About Us

Descending from several generations of homebuilders, Ken Gertz somewhat logically embarked on a career of designing and building custom homes. As a boy he spent evenings ‘playing’ in the workshop and weekends ‘working on the site’ thus cementing his heritage in fine homes.

Ken is not just a paper contractor but also a true craftsman with hands-on knowledge of every phase of the construction of your new home. A third generation Portlander like his father and brother before him, he graduated from Benson Tech and embarked on a life-long commitment to the building industry. He graduated 1 st in the Building Construction program at Benson and earned the ‘Craftsman of the Year Award’ and a first draft place in the Carpenters’ Apprenticeship program with Local #226, Portland.

Ken completed his apprenticeship, and in 1977, started building homes in Portland’s west side, founding what has become one of the most respected names in home building, GERTZ FINE HOMES. He has crafted literally hundreds of homes in his 30-year career.

Every Gertz Fine Home offers impeccable quality and attention to detail at a reasonable price and always in a desirable location. Many of his homes, particularly in the last decade, have been for 2nd, 3rd and even 5th time buyers attesting to his excellent reputation.

Recent communities include Hazelbrook, Linden Terrace, Comanche Meadows and Gertz Knoll in Tualatin, Springville Meadows in Bethany and Thornbrook, Heidi Estates, Lawson Creek and Matrix Hill in Beaverton. Ken has also constructed numerous Custom Homes on Owner’s lots and acreage.

Ken has been married to his high school sweetheart, Cheryl, for over 30 years. They have two children, Jacquie, studying Bio-medical Engineering and Bio-chemistry at Univeristy of Rochester in New York, and Sean, a student at Wilsonville High School. Ken is an assistant Scout Master and enjoys skiing, sailing, camping and visiting America’s National Parks with his family and friends. Cheryl enjoys quilting and singing in Sweet Adelines.