Colorado Forestry & Earthworks brings over 25 years of combined experience delivering exceptional results on residential, commercial & industrial excavation projects.
With extensive experience in the excavation & forestry industries, our team has the knowledge, certifications, and attention to detail to handle even the most complex projects.
CF&E operates a well maintained fleet of job-ready equipment featuring laser guidance and GPS machine control.
Brenda, is the President & co-owner of Colorado Forestry & Earthworks and is a dynamic leader with a diverse professional background spanning telecommunications, real estate, well drilling administration, and title work. Since the company’s founding in 2011, Brenda has played an integral role in its growth and success, bringing vision, organization, and a commitment to excellence to every aspect of the business. A resident of Westcliffe since 2001 and a proud mother of three, Brenda’s deep-rooted connection to the community fuels her dedication to serving its members. Under her leadership, Colorado Forestry & Earthworks has become known for delivering exceptional service to both longtime residents and newcomers, helping to protect and preserve the land and livelihoods of those in the region. Brenda’s focus on integrity, teamwork, and community makes her a driving force behind the company’s mission and success.
Shawn is co-owner and Vice President of & serves as the technical subject matter expert at Colorado Forestry & Earthworks. With over 20 years of experience in the excavation industry and extensive expertise in logging, Shawn brings unparalleled knowledge and precision to every project. His deep understanding of land management and problem-solving makes him a trusted advisor for clients seeking effective, customized solutions. Having lived in Westcliffe since 1980, Shawn’s connection to the region and its unique landscape runs deep. He takes pride in collaborating closely with customers to assess their needs and deliver results that exceed expectations. Outside of his professional role, Shawn enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and appreciating the tranquility of home. His leadership and technical expertise continue to drive Colorado Forestry & Earthworks forward as a trusted name in the industry.
Warren leads the day-to-day operations at CF&E, leveraging years of executive leadership. With a career spanning project management, construction, and business ownership, he has led large-scale projects across the commercial building sector, major airport developments, and for the Department of Defense. A U.S. Army veteran with combat experience, Warren combines strategic vision with innovative problem-solving. Formerly the C.O.O. of a AV construction firm before joining CF&E, he is also deeply committed to community service, volunteering as a Paramedic and serving on the boards of several nonprofits. When not driving success, Warren enjoys hunting, fishing, mountaineering, and spending quality time with his family.
Tyler has been in the business since 2008 Tyler leads the field operations for the excavating and earthworks side of the business and has been a key player in the excavation industry since 2008. Serving as a technical and subject matter expert, his expertise and skill were showcased when he won the prestigious 2017 Mini Excavator Challenge at the World Construction Expo in Las Vegas. Most recently, Tyler took 1st place in his district at the Cat® 2020 Global Operator Challenge, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader. A committed professional, Tyler holds MSHA and 30-hour OSHA certifications and is a certified cathodic protection installer. Previously, he specialized as the lead chilled-water line fusion technician and installer. Tyler’s extensive experience and proven track record make him an invaluable asset to our operations team.
Mike leads the field operations for the Forestry side of our business, bringing over 20 years of experience from owning and operating Gaide Contracting. Recognized as a Master Logger since 2006 by the Central Rockies Sustainable Forestry Education Program (CRSFEP), Mike is committed to advancing sustainable forestry practices through continuous education. A seasoned professional, he is not only highly skilled with a chainsaw but also an expert in all facets of mechanical logging. Mike has successfully managed numerous fire mitigation projects, utilizing a combination of mechanical tree grinding and handwork to achieve diverse and impactful results. His leadership and expertise make him an invaluable asset to our forestry operations.
Rick is the Service & Facilities Manager at CF&E and holds multiple certifications in welding, machining, blueprints, 12v electrical, metallurgy, and automotive/diesel technologies. Whether it's designing, fabricating, or repairing, Rick and his team are the ones who get it done. When he's not overseeing the maintenance of our large fleet, Rick enjoys hunting, fishing, and trail biking.
~Marilyn Hennessy