Owner of Half Ass Construction
Joe Cook isn’t just a contractor—he’s a seasoned builder and remodeler with an eye for detail, a knack for design, and over 25 years of experience bringing homes back to life. With 14 of those years working across Southeast Alaska, Joe understands what it takes to build smart, beautiful spaces that stand the test of time—and weather.
From full-scale remodels to thoughtful design upgrades, Joe combines craftsmanship with common sense. He’s seen just about everything—quick fixes gone wrong, mystery wiring, and even one cabin held up by a car battery (yes, really). That’s why he founded Half Ass Construction—a name that gets a laugh, but backs it up with top-tier, whole-hearted work.
Joe’s known for his no-nonsense approach, design-savvy eye, and a reputation for getting the job done right the first time. Whether he’s reimagining a dated kitchen, restoring a bathroom, or correcting the “that’s how we’ve always done it” mindset, Joe brings precision, pride, and a commitment to quality.
When he’s not on the job, you’ll find him outdoors—fishing, hunting, playing disc golf, or traveling with his partner Mandy, who helps manage the business and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Joe’s motto?
“Build it right. Laugh often. And remember—good work ain’t cheap, and cheap work ain’t good.”
Chaos Coordinator, Cleanup Boss & Heart Behind the Hammer
Mandy Ritenour is the person who keeps things moving—behind the scenes, on the jobsite, and in between. With a background in business management and years of hands-on experience running her own cleaning company, Mandy Maid, she brings clarity, consistency, and care to every part of the process.
From organizing schedules and communicating with clients to stepping in on jobsite cleanups, Mandy supports the work from start to finish. She makes sure the details are handled, the expectations are met, and the experience feels just as solid as the end result.
Dependable, thoughtful, and always ready to pitch in, Mandy believes in doing things right—and treating people well along the way.
When she’s not keeping projects on track, she enjoys traveling, fishing, live music, and spending time with her partner Joe and their beloved bloodhound, Mavis.
Mandy's motto?
“Pitch in, laugh often, and leave no mess behind.”
Mascot, Mood Booster, & Most Loved Member of the Crew
Mavis Blitzen is more than just the mascot—she’s family.
She may not have swung a hammer, but she’s made her fair share of appearances in the truck, sniffed around a few job sites, and supervised from a comfortable distance (usually the front seat). Loyal, hilarious, and completely her own hound, Mavis is the official mascot and emotional support system of our lives and this business.
These days, she’s happily retired from her unofficial duties, but still plays an important role: reminding us to slow down, enjoy the ride, and never forget the snacks.
She’s not the hardest worker, but she’s the most loved.
And around here, that counts for everything.
Mavis's motto?
“Work when you wanna. Nap when you don’t. And always act like you haven’t been fed.”
