, and strives for perfection in all aspects of her work. She brings a dose of midwest grit and charm that has produced lasting relationships with many in the industry. Her character can be seen in her son, Casey, and will continue to improve Ridgetop from the inside out for years to come.
If you need anything related to billing please contact Nancy at 253-312-2005
casey Kalbrener
Project Manager, Shaper
Casey started with Ridgetop in 2017 and has been a part of the construction industry since graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Construction Management. Casey worked as an engineer on large scale projects at Atkinson Construction for 4 years before bringing his education and experience back to the family business. Casey has been surrounded by Ridgetop his entire life and has learned it from the inside out. He has worked closely alongside Kip and Nancy to continue their legacy of hard work and dedication to the industry. His passion for the work is apparent, he brings a huge amount of ambition and energy to the company as a whole. Casey currently handles bidding and estimating, manages projects in the field, and communicates with customers from prospect to completion.
Cell: (253) 820-5035
jaran jahns
Superintendent, Shaper
Jaran has been with Ridgetop for over 10 years, he has worked alongside Kip and gained experience on a wide range of projects. Jaran has logged thousands of hours on a variety of equipment and has been trusted by architects as lead shaper on a handful of projects in the Northwest. Jaran runs small labor teams on a regular basis and has proven his ability to lead these teams to achieve project goals within timeline and budget. His commitment to the company is incredibly valuable and, like family, he takes pride in Ridgetop as a whole. Some of Jaran’s highlight projects include: project 1, project 2, project 3.
josh jahns
Superintendent, Shaper
Josh has worked with Ridgetop for over 10 years and alongside his brother, Jaran, he has gained thousands of hours of experience on a variety of equipment and a wide range of projects. He has been trusted by architects as lead shaper on a handful of projects in the Northwest. Josh is leaned on as equipment manager and is incredibly skilled as lead mechanic. Josh manages a team well, and has also proven his ability to lead a team to achieve project goals. His work ethic is apparent on every job and is an invaluable part of the company as a whole. Some of Josh’s highlight projects include: project 1, project 2, project 3.