Meet Our Team

I am a Bay Area native, born and raised in Berkeley. Being outside and working with my hands drew me to building since I was a child. I have always been drawn to the detail of building, and I enjoy every aspect of construction. Specializing in stair building and finish carpentry has taught me to look at both the full picture as well as the fine details in the building trade. Now, as the principal of Oliver Builders, my goal is to make the whole experience as transparent and collaborative as possible.

Coming from parents who were both self-employed, it feels natural to run my own business. I love getting to know my clients, and developing a warm and trusting relationship with them. I take great pride in having assembled a team of caring people who understand the importance of the honest and open relationships we build with our clients, architects and other team members.

In my free time, you may find me mountain biking in Marin County, or hiking and spending time with my family. My wife, daughter and son are my pride and joy!

I grew up in the world of construction. As a third-generation home builder, I started my career with my father building custom homes in the bay area. After seven years of working in residential construction as a project engineer, project manager and estimator, I made the switch over to commercial where I was a full-time estimator working on public works, pharma, and food tech projects. In 2022, I could no longer ignore the fact that I wanted to build beautiful homes again and found the perfect opportunity with Oliver Builders. Throughout my time in construction, I have found a passion for estimating, scheduling, and planning the perfect project. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, two children and dogs and passionately cheering on my favorite sports teams: Giants, Steelers, and Arsenal.

Zeb grew up in Pakistan and graduated from the University of Peshawar before moving to the United States in 1996. He joined Heald College of Business & Technology and earned his Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1999. He later completed some accounting courses at Cal State East Bay. He has been in the accounting profession since 2000 in a series of diverse accounting roles, including full-charge bookkeeper, staff accountant, and controller. Having sufficient involvement and experience in small businesses, Zeb understands the importance of keeping family a priority while staying on top of career development. Zeb tries to stay current with his technology skills and continuing education to be able to adapt to any role as a modern-day bookkeeper.
Zeb strongly believes that joining Oliver Builders was the right decision for him and he feels proud of companies that stand by their values and ethics the way Oliver Builders does.
In his personal life, Zeb enjoys outdoor activities like gardening, watching sports, and staying in touch with the rest of his family in Pakistan.

My name is Juan Luis Velasco. I have 20+ years of working in the construction industry as a lead carpenter and project Foreman. I am passionate about building novel projects, creating world-class connections with clients, and ensuring my work is at the highest level. During my tenure, I have endured many challenges, but what motivates me is the smile on the faces of others when their vision becomes tangible. I look forward to continuing to grow my skill set, teach others and build beautiful projects with Oliver Builders!

I was born and raised in Oakland and am a second-generation contractor. Both of my sons have followed
me into the construction business. I have always wanted to be involved in construction and nothing
makes me happier than being on a job site.
I graduated from Cal and went to work for a commercial
contractor. I then opened my own business building custom homes which I operated for 25 years. Since
that time I have worked as a Superintendent on high end luxury residences.
I take great pride in my ability to keep things on schedule, to solve problems creatively, and to having a
great working relationship with everyone on the job – my fellow employees, clients, sub-contractors,
and other professionals. I am a perfectionist and make sure that the finished product reflects that trait.
In my free time, you’ll find me barbecuing, spending time in Truckee, or enjoying time with my family –
especially my two grandchildren and my black Lab.

I was born and raised in Cuba. After going to college and getting a teaching credential in Havana, I taught technical drawing and wood technology for ten years to deaf middle and elementary school children. Since immigrating to Berkeley in 2001, I have been working in the construction field in different areas: as a builder, estimator and project manager. I got my license as a cabinet maker before joining the OBI family in 2014. I've known Severin for over twenty years, so the OBI team feels like extended family to me. When I'm not at work, you will find me mountain biking, hiking with friends, or traveling to lacrosse games with my wife and daughter.

I was originally a Montessori teacher working with children from 3 months to 6 years old. Once I had my first child, I decided to become a nanny so I could stay home with him and care for 2 other infants and continue with my love of teaching. When my second child was born, I decided to switch gears and go into construction. My father is a carpenter so growing up around construction the change felt very comfortable. I also have a degree in music and am a classically trained singer. In my free time you can find me spending time with my children and husband, baking and crafting.

Hector had worked with a few of our employees over the years and we were thrilled when he decided to join our team. Hector is skilled in many trades and is in the process of becoming a skilled finish carpenter.

I have a 30-year work history in construction under my belt, so I know what a disruptive process construction can be to homeowners. As such, I always try to empathize with them and listen to their needs in order to facilitate the project’s success. My ability to get along well with my co-workers, to continually learn new aspects of building, and to understand the architectural plans are some of the aspects I enjoy in my work.

I also have a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and enjoy cooking, being with my dogs and bird watching. I’m also an artist, and am mainly in my studio working on projects when I’m not at Oliver Builders. If you’ve ever driven down Colusa Avenue in Berkeley, and wondered about the yard sculpture art, that’s my house!

Hi I’m Leon, a southwest United states native, California transplant. I have worked in a variety of different fields over the last 14 years ranging from an amusement park roadie to a head chef and most recently a carpenter, and construction manager. Over the years one thing has remained constant, my love for people and my desire to create. Whether that be a delicious and unique meal or a beautiful live in ADU or remodel. I’m always up for a challenge and always ready to create!

I have worked with Severin for over 15 years, starting as an apprentice and working my way up to being a carpenter. I appreciate his teaching, professionalism and patience. I am passionate about my work. I love building in general; from forming to trimming although framing and trim work is what I like the most in a construction project.

I enjoy relaxing during the weekends by watching the NFL games and being at home with my wife and kids.

Wilmer is a hard-working young man that has been helping his father since he was young. Wilmer loves to build and loves all aspects of construction. When not working Wilmer is taking night classes to further his knowledge in the trades as well as continue to advance his already good command of the English language. Working in the same company with his father is also of great importance to Wilmer and makes his day to day life that much more fulfilling. Oliver Builders hopes to continue to train Wilmer to be a great builder and finish carpenter and help him have a great quality of life.

Jorge is also a long time friend of a current OBI employee. We are more than glad to have Jorge as part of our OBI team. The Coronavirus pandemic has been awful in many ways but one of the positives is that a few people whom we have talked to on and off thru the years found the opportunity to come to work with us!

Ricardo came to OBI as a laborer and has blossomed into a highly skilled carpenter! Ricardo is a great asset who's understanding of OBI's process, values and principles are built into him.

Miguel has been a part of the OBI team for a long time due to his brother being our plumber for over 20 years! We have been talking to Miguel about coming to work for us for a number of years and were thrilled when the opportunity presented itself. OBI is feeling more and more like a true Family business with so many employees being connected to each other as friends and family!

I was born and raised in Mexico. I moved to the US is 2002. My first job was with a San Francisco based landscaping company, but I fell in love with construction right away and changed gears to work on becoming a builder.

My introduction into the construction field began with a big company based in Manteca that focused primarily on track home building. We built dozens of houses at a time, and it gave me the production techniques that I apply to my daily work.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Oliver Builders family. It is a great working environment. There is a lot of support and encouragement. It is real TEAM work.

When I’m not at work you can find me at a BBQ with friends, playing sports or exploring new trails in nature.

Coming soon......

The team is what keeps our business afloat. Oliver Builders puts a huge emphasis on having great collaborative team of builders and managers who all care deeply about what they do. All of our employees are career minded builders and managers, who take great pride in their work. Without the team there is no business!