Team OBI
Severin Oliver - Principal
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 details of building, and I enjoy every aspect of construction. Specializing in stair building and finish carpentry has taught me to look at both the big picture as well as the finer details in the building process. Now, as the principal of Oliver Builders, my goal is to make the whole experience as transparent and collaborative as possible for everyone involved.
I love getting to know our clients and developing a warm and trusting relationship with them. I take great pride in having not only assembled a united team of caring people who understand the importance of the honest and open relationships we build with our clients, architects, and other team members who also embrace the attention to detail that Oliver Builders has become known for.
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!
William Reuvekamp - production manager
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 Chan
I grew up in Pakistan and graduated from the University of Peshawar before moving to the United States in 1996. He attended Heald College of Business & Technology and earned his Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1999. He later completed 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. Zeb understands the need to stay current with technology to adapt to his role as a bookkeeper. It is of highest importance to him to prepare client’s billing statements with accuracy, transparency, and on time.
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.
Juan 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!
Jeff Reuvekamp
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, solve problems creatively, and have 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.
Joel Chala
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.
Haley Reuvekamp
I am a certified Montessori pre-school teacher. Once my first child was born, I decided to become a nanny so I could stay home with him and continue my love of teaching with the other children I cared for. As they became older, I decided to switch gears and work in construction. My father is a carpenter and I grew up around jobsites so the change felt very natural for me. 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 husband and children and enjoying baking and crafting.
Tina Meeks
I have a background in Team Management and Event Coordinating, which helps me organize and bring people together. I also have a degree in communications which helps me make effective connections with people. When I’m not in the office, you'll find me hiking, spending quality time with loved ones, and writing poetry. I am stoked to have joined the OBI team!
Mark Olivier
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!
Hector Vicente Colon
I have worked for Oliver Builders for over 7 years. I am a Lead Carpenter and have become skilled in many trades such as framing to building custom staircases. I enjoy my job at OBI and look forward to many more years with the company.
Emiliano Alfaro
our website is under construction and will be updated shortly with this important and personal information about our team members!
Jose Mejias
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 Vicente-Colon
I have been helping my father with construction since I was young. I love all aspects of construction and building. I take night classes to further my knowledge of the trades, and other areas. The opportunity to work in the same company as my father makes my job that much more fulfilling. I look forward to continuing to train and further my finish carpentry skills.
Jorge Menjivar
Born and raised in El Salvador I began my construction career, there working on re-bar forms. I immigrated to the US in 2009. I have worked for Oliver Builders for 6 years. Framing is my passion and I’m enjoying furthering my finish skills. When I’m not at work, you can find me at the gym, working out and spending time with friends.
Jose Sorto
our website is under construction and will be updated shortly with this important and personal information about our team member!
Miguel Serrato -
I’ve been in construction for over 20 years. I love framing the most. I have been a part of the OBI team for many years, and look forward to many more. In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and daughter. We love watching movies together.
Juan Canchola
I was born and raised in Mexico and have lived in the US since 2002. My introduction to the construction field began with a large company focusing on tract home building. We built dozens of houses at a time, and it gave me the production techniques that I use every day at OBI. I love working at OBI because 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 hiking trails.
Jose Martinez
our website is under construction and will be updated shortly with this important and personal information about our team member!
Ricardo Munoz-Sigala
I came to Oliver Builders as a laborer and have worked my way up to becoming a skilled carpenter! I look forward to many more years with the team at OBI.
Juvenal Varela
Born and raised in Mexico, I immigrated to the US in 1994. I began my career in construction that same year, starting as a laborer and working my way up to assistant foreman. I have specialized in framing which is really what I love to do. I joined the OBI family in 2023. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family.
Melvin Lopez Ramirez
our website is under construction and will be updated shortly with this important and personal information about our team member!
Mauricio Sorto
Born and raised in El Salvador, I immigrated to the US in 2016. In El Salvador, I worked with a company specializing in soil compaction. As soon as I arrived in the US I joined a construction company, starting as a laborer and working my way up to framing and finishing skills. I enjoy every part of construction from framing to finish. I joined the OBI family a couple of months after my brother joined. When I am not working you will find me painting and drawing: nature themes, portraits, and landscapes.
Adrian Badillo
Born and raised in Mexico, I started my career in construction in Mexico helping my father build houses. I immigrated to the US in 2003. My first job in the US was working in a restaurant like many people do to begin with. Then I started my career in construction. I have now been working in construction for over 14 years, and look forward to many more years with the OBI family. When I’m not at work you will find me playing soccer with my buddies.
Our Commitment to Teamwork
The team is what keeps our business afloat. Oliver Builders puts a huge emphasis on having a 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!