Locations
Bernards, Inc.
Mktg.
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Andy Buerk's Bio
With over 30 years of construction experience in Southern California, Andy is responsible for all construction phase operations for the company. One of the most respected leaders in the industry, Andy has led a number of notable projects including Newport Harbor High School, Sage Hill School, the Larry Smith Correctional Facility, Cal State LA Science Buildings A+B, and The Camden Hollywood.
Utilizing skills gained through experience in all construction processes, including estimating, project management, Design-Build, and field operations, Andy brings a strong technical knowledge coupled with a rare talent in communication and solutions negotiation, providing win-win-win results. Andy Holds a BSCM degree from Penn State University.
Carl Vizcarra, Assoc. DBIA's Bio
With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Carl leads all multi-family projects for Bernards. With a rich experience in all types of multi-family projects from low-income subsidized housing to market rate and luxury projects, he provides guidance and insight into our multi-family preconstruction development and project management implementation.
A seasoned leader, Carl has overseen Bernards teams on many challenging projects, from the 800,000 SF Wilshire La Brea development to the 700-unit College Station mixed-use project in Chinatown. An expert project manager and executive, Carl is a highly respected member of our team, providing unsurpassed experience with public agencies, serving utilities and inspectors who influence the success of these types of projects to enable Bernards to boast predictable outcomes for cost, quality, and schedule.
Carl holds a degree in Construction Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Charlona Cole's Bio
With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Charlona guides the Bernards HR team in providing positive employee experiences and achieving our company objectives.
A great communicator with an honest and direct approach, she leads our HR team’s efforts to develop a dynamic environment for onboarding, learning and development, and for enhancing employee engagement and company culture. Charlona is certified in the application of the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), an instrument that supports Bernards training, team building, productivity and communication.
Charlona has a genuine care and concern for people and a passion for building strong, effective teams. After attending San Jose State University, she began her career working in Silicon Valley for high tech firms before coming to Bernards.
Dave Cavecche's Bio
With over 30 years of construction operations experience, Dave Cavecche provides executive leadership for Bernards in all aspects of strategic planning for the development and implementation of both short and long term company-wide strategies. Working with many departments to ensure the planned growth of the company, management effectiveness, sustainability and overall stakeholder return, Dave is an active member of the Management, Training, Safety, Strategic Planning and Executive Committees in addition to his work on the Operations Oversight Management Team (OPSCOM).
A graduate of Arizona State University with a BS degree from the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences in General Building Construction, Dave has received a number of prestigious industry accolades including the AGC Award for Excellence in Project Management, the CMAA Project Achievement Award for Collaboration, and the WCCC Distinguished Award for Collaboration.
Eric Halm, AIA, Assoc. DBIA's Bio
Eric leads business development for healthcare projects and provides support and guidance for work in all other market sectors. A licensed architect and LEED® Accredited Professional, Eric leverages his 20 years of technical and marketing expertise to strengthen ties between owners, architects and engineers with our estimating and operations teams. Through an established network of the best architects and engineers in the industry, Eric is also responsible for establishing teaming and teaming relationships with our design partners for all design-build project pursuits.
In addition to leading the AIA|LA Healthcare Committee as Co-Chair, Eric serves as Healthcare Institute Membership Co-Chair and a CMAA Committee member. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors of the Asian American Architects/Engineers. Eric earned his Master of Architecture from UCLA after completing his B.A. of Architecture with honors from UC Berkeley.
Falco Digiallonardo's Bio
Falco provides executive leadership in all aspects of construction management and operations for our Central California offices. With over 35 years of experience, he is a seasoned construction professional with a wealth of industry knowledge. Along with a focused emphasis on managing all higher education, K-12, and public works projects, Falco also leads teams on projects in the hospitality, commercial, and civic sectors.
Falco served as Project Executive on the Atascadero City Hall Renovation, an award-winning restoration project that required close collaboration with architects and local craftsmen in meticulously restoring the 100-year-old Italian Renaissance-style historic building that sustained significant damage in the 2003 San Simeon earthquake.
Gail Pascua's Bio
Gail provides executive oversight of Risk Management, Recruitment and Safety operations for the company. With over 30 years of experience hiring talent, she leads the efforts of our recruiting team. Procuring top talent is a priority for Bernards; Gail’s keen ability to find skilled people who fit our company culture has contributed to the ongoing success of the company.
A member of the Bernards team since 1999, Gail has championed many significant initiatives in her areas of responsibility and has served as an officer of the company for 15 years. She is also certified in the application of the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), an instrument that supports Bernards training, team building, productivity and communication.
Greg Simons's Bio
Greg is responsible for strategically planning, developing and implementing the processes and procedures which ultimately drive corporate operations. With over 35 years in the industry, he has provided executive leadership on prestigious projects throughout California.
Greg has extensive experience in hospitals, schools, theme parks, residential and mixed-use, major retail, aerospace, commercial office buildings, industrial complexes, and religious facilities. He holds a BS degree in Construction Management and an MBA.
J. Marcella Ayala, MBA, Assoc. DBIA's Bio
Marcella brings 15 years of experience in the industry, having worked on financial analyses of redevelopment projects and building strategic joint ventures for large-scale civil infrastructure pursuits. She uses this experience coupled with her experience in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to spearhead new public-private partnership opportunities.
Marcella is Bernards’ principal liaison with Southern California cities, counties, and government agencies, leading the efforts to develop the company portfolio of public works. She earned her MBA from Cornell University after she graduated cum laude from San Diego State University and most recently completed her Associate DBIA certification.
Jeff G. Bernards, DBIA's Bio
With over 40 years in the construction industry, Jeff has overseen virtually every aspect of the business. Among his broad array of accomplishments, Jeff has chaperoned the construction of over half a billion dollars in project contracts with the Los Angeles Unified School District, high occupancy detention centers for the City of Los Angeles, and the landmark LEGOLAND theme park in Carlsbad. Jeff also guides Bernards’ strategic planning efforts, ensuring that we continue to thrive as one of California’s premier contracting firms.
Jeramie Lane's Bio
As Director of Special Projects, Jeramie spearheads project development initiatives in new markets with an emphasis on quick response, high-profile and fast-paced projects throughout the Southern California region. His deft ability to align unique client needs with the right team of Bernards professionals assures the ideal strategic collaborative solution to deliver successful outcomes in a streamlined project delivery.
A California native, Jeramie is a graduate of Chapman University and has also served as an Underwater Mine Technician in the U.S. Navy, where his leadership and passion for efficiency emerged. After his military service, he continued his work for the Navy Munitions Command where he led efforts to streamline and create efficiencies in their construction, manufacturing and administrative processes.
Jeramie’s extensive construction experience includes leading projects for the Department of Defense, Los Angeles World Airports, Universal Studios, and other large California institutions.
Jerry Higgins's Bio
With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Jerry oversees one of the most respected and sought-after estimating teams in California. Providing executive-level leadership, he manages all estimating department activities in all markets. In guiding the estimating processes, Jerry is actively engaged in preparing budgets, estimates, cost comparisons, and feasibility studies during the design phase of a project and participates extensively through subcontract award.
Known for his work ethic, precision and accuracy, Jerry holds a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley and has a thorough understanding of the design, construction, and cost aspects of a project. His project experience includes Americana at Brand, the Rose Bowl Renovation, One Santa Fe, and major Anaheim theme parks.
Joe Didone's Bio
With extensive construction industry experience, Joe has successfully delivered projects spanning the full spectrum of market sectors including entertainment, education, healthcare, multi-family, hospitality, research facilities, and commercial development. He has provided steadfast leadership for construction teams throughout California on projects valued up to $550 million. Joe also leads in our pursuit and management of general commercial projects in Southern California.
A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Joe holds an MS degree in Civil Engineering and a BS degree in Construction. He has also completed the Graduate School of Management Executive Program at the Anderson School at UCLA.
Ken Menager's Bio
With over 30 years of finance experience, Ken directs and implements all financial policies, procedures, and accounting operations company wide.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Ken’s experience as a controller in construction and international real estate informs his management of the company’s financial functions and strength. He maintains our banking, investment, bonding and other professional relationships to achieve strategic goals. He also supports all departments in meeting their own strategic goals and provides ongoing training for the professional development of his departmental staff.
Michael Coss's Bio
Michael leads business development and manages client relations for the Central California region. A seasoned professional with over 38 years of industry experience, his knowledge of construction and first-hand experience in project management facilitate his ability to foster long-term relationships with clients. His intentional business approach focuses on shared vision and purpose to build thriving partnerships in the industry.
Michael earned his BS degree in Construction Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and holds a Class B General Contractor license.
Mike Runza, Assoc. DBIA's Bio
Starting his construction career as an intern in 1998, Mike is now an industry veteran and has developed into one of our most valued leaders in the Civic sector. His diverse experience ranges from heavy civil projects including bridges, rail, and underground to commercial projects in education and multi-family/mixed use.
As an executive leader in our Operations Peer Group development, Mike plays an active role in strengthening the collaborative skills of our team members. A graduate of Purdue University with a BS degree in Construction Engineering and Management, he serves as an ambassador to his alma mater in support of our recruiting initiatives.
Mike Funderberg's Bio
Mike leads the pursuit and management of all healthcare projects for Bernards. With a thorough understanding of OSHPD procedures and two decades of experience, he is aptly suited to guide all processes and responsibilities in this specialized market sector.
Notable healthcare projects delivered under Mike’s leadership include White Memorial Medical Center, Adventist Health Tehachapi Hospital, and the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Patient Tower–an extremely successful and challenging Design-Build project.
Mike holds a BS degree in Construction Management from Boise State University and is a LEED® accredited professional. He is an Associate Constructor with the American Institute of Contractors and a member of the General Contractors Construction Leadership Council.
Sam Laham, DBIA's Bio
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Sam provides executive leadership in all aspects of operations, directing operational activities for select projects delivered within the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire regions.
Sam has extensive expertise in a broad range of markets including senior living, hospitality, office building, higher education, and transportation. He has gained a reputation of being a leader and mentor that possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to build a solid team that delivers a successful outcome on difficult and challenging projects.
A graduate of Cal State University, Long Beach, he holds both a BS and MS Degree in Civil Engineering and is LEED® accredited. His achievements include recognition as a “Top 20 under 40 Exceptional Young Professionals” by ENR (2011).
Shaun Guertin's Bio
Shaun leads the development of projects in new market sectors company-wide while managing client relations for Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. He excels in building and strengthening relationships with clients, architects, and management team members.
Shaun’s extensive expertise is focused in the hospitality, multi-family, assisted living, gaming, and entertainment sectors. His vast knowledge of construction delivery methods, his intuitive and strategic approach to problem-solving, and his friendly, approachable demeanor facilitate his ability to successfully and continually create lasting partnerships and collaborations.
Steve Pellegren, DBIA's Bio
Steve is responsible for all preconstruction activities at Bernards. A talented diplomat and mediator, and a 35-year veteran in the architecture and construction industries, he offers a sophisticated perspective on the design, budget, schedule, and quality issues that impact the viability of a project in its earliest stages. His command of design and preconstruction criteria plays a pivotal role in the development of manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, entertainment, retail, mixed-use, education, and government projects throughout California in all project delivery models including Design-Build, CMAR, CM Multi-Prime, and traditional delivery.
Steve upholds the Bernards ethos that “a successful project is founded on providing leadership, integrity, expertise, and knowledge through open and honest relationships with all stakeholders of a project.” Along with an education in architecture and engineering, he holds the highest designation of DBIA professional certification.
Todd Bressler's Bio
As Chief Legal Officer, Todd serves as a resilient and resourceful leader in managing corporate risk and providing direction on major legal and regulatory issues, all while modeling and empowering a culture built on growth, connection, and purpose.
A graduate of UC San Diego and Southwestern University School of Law, Todd’s extensive career in law spans over 25 years and encompasses serving as regional general counsel for a national construction company, practicing in construction and real estate law firms, and most recently as a firm partner at a boutique construction law firm’s Los Angeles office.
Todd currently serves on the executive board of the Southern California Development Forum, a philanthropic industry association that provides the construction, real estate, and architectural community with networking events, shares up-to-date industry information, and fosters employment opportunities. He also serves as legal advisor for the ACE Mentor Program for Los Angeles/Orange County.
Operations
Joe Lutz's Bio
As Director of Project Development, Joe leads project development for the Southern California K-14 education sector and additional market segments while managing client relations in the Inland Empire region.
Joe possesses over 35 years of engineering, manufacturing, and construction management experience, with extensive experience serving clients in the education, healthcare, commercial office, aerospace, and industrial market segments.
An expert in the Design-Build delivery method and a licensed Professional Engineer, Joe holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University and an MBA from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is also member of the Southern California Development Forum.
Rick Fochtman's Bio
As the leader of Bernards’ Ontario office, Rick helped establish Bernards’ Inland Empire work in 2001 and guided Bernards’ success in becoming one of the leading builders and construction managers in perhaps the fastest growing region in the United States. Rick is responsible for all K-14 projects and Construction Management Services.
An Environmental Studies graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Rick has been the driving force behind our green-building efforts. In this role, he has developed a team of over 50 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) accredited professionals and has helped the firm become one of the top 25 green builders in the United States. He’s also a founding Board member of the Inland Empire chapter of the United States Green Building Council.