About Primary Image
Why We Build

Our Purpose

We build because we care about the communities where we live and work.  For 30+ years, we’ve created spaces where communities learn, heal, gather, and grow.

We build with intention, knowing the true impact of our work begins after construction ends.  Every project is delivered with a deep sense of responsibility and respect for the public dollars funding it and the trust placed in us to deliver.  Whether it’s a complex design-build or a carefully phased renovation, we’re committed to building lasting value for our clients and their communities.

Our Core Values

Integrity in Action

We honor our commitments, take responsibility, and uphold the highest standards.

Solution Driven

We are focused, creative, and resilient, transforming challenges into innovative solutions.

Financial Stewardship

We deliver value, ensure profitability, and empower growth for our team, clients, and communities.

Our Team

ProWest Leadership

We believe great projects start with strong leadership. At ProWest, every project includes hands-on involvement from an owner or executive to ensure accountability, clear communication, and a true partnership from start to finish.

Randy Craig
Owner, Chairman, and CFO
Hometown:
Houston, Texas
Joined ProWest:
1987
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"We are very flexible, and quickly adapt to the ever-changing needs of our clients."

Randy has 40+ years of construction management leadership, overseeing 85+ projects in education, healthcare, and more. While actively involved in key initiatives, he focuses on ProWest’s financial leadership and strategic direction as Chairman of the Board.

He holds an M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford and a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from UT Austin, where he earned honors.   A passionate educator, Randy has taught construction-related courses at various institutions.

Mike DeMarie
Owner, President
Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois
Joined ProWest:
2017
What Makes ProWest Unique?
“Financial strength and expertise of the ENR Top 10 companies yet honoring our values and commitments to our clients."

With over 40 years in the construction industry, Mike DeMarie serves as President of ProWest, overseeing operations, preconstruction, and financial management. His leadership ensures seamless project execution, long-term stability, and strategic growth.

Mike holds degrees in Business Administration, Organizational Management, and Spiritual Psychology, blending technical expertise with a people-centered approach. His focus on leadership development, innovation, and succession planning continues to shape ProWest’s success and impact across the industry.

Rick Fochtman
Executive Vice President
Hometown:
Yorba Linda, California
Joined ProWest:
2024
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"ProWest offers a unique combination of the financial strength and expert resources, of a large company with the personal attention and passion of a local enterprise."

Rick brings 31 years of experience leading major projects in education, civic, public works, and commercial sectors, with expertise in DSA projects and collaborative delivery. A LEED® Accredited Professional and member of DBIA and CMAA, he champions sustainable, high-quality construction.

Rick holds a B.A.in Geographical Planning and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara and plays a key role in ProWest’s success through strategic insight and hands-on leadership.

Joe Linden
Owner, Senior Vice President
Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois
Joined ProWest:
2007
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"We have the financial capability and the expertise of a large company but provide services to our clients that serve THEIR needs, led by one of the Owners of ProWest."

Joe, an Owner and Senior Vice President at ProWest, brings nearly 40 years of construction management experience and a B.S. in Business Management from CSU Fullerton. He has led diverse projects including healthcare, housing, hospitality, industrial, and higher education.

Known for his strong leadership, hands-on approach, and collaborative style, Joe consistently delivers safe, high-quality projects on time and within budget earning the trust of clients and project teams alike.

Jeff Rising
Owner, Vice President, Preconstruction
Hometown:
Sebeka, Minnesota
Joined ProWest:
1998
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"Direct owner involvement in every project with a focus on customer service."

Jeff, an Owner at ProWest, brings 38 years of experience in general contracting and construction management, with expertise across student housing, education, healthcare, energy, and commercial sectors. He specializes in preconstruction, quality control, and strategic decision-making to lead high-performing teams and ensure client goals are met.

A LEED AP BD+C and SDSU-certified professional, Jeff is known for overcoming challenges and delivering exceptional results at every stage of a project.

David Saacks
Owner, Vice President, Construction
Hometown:
Cape Town, South Africa
Joined ProWest:
1997
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"We are a group of talented and committed individuals striving to provide the highest quality of work possible."

David brings over 38 years of construction experience and serves as Vice President of Construction and Project Executive at ProWest. He oversees design and construction coordination, ensuring projects meet budget, schedule, and quality goals.

A graduate of the University of Cape Town, David blends technical expertise with a hands-on, accessible leadership style that strengthens client relationships, guides project teams, and drives the successful delivery of complex, large-scale developments.

Khris Drake
Owner, Project Executive
Hometown:
Glendora, California
Joined ProWest:
2007
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"ProWest provides proficient value-added construction management services in an unparalleled fashion."

With over 21 years of construction experience, including 14 focused on HCAI (OSHPD) projects, Khris leads ProWest’s Central Coast operations with a collaborative, hands-on approach. His expertise spans healthcare, housing, commercial, and public works. Known for building strong local partnerships, he ensures safe, efficient, high-quality delivery.

A UC Santa Barbara graduate, Khris’s leadership and attention to detail consistently drive client satisfaction and the success of complex projects.

Isaac Ayala
Project Executive
Hometown:
Camarillio, CA
Joined ProWest:
2024
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"ProWest cultivates an environment of humility, where team members and executives collaborate effectively to achieve common goals."

Isaac is a seasoned construction management leader with over $1 billion in completed projects spanning commercial, mixed-use, multifamily, industrial, education, retail, and HCAI (OSHPD) sectors. Known for clear communication and collaboration, he aligns stakeholders and drives results. With strong problem-solving skills, he mitigates risk and improves efficiency.

He brings a passion for baseball into his leadership style, often using the sport as a metaphor in mentoring. He holds a degree in Kinesiology from College of the Canyons.

Nick Garcia
Project Executive
Hometown:
Redondo Beach, CA
Joined ProWest:
2025
What Makes ProWest Unique?
“With our capabilities, size, and entrepreneurial spirit, we are uniquely positioned to take on rewarding projects across diverse markets and to invest in our partnerships.”

Nick brings over 25 years of experience managing complex projects in education, civic, recreational, and senior living sectors. He specializes in occupied campus construction, ensuring safety, accessibility, and minimal disruption through phased planning and stakeholder coordination. Known for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, Nick is a trusted leader in the field.

He holds a B.A. in Astrophysics from UC Berkeley and is a LEED® Accredited Professional.

Stephanie Ridlon
Owner, Administrative Director
Hometown:
Murrieta, California
Joined ProWest:
2016
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"Providing professional growth and development for all individuals in the company."

Stephanie, Owner and Administrative Director, brings 15 years of experience spanning preconstruction, operations, and administration. With extensive experience managing the RFP/RFQ process and contract negotiations, she brings a focused approach to internal procedures, systems implementation, and preconstruction coordination. Her cross-functional expertise supports operational efficiency and strategic project planning.

She holds a B.S. in Liberal Studies from California State University San Marcos.

Howard Pray
Owner, Senior Superintendent
Hometown:
El Cajon, California
Joined ProWest:
1999
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"It's a company that makes you feel like family"

Howard, an Owner at ProWest, brings over 37 years of experience managing daily on-site coordination, safety, scheduling, and quality control. Known for his calm leadership and strong relationship-building, he fosters efficient, collaborative job sites and resolves challenges with professionalism. Howard’s hands-on approach and commitment to safety make him a trusted leader.

He completed a four-year Union Apprenticeship through San Diego Local Carpenters Union, laying the foundation for his successful career.

Sandra Brown
Vice President, Accounting
Hometown:
Santee, California
Joined ProWest:
2019
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"It’s refreshing to see the hands-on approach from the owner/leadership team."

Sandra, VP of Accounting, brings nearly 30 years of experience in construction and related industries, with deep expertise in accounting practices. Over five years at ProWest, she advanced from Controller to VP, overseeing all financial operations, reporting, compliance, and internal controls. Sandra leads a collaborative finance team, promotes transparency and accountability, and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership. She is also a certified Notary Public.

Jerry Jensen
Owner, Preconstruction Director
Hometown:
Saugus, California
Joined ProWest:
2013
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"The employees are confident in the leadership's ability to keep the company moving forward in a positive direction, creating a sense of security & trust."

Jerry, an Owner at ProWest, brings over 38 years of experience leading early-phase planning for complex projects. He oversees budgeting, constructibility, document quality, and bidding to align owners and trade partners from the start. With deep expertise in healthcare and HCAI projects, Jerry is known for his regulatory knowledge and collaborative leadership.

He studied Construction at UC San Diego and Architecture at Phoenix Institute of Technology.

Grace Lieberman
Marketing Director
Hometown:
Grandview, Washington
Joined ProWest:
2024
What Makes ProWest Unique?
“Our ability to deliver highly sophisticated projects and services, while still providing the close, personalized attention of a local company."

Grace, Marketing Director, leads brand strategy, strategic pursuits, and proposal management for ProWest. She brings five years of construction industry experience and a background in sales and marketing with national media brands such as MTV Networks, NBC Universal, and Discovery Networks.

A graduate of the University of Washington with a B.A. in Business and Marketing, Grace blends creativity and strategic thinking with a growth-driven mindset to strengthen market presence and expand opportunities.

Paul Santangelo
Sr. Executive Project Manager
Hometown:
Newport Beach, California
Joined ProWest:
2018
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"ProWest cares about its people & provides challenging career growth opportunities."

Paul, an Owner and Senior Executive Project Manager at ProWest, brings over 40 years of experience delivering large-scale, complex projects across education, public works, healthcare, and more. He led ProWest’s Beverly Hills projects, earning praise for managing challenging logistics and structural complexity with a safety-first mindset.

Paul holds dual B.A. degrees in Geology and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara and is a graduate of the AGC Advanced Management Program.

Wesley Freeman
Owner, Senior Project Manager
Hometown:
Bakersfield, CA
Joined ProWest:
2016
What Makes ProWest Unique?
"Big company projects, with a small company culture."

Wesley, Senior Project Manager, brings over 8 years of experience specializing in DSA, healthcare, and public works projects. He leads projects from planning through closeout, managing client relationships, coordinating teams, and ensuring quality, budget, and schedule goals are met. Known for his collaborative leadership and deep knowledge of DSA standards, he consistently delivers high-performance projects with a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

Lance Blair
Owner, Senior Project Manager
Hometown:
Agoura Hilla, CA
Joined ProWest:
2022
What Makes ProWest Unique?
What sets us apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we do it. With relentless focus on quality, innovation and human connections, we turn ordinary solutions into extraordinary results.

Lance is a Senior Project Manager with a strong track record delivering complex school projects. He oversees planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution with a focus on compliance, quality, and efficiency. Known for his proactive leadership and detail-oriented approach, Lance drives projects to successful completion, maintaining budgets and schedules while fostering strong collaboration among owners, contractors, and design teams.

John Fitz-Patrick
Owner, Senior Project Manager
Hometown:
Ventura, CA
Joined ProWest:
2022
What Makes ProWest Unique?
The commitment and investment in our employees to deliver quality projects across California

John, Owner and Sr. Project Manager, brings over 34 years of experience delivering DSA, hospitality, affordable housing, and public works projects across California, with a focus on the Central Valley and Central Coast. He leads planning through buyout, managing budgets, compliance, schedule execution, and trade coordination with precision. With expertise in affordable housing and education projects, he keeps teams aligned and projects on track.

He holds a degree from the Phoenix Institute of Technology, Phoenix, AZ.

Henry Craig
Owner, Project Manager
Hometown:
Murrieta, CA
Joined ProWest:
2022
What Makes ProWest Unique?
ProWest’s owner involvement on every project showcases a level of care and quality you can’t find anywhere else.

Henry brings a strong foundation shaped by early exposure to the construction industry and a growing track record at ProWest, where he’s contributed to project delivery over the past three years. As an owner, he’s invested in the company’s success, bringing a strategic mindset, steady execution, and a collaborative approach. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a Real Estate minor from the University of Denver and has completed training in leadership and project management through FMI and Academy Leadership.