Richard Volckmann: General Manager  

Dick grew up in Westport , New York , in the eastern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains . There he was introduced to the outdoor activities he loves so much, such as skiing, sailing, hiking, etc. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology from Colgate University , continuing on to The University of Michigan where he earned a MS and PhD, also in Geology. Following graduate school he spent a year in Spain on a post-doctoral fellowship. Upon his return he joined the US Geological Survey and over the next 13 years, worked on projects in Massachusetts , Puerto Rico , Kentucky , New York , and Virginia . Following his Survey years he spent two years in Florida as a yacht broker, involved in the sale of high-end sailboats, followed by 18 years in the rental/property management business in Hilton Head, SC.

In 1999 he and his wife Carol spent Christmas vacation in the Methow Valley . It was here that his (and her) love of the mountains was rekindled. In 2000 they moved to the valley from the flatland of South Carolina , built their house at the end of Laney Lane , here in Edelweiss, and assumed they were 'retired'. Retirement didn't take, however, and since then they have built 3 cabins, also here in Edelweiss. They sold their first house on Laney Lane and currently live in their 'permanent' home on Mustard Mountain road.

Dick joined the Edelweiss staff at the beginning of August of 2007. He is happy to be involved professionally with the community in which he has lived since 2000. He feels fortunate to have such a valuable co-worker as Craig Hook, who he feels is of critical importance to the smooth operation of the Edelweiss Community.

Craig Hook: Operations Manager  

A native of western Washington, Craig grew up in Issaquah and attended High School in Fife . He joined the Marines from 1969-1972, and held jobs in such varied fields as water distribution, sewage treatment and carpentry.  In the last few years he worked in Facility Maintenance and as a Hot Water Driller at the Amundsen-Scott Base, South Pole, and then as a plumber in Afghanistan. (So, you can rest assured Craig can handle our facility maintenance!)
Craig's passion for the mountains, climbing, and wilderness survival training brought him to the Methow. He has hiked and climbed around the world but has always considered the North Cascades home. The Westside had become too crowded for Craig, so in April, 2007, with his lovely and talented partner Suzanne Same, he moved to the Methow and they are building their home now in Edelweiss. (Welcome Craig and Susanne.)