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.

Jeff Reuvekamp -
Senior Superintendent

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.

Nicholas Pessah - Superintendent

I was born in Burlingame and have stayed in the Bay Area for most of my life. After completing college at Arizona State with a bachelor’s degree in business and minor in communications, I jumped into the world of construction and real estate. After working in the field for several years I went out and got my General Contractors license and started doing luxury home remodels as a superintendent. I have been in the field coming up on 15 years. I take great pride in my craftsmanship, having open communication with our clients, problem solving and coordinating with our subcontractors. After moving to the east bay I joined Oliver Builders because of their honesty with clients, their work ethic, and always choosing to do the right thing. In my free time I like to stay healthy and live an active life style, spending time with family, and traveling. I look forward to working with you and building a house you can call your home.

Paul Dockal - Superintendent

I was born in Czechoslovakia and raised in the Bay Area since the age of 3. I’ve been in the construction industry for over 20 years, with the last 8 as a superintendent. I started out managing large-scale new developments and later transitioned into custom homebuilding, where attention to detail and personalized craftsmanship are key. I take pride in keeping project organized, safe, and on track- whether it’s coordinating trades, solving problems on-site, or making sure every finish meets the client’s vision. When I’m not on the job, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our 3 children. That balance keeps me grounded and ready to take on whatever the next project brings.

Wilmer Vicente -
Jr. Superintendant

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. Now that I have been working with Oliver Builders for 5 years and reaching the position of foreman I am very proud of everything I have learned and excited to learn and grow. I look forward to continuing my journey with OBI.

Trisha Snyder -
Project Manager

I have an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and a masters in architecture. I started my career with a design build firm that specialized in custom cabinetry and millwork on the East Coast, then spent 11 years as an architect at Butler Armsden Architects, designing and managing high end residential projects all over the Bay Area. I love understated design and my engineering mind especially loves to solve problems and figure out how to build and execute new details. 

I was born in the States, but spent middle school and high school in Singapore, before returning and spending the next decade and a half moving through various places up and down the Northeast Corridor. I moved to the Bay Area in 2013 and now call Oakland home. I enjoy puns, spending time in the mountains, and exploring national parks with my husband and two kids.….

Sam Black -
Project Manager

I love the feeling of a well designed space - one that is warm, functional and tells a bit of a story. At Oliver Builders, I have the pleasure of bringing these kinds of homes to life. I love the mix of creativity and problem solving that comes with building, and my goal is to always keep the process clear, collaborative, and grounded along every step of the way. 

I was born and raised in the East Bay. I now split my time between the Bay Area and Colorado, and both places continue to shape how I see the world- one rooted on the coast and the other in the San Juan mountains. When I'm not on the job site or in the office, I am usually with my teenage daughter, exploring a new spot, catching our breath from a hike or just enjoying the everyday rhythm of life.

Adina Nystrom - Bookkeeper

Adina is the new bookkeeper for Oliver Builders. Adina brings a level of experience, detail, and commitment that is benefiting Oliver Builders in many ways. Our website is under construction and will be updated shortly with this important information about our team member!

Joel Chala -
Field Engineer

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 - Pre & Post Construction Coordinator

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 -
Project Engineer

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!

Michael Linden -
Framing Foreman

I like to ski and hike with my dog in the mountains and when I’m not doing that I love to cook and dance with my wife. We love to entertain in our Oakland home and know how important it is to a have a dwelling that facilitates the flow of our varied lives.

I grew up on job sites in the Oakland hills and love to be in the field with the crew. The synergy created from the teamwork and coordination of all the different talented trades people, architects, engineers, and designers keeps me going through the daily challenges and makes me excited to build to the highest quality possible. I love to work in residential construction because it is an honor to be building your forever home.

Emiliano Alfaro -
Lead Carpenter

I was born and raised in Peru, where I learned carpentry and started working when I was 14-years-old. I immigrated to the US in 2008, and by the time I got to the US I had 20 years of experience in carpentry and furniture making. I joined the OBI family in 2022. I love to do everything in construction, from forming and framing to stairs building and trim work. I enjoy troubleshooting and making things work with my team. At night and on the weekend you will find me watching soccer. I also enjoy going out on bike rides with friends.

Armando Garcia -
Lead Carpenter

I starte working with Oliver Builders in 2016 and have been consistently improviing my skills, both carpentry skills, communication skills and finish skills. I started with Oliver Builders as a framer but I am now a journeyman carpenter with my focus on finishes. I have gaine experience in a variety of ways, watched the company change and grow and am happy to say I feel at home here and I look forward to continuing to improve my skills and build great projects.

Hector Vicente - Lead Carpenter

coming soon…

Jorge Menjivar -
Framing Carpenter

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 Mejias -
Finish Carpenter

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.

Melvin Ramirez -
Finish Carpenter

I was born and raised in Guatemala, I joined the OBI family in 2022. I love to do everything in construction, from forming and framing to trim work. I enjoy troubleshooting and making things work with my team. At night and on the weekend you will find me helping my church community I also enjoy going out on bike rides with friends.

Miguel Serrato -
Framing Carpenter

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.

Ricardo Munoz-Sigala -
Finish Carpenter

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 -
Framing Carpenter

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.

The OBI Team!

he 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!