Mana Construction Inc.

Nancy Cabrera: A Real People Person  

By Matt Solis, Editor

Nancy Cabrera may have started her construction career as a novice, but her willingness to learn and drive to succeed quickly led her to become an expert on all things building and remodeling. “I’m originally from Los Angeles, but I moved to the East Bay when I started dating my husband, Mauricio,” she remembers. “When I started looking for a job, my old boss from L.A. referred me to her ex-boyfriend, who needed a nanny. When I went to interview with him, he told me he was actually looking for two people: a nanny and an office assistant, because he was starting his own construction company. I wanted to learn something new, so I told him I would help in any way that I could, and that’s how I got into the industry.”

Nancy started with basic office tasks and eventually took on more responsibilities as a project manager. At the same time, Mauricio was working for a different construction company in Oakland, and the couple would often come home from work and compare stories. “We would talk about things we would have done differently in certain situations, and eventually, we decided to team up and make something new,” she says. “That’s when our journey with Mana Construction began. The name is very meaningful to us—‘mana’ is food that God sends from the skies in the Bible, and it’s also the first letters of both of our first names combined.”

Today, as owner of Mana Construction Inc., Nancy says her favorite part of her job is building lasting relationships with customers. “Instead of beating around the bush like some contractors, we focus on being as honest as possible. By communicating clearly, we can foresee problems before they become too serious, which our clients really appreciate. We’re still in contact with some of our very first clients, and many of them send us Christmas cards or drive by just to say hello.”

A resident of Vallejo, Nancy says her favorite part of living in the Greater Bay Area is the versatility of the region and its inhabitants. “Every city is different but the people have the same nice attitudes. In L.A., it was more about appearances, but it’s more down to earth here. I really enjoy meeting new people every day, even if it’s just having a phone conversation.”

Outside of work, Nancy spends most of her free time doing activities with Mauricio and her three stepchildren. “We love going to the beach, camping and just driving down the coast,” she details. “We have a big extended family on both sides, too—when we have a gathering, you can’t even sit anywhere because it’s so packed!”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Nancy emphasizes the importance of acting with integrity. “Having integrity isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about being humble and showing our clients that we’re regular people who just want to help them achieve their goals,” she explains. “We approach every project as if we were building it for ourselves. Also, Mauricio and I always show up to the jobsite as a couple, so it’s really like being part of a family.”

When asked what her life would look like if she retired tomorrow, Nancy says she would start by traveling before permanently relocating to a more peaceful setting. “I would move to the country and open a bed and breakfast so I could feed everyone who walks in the door and still have my privacy. I would love that because I could keep meeting new people.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: I listen to everything from country to Christian music.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would love to go to Europe, particularly Italy and France. I just want to explore a different country where I can’t understand the language.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m an early bird.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: My kitchen. I love to cook.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Either a fruit bowl or Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.