Our Team

Ron Adams
Partner

A Montana native who grew up in the northwest corner of the state, Ron came to Bozeman to study Construction Engineering Technology at MSU. He worked for a commercial contractor while earning his degree, and graduated with honors in 1997. The next year, he started with YT as an Estimator/Project Manager, and worked through the ranks to become a Partner in 2003. Ron is actively involved in YT’s project management and processes, and is a strong believer in perpetual improvement. He enjoys taking advantage of Bozeman’s many outdoor recreation opportunities with his family.

Justin Bowland
Partner

Justin grew up beside his father in the construction field and later in his custom cabinet shop. His passion for wood and steel comes from his father’s constant interest in finding a better way to build and create both dwellings and functional tools for everyday life. He joined YT in the summer of 1995 as an apprentice carpenter with a passion for new methods and new techniques. His continued drive to build quality homes and relationship led him to becoming a Partner in 2009. When he’s not covered in sawdust or wearing a welding helmet, he enjoys everything that the outdoors in Montana have to offer, and spends as much time outside as he can with his family.

Tim Blazina
Partner

A Montana native who grew up in Billings, Tim came to YT in 2004 well equipped with a BS in Construction Engineering Technology from MSU, as well as five years of experience as a project manager and project engineer on several heavy civil construction projects. With his skill set and attention to detail, he quickly became an integral member of the YT Management team and earned an opportunity as Partner in 2018.  He continues to oversee the transformation of numerous clients' visions into breathtaking, beautifully constructed realities. When not at work, he is a passionate fisherman and all-around outdoorsman who also enjoys photography and time spent with his family.

Corey Johnson
CFO

Corey hales from Sidney in the NE corner of Montana. Upon graduating from Carroll College in Helena, he worked in the public accounting sector for nearly five years on taxes, audits, payroll and write-up services. Those services were performed for individuals, partnerships, LLC’s, corporations, Co-op’s, and city governments. In May 2004, Corey packed up his knowledge and joined YT as an assistant in our accounting department. In 2015, his contributions and skillset earned him a promotion to Chief Financial Officer and all things “accounting”. In his spare time, Corey and his wife are raising two awesome girls that keep them busy with school, events, sports, camps, etc. He enjoys time on the golf course and hits the ski slopes as his favorite winter sport.

Chris Gilbreaith
Project Manager

Chris grew up in Billings but moved to Belgrade where he graduated and went on to attend Montana State University. His love for baseball drew him to Pendleton, Oregon where he played in the NWAACC conference for 2 years. In 2014 he returned to the Gallatin Valley to marry his high school sweetheart and finished up his schooling at MSU, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology. His passion for building and experience in the field, paired with his happy go lucky personality landed him as a Project Manager in 2019. He values time spent with his wife and daughter and takes full advantage of all the outdoor activities that Montana has to offer.

JD Umbaugh
Project Manager

Born and raised in the Gallatin Valley, JD grew up in the construction industry. From pushing a broom on jobsites as young as age 8, to building log homes in Big Sky, MT, JD has trade experience in many diverse aspects of the building process. Earning a BS in Construction Engineering Technology from Montana State University in 2014, JD spent 5+ years working as a project manager for a high-volume, fast-paced commercial general contractor in Seattle, WA. With prior experience working in the YT Shop, JD welcomed the opportunity to return home and re-join the team as Project Manager. When not at work, he enjoys practicing ancient and obscure martial arts, riding his Harley, working on engines, creating beautiful objects out of wood, and spending quality time with his wife and children.

Elliott Peace
Assistant Project Manager

A Southern native, Elliott was raised with Montana as his home away from home. After graduating from Auburn University and earning a BBA- in Supply Chain Management, Elliott worked with a luxury pool company and then headed west to join YT in an entry-level construction position ––, where he quickly found his affinity for building. After broadening his management skills with a high-end renovation firm in Atlanta, Elliott rejoined the YT team in 2020 as a Project Manager. Learning literally from the ground-up and working with the best in the business, he has a diligence for detail and a discerning-eye for fine craftsmanship. He can’t be kept behind a desk for too long before wanting to get onsite and assist our field leadership in any way possible. When not working, Elliott enjoys fly fishing, wakeboarding, golf, skiing and all things Montana.

Nicole Adams
Executive Assistant

Nicole grew up in Bozeman, but spent summers on her family’s Farm in Three Forks. Her passion for the Montana outdoors over rode her dreams of packing up & heading to New York to join the business world. This created the opportunity to join Yellowstone Traditions in 2002 as an assistant to the office. Drive, attention to detail and a charismatic nature has allowed her to evolve into her current multi-faceted role that includes accounting assistant, HR duties, YT marketing, and client communications and coordination. When she is not coordinating all things YT, she enjoys experiencing the great outdoors and living life to its fullest with her family.

Carolina Perez
Administrative Assistant

Carolina grew up in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. She was raised in the fishing industry, and in her twenties, she had the opportunity to work alongside Original Productions as a key production assistant for the TV show Deadliest Catch! She had a calling to come to Montana and in 2015 landed in Bozeman. Now what could be as exciting as Deadliest Catch? Why the construction industry of course! She found a passion for custom homes, gained experience in various divisions, and started the year off right for YT January of 2023. Her enthusiasm and genuine compassion for people is the perfect addition to the office team. She takes great pride in keeping things running in tip-top shape, being that helpful and friendly voice on the other end of the line, but most importantly, keeping us all in line - no small task! When not working, Carolina enjoys exploring Montana and spending time with her family, friends, and Harley the cat.

Dan Hunter
YT Shop Manager

Dan grew up in Great Falls, MT but moved to Geraldine, MT where he graduated. From there he went to work doing finish carpentry and custom cabinetry; the craftsman seed was planted, leading him to get his associate degree in Drafting Technology at Utah Valley State College. He joined YT in 2006 building doors. His knowledge and dedication quickly took him to floor manager which evolved into overseeing the shop as Shop Manager. Outside of work he values time with his family, the great outdoors, traveling, fishing, and volunteering coaching softball and baseball.