From Laura Sapp; "This note is in regards to Skip Ellsworth’s 22 hour class in log house building. It is unbelievable informative. The information will be beneficial to builders from all levels of experience. Skip is the best resource and he has an open attitude about helping."
From Wally Farbo; "I was raised in Montana on a wheat farm, and as a boy I helped with general repairs to barns, buildings, and metal buildings. I learned more in Skip’s class in two days than I learned all the while I was growing up – regarding the principles of building and making things so they last. The course condenses a lifetime of trial and error, and theories that have been tried. Everything in Skip’s course is taught in a busy but fun and interesting way."
From Joseph Nattress; "I took Skip’s class and I was given an incredible amount of information about how to build log homes of different styles. I learned the best ways to do it, and the worst ways to do it – and the reasoning that lies behind the principles of GOOD log construction. After taking this class, I am ready to build my own log home."
From Nancy Lundquist and Chris Lundquist; "My son and I really enjoyed learning about building a log home and Skip didn’t Skip a thing."
From Brian J. Marsh; Skip Ellsworth’s course is nothing less than the experience of a lifetime. He taught me everything I need to know in order to build my own log home. His house is packed tastefully with antiques, artifacts of the ancient type, and memorabilia of a range that borders on the unbelievable. The man himself is very laid-back and extremely knowledgeable on many topics – pertaining to many facets of life. I learned a great deal of things that I will never forget – that will forever change the way I look at life."
Gene Hamacher; "The class covers an amazing amount of material on log houses, general construction, specifics of wood and building code requirements. Skip has many examples and stories to back up the theories that he was teaching. What we learned was what you "really" need to know to build a log house. A lot of the instruction was very unique, as a result of Skip interjecting his philosophies and ideals. The class was very enjoyable and extremely informative."
From Don Clark; "I took Skip’s class out of desperation with the price of houses. I found Skip and the class to be very informative. I look forward to building my own house. It was time well spent. Thanks, Skip."
From Kim Schmidt; "After taking Skip’s class you realize that building a log home is the only feasible way to go. It is not only smart from an economic standpoint, but from an environmental one as well. I am confident that I can now build my own log house."
From Lorin Hayden; "Skip, I am a river guide. Chilkat Guides. Box 701 Haines Alaska 99827. The office is at "Mile )" Haines Highway. Red building on water. Come by. Friendship, car, boat, place to stay."
From Jami Elliot; "I attended Skip’s seminar in February. My husband attended last year. We recently purchased property to build a log home on. My husband felt that from his taking the class I could benefit also. In the first half of the first day, I felt I had already received my money’s wroth. Questions and comments were always welcomed. Our group was very comfortable with the way Skip taught us. I feel eager and confident to start our first log home, and we owe that to Mr. Ellsworth."
From James Moore; "Taking Skip’s course is a real eye opening experience. He lays it all out in black and white. No sugar coating. He tells it like it is. I am totally impressed."
From Tom Calne; "After Skip’s course, I took all of my previous ideas about how to build a log house and threw them out the window. I had no idea it was so simple and methodical. Using Skip’s method, it can be done "by the numbers." I really enjoyed myself in this class, and I learned enough to get the entire job done.
From Cory Koch; "after completing this course I feel that I have the confidence to tackle a project that can set me free from being a slave to my home and the bank. It helped me to realize that no dream is so big that it can’t become a reality if you set your mind to it, make plans, organize, and work hard."
From Dawn Strandell; "Having completed Skip Ellsworth’s course this weekend, I am sure the information presented will prove to be priceless in my future. I feel confident that I can build my own home with the knowledge I’ve gained. Regarding Skip personally, he is an individual – and I find that to be refreshing as I grow more and more tired of dealing with the drones which populate this country. Thank you."
From James McMillan; "Skips course was extremely beneficial to me. I previously had no idea how to build a log house – and within two days, I have become confident that I can build a structurally sound log house all by myself. The course was presented in a friendly, informal way, that was very effective. I strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in building a log house."
From Ron Hovde; "This was a valuable "back to basics" approach to homes and life. Skip Ellsworth has a valuable gift for teaching."
From Matt Hill; "Thanks Skip for showing me all your possibly need to know to build a log house – and how to have a plan, start, and build log homes. I also want to thank your for telling me about some of your experiences with Bruce Lee. I’m really into martial-arts, and I will practice the information while training. I will build a log house that will make you proud of me. Your good friend,"
From H. Allen Olson; "Thanks so much for the valuable information we received in your course. It has caused me to make a definitive decision to build my own log house as opposed to buying a "kit" log house. I was amazed at how easily you packed all the information I needed to know into just two days. I hope you continue to teach, and I’m looking forward to seeing you on PBS."
From Jerry and Lauri A Gray; "This class provided my wife and I with the information, know-how, and experience in order to build ourselves a home that is better and less expensive than the conventional method. We feel completely prepared to begin the process and will do it soon. Thank you, Skip, for giving us something that can not be put into words."
From Doug Jensen; "Skip’s class was just what I needed – a way out of a mortgage – a way to build my dream house cheap !! It was clear and understandable, fun and exciting. The bottom line is, Skip offers an excellent vehicle to change a lot of negatives that currently exist in most people’s lives."
From George Bond; "Skip Ellsworth’s class was the simplest, most effective and most functional class I’ve ever attended. I now have complete confidence that I can build a log home that will last a lifetime. Two days, worth a lifetime."
From Mary Ann Anderson; "This weekend course in log home building has been an enlightening and enjoyable learning experience. It is truly remarkable that I have learned in such a short period of time how to build a log home. So much freedom as so little cost is a most remarkable gift that you have so graciously given to me. Your insistence that we think things through for ourselves is extraordinarily refreshsing."
From Fred Buldhaupt; "An outstanding seminar in every respect. Without question the best log house information available anywhere – period. This class is for everyone."
From Dave Le Roux; "As per the enclosed photo, it’s built but it ain’t finished. I even have thoughts of building another one. Thanks for the help."
From Dan Johansen; "I am a house builder, but I’ve never built a log house. Your class this weekend has provided me with all the information I need to build a log house of my own. You have enthused me to the point that I believe I will only build log houses from now on. Thank you very much."
From Patricia Croghan; "Your class is the "missing link" in a book I will be publishing next month. I am in the last editing stages. It is called, "Road To Freedom" and it is about breaking free from the 9 to 5 with as little pain as possible. Housing was the question mark (?) and I only knew of yurts as an alternative to traditional housing – but they are too expensive, and not a permanent solution for anything but nomads. So…I thank you for coming into my life at the appropriate time with the necessary solution to this problem I will be contacting you to request permission to mention your classes in my book."
From Don Denney; "Belated thanks for your great class that I attended with my sons Deven and Troy. We had no experience as builders, but were able, as a result of your instruction, to erect the house in the enclosed photo. It is 32 feet square inside measurements, and sits on a continuous foundation, 10 inches wide. It is located in pierce County, about one mile north of Key Center. We hope you will stop for a visit if you are ever in the area. Thanks again for your past help."
From Rex and Terri Nelson; "Thanks for conducting the log house seminars. You have given us an achievable dream and vision for the future that will help us to have a home of our own. We purchased a ten acre parcel of land south of Port Orchard. Grading and stump removal for the house, barn and drain field was completed a week ago. As soon as I can install the well and septic system in about a month of so, I’ll be moving a mobile home onto the property so we can live on site as we build our log house. We expect to begin construction this spring. We will send photos of the house. Your friend,"
From Mike Brieske; "Thanks. I just loved every minute of your class. It has changed my outlook on life. They broke the mold when they made you. Take care."
From Stephen M. Maas; "Effective, enlightening and for my mind overwhelming. I feel I can do this. I feel supported now and in the future. Thank you, skip. I now welcome the opportunity to shut off my brain for awhile in an effort to recover from the weekend. The only thing I can think of to say, is WOW !!!"
From Nick Longley; "I, Nick Longley took the two day log home course given by Skip Ellsworth. I found it to be extremely enlightening. Mr. Ellsworth obviously has a total grasp on the knowledge of log house construction – from scratch. He was able to clearly and concisely convey that information to me. I feel that the expertise that he imparted to me will definitely enable me to build my own log home. A wonderful class, and a helluva nice guy."
From Nate and JoAnne; "Like so many other people that have taken your class I can’t thank you enough. One weekend has changed our life course and goals and believe me it feels so right, so natural – the way it should. Thanks my friend."
From Gregory Mumm; "Your class opened so many new avenues for us we are hardly sure of where to begin. One thing we are sure of is that we feel we owe you much more than merely the price of admission to your class. If ever there is anything we can do for you please let us know. You will be interested to know that we have already begun to build. We will send you a few pictures as soon as they are developed."
From Bill Finlayson; "The instructor in this course is outstanding. He really knows his material. All aspects of log construction were more than covered. He gave all the students time to thing through the processes – to let us establish the picture in our own minds. That’s the best way to learn. Outstanding course !! Don’t stop, please."
From Jabe Mooney; "Skip’s class not only provided the basic concepts of building (to a non-building female), but also explained in detail the benefits of a log home. The log home industry has always interest me and Skip dove into the basic building methods available and the benefits of each. The thorough class not only prepared me for building my own log dream house, but it also excited me to a new "possible" business plan. The class is a must for anyone interested in log home building. I enjoyed every minute."
From Frankie Bouchier; "In a very short time, we covered an incredible amount of information and received the benefit of Skip’s great depth of wisdom and understanding concerning log house building. The course is very practical and with this foundation and the special secret tips and techniques Skip shared with us I now feel equipped to begin building my own log house."
From Jamie Arnold; "Coming into Skip’s class, I didn’t know what to expect. After meeting Skip and seeing his home, I know I had made a really good decision when I decided to come here. I now understand how easy it is to build a log house, and now many doors are now open to me and my growing family."
From Dr. Todd Atkins; "This class has showed me how easy it is for me to build a log home by myself. I am very excited about starting a home soon. Even with my limited time schedule for working on this project it still should go together quite fast. Having done very little building myself, it just seems so easy."
From Larry Luidberg; "This has been a very educational and interesting two days for me. There is a wealth of information in my possession for me to sort out and make use of. I know that I now have enough data to begin putting together my plans and start to build my own log house."
Lynn Jewell; "For the rest of my life I will be happy that I took a weekend to attend your course. Before I came to take this class I had figured out some of the steps I needed to take in my life, and many of the pieces of the puzzle, but I just needed someone to organize them and put them into perspective. You have done that for me, and now I have the knowledge and inspiration to go out and do this on my own."
From Paul and Ellen Martin; "My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed your class, as well as the Log Home Builders Association meeting yesterday. I typed up our class notes (32 pages on the word processor) and would be glad to mail you a copy or give you a copy at the next meeting if you like. Since my husband is within five years of retiring at IBM, IBM will reimburse a certain percentage of the fees for any classes we complete for the next 8 years. Sop, could you please sign our "Statement of Course Completion" and return it in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope. We both look forward to the next meeting at your house. Thanks for your help."
From Keith Gettis; "This course was a very positive course in that it taught me everything I needed to know about build a REAL log house. I recommend this course to anyone."
From Jason Foerster; Dear Skip, Just a short note to both tell you thanks and to also curse you. First of all, thanks - because I was really planning to buy a kit log house. Boy am I glad I didn't make that expensive mistake. But, curses to you because I am so excited about getting started that I'm dreaming about logs, fantasizing about walking through the woods picking out a ridge pole, and irritating my wife by continually looking through the paper while crying out, "Here's another 2 acre plot that's no money down." (I now know what you meant about marriages and home building.) You have set such a fire under my butt that on the Wednesday following the class I sold my first job. I'm building a log fort for my bosses kids in his back yard. He will buy the material and I will do the work for my own experience and practice. After that I'm building a log garage for two of our company's trucks on the shop property. I have no one to thank but you. I really am interested in any work parties. I'll do the most menial job there is just to be around the job site and participate. There are so many benefits to doing free work for other people. I grew up out in the country. We always built fences and barns that way. Joe bought the posts and wire, so Stan makes the fence. That kind of barter and trade has gone on since the beginning of time, but has been forgotten in today's sue-happy, screw the other guy, dog eat dog world It is truly sad. Once again, thank you for a life altering class. I was doubtful that a two day class could educate both the housewife and the house framer, but you sure as hell did it. Not only that, but you made it fun.