Looking to start a project with concrete or masonry? Be sure to read through our guide to gather all the info you’ll need to start your next home project. 

The Homeowner's Guide to Concrete and Masonry

ANTIOCH — If you’re planning a concrete project, be sure to consider the following aspects: Minimum cost Most concrete contractors have a minimum charge for concrete work. If you only have one small project in mind, it might not meet that minimum charge, in which case you may end up overpaying to have it done. For this reason, it’s good to look around and see if there are any other small projects you can incorporate into the job. This will help you get more value for your money. Drainage This is a critical aspect of any concrete project. When water isn’t able to properly drain from the area beneath and around the installation, Read more

<h1>Russell Calhoon: A Firm Foundation</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
ANTIOCH — By the time Russell Calhoon started working for a concrete contractor, he already had a firm foundation in the trades. “I’m a third-generation builder,” he explains. “I grew up in construction and worked for my dad from childhood all the way to adulthood. My dad taught me a lot, both on and off the jobsite. He actually taught apprenticeship classes on roof framing and stair framing at a local college, and I often went with him to those. We eventually became partners in a business that held licenses in foundation work, general construction, plumbing, electrical, solar power and sewer work.”
After his father retired, Russell decided to switch gears and transition from hands-on building to management. “I went to work for some high-end general contractors as an estimator, and from there I progressed to project manager and production manager, which gave me a chance to learn the other side of the business,” he says. “During that time, I also went to construction management school and got my license. Later, while in between jobs, I did some subcontracting work for Paradigm Concrete &amp; Construction. I asked the owners if they knew anyone who needed someone with my skills, and they said they did. Ten years later, I’m still here.”
Today, as project manager at Paradigm Concrete &amp; Construction, Inc., Russell says his diverse professional experience continues to benefit him in his day-to-day work. “Having a background in all aspects of construction is really helpful because it enables me to look at each project as a whole. This allows me to properly prepare for each individual phase and prevent problems for subsequent subcontractors on the job.”
A resident of Martinez (where he lives with his partner, Lanakila), Russell spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “My main activity outside of work is bocce ball,” he details. “I belong to the Martinez Bocce Federation and I’m a two-time national champion—I won titles in 1996 and 2003. I also enjoy sailing, which I’ve been doing all my life. I got my sailing license when I was nine years old.” Additionally, Russell enjoys going to the movies and spending time with his two adult sons, Alex and Ryan.
In regard to his professional career, Russell espouses the importance of fairness. “I believe a contractor deserves to make money and their client deserves a quality job for a fair price,” he explains. “As a contractor, if you aren’t being fair with your clients, you aren’t going to last in this business. It’s all about maintaining that balance of mutual benefit.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: The Warehouse Cafe in Port Costa. They have awesome prime rib.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Hang out with Lanakila and watch a movie or play cards.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: Neither—I like being in the moment.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: I collect Mexican folk art.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Tahiti. My father planned to sail there with me when I was a kid and we never did, but I’m still planning to get there someday.

Project Manager

A glimpse into the life and career of Russell Calhoon, project manager at Paradigm Concrete & Construction, Inc.

Russell Calhoon is project manager at Paradigm Concrete &amp; Construction, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 385-8993 or by email.

Russell Calhoon: A Firm Foundation

MARTINEZ — When installing a concrete feature such as a driveway or patio, it’s crucial to follow proper procedure—otherwise, the installation will be susceptible to settling over time. Here are a few important aspects to consider: • Whether it’s plain soil or base rock, the subgrade (the native soil) needs to be properly compacted. Ideally, base rock should be compacted to a 98 percent proctor density, which will provide a solid surface for the concrete to lie upon. • If the native soil doesn’t provide an adequate subgrade material, a fill alternative like sand, gravel or crushed stone may be necessary to achieve the low compressibility needed to support the concrete installation. Read more

<h1>David Figueroa: It&#8217;s a Hardscape Life</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
MARTINEZ — After getting an early start in construction, David Figueroa worked in several aspects of the industry before eventually finding his niche as a concrete contractor. “I started doing construction when I was in junior high school, and I’ve been doing it ever since—more than 40 years now,” he says. “I got into concrete work in the early ’80s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that I had the opportunity to do it exclusively. Since then, our business has continued to grow, and I now work alongside my son, Michael, who is one of our estimators.”
Today, as owner of Kodiak Construction, David explains why he likes working with concrete in particular. “As a guy who likes to move around a lot, I appreciate the fact that concrete work is fairly fast-paced. You don’t have to wait three months to see the final product; you can see it right away and then you’re on to the next job. Also, you can do beautiful things with concrete, with a lot of room for creativity. There’s no mold for it—every project is different.”
Originally from Mexico, David came to the United States at the age of 20 and today resides in Martinez with his wife, Jane. “I really like the Bay Area setting: the weather is good, we’re surrounded by water and we have many different microclimates. For example, when it’s really hot in Martinez, you can go on the other side of the channel to San Francisco and it’s much cooler.”
In his life and career, David espouses the importance of honesty in business. “You have to be honest and straightforward with your customers,” he affirms. “When there’s a problem, you don’t hide from it; you do your best to take care of it. Sometimes, even when you try your hardest, things don’t work out as planned, but at the end of the day, if you’re honest and follow through with what you say you’re going to do, your customers will be satisfied.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, David says he’d do some traveling. “In addition to seeing more of the U.S., I’d like to spend some time in Mexico, just fishing and enjoying the simple life.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Italy. I’ve always wanted to go there.
Q: What kind of food do you like? 
A: Mexican—basically, anything with a tortilla.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: An early bird.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: I usually don’t eat breakfast, although sometimes I’ll stop for a donut and coffee.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: I collect gold and silver coins.

Owner

David Figueroa: It&#8217;s a Hardscape Life By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter MARTINEZ — After getting an early start in construction, David Figueroa worked in several aspects of the industry before eventually finding his niche as a concrete contractor. “I started doing construction when I was in junior high school, and I’ve been doing it ever since—more than 40 years now,” he says. “I got into concrete work in the early ’80s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that I had the opportunity to do it exclusively. Since then, our business has continued to grow, and I now work alongside my son, Michael, who is one of our estimators.” Today, Read more

David Figueroa is a lifetime veteran of the construction industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/kodiak-construction">Kodiak Construction</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 350-6447 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/kodiak-construction">email</a>.

David Figueroa: It&#8217;s a Hardscape Life

SANTA CLARA – When it comes to designing and executing a remodeling project, one of the most important considerations is energy conservation. Building codes require a certain level of energy efficiency, but there are many opportunities to go above and beyond these basic standards to maximize energy conservation in your living space. Insulation By keeping the heat in and the cold out, insulation is a crucial part of maintaining an energy-efficient home. There are a few different types of insulation, all of which entail varying costs and levels of performance. For example, having fiberglass batt insulation in your walls and attic satisfies local building codes and provides a reasonable level of insulation. Read more

<h1>Ilan Sigura: An Integral Career</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SANTA CLARA — By the time he reached early adulthood, Ilan Sigura had already established deep roots in the construction industry. Even when he tried his hand at a new profession, it wasn’t long before he returned to the field that had become an integral part of his identity. “My father was a contractor, and he began teaching me the trade when I was just a boy,” he explains. “Later, as a college student, I decided to study computer science. After I graduated, I spent a couple of months engineering software for a tech company, but I didn’t like it at all. I felt insignificant working at a large company and my work had no direct impact on the lives of others. This was a stark contrast from construction, where I got to interact with people and see the results of my work firsthand. Ultimately, I decided to go back to doing what I knew best.”
Today, as owner of Sigura Construction, Inc., Ilan says his favorite part of his job is the pride he takes in his company’s reputation. “Between my production team, my estimators and my guys in the field, I run a fairly large operation. As we continue to receive high customer satisfaction ratings, it’s an indication that we’re doing very well, which I find very satisfying.”
Originally from Israel, Ilan came to the United States in 1990 to attend college in New Jersey. “My plan was to return home and run my father’s business after graduating, but as it turned out, I fell in love with this country and never went back.” After migrating to the Bay Area for what was to be a brief stint in the tech field, Ilan settled in Sunnyvale, where he now lives with his wife, Rinat, and their five children. When asked his favorite part about living in the Bay Area, he expresses his appreciation of the diverse local landscape. “I like being outdoors, and there are lots of opportunities for that here. With so much to explore and so much variety, it never gets boring.”
Outside of work, Ilan spends the bulk of his time with his family. “My wife and I believe in giving our kids skills so they can grow up to be confident and independent,” he says. “We like taking them camping and sightseeing, as well as doing activities like riding quads and jet skiing.” Additionally, Ilan extends his passion for construction to his home environment. “I do a lot of home improvement projects, which keeps me working with my hands and helps me stay in touch with my trade.”
In his life and career, Ilan says he never forgets to consider the impact of his work on future generations. “As a professional, I believe in doing things honestly and with integrity—not only because what goes around comes around, but because we need to leave a good place for our children to inherit. That’s why my team and I make an effort to implement eco-friendly measures in our work whenever possible. With everything we do, we want to make sure we’re doing right by the planet and the people who inhabit it.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Ilan says it’s a doubtful scenario. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire—I’ll always want to work. But if I did retire, I’d spend more time with my wife and kids. After all, they’re the most important things to me.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite season? 
A: Summer—I come from a warm country, so I like the heat.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: The past, just because things used to be simpler and more innocent back when I was growing up.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Snickers bars.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: Both. I usually get about four hours of sleep each night.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Satsuma Sushi in Mountain View.

Ilan Sigura: An Integral Career By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SANTA CLARA — By the time he reached early adulthood, Ilan Sigura had already established deep roots in the construction industry. Even when he tried his hand at a new profession, it wasn’t long before he returned to the field that had become an integral part of his identity. “My father was a contractor, and he began teaching me the trade when I was just a boy,” he explains. “Later, as a college student, I decided to study computer science. After I graduated, I spent a couple of months engineering software for a tech company, but I didn’t like it at all. Read more

Ilan Sigura is a lifetime veteran of the construction industry and CEO of Sigura Construction, Inc. a Diamond Certified company since 2007. He can be reached at (408) 372-8945 or by email.

Ilan Sigura: An Integral Career

ANTIOCH — Many people don’t realize that even though concrete is a hard, sturdy product, it’s also extremely porous. Because it readily absorbs liquids, concrete areas such as driveways and patios are susceptible to staining by everything from motor oil to red wine. A good way to prevent this from happening is to have your concrete areas sealed on an annual basis. The seal acts as a clear coat that sits on top of the concrete surface and makes it impenetrable to liquids. When a liquid spills on sealed concrete, you can simply hose it down and it comes right off without being absorbed and leaving a stain. Read more

<h1>Charles Lee: Concrete Ambition</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
ANTIOCH — In his former career as a restaurateur, Charles Lee made a name for himself by building restaurants from the ground up. What he didn’t realize, however, is that this vocation would later serve as the catalyst for an entirely new livelihood. “Having been involved with several restaurant construction projects, I had seen how a lot of contractors worked and often wasn’t particularly pleased with their services,” he explains. “Finally, I decided to try my own hand at it. I got some commercial real estate property, demolished everything and built it from the ground up, starting with the foundation. I found the process very interesting and I really enjoyed the work, so I decided to put my talents to use and start a concrete company.”
After several years in the concrete business, Charles decided to widen his professional prospects and got his contractor’s license in 2005. Today, as owner of California Concrete Pump Pros, he says he continues to enjoy the process of creating something out of nothing. “It’s a lot of fun to build something new from the ground up, and it’s very rewarding to see the fruits of my labor when the project is completed.”
Having grown up in San Francisco, Charles says his favorite aspect of life in the Bay Area is the diversity of its populous. “The people make this area what it is. We work from San Jose to as far north as Napa, and the variety of people we have the privilege to meet makes our job that much more pleasurable.”
Charles’ career takes up the bulk of his schedule—“Right now I’m working seven days a week!” he says—so most of his time outside of work is devoted to his three children: Alicia, Kristin and Tyson. “As a single parent, my kids are the love of my life. My oldest is 23 and my youngest is eight, so I have quite a spread.” Charles describes most of the family’s activities as being aquatic in nature. “My kids grew up near the Delta, so they all love the water. If we’re not out on a fishing or boating excursion, you’re likely to find us in the swimming pool at home.”
In his life and career, Charles espouses the importance of attention to detail. “Something I tell my kids is to always take time to do things correctly the first time—that way, you won’t have to come back and revisit it later. This is the same philosophy I apply to my business, and it goes a long way toward keeping customers satisfied with our work.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Charles says he’d take a long-deferred vacation. “I haven’t been on vacation in many, many years. In fact, I have more than a million frequent flyer miles that I don’t have time to use. If I could retire tomorrow, I’d do some traveling with the kids…maybe rent an RV and try some new fishing spots.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Do you have a favorite sports team? 
A: The San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
Q: Music or talk radio? 
A: Talk radio.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant? 
A: House of Prime Rib in San Francisco.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My Big Wheel tricycle. My sisters used to pull me around on it with a rope and whip me around corners like I was water skiing. It was a lot of fun.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: Oatmeal.

Charles Lee: Concrete Ambition By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter ANTIOCH — In his former career as a restaurateur, Charles Lee made a name for himself by building restaurants from the ground up. What he didn’t realize, however, is that this vocation would later serve as the catalyst for an entirely new livelihood. “Having been involved with several restaurant construction projects, I had seen how a lot of contractors worked and often wasn’t particularly pleased with their services,” he explains. “Finally, I decided to try my own hand at it. I got some commercial real estate property, demolished everything and built it from the ground up, starting with the foundation. Read more

Charles Lee is owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/california-concrete-pump-pros">California Concrete Pump Pros</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 201-6196 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/california-concrete-pump-pros">email</a>.

Charles Lee: Concrete Ambition

BERKELEY — While some remodeling projects are relatively simple, others involve multiple phases that consist of consecutive segments leading up to an eventual finished product. In this scenario, it’s important to think about your project holistically, considering both the initial phases and the final result. By establishing long-term goals ahead of time, you can better ensure efficiency throughout the remodeling process. The biggest benefit of establishing long-term remodeling goals is it enables your contractor to plan efficiently and design consecutive phases to be compatible with future ones. In contrast, when long-term goals aren’t established, work performed in a project’s early phases may have to be redone to accommodate later ones, which can result in reduced efficiency and substantial added cost. Read more

<h1>Jason Johnson: Summiting Success</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
BERKELEY — As the son of two construction professionals, it’s no surprise that Jason Johnson was introduced to the industry at a young age. After more than two decades, he looks back on some of the influential factors that inspired him to take up the family trade. “Both of my parents were in construction, but I think my mom’s involvement had a particular impact on me because I found it very inspirational to see her break into a male-dominated field,” he recalls. “I also remember watching my dad dig footings for a new deck and then seeing the finished product just a couple of days later. It was incredible to see something go from a hole in the ground to a complete structure.”
Today, as owner of Home Healing Renovations, Jason continues to have a fascination with the building process. “I like collaborating with my clients to bring their dreams to life,” he says. “In many cases, a client will come to me with a single concept, but hidden within that concept might be eight different needs that must be met. I really enjoy the process of unpacking those and creating a design that provides a holistic solution.”
Originally from Indiana, Jason came to the Bay Area in 2008 and currently lives in Alameda with his wife and their children. As an ardent advocate of environmental sustainability, he says he appreciates the Bay Area’s eco-conscious character. “As a contractor, there are a lot of opportunities for me to do Green remodeling and construction here, which really aligns with my personal values.”
Outside of work, Jason engages in a variety of activities, from spending time with his family to pursing outdoor endeavors. “One of my main pastimes is mountain climbing,” he says. “I’ve summited Mount Shasta twice, and I’m looking at going up to Mount Rainier sometime this year. I also like canoeing, kayaking and hiking.” In addition, Jason dedicates time to political activism and volunteering with young adults. “I do a certain amount of street protesting, mostly for environmental causes, but sometimes for social justice as well. I attend some type of rally at least once a month, and spend a couple of weeks every summer taking young people in the community camping.”
In his life and career, Jason espouses the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. “As a father, I want my kids to be able to enjoy a beautiful planet, and one way I can contribute to that is by making a positive impact with my job,” he says. “Whether it’s conserving resources by reusing materials or designing homes to consume less energy, there are a lot of different ways I’m able to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices in my profession.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Jason says he’d look for his next peak experience. “I would probably climb a mountain in a new location. I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska—there are some really beautiful mountains up there.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted? 
A: Climbing a dry glacier on the northern side of Mount Shasta.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: The past. I would probably go to the Renaissance—it seemed like such an elegant time.
Q: Is there a book that you’ve found influential over the years? 
A: There are two that come to mind: “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman, which has helped my spiritual and personal growth, and “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills,” which pertains to my passion for mountain climbing.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My Batman costume.
Q: Music or talk radio? 
A: Talk radio. I listen to KPFA a lot.

Jason Johnson: Summiting Success By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter BERKELEY — As the son of two construction professionals, it’s no surprise that Jason Johnson was introduced to the industry at a young age. After more than two decades, he looks back on some of the influential factors that inspired him to take up the family trade. “Both of my parents were in construction, but I think my mom’s involvement had a particular impact on me because I found it very inspirational to see her break into a male-dominated field,” he recalls. “I also remember watching my dad dig footings for a new deck and then seeing the finished product just a couple of days later. Read more

Jason Johnson is a 23-year veteran of the construction industry and owner of Home Healing Renovations, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. He can be reached at (510) 456-0986 or by email.

Jason Johnson: Summiting Success

OAKLEY — Concrete is a great material for improving your yard or landscape. Whether used for a patio, retaining wall or pool deck, it provides optimum strength, longevity and aesthetics. The only downside of concrete is that it will eventually form cracks—it’s just the nature of the material. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize cracks and make the most of your investment. Consider the following tips: Maximize strength. One of the best ways to minimize cracks with concrete is to use a durable product like 3,000 PSI concrete. You can also ask your contractor to add extra thickness. When pouring concrete, a lot of contractors go with a thickness of two or three inches, Read more

<h1>Jose Eduardo Sandoval: A Concrete Career</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
OAKLEY — Before he got into the concrete industry, Jose Eduardo Sandoval worked in banking as a loan officer. Though a seemingly incongruous transition, his prior experience tied in nicely with his new livelihood. “During my years as a loan officer, I gained a lot of experience interacting with people, so when I got hired to handle sales and customer service for Callado Concrete, it was a good fit,” he explains. “Sure, I didn’t spend my days in an office anymore, but I was still interacting with people and guiding them through a process, so it was fairly similar.” Later, when the company owner decided to retire, Eduardo stepped up to buy the business.
Today, as president of Callado Concrete, Eduardo says his favorite part of his job is transforming clients’ properties with new concrete. “I love the process of creating something from nothing. When the job starts, it’s just a blank canvas, but as we work and build, it becomes something beautiful that gives the homeowner more enjoyment of their property.”
A resident of Brentwood (where he lives with his wife and two daughters), Eduardo spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy golfing and try to play once a week or at least every other week,” he details. “I also like to read and keep my mind occupied.” Additionally, Eduardo enjoys spending time with his family, whether at a weekend barbeque or on a vacation to their timeshare in Cancun.
In regard to a professional philosophy, Eduardo stresses the importance of communication in the customer-contractor relationship. “Communication is the most important thing,” he affirms. “We keep our customers updated throughout the entire process so they always know what’s happening. They really appreciate seeing the good work that we do and the efficiency with which we do it.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: I’m an early bird.
Q: What’s your favorite sports team? 
A: For football, it’s the Buffalo Bills, and for basketball, it’s the Golden State Warriors.
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Coffee.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Somewhere in Europe, like France, Italy or England.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Relax on my porch with a cup of hot coffee.

Jose Eduardo Sandoval: A Concrete Career By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter OAKLEY — Before he got into the concrete industry, Jose Eduardo Sandoval worked in banking as a loan officer. Though a seemingly incongruous transition, his prior experience tied in nicely with his new livelihood. “During my years as a loan officer, I gained a lot of experience interacting with people, so when I got hired to handle sales and customer service for Callado Concrete, it was a good fit,” he explains. “Sure, I didn’t spend my days in an office anymore, but I was still interacting with people and guiding them through a process, so it was fairly similar.” Later, Read more

Jose Eduardo Sandoval is president of Callado Concrete, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 350-6438 or by email.

Jose Eduardo Sandoval: A Concrete Career

SAN JOSE — Have you recently purchased a home? Even if you’re happy with your choice, it may not have every single element you were looking for in your dream home. Here are a couple of considerations for deciding when to take on a remodeling project at your new residence: Figure out which improvements are most needed. Look at the style of your home and consider your personal priorities. If your home was built between the early 1900s and the mid-2000s (like many homes in Silicon Valley), it may have features that are now outdated. A renovation can bring your home’s design and layout up to date while still retaining the aspects of its original charm that you fell in love with. Read more

<h1>Jim Kabel: Stages of Success</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE — Jim Kabel started his career in the high-tech field, but after 25 years in the industry, he was ready for a change. “I was running service and support for a major business group when I decided I wanted to do something completely different—specifically to own and manage a business in an entirely new industry,” he explains. After considering his options, Jim decided his professional abilities would be best utilized in the field of home improvement. “As a homeowner, I’d had both good and bad experiences with home improvement, and I felt there was an overall shortage of quality, customer satisfaction-focused companies to address the needs of others like myself.”
Today, as president of Next Stage Design &amp; Build, Jim says he’s enjoyed applying his prior professional experience to the home improvement industry. “I like taking the things I learned working for a large company, applying them to a small business and seeing how they work. By identifying the skills that are crucial for this industry and tapping the expertise of high-quality professionals, I’ve been able to take things to the next level.”
Originally from Southern California, Jim eventually migrated to the Bay Area and currently resides in San Jose, where he says he enjoys the city’s characteristic diversity. “In addition to the variety of things to do—from sports and entertainment to outdoor activities—I also appreciate the diversity of the people, as well as the professional opportunities available here. It’s just a very fun place to be.”
Outside of work, Jim enjoys partaking in the many things San Jose has to offer. “As a fan of music, movies and sports, there’s always something for me to do here,” he says. “I like going to see live music, and I’m also a San Jose Sharks season ticket holder.” In addition to local entertainment, Jim enjoys playing the keyboard and participating on his company’s softball team.
When asked what his future retirement might look like, Jim says he’d continue to do things that keep him active. “I don’t know if I’ll ever fully retire, but even in semi-retirement, I hope to teach or consult in some capacity—whatever allows me to stay active and relevant.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite musical group? 
A: Chicago.
Q: What’s your favorite movie? 
A: “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: Probably the past, just so I could become more educated about certain things that happened in our history.
Q: Do you have a favorite local winery? 
A: Duckhorn Vineyards in Saint Helena.
Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis? 
A: Remodeling Magazine’s website.

President

Jim Kabel: Stages of Success By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN JOSE — Jim Kabel started his career in the high-tech field, but after 25 years in the industry, he was ready for a change. “I was running service and support for a major business group when I decided I wanted to do something completely different—specifically to own and manage a business in an entirely new industry,” he explains. After considering his options, Jim decided his professional abilities would be best utilized in the field of home improvement. “As a homeowner, I’d had both good and bad experiences with home improvement, and I felt there was an overall shortage of quality, Read more

Jim Kabel is president of Next Stage Design &amp; Build, a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (408) 256-1949 or by email.

Jim Kabel: Stages of Success

WALNUT CREEK — When it comes to remodeling, a lot of homeowners just point to a picture in a magazine and say, “I want that.” The problem with this approach is that the homeowner has no tangible experience of what it’s like to live in such a space. If your entire remodeling project is based on pictures, when it’s finished, you might come across issues you hadn’t considered before. Worse still, you may not like the end result as much in reality as you did on paper. To avoid buyer’s remorse, it’s best to take a “hands-on” approach by immersing yourself in the colors, textures and design of the space you’re planning. Here are a few examples of how to do this: •  If you have plans to alter your home’s layout, Read more

<h1>Gary Robertson: A Lifelong Builder</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
WALNUT CREEK — Reflecting on a career that spans more than four decades, Gary Robertson says his beginnings as a builder go all the way back to childhood. “My grandfather was a builder in Canada, and when we visited, he would have me work with him on different projects,” he remembers. “During my teen years, I would work during the summer for various contractors doing things like painting and repairs. In 1976, I moved from my home state of Massachusetts to Northern California, where I started a small handyman business. Over the next few years, I got my painting and general contractor licenses and continued to grow my business into a full-scale remodeling firm.”
Today, as owner of Robertson Renovations, Gary says his favorite part of his job is turning each client’s vision into reality. “I enjoy interacting with customers, finding out their desires for their projects and seeing their reactions when we deliver the results.”
A resident of Santa Cruz (where he lives with his partner, Heidi), Gary spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I’m an avid surfer, though I haven’t been doing much of that lately due to an ACL injury,” he details. “I also enjoy mountain biking and woodworking. Heidi’s and my biggest hobby is gardening—we grow all types of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Heidi is a retired teacher, and each year she donates several plants to local schools for their fundraiser auctions.”
In regard to his life and career, Gary espouses the importance of being fully invested. “I live life to the fullest, and that’s also how I approach my business,” he explains. “My crew and I always give 100 percent to whatever we’re doing. As far as the day to day, I try to be appreciative of what I have, give whenever I can and be present in whatever I’m doing.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Gary says he’d relocate to a tropical locale. “I’d move to the big island in Hawaii and continue to garden, but with more tropical plants. We actually had a property in Hawaii we were going to build on, but we lost it to a volcano. It’s now under 90 feet of lava, so we’re currently looking at other possible locations. Worst-case scenario, I may just stay here in Santa Cruz. Our current home is only six blocks from the beach, so that’s not bad.”
Ask Me Anything! 
Q: What’s your favorite Bay Area restaurant?
A: The French Laundry in Yountville.
Q: If you could go surfing anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: New Zealand. There’s a coastal town called Raglan that has really nice waves.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Sometimes, Heidi and I will go for a walk in the rain. Other times, we’ll stay inside, relax and do a puzzle.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: Neither—I’m happy right here in the present.

Gary Robertson: A Lifelong Builder By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter WALNUT CREEK — Reflecting on a career that spans more than four decades, Gary Robertson says his beginnings as a builder go all the way back to childhood. “My grandfather was a builder in Canada, and when we visited, he would have me work with him on different projects,” he remembers. “During my teen years, I would work during the summer for various contractors doing things like painting and repairs. In 1976, I moved from my home state of Massachusetts to Northern California, where I started a small handyman business. Over the next few years, I got my painting and general contractor licenses and continued to grow my business into a full-scale remodeling firm.” Today, Read more

Gary Robertson is president of Robertson Renovations, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 276-5605 or by email.

Gary Robertson: A Lifelong Builder

<div class="article-entry">Since 1993, the <a href="https://www.icpi.org/">Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute</a> (ICPI) has served as the leading trade organization of the segmental concrete paving industry in North America. ICPI’s 1,100 members come from across the United States and Canada. They work as paver manufacturers, installation contractors, designers and suppliers.<img alt="" class="wp-image-410752 size-full alignleft" height="126" loading="lazy" src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2019/08/icpi-logo.jpg" width="265"/>ICPI positions itself as the industry’s leading authority on best practices and technical expertise for paver installation and maintenance. The organization’s primary goals are to promote greater use of segmental pavers in residential, commercial and public settings, and to improve the skills and standards of those working in the industry. <h3>Promoting Paver Use</h3>ICPI focuses on improving industry-wide sales of interlocking pavers and related products. To that aim, the organization makes a big push in educating the public about the benefits and uses of pavers.On its <a href="https://www.icpi.org/project-profiles">website</a>, ICPI features a plethora of completed paver projects in residential and commercial settings. The rich photographs and detailed project descriptions help bring the possibilities of paver systems to life and allow designers and contractors to show off their expertise. Featured projects come from across the U.S. and overseas.Homeowners who are considering pavers can see the variety of ways pavers can be used to beautify a home’s yard. The featured residential projects show both traditional and contemporary designs. The project narratives describe how designers and contractors addressed the challenges of the particular setting.The featured commercial projects show the great range of settings where segmental pavers can be successfully used. Locations include a library, a shopping center, an airport, a school, a church, a ballpark and a university. The range of colors and designs demonstrate how segmental pavers can create iconic public spaces.ICPI also hosts an annual trade show, Hardscape North America, which is the largest such event in the industry. There, contractors, designers, and dealers can learn more about the latest developments in segmental paver technology and installation techniques. <h3>Education and Best Practices in the Paving Industry</h3>ICPI meets its education objectives in part through the <a href="https://educate.icpi.org/">Hardscape Institute</a>. The online education platform offers a wide range of courses and webinars to industry professionals, including installers, designers and sales representatives. The courses are designed to help those in the industry further their professional goals while learning about industry standards. To help members maintain their professional standards, ICPI also has an extensive online resource library. There, members can locate specification guidelines and other technical papers related to interlocking paver installation. Through the Resource Library, ICPI also sells its own design software, Permeable Design Pro, which helps professionals plan optimal layouts for permeable paver projects.Professionals can even earn ICPI certification through the Hardscape Institute. To earn recognition as an ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer, individuals must attend a course, pass an exam and submit documentation of five past installation projects. From there, professionals can earn further certifications in specialized areas such as sales, commercial installation and permeable paver installation.</div>

Suzanne Carroll

Since 1993, the <a href="https://www.icpi.org/">Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute</a> (ICPI) has served as the leading trade organization of the segmental concrete paving industry in North America. ICPI’s 1,100 members come from across the United States and Canada. They work as paver manufacturers, installation contractors, designers and suppliers.
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-410752 size-full alignleft" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/icpi-logo.jpg" alt="" width="265" height="126" />ICPI positions itself as the industry’s leading authority on best practices and technical expertise for paver installation and maintenance. The organization’s primary goals are to promote greater use of segmental pavers in residential, commercial and public settings, and to improve the skills and standards of those working in the industry.
&nbsp;
<h3>Promoting Paver Use</h3>
ICPI focuses on improving industry-wide sales of interlocking pavers and related products. To that aim, the organization makes a big push in educating the public about the benefits and uses of pavers.
On its <a href="https://www.icpi.org/project-profiles">website</a>, ICPI features a plethora of completed paver projects in residential and commercial settings. The rich photographs and detailed project descriptions help bring the possibilities of paver systems to life and allow designers and contractors to show off their expertise. Featured projects come from across the U.S. and overseas.
Homeowners who are considering pavers can see the variety of ways pavers can be used to beautify a home’s yard. The featured residential projects show both traditional and contemporary designs. The project narratives describe how designers and contractors addressed the challenges of the particular setting.
The featured commercial projects show the great range of settings where segmental pavers can be successfully used. Locations include a library, a shopping center, an airport, a school, a church, a ballpark and a university. The range of colors and designs demonstrate how segmental pavers can create iconic public spaces.
ICPI also hosts an annual trade show, Hardscape North America, which is the largest such event in the industry. There, contractors, designers, and dealers can learn more about the latest developments in segmental paver technology and installation techniques.
&nbsp;
<h3>Education and Best Practices in the Paving Industry</h3>
ICPI meets its education objectives in part through the <a href="https://educate.icpi.org/">Hardscape Institute</a>. The online education platform offers a wide range of courses and webinars to industry professionals, including installers, designers and sales representatives. The courses are designed to help those in the industry further their professional goals while learning about industry standards. To help members maintain their professional standards, ICPI also has an extensive online resource library. There, members can locate specification guidelines and other technical papers related to interlocking paver installation. Through the Resource Library, ICPI also sells its own design software, Permeable Design Pro, which helps professionals plan optimal layouts for permeable paver projects.
Professionals can even earn ICPI certification through the Hardscape Institute. To earn recognition as an ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer, individuals must attend a course, pass an exam and submit documentation of five past installation projects. From there, professionals can earn further certifications in specialized areas such as sales, commercial installation and permeable paver installation.

Since 1993, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) has served as the leading trade organization of the segmental concrete paving industry in North America. ICPI’s 1,100 members come from across the United States and Canada. They work as paver manufacturers, installation contractors, designers and suppliers.ICPI positions itself as the industry’s leading authority on best practices and technical expertise for paver installation and maintenance. The organization’s primary goals are to

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