Our Team
Michael Showalter is the Founder of Construction Dispute Resolution, Inc. (CDR). In 1993 after twenty-three years of experience working in the construction industry as a laborer, carpenter, then general contractor and occasional expert witness, he established CDR as a vehicle for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Mike was one of the early non-lawyers in this field and he continues to be a leader among those who have joined the industry. Mike's construction expertise, real estate experience and knowledge of the legal process, along with his keen observation and negotiating skills, provide a unique basis for effective dispute resolution. During his long career in this field Mike has served as a consultant, consulting and expert witness, mediator and arbitrator.
Mike's experience has prepared him to consult and offer expert testimony in most areas of residential and commercial construction, including scheduling, defect analysis, mitigation and remediation. In addition, he frequently is asked to assist on personal injury claims.
Mike is also Owner/Designated Broker of Showpiece Investment Property Management. He frequently gives classes and seminars for contractors, consultants and real estate professionals in the Pacific Northwest, teaches an Earthquake Retrofit class for contractors and building officials, is a speaker at the Seattle Home Show, and appears as a guest on radio talk shows.
Backwoods hiking, flyfishing, photography, and biking occupy Mike's recreation time, as well as woodworking and gardening -- growing the hottest peppers he can find.
Nolan Radke is the President of CDR. He has experience in construction management, planning and scheduling, and compliance and risk management. He is adept at performing inspections such as fire separation, zoning, grading, cuts and fills, and energy code compliance. With safety and security issues Nolan is able to immediately identify potential safety and security risks on job sites and is familiar with building codes and L&I processes. He has conducted dozens of public safety examinations while in law enforcement and is able to investigate code compliance issues. His expertise also includes arbitration, mediation and trial/court testimony.
Nolan's passion is coaching softball for children, teens and adults alike. He periodically travels the US for tournaments with his team.
Bryce Given is Manager of Operations and a Case Manager for CDR. He has extensive and diverse experience in the construction industry, having worked for over 16 years as a project manager for various large commercial contractors and for several years owned a general contracting business. With this first-hand knowledge of both commercial and residential construction Bryce readily breaks down complicated technical and accounting issues often presented in construction disputes. Certified as an RCI, Inc. Registered Roof Observer, he has valuable expertise in water intrusion and building envelope issues.
An avid outdoor sports enthusiast, Bryce enjoys trail running, hiking, flyfishing, and bicycling (he has raced bicycles locally and nationally). When not out on the streets and trails, Bryce enjoys time with family, gardening, reading and walking the dog.
Peter Scharbach is a Case Manager with CDR. He has thirteen years in the construction industry, spanning diverse disciplines and competencies. Formerly a project manager for a general contracting company, Pete was responsible for planning, risk management, building systems integration, site development, construction plan analysis and detailed communication with clients on projects. Prior to this, Pete was an account manager in the construction supply industry, which equipped him with vast knowledge and experience with all types of building materials, manufacturing, storage and installation, plan reading and takeoff methods, and construction materials pricing practices. With this experience and his keen attention to research and detail, Pete can readily investigate and identify construction defects, and budgeting and invoicing irregularities.
Pete’s hobbies include wilderness backpacking, alpine hiking, fishing, and bowhunting. When closer to home, Pete enjoys cycling, film, all things internet, and spending time with family.
Tracy Luiten is the Operations Coordinator for CDR. She provides project support, case file management and office administration. Tracy interacts with owners, attorneys, contractors and others in setting up retainer agreements, setting schedules, requesting documents, researching building code, requesting permit records, and other project support. Prior to her work at CDR Tracy was a paralegal working with civil litigation and commercial matters.
Tracy's favorite pastimes are spending time with family, hiking and reading.
Laura Dieni is the Accounting Manager at CDR. She has worked in the accounting and bookkeeping fields for nearly thirty years, previously overseeing the financial records for an import/export company and also working as an accounting manager & title clerk in the auto industry. At CDR she is responsible for accounts receivable, payables, corporate reporting, and payroll.
Laura enjoys traveling to the sun, gardening, cooking, pilates and yoga. She volunteers for the Look Good Feel Better Organization for cancer patients, and various youth organizations in the community.
Gail Radke is the General Manager of CDR. She handles human resources, company benefits, and legal issues, along with maintaining office procedures, overseeing computer systems and managing the company website. Her background includes mortgage loan funding, residential property management, and working with special needs individuals.
Gail has volunteered extensively with church and youth sports. She enjoys her family, travel to sunny locations, roasting coffee, and reading.
Janet Showalter has passed the baton as General Manager of CDR to Gail Radke. She is handing over administration, HR and general management to Gail but is retaining her license as a managing broker of Showpiece Investment Property management, which is the real estate company she and Mike founded in 1984. For 18 years prior to opening CDR, she and Mike owned and operated Showpiece Construction, Inc., a custom home construction company. Her background also includes work in the mortgage business where she was the manager of a local escrow company and its branches.
Janet volunteers for various groups, likes to travel and also enjoys horseback riding, gardening, Pilates, hiking, biking and macro photography.