Doug Fortner
As a native of Buffalo, New York, I've spent my formative years in the picturesque landscapes of western New York, receiving my education through homeschooling. With over three decades of hands-on experience in the construction industry, including successful entrepreneurship, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.
My commitment to service extends to my time spent serving in the US Army, where I cultivated principles of discipline and integrity. As a proud father of three sons, I am deeply invested in nurturing the values of hard work and dedication in the next generation.
Having relocated to Pagosa Springs in 2014, I've found both professional fulfillment and personal contentment in contributing to the community through my construction endeavors. I approach each project with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative thinking, striving to exceed expectations while delivering quality results.
Meet The Team
Russ Gartner
Spend a few minutes speaking with Russ Gartner and you will understand immediately that he has a passion for our local forest and trees. Armed with a forestry degree and 20 years of lumber sales experience he opened Studs Lumber Company in 2014 and was excited to find our community was so receptive to supporting local business, regional products, and renewable resources. Studs Lumber Company quickly grew to a multi-million dollar regional spender that provides a consistent connection with customers money and our economy.
Russ found that area builders quickly learned that by purchasing material from Studs Lumber it directly impacts our economy. The mission of Studs Lumber Company is to connect the community with our local economy and this has proven successful through a knowledgeable professional team that has helped hundreds of builders complete their projects with local products delivered at competitive prices. Purchase material from Studs and you are effectively employing an army of local tradesman including the forester, logger, skidder, log truck driver, lumber mill personnel, material drivers, and the employees at Studs.
While Russ endured many challenges the first three years, he feels that working hard and being honest and up front with his customers has gained Studs Lumber Company respect in the community and industry. Russ promoted Adam Hirshberg, who has been with Studs since the beginning, to General Manager of Studs in January of 2018.
Studs Lumber Company enjoys working with the professional builders in our area and loves to show them how their framing package impacts the Southwest Colorado economy. Studs continues it’s innovative investments in our community daily. Our team of full-time, long term professionals are available to help with your project. They not only supply roof-top delivery of shingles, but rebar, fasteners, hardware, siding, doors, and of course, lumber.
If you haven’t visited with Russ and his team yet, give them a call at 970-764-7777. They aim to please!
Adam Hirshberg
Adam Hirshberg is from Sunapee, NH but found Colorado to be his home in 2003. He joined forces with Russ Gartner in 2014 at Studs Lumber Company. Adam started as a delivery driver and has worked his way up, along side Russ they started in a hayfield in Hesperus with a big dream as their motivation. Now Adam is the General Manager at Studs Lumber, a credible and well-known business in the Four Corners Region. He has also helped developed a successful shipping container business, Mobile Storage Solutions, and a self-storage facility, Storage Units of Durango. He takes great pride in the role he plays in these businesses and thrives on making all of them as efficient and productive as they can be.
Adam is married to his wife, Stephanie, they have two beautiful daughters, Josie and Wren. He is a very devoted family-man and enjoys raising his family in Southwest Colorado. Honesty, respect, accountability and communication are values that Adam holds at high standard within himself as well as instilling in his children.
When Adam is not working at the lumber yard, selling shipping containers, or being covered in more glitter than he would like to admit by his daughters, he spends much of his time on skis or a snowmobile in the winter and enjoys clocking miles on his motorcycle during the summer months. Adam also enjoys being an involved member of the community, he currently sits on the board of directors and is an active member of the Home Builder’s Association of Southwest Colorado, as well as Build Pagosa a non-profit focused on expanding the vocational and post secondary education offerings in Archuleta County. Being involved in his community is a priority and he enjoys meeting other like-minded individuals.
Noah Volgamore
Hey Y’all, my name is Noah Volgamore and I am the inside sales at Studs lumber Pagosa Springs. I was born by the ocean but found that the mountains are where I’m meant to be. Spending a couple years on the north end of the Rocky Mountains in the Big Sky Country gave me the love for the outdoors that still lives in me today. I grew up in San Antonio Texas spending most my schooling years there including attending Northwest Vista college for Kinesiology. My family moved to Bayfield in the fall of 2020, and we were blessed to find a spot in paradise.
Music and sports are two of my favorite passions in life so any opportunity to see either of them live I’ll be there. My favorite sports teams are the San Antonio Spurs, Texas Longhorns and Detroit Lions. Being part of a good team is important to me and at Studs lumber I’ve found just that. We know that as a team we can serve our people better build the community for all.
Robin Barnes
Hi, my name is Robin Barnes and I have lived in Bayfield for 30+ years. My husband and I have 3 daughters that have gotten the pleasure in being raised in this beautiful area with all of its wonderful benefits of country life.
I love being able to teach my kids to work hard for what they want in life. They have been able to learn how to raise all sorts of animals, along with knowing how to use a shovel and swing a hammer.
I have been part of the retail side of the building industry for over 18 years and have enjoyed every part of it. I enjoy helping contractors get what they need to help their customer and in turn their families if I can save them time and money. I am excited to be working for Studs Lumber and look forward to meeting new contractors and seeing those I already know.
Dave Nielson
Howdy! My name is Dave Nielson. I grew up in Utah. My early years were spent fishing, hunting and spending time at the family cabin.
I moved to Durango over 25 years ago working in the landscaping, excavation and lumber industries. I came to Studs Lumber Company with my black lab “Duke”. He found me 7 years ago and we have been together since. He likes riding in the lumber truck, playing ball & swimming in the river. We now spend our time prospecting, hunting & camping as much as possible.
You can find us in the yard. Come say “Hi” and you will be greeted by Duke.
Jeff Meyer
Hi my name is Jeff Meyer, a member of the Studs Lumber Team working in sales and estimating. I grew up in St. Louis Missouri and attended college at the University of Southern Indiana. I bounced around the Midwest before finding my way out to Colorado, and eventually beautiful Durango!
My hobbies include all things outdoors ( backpacking, snowboarding, biking, Etc.) and all things sports ( football, baseball, basketball, Etc.). I am currently married to my Beautiful wife Brooke, who is my partner in crime when it comes to the outdoor adventures I love so much. If there is an opportunity to get out in the mountains, count us in!
The reasons I love Studs Lumber comes down to being the local supplier and the loyal relationships that come along with it. Come on over to Studs Lumber and see what we are all about!
Melissa Roberts
Hi y’all, I'm Melissa, a native of one of many of Bayfield, CO’s cattle ranches. I have been here my whole life with no intention to leave this beautiful place. Right now, I'm attending college at Pueblo Community College.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in the outdoors, engaging in various projects, and cherishing moments with my boyfriend and pets. Building and operating professional RC cars, particularly my 76' Ford Bronco model crawler, rank among my major hobbies.
As of November 2023, I joined Studs, and I'm eager to contribute to community betterment. My aspiration is to actively participate in enhancing Studs and the surrounding areas. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Duke
The best yard dog!
Monica Alley
: My compass points to my family. Around our home, every moment is an opportunity to create cherished memories, and our adventurous spirit keeps us united and inspired. I appreciate the little moments we share and the grand adventures we embark on as a family, And then there’s Bogie, our loyal four-legged companion who greets us with tail wags and muddy paws, reminding us to cherish every moment. Our love for family adventures—a spontaneous weekend going to a sporting event, a camping trip, or a backyard barbecue with family and friends—nature fuels our family all over the Southwest and sunny beaches. I am from Albuquerque, NM and attended Fort Lewis College where I played college soccer for the Skyhawks. Soccer is my passion and motivation in supporting the Next Generation: As a board member, coach, and proud parent, I’m not just crunching numbers; I’m shaping dreams. Our local soccer scene—the heartbeat of our community—I'm all in, because every kick, and pass, carries the promise of greatness in a child.
At Studs Lumber, it’s more than a job; it’s a community. With my coworkers, we’re not just supplying building products; we’re constructing camaraderie. Each blueprint studied— vertebrates' teamwork. We celebrate our shared purpose of helping our communities build their dream. We are passionate about sourcing quality and price-competitive materials for the building construction industry. As a proud wife of a long-time family that has been building homes and dreams for families, for over 30 years, I understand the importance of this industry.
So, here’s to the outdoors, the thrill of the game, family ties, and the camaraderie of Studs Lumber.
Quita
The shop Mouser!