Our History
SERVING CLIENTS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA
Our Story: The History & Legacy of WEST Builders
Founded on a commitment to excellence and client-focused service, WEST Builders has grown into a trusted construction partner delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects. With a strong foundation in collaboration, innovation, and technical expertise, the company continues to build lasting relationships while consistently exceeding client expectations.
2003: The Foundation & Vision
WEST Builders was established in 2003 by a small group of senior executives from Charles Pankow Builders, each bringing more than 15 years of industry experience and leadership to the new venture. Driven by a shared mission to deliver highly efficient design-build commercial projects, founders Chris Turner, Todd Whitlock, and Bill Hughes (all top 10 shareholders at Pankow) demonstrated absolute belief in their vision—contributing their life savings and committing to work the first year without compensation.
Built on Sacrifice and Vision
Demonstrating strong regional ambition from day one, the company launched simultaneously with two full-service California offices: one in Pasadena and one in Oakland. This immediate statewide presence allowed WEST Builders to anchor its operations with two prestigious seed projects for Charlie Munger of Berkshire Hathaway: a luxury condominium development in Pasadena.
Investing in Excellence
Recognizing that elite project delivery requires exceptional talent, the founders dedicated a significant portion of their first-year capital investment to bringing on key industry experts Ricardo Zamorano and Mike Beckler. This critical strategic hire established a high standard of engineering capability and executive leadership that would guide the firm’s projects for the next two decades.
Two Decades of Resilient Execution
Over the next twenty years, the team successfully executed its original vision with relentless focus and professional drive. Following the tragic passing of co-founder Chris Turner, Todd Whitlock and Bill Hughes stepped forward to lead the firm through a decade of steady performance, continuous growth, and successful project completions. Upon Bill’s well-earned retirement, Mr. Whitlock became the sole common shareholder, turning his focus toward establishing a structural legacy that would secure the company’s longevity and core values far into the future.
2022–2023: Transition to Employee Ownership (ESOP)
In 2021, to transition leadership while preserving the firm’s culture and ensuring seamless project delivery for clients, Mr. Whitlock proposed the creation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The executive team fully aligned with this vision, and by 2022, the ESOP was officially established. This framework guarantees the company’s independence and ensures that every team member directly shares in the company’s collective growth.
Today & The Future
Following the successful transition to employee ownership, Todd Whitlock stepped into the role of Chairman of the Board. Day-to-day operations were then led by long-time executives Ricardo Zamorano, who directed Northern California operations, and Mike Beckler, who oversaw Southern California operations until his retirement in 2026.
To support this mission across our offices, our tenured senior management team—including Nick Mirkovich (President), Dave de Jong (Senior Vice President | Northern California), Sean Kirby (Vice President Engineering), Mehmet Cankiri (Senior Vice President | Southern California), and Dave Anderson (Chief Financial Officer)—drives our daily business activities. Together, they are deeply focused on delivering great projects for great clients, upholding the engineering discipline and collaborative standards that define WEST Builders.
Backed by a tiered ownership structure that aligns every employee’s success with project performance, the entire team at WEST Builders remains dedicated to its founding vision. We look forward to many more decades of strong client relationships, repeat business, and rewarding careers across California.
To support this mission across our offices, our tenured senior management team—including Nick Mirkovich (President), Dave de Jong (Senior Vice President | Northern California), Sean Kirby (Vice President Engineering), Mehmet Cankiri (Senior Vice President | Southern California), and Dave Anderson (Chief Financial Officer)—drives our daily business activities. Together, they are deeply focused on delivering great projects for great clients, upholding the engineering discipline and collaborative standards that define WEST Builders.
Backed by a tiered ownership structure that aligns every employee’s success with project performance, the entire team at WEST Builders remains dedicated to its founding vision. We look forward to many more decades of strong client relationships, repeat business, and rewarding careers across California.