Brad Siler is the owner and president of Pencil Log Pros, a specialist firm focused on log cabin and log home restoration across Western Colorado and Utah. He combines field experience, military-forged discipline, and an uncompromising promise to clients: deliver quality at any cost. That direct promise sets expectations for every project, every crew member, and every client conversation.
Brad’s reputation rests on two pillars: leadership and technical excellence. He invests in people, builds systems that hold up under pressure, and insists on methods that protect structures in harsh mountain environments. His team is known as the professional option—brought in when a log home is an American dream that needs to be restored and protected, not just “painted.”
The Origin Story: From Frustrated Cabin Owner to Restoration Expert
In 2013, Brad Siler and his wife bought a cabin near Ridgway, Colorado. The structure needed serious work. He called 25–30 contractors. Two called back. One showed up with a bad estimate. The other never arrived. That experience exposed a gap: skilled log home restoration and a contractor who actually communicates.
Brad did much of the work himself and learned the craft at ground level. Years later, he launched Pencil Log Pros to serve that unmet demand. The early company slogan was blunt: “We’ll call you back.” As the company matured, the brand promise evolved into a standard of care—top-tier quality from a team that treats your home like their own.
Brand Promise and Positioning: The Professional Option
Pencil Log Pros is not the cheapest bid. That’s by design. The company prioritizes results that last in the Rockies. Clients hire them for:
- Quality-first execution that stands up to altitude, sun, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Clear communication before, during, and after the project.
- Systemized prep that reduces risk and ensures uniform finishes.
- Product discipline—no guesswork, no untested “one coat” shortcuts.
The market response has been strong: steady inbound demand, top reviews, referrals, and a pipeline built as much on performance as on marketing.
How Pencil Log Pros Built Demand: Consistency and Communication
There is no “overnight” story here. Growth came from consistency and standards. The team publishes job progress, educates clients, and encourages reviews. Organic visibility on Google Business and social channels leads many homeowners and buyers to call Pencil Log Pros first.
Brad’s differentiator is simple and rare in the trades: expectation management. He documents scope, sends photo/video updates, and issues progress notes. On larger projects he delivers formal reports that cover:
- What been done
- What’s next
- Any challenges or pivots
- Timeline and budget implications
That level of transparency prevents friction and protects trust. Clients feel informed. Surprises disappear. The final invoice matches the story they followed each week.
Leadership DNA: Lessons from the Navy Applied on the Mountain
Brad’s leadership was forged in the Navy with high expectations and real consequences. He carries those standards into every job site:
- Do hard things. Obstacles are part of the work, not an excuse.
- Own outcomes. The team finds a way to deliver—safely and correctly.
- Operate at a high cadence. Energy and urgency flow from the top.
Perfectionism has its limits in a natural, living material like logs, but the team aims for the right balance: structures that look excellent and hold up over time. That balance comes from strong systems, not guesswork.
Team Culture: Hire Good People, Then Build Great Craftsmen
Turnover destroys quality. Brad Siler solved that by hiring for character and fit, then training for skill. Many crew members start with painting backgrounds and level up into log home specialists through the company’s systems.
Key practices:
- Weekly meetings and training to reaffirm standards and solve problems early.
- Open communication across a group channel to share updates and foster camaraderie.
- Clear expectations for new hires, including a checklist-based 90-day ramp.
- Leadership pipeline that rewards sound judgment, not just speed.
People stay because they feel purpose. The work is difficult and meaningful, the locations are stunning, and the bar is high. Character lapses aren’t tolerated. Trust is the language of the shop, and reputation is guarded at all costs.
The Craft: What Professional Log Home Restoration Looks Like
Log home restoration is a niche discipline. The variables are many—species, age, sun exposure, altitude, moisture, and past coating history. Pencil Log Pros applies a repeatable, field-proven process to reduce variance and deliver uniform results.
Prep Is Everything
As Brad puts it: spend the time “sharpening the axe” before a single coat goes down. Prep work includes:
- Full assessment: structure, roof, checks, previous coatings, rot, and drainage.
- Protection and staging to secure the site, landscape, and adjacent surfaces.
- Surface preparation to achieve a consistent target profile (often equivalent to ~60-grit).
- Dust and debris removal to ensure proper adhesion.
Media Blasting vs. Sanding
Both have a place. Media blasting is the gold standard for removing old coatings when done correctly. Brad’s team spent years dialing in blast equipment to strip finishes without shredding the underlying wood. When furring occurs, they sand to achieve a uniform surface. The rule is simple: don’t start coating until the profile is right.
Product Selection That Holds Up in the Rockies
Brad Siler favors products he trusts in harsh, high-altitude conditions. Two families come up often in his field work:
- Sashco Transformations (oil) for a rich, grain-forward look and strong durability when layered and maintained correctly.
- Sashco Capture/Cascade (acrylic) for clients who prefer an acrylic system. The team uses acrylics on many projects and stands behind the results when applied to spec.
Brad rejects “one-coat” shortcuts for mountain environments. He also turns down projects that demand unproven or big-box-only products he can’t stand behind. The goal isn’t to save a few dollars today and lose a season tomorrow. The goal is longevity.
Why Paint Is a Problem on Logs
Latex paint traps moisture and struggles with the constant movement of logs. It cracks, peels, and accelerates failure. Reversing a paint job usually means a full strip and a proper system—time-consuming and costly. Don’t paint logs. Use coatings designed for logs.
Log homes expand and contract daily with temperature and humidity changes. Paint is too rigid to flex with that movement, so it eventually separates from the wood. Once moisture gets trapped underneath, rot begins. What looked like a simple solution can quickly shorten the life of the structure and lead to expensive repairs.
Professional log home stains and breathable coatings are built to move with the logs. They let the wood release moisture while still protecting against rain, snow, and sun damage. When applied correctly, these products enhance the natural grain, preserve the wood, and can be refreshed with maintenance coats—without the need for a costly full strip every few years.
To Caulk or Not to Caulk Checks
Brad Siler takes a targeted approach. Seal where it makes sense (infiltration points, code-driven blower door needs, pest issues). Avoid blanket sealing that traps moisture. South and west faces take a beating; many exterior checks on those faces won’t hold five winters without intensive upkeep. Let logs breathe and dry. Invest where the ROI is clear.
Structural Repair, Decks, and Commercial Work
Pencil Log Pros has expanded services as the team and demand have grown:
- Structural repair and log replacement when rot or damage requires more than coatings.
- Decks: substructure, restoration, and replacement (wood and composite).
- Commercial and “ornamental” log elements for resorts, lodges, and mountain-town architecture.
The company’s standards remain the same across residential and commercial scopes: strong prep, the right product, clean execution, and clear client updates.
Educating Homeowners and DIY Support
Brad Siler gives time to homeowners who want to understand the process or tackle parts of it themselves. He brings people into the yard to discuss products, tools, and sequencing. He knows many will eventually hire a pro, and he wants them to recognize the difference between a rushed paint job and a professional restoration.
That “value first” mindset builds goodwill and long-term relationships. It also raises the bar for the entire category. By helping people understand how coatings work, what tools to use, and how to avoid costly mistakes, Brad creates smarter homeowners who respect the craft. Even if someone starts a project on their own, they often return to Pencil Log Pros when they realize how much expertise matters.
This hands-on education also strengthens the company’s reputation as the authority in log home restoration. Brad doesn’t just sell services—he builds trust by sharing knowledge. That trust often turns into referrals, repeat work, and loyal clients who know their home is in good hands. By leading with education, Pencil Log Pros sets a higher standard for what log home professionals should deliver.
Personal Standards That Power the Business
Brad Siler keeps a tight personal routine to stay sharp as a leader:
- Sleep: eight hours a night to improve clarity and recovery.
- Training: consistent strength and conditioning, even on the road.
- Alcohol-free lifestyle: higher productivity, better judgment, stronger energy.
That example cascades through the team. The message is clear: operate clean, think clearly, and lead with discipline.
Hiring and Onboarding: The First 90 Days
New team members receive a packet with milestones tied to their first raise. Brad Siler is not hiring a résumé; he is hiring a person. He looks for:
- Humility and willingness to learn
- Team fit and communication
- Work ethic and resilience
- Sound decision-making under pressure
Technical skills are trained. Character isn’t. Crew members who buy into the vision become part of a group that stands behind every finish and every invoice.
Buyer Guidance: Three Red Flags When Evaluating a Log Home
Walking a 1990s log home this weekend? Watch for:
- Rot at the base (often on north and east sides). Soft wood needs immediate attention. It might be a small epoxy repair—or a larger structural fix. Bring a log home pro to assess.
- Grayed, neglected finishes. Age and UV damage are common. If your vision is a rich, uniform look, budget for a full strip and a multi-coat system.
- Roof issues and water intrusion. If the roof is failing, fix that first. No coating can win against a leaking roof.
Tip: A general home inspection is not enough for logs. Hire a restoration specialist before you close.
Cost Reality: Deferred Maintenance vs. Proactive Care
Many new log cabin owners underestimate the initial catch-up cost. Decades of deferred maintenance can require full blasting, structural repairs, and multi-coat systems. That first cycle is often a significant investment, but it’s what brings the home back to standard and creates a clean slate for the future. Once restored properly, ongoing care becomes straightforward, predictable, and far less expensive.
Smart log home owners treat coatings like tires and oil changes: scheduled, not reactive. A maintenance coat applied every few years prevents major failure and avoids the expense of repeating a full strip. The payoff is a structure that looks better, lasts longer, and holds value. In the long run, proactive care is always cheaper than waiting until problems demand a complete overhaul.
Maintenance Playbook: Keep Your Log Home at Its Best
Set a simple, repeatable plan:
- Annual inspection for UV fade, water staining, failed sealant, and problem checks.
- Wash and light prep before touch-ups to keep adhesion strong.
- Scheduled recoats based on exposure and elevation.
- Roof and drainage verified in spring and fall.
Budget for small touch-ups each year rather than large rescue jobs every decade.
Vendor Relationships and Product Standards
Brad Siler keeps a tight vendor list. The goal is consistency. Train crews on products you trust. Apply them to spec. Know how they behave in snow, sun, and high winds. If issues arise, call the manufacturer and work the problem together. That loop improves outcomes for clients and speeds future jobs.
Asked if he will appear in product promotions, Brad’s answer is yes—when the product has proven itself in the field and aligns with his standards. His name only goes on gear that holds up under real mountain conditions.
Why Clients Choose Pencil Log Pros
- Top-tier craftsmanship for mountain environments.
- Field-tested products applied with discipline.
- Serious prep before the first coat.
- Weekly communication that eliminates surprises.
- Leadership and culture that produce consistent results.
Homeowners hand over their dream cabins because they want the job done right the first time—and they want a team they can reach when questions come up.
Case for Pros vs. Bargain Fixes
Hiring a “general painting crew” to sand and stain logs looks cheap upfront. It rarely holds. You end up paying twice: once for the wrong approach, again for full removal and a proper system. In mountain sun, wind, and freeze-thaw, a log cabin needs products and methods built for logs.
Professionals bring:
- Accurate diagnosis and scope
- Surface prep that ensures adhesion
- Correct film build and uniform finish
- Maintenance schedule and care plan
Leadership Principles That Scale Quality
Brad’s framework is simple and replicable:
- Trust is the operating system. Protect it with candid communication and strong ethics.
- Systems beat heroics. Build checklists and standards that anyone can follow.
- Coaching turns good workers into foremen. Teach judgment and let leaders lead.
- Energy is contagious. Set the pace you want your team to keep.
These ideas sound basic. They are. They are also rare in practice. That’s why the company stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a full restoration last?
It depends on exposure and elevation. With proper prep, film build, and scheduled maintenance, you should expect many seasons of strong performance. Plan for touch-ups and periodic recoats instead of running finishes into the ground.
Can I DIY part of the work?
Yes, within reason. Cleaning, light prep, and certain sealant tasks can be handled by an experienced DIY owner. Media blasting, structural repair, and coating systems are best left to a pro.
What products do you recommend?
Brad Siler often specifies Sashco Transformations (oil) or Capture/Cascade (acrylic), chosen case by case. The right system depends on your goals, exposure, and the home’s history.
Should I seal every check?
No. Target sealing where infiltration and pests are a risk or where code testing drives it. Over-sealing traps moisture and shortens service life.
What’s the biggest mistake you see?
Latex paint on logs. It traps moisture and fails under movement. Reversing it requires a full strip.
A Practical Buyer’s Checklist
- Verify roof condition and drainage first.
- Inspect lower courses for rot, especially on north/east sides.
- Identify paint vs. proper log coatings.
- Assess UV damage and realism of your finish goals.
- Budget for an initial catch-up cycle, then annual touch-ups.
- Hire a log home specialist before closing.
What’s Next for Pencil Log Pros
The company is expanding deeper into decks, structural work, and commercial/ornamental projects for resorts and mountain towns. The same quality bar applies across every scope. Expect broader regional coverage and more specialized crews built around clear systems.
Final Advice from Brad Siler
Log homes are worth it when you respect the material and the environment. Do the first cycle right. Maintain it on schedule. Work with a specialist who communicates and stands behind the finish. You will preserve value, enjoy the look you want, and avoid expensive rescues.
Brad’s closing posture is consistent: every structure deserves dignity, and every client deserves trust.
Work With Pencil Log Pros
If you own a log home in Colorado or Utah—or you’re about to buy one—schedule a consultation. Bring your inspection questions, coating history, and goals. Get a clear scope, a straight answer, and a plan that holds up in mountain conditions.
- Assessment and scope
- Full restoration and refinishing
- Deck restoration and replacement
- Structural repairs and log replacement
- Commercial and ornamental log work
Next Step: Reach out to Pencil Log Pros to discuss your project and timeline.
About This Feature
News Wire Magazine highlights leaders who set standards in their fields. Pencil Log Pros fits that profile. The work is demanding. The outcomes are visible. And the results endure.
