Third-generation Succasunna resident and builder Don Dyrness founded Spectrum Construction & Development Co. with his father, Daniel Dyrness, in 1989. Spectrum specializes in designing and building custom single-family homes, major additions, renovations and light commercial projects.
Current project: A 108-year-old house and barn at 109 Main St. in Succasunna, which are being renovated for use as six professional office suites. The historic design details of the house and barn will be maintained using low maintenance, energy efficient materials.
The project is the keystone to the Roxbury Main Street Improvement Plan and is the first to use new curbing, a brick-lined walkway and vintage-style street lights, which are part of the design criteria set forth by the town's plan for Main Street.
"It's a huge job -- total renovation inside and out including a parking lot and landscaping," Dyrness said.
Beginnings: Born in Succasunna, April 1964. He is a graduate of Roxbury High School and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston with a degree in chemical engineering.
Career path: After getting his degree, Dyrness said he "saw the light. I wanted to do what my dad does." He then worked for several area builders before founding Spectrum.
Role model: "Definitely my dad. We work together 50-50. He taught me the work ethic: do it the right way for first time."
A family affair: Dyrness' dad, Daniel, has worked in construction his whole life as did his father, who worked in heavy construction such as dock building. Dyrness' brother-in-law, Erick Olsen, is project manager at Spectrum.
At home: Dyrness lives in Succasunna with his wife, Kim, and their two children. In addition to being an Eagle Scout, he is the committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 163. One of his projects as an Eagle Scout was to install a paver walkway in 1981 at the Roxbury Public Library, which is right next door to his current Main Street project.
Dyrness also enjoys skiing in Vermont and is a member at Craigmeur. He also plays golf and rides mountain bikes. The family enjoys scuba diving and just returned from a trip to Roatan, off the coast of Honduras. "It's under the radar," he said.
Favorite: Black Forest Inn in Stanhope.
Certified: Dyrness has received his certified graduate builder (CGB) designation, which identifies him as one of the building industry's top professionals. Administered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) University of Housing, the CGB program is sponsored locally by the New Jersey Community Builders Association (NJCBA).
Effects from the economy: "None. We're very busy and working harder than ever. I'm learning new things about building green such as energy efficiency and the cost to run a home," he said.
Spectrum has earned the Best Single Family Home of the Year award 10 times from the N.J. Community Builders Association. In 2007, Spectrum received first place honors from the NJCBA in the Best Custom Remodeler and the Best Bathroom Renovation categories. They past are recipients of the Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce Beautification Award and Historic Beautification Award from Roxbury Township.
Dossier was reported by Sally Silverman, a freelance writer.
