Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Ben Shabat: Riding the Wave

By Julie Deacon, Diamond Certified Research Writer

Growing up in a family of builders in Israel, Ben Shabat was introduced to construction at an early age. By the time he was in his early teens, he was already helping with plumbing, electrical work and other hands-on projects. “Building in Israel is different,” he explains. “There’s a lot of concrete and cinder blocks, so I was already working with heavy tools when I was 12 years old.”

As he gained more industry experience, Ben discovered a deeper appreciation for the role that homes play in people’s lives. “The home is where life happens and memories are made,” he says. “When someone trusts you to remodel their house and they’re happy with the result, you’re changing their life in a meaningful way.”

That perspective ultimately shaped Ben’s decision to focus on residential remodeling rather than commercial construction. He says working directly with homeowners provides a level of connection that larger commercial projects often lack. “When you’re working with homeowners, you’re having real conversations with people, so it’s much more personal and rewarding.”

In 2020, Ben decided it was time to create a company that mirrored his own values. Drawing inspiration from his lifelong passion for surfing, he founded Waves Remodeling California based on a philosophy of flow, adaptability and positive energy. “At a certain point, I realized I needed to create something that reflected who I am,” he says. “Surfing has always been a huge part of my life, and that mindset influences the way I approach everything.”

Today, Ben’s favorite part of his job is guiding clients through each stage of the remodeling process, from the initial designs to the finishing touches. He says the most meaningful moments often come at the end of projects when the homeowners share their experiences. “We often record a testimonial video after we complete a job, so hearing clients talk about how happy they are with the results is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why I do this work.”

A Bay Area resident since 2018, Ben currently lives in San Jose with his wife, Yael, and their dog, Billy. He says he appreciates the South Bay’s warm climate and proximity to the coast, which allows him to spend more time pursuing his greatest passion. “Surfing isn’t a hobby for me—it’s a lifestyle. I surf to live and live to surf.” When he’s not working or catching waves, Ben enjoys hiking, camping, working out, and doing adventurous activities like snowboarding and skydiving.

Ultimately, Ben says one simple idea guides both his personal life and professional relationships. “I think the most important thing we can do is just be present,” he offers. “That’s something I try to practice every day.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q. What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?
A. Escargot. It was OK.

Q. If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A. A Range Rover.

Q. How many times have you been skydiving?
A. About 30.

Q. What’s your favorite movie genre?
A. Psychological thriller.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Both. I prefer to wake up early, but I’m very adaptive.