Atticare Construction

Sean Madar: One for All

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN LEANDRO — When asked the secret to his success with Atticare Construction, Sean Madar credits a trifecta of unique talents contributed by the company’s three owners. “Atticare Construction is owned and operated by Zack, Scott and myself—all good friends who served together in the Israeli military,” he explains. “We share a similar perspective on operations and our goals for the company, but each of us brings a unique set of skills to the table. Zack is a natural strategist who makes sure we stay ahead of the competition; Scott specializes in systems and operations; and I focus on marketing, customer service and business relations. So, we each get to do what we love and it makes for a great combination.”

Today, as co-owner of Atticare Construction, Sean says he enjoys making a positive impact on customers’ lives—an impact that sometimes goes beyond expectations. “One time, we did a full cleaning of a customer’s attic that had been infested by rats. We cleaned and sanitized everything and made some attic improvements. A month later, he called to thank us. Not only had his energy bills gone down, his daughter’s allergies had greatly improved as well. That’s when I realized our work could do more than just save energy; it could also enhance our clients’ comfort and health.”

Outside of work, Sean spends his free time on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking,” he details. “Additionally, my wife and I really enjoy nature, so just about every weekend we’re out in our Jeep, exploring the Bay Area.”

In his life and career, Sean espouses the value of being passionate about one’s work. “If you’re in a career you’re passionate about, you won’t work a day in your life,” he says. “You know you’re enjoying what you do when you lose track of time—for me, every day feels like the middle of the week. The fact that I get to help people and improve their lives makes it that much more enjoyable.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Sean says he wouldn’t. “My mom asked me about this recently, and I told her, ‘The day before I die, I want to go to work.’ The thing is, besides being in a career I’m passionate about, I already get to do what I want outside of work, like traveling. It’s not like I’m waiting to retire to pursue my bucket list, so why retire?”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos. I love the book’s core message: No matter how difficult business can be, if you just do the right thing, you can get to the next level.

Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 15, I worked as a landscaper.

Q: If you could instantly pick up a new skill, what would you choose?
A: I’d like to speak Spanish fluently. I work with a lot of Spanish-speaking people and I love their cultures.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Musical instruments—mostly guitars and percussion instruments.

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: New Zealand.