Our Team
The people who work for Semmes are simply the best in the business. We live here, we work here, and we appreciate the beauty and culture of the Central Coast. Not only do we love what we do, we love knowing that what we do is making an impact on people’s lives and the planet’s future. Our team could work anywhere. We choose to work for Semmes because we’re family.
Management Team
Jessica Steely
President • Head of Sales
Jessica Steely graduated from Cal Poly with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and a Minor in Sustainability. Her passion for sustainable building techniques attracted her to join the team of like-minded professionals at Semmes & Co. Builders. In 2011, Jessica, Paul Rose, and Tom Moore, purchased the company from its founder, Turko Semmes.
Jessica is now President and Head of Sales, and she enjoys collaborating with the design team and homeowners to create their new custom home.
Paul Rose
Project Director • HR Manager
Paul started his construction career pulling wire at the local Methodist Church when he was eight years old and has been building things ever since. He has been with Semmes & Co. since 1982 and stays involved with every aspect of the trade. Trained in energy efficiency and Building Science, and with an eye for fine craftmanship, he brings diverse experience to all our projects.
In his personal time, Paul is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys scaling cliffs and mountains and playing in the water on boats and boards. He believes that hiking with birds, flowers, and trees gives him a calm center. He looks forward to meeting you.
Tom Moore
Project Supervisor
Tom has been with Semmes & Co. since 1998 and in the construction business since 1978. In his own words: “In my free time I enjoy golf, some surfing when I can find warm water, and exploring with my grandson”.
Turko Semmes
Founder
Turko graduated in 1978 from the Architecture Department of Cal Poly State University in Construction Management. He founded Semmes & Co. Builders right out of Cal Poly. Along with a great team, he has helped make Semmes & Co. Builders, Inc. the area’s leading home builder, specializing in energy efficiency and sustainable building techniques. He’s a co-founder of both the California Straw Building Association and SLO Green Build. After passing the company on to three key employees: Jessica Steely, Paul Rose and Tom Moore in 2011 (and working with them through a three year transition), he sits on the Board and advises on a regular basis. Now focusing on farming and family at his Red Hawk Ranch and playing music with friends, Turko is happily anticipating his next exciting life adventure.
Margie Berumen
Margie comes to Semmes & Co. with an extensive background in interior and exterior design. Having worked in design and sales, Margie has a strong knowledge of materials and layout as well as an understanding of budgets and pricing. Her sense of organization and attention to detail make Margie a valuable asset to the Semmes team.
When she’s not helping clients with their dream houses, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Tippi Rabener
Tippi joined the Semmes team as a production coordinator with over 20 years of experience in project coordination and management in commercial and residential projects. In her role as production coordinator, Tippi fosters an environment of teamwork and ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Having worked for the private sector and global corporations, Tippi brings a level of diversity and professionalism to the team.
When she isn’t working, she is spending time with family and enjoying all the Central Coast has to offer.
Steven Bishop
Steven is a passionate carpenter who loves to build custom, sustainable, green homes. When he’s not enjoying time with his family and friends, Steve can be found indulging in all types of outdoor activities including sports and camping.
Bret Campbell
Bret’s background in construction goes back to his teenage years when he started framing houses and eventually managing crews. After completing his degree at Cal Poly in Architecture and practicing in San Luis Obispo until the market shifted, he ran his own successful sign business for many years before deciding to sell it and get back into the building industry. Bret’s ingenuous understanding of materials combined with his organization and people skills make him an effective and enjoyable member of the team.
Marc Giannetto
A native of California, Marc has been an avid woodworker and furniture maker since he was a teenager. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration he followed his building passion and honed his skills working as a carpenter throughout California. Marc’s attention to detail and his problem-solving talent make him an essential member of the Semmes team.
When he is not at work, Marc enjoys spending time with his family hiking, mountain biking, and surfing.
Jason Fitzsimmons
Jason was born and raised in San Luis Obispo. He graduated from Cuesta College with an associate degree and pursued his love of sports by playing football for nine years. Jason’s background in landscape, flagstone installations, patios, and custom pergolas, as well as his interest in natural building methods, make him an valued member of the Semmes & Co. team.
Jason enjoys working out and spending time outside appreciating nature with his family.
Claudia Slaughter
Claudia joined Semmes after working for more than 25 years as an executive in the fashion industry. Her background in design and management enables her to support the company and team in both operations and design.
When she relocated from Southern California, she fulfilled a lifelong goal of building a sustainable home on the Central Coast. Claudia enjoys working in her garden, cooking with her husband, and visiting her family in Europe.
Keifer Ketterle
Keifer’s background in house remodeling and property maintenance make him a uniquely skilled player on the Semmes team. Keifer’s talent and focus to learn are evident in every project he completes.
His passion for building lead to many enjoyable hours playing Legos with his son, and he is an avid rock climber, snowboarder, and backpacker. Keifer pursues his love of martial arts by coaching and teaching Hawaiian Kempo wrestling to kids.