Meet Our Team

Severin Oliver - Founder

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 -
Principal

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 The 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.

Wilmer Vicente -
Jr. Superintendant

I started at Oliver Builders as a laborer and have worked my way up to a Junior Superintendent, learning something new at every step along the way. I’ve always enjoyed the hands-on side of construction, especially framing and finish carpentry, where you can really see the details come together and bring a project to life. Outside of work, I spend as much time as I can with my family and girlfriend. Whether we’re mountain biking, hiking, firing up the barbecue, or heading out on a road trip to explore somewhere new, I’m always up for the next adventure.

Julian Marszalek-
Jr. Superintendent

coming soon…

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.

Laura de la Torre -
Project Manager

I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture with a focus on sustainable design. Early in my career, I worked with international studios, including SOM in Chicago on high-rise projects, and with Schuler and Shook as a lighting design intern.

I later worked in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on commercial architecture projects before relocating to the Bay Area in the early 2000s. There, I designed my first residential project in Millbrae, CA developing a working knowledge of local permitting processes and construction documentation. Since then, I have designed and contributed to numerous residential projects throughout the Bay Area.

I hold a Master’s degree in Advanced Architectural Design from CCA, with a focus on digital craft. My work has expanded into interior design through collaborations with Chroma SF, as well as explorations in digital fabrication and emerging technologies, including AI.

I consider the Bay Area home. I live with my two sons and maintain an active interest in the arts, including modern dance, as well design in its many forms.

Adina Nystrom -
Bookkeeper & Workflow Automation

I joined Oliver Builders in April 2024 with a background a little unconventional for construction — from studying Geophysical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines (shout-out to George Saunders), to programming in NYC, and spending nine months in Ecuador traveling, learning Spanish, and dabbling in sculpture. Returning to San Francisco at the start of the dot‑com era, I jumped into the world of web and UI.

At heart, I’m an engineer who learned bookkeeping — and that turns out to be a surprisingly useful combination. They build houses. I build the systems that keep the books behind them running smoothly.

I love working at OBI because of the amazing team and the culture Sev and Will have built — honest, transparent, and genuinely fun.

Originally from Belgium and half Iranian, I speak four languages. Outside of work I love skiing, hiking, reading, traveling, watching movies, solving NYT puzzles, and hanging out with my son and our unruly Pitbull, Goose.

I also serve as bookkeeper and board member for AccessED Foundation, which provides scholarships to K–12 students from low-income families — because building the next generation matters as much as building beautiful houses.

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 began my professional journey as a Montessori teacher, where I developed patience, creativity, and a strong attention to individual needs. Over time, I felt called back to an environment that had always encouraged me to feel right at home. Growing up with a father construction, it was a very natural transition back to my roots.

Today, I’m passionate about the building process and what it represents. I enjoy being part of a team that takes an idea and turns it into a place people call home. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing a homeowner’s vision come to life, step by step.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, children, and close friends, making the most of the moments we share.

Tina Meeks -
Project Engineer

A large portion of my work experience has focused on Team Management, Event Coordinating, and homing in on efficient ways to stay organized. After studying Communications, I've discovered more effective ways for fostering greater connections with people. Outside of work, you might find me hiking, spending quality time with loved ones, and hitting the stages at open mics. I am stoked to utilize my skills in construction and 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.

Armando Garcia -
Finish Carpentry Foreman

I started working with Oliver Builders in 2016 and have been consistently improving my skills, both carpentry skills, communication skills and finish skills. I started with Oliver Builders as a framer but I am now the Finish Carpentry Foreman. I have gained experience in a variety of ways, I have 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 building great projects.

Hector Vicente - Lead Carpenter

I’ve been in construction my whole life, and since joining Oliver Builders in 2018, I’ve continued to build on that experience doing what I love. I’m driven by challenges and enjoy finding smart, effective solutions when a project throws something unexpected my way. Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my beautiful wife and our three kids, whether we’re out in nature or involved with our church community.

Jorge Menjivar -
Framing Carpenter

Born and raised in El Salvador, I began my construction career there working on rebar forms. I immigrated to the US in 2009. I have worked for Oliver Builders for since 2020. 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.

Mario Pascual -
Framing Carpenter

Hello I am Mario Pascual, I'm from Guatemala 

Thankful to God first and also to Oliver Builders for being part of their team and giving me the opportunity to grow day by day.

My work in construction allows me to combine my passion for creating something with the satisfaction of seeing a project take shape. Every day is a new challenge, I love the variety and dynamism of this field, and knowing that my work contributes to building spaces that positively impact the lives of people.

The OBI Team!

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!