Jessica Steely
CEO

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 CEO, and she enjoys collaborating with the design team and homeowners to create their new custom home.

Marc Giannetto
Production Director • COO

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.

Katie Chapman-Pinto
Services Management

Katie joined Semmes & Co. Builders in 2023 as a Services Coordinator. The first full-time employee exclusively dedicated to post-production services, Katie helped design and launch the company’s Services Division, which encompasses Warranty Claims, Special Projects, and the Home Management Program.

Katie comes equipped with an MBA in Finance & General Management from George Washington University and a professional background in supply chain logistics. Leveraging her expertise in business strategy, process design, and continuous improvement, she strives to optimize client operations, improve efficiency, and drive cost savings for internal and external stakeholders alike.

When not serving clients and optimizing business operations at Semmes, Katie embarks on international travels, immersing herself in diverse cultures and enriching her understanding of the world.

Domonic Fontes
Services Management

With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Domonic brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. Having worked in all facets of construction, from dirt to doorknobs, Domonic has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of structural integrity, weatherization, safety, and code compliance.

A Paso Robles local, Domonic takes pride in serving his community, ensuring that homeowners and businesses receive thorough and reliable inspections. His goal is to provide clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their properties, delivering peace of mind with every inspection.

When he’s not on the job, Domonic enjoys off-roading in his 4x4, hiking, and spending quality time with his family. But above all, his favorite companion is his loyal dog, Bruce, who is always by his side, whether out in nature or relaxing at home.

Chloe John
Pre-Construction & Project Management

Chloe John is a Preconstruction Associate at Semmes & Co. Builder with experience working in both residential and commercial construction since 2018. Specializing in jobsite operations, she uses that experience to help clients understand the constructability and processes of their home design.
By focusing on cultivating relationships through how people interact with their surroundings, Chloe has been able to put the Construction Management degree she earned at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to good use. She is excited to bring her on site experience and background to the preconstruction department here at Semmes & Co Builders. Chloe's passion for client relationships and project development keep her excited and eager to come into work every day! 

When not at Semmes & Co. Builders, Chloe is an avid baker, enjoys doing art and loves spending time with friends and family exploring all the wonderful things SLO County has to offer.

Bret Campbell
Project Management

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.

Tamra Millan
Project Management

Tamra Millan, a lifelong resident of the Central Coast, brings a deep appreciation for architectural design to her work at Semmes & Co. Builders. She earned a degree in Interior Architectural Design from Cal State Long Beach in 2020, though her passion for design began years earlier through architectural photography. Capturing the beauty of structures inspired her to create spaces from the ground up.

After graduation, Tamra spent four years working with an interior designer, gaining valuable experience in the design process and the complexities of construction. Drawn to both the creative and technical aspects of the field, she joined Semmes & Co., a company that shares her commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Tamra is passionate about designing functional, beautiful spaces that reflect each client’s vision.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and exploring nature, finding inspiration in the outdoors.

Scott Romaine
Project Management

Scott moved to the central coast to attend Cal Poly. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture he practiced architecture at various local firms and founded a furniture design-build company which produces sustainability harvested lumber from street trees for utilization in its custom pieces. Scott believes in environmentally responsive and biophilic design. He joined the Semmes team looking to increase his knowledge of building science and deepen his understanding of the tactile nature of construction. His design background, understanding of construction documents, and California building code stage him in a unique position to facilitate plans in becoming reality.

Chris Slay
Project Management

Chris Slay’s journey in construction began in 2010 when he apprenticed under a master carpenter with over 40 years of experience, working for a Portland-based green builder. From those early days of hands-on learning, he developed a deep passion for sustainable home building, specializing in passive solar design and using natural materials for structure and finishes.  Over the years, he has been involved in 10 custom home builds, moving from apprentice to journeyman, and now serving as a project supervisor, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the building process from foundation to roof.

Beyond construction, Chris finds solace on the Central Coast, where he spends his time hiking, kayaking, and wandering the shoreline. With three grown children now spread across both coasts, he has set his sights on finding the perfect five acres to build a homestead—a place where family and friends can always gather, reconnect, and celebrate the beauty of life.

Akos Orosz
Home & Project Management

Akos Orosz brings extensive experience in architectural engineering, drafting, and general contracting, with a focus on sustainable building practices. Passionate about combining innovation with natural materials, he designs homes that are both functional and environmentally conscious.

Raised between Europe and the U.S., Akos started in construction working with his father’s tile company and later completed an electrical apprenticeship. His background in hospitality enhanced his client relations and project management skills. After earning his General Contractor’s License, he founded a contracting company in Southern California before moving to the Central Coast in 2025, drawn by the area’s natural beauty and strong community.

Akos thrives on the creative challenges of custom home building, favoring eco-friendly solutions and durable materials. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with his wife and two sons, finding inspiration in nature.

Brent Martinez
Field Technician

Brent brings a diverse background in the trades to his work at Semmes & Co Builders. After completing his plumber’s apprenticeship in Oklahoma, he gained hands-on experience across multiple areas of contracting, building a strong foundation in the construction industry. At Semmes, Brent thrives in the dynamic field environment, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn.

What Brent enjoys most about his work is being outdoors and working with his hands — no two days are ever the same. When he's not on-site, you can find him adventuring with his wife, whether it's hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, or exploring new trails. For Brent, life is best lived outside — and he's passionate about building spaces that connect people with the beauty of the outdoors.

Carlos Mendez
Field Technician

Kristopher Rotondo
Field Technician

Kristopher joined Semmes in December of 2024. His background in multiple trades, causality restoration, renovation, and years working in maintenance gives him the experience to perform work that produces a high-end result.

Kristopher shares a passion for building, maintaining, and ensuring the highest level of detail is achieved in everything he does. With a background in HVAC, electrical, and all other aspects of ground up construction, Kristopher is well-equipped to handle any task!

When not serving our clients, Kristopher loves spending time with his family and traveling to remote locations of the Eastern Sierra’s to camp and fish.

Denise McGrew
Business Administrator

Denise McGrew brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in small business ownership to her role as Business Administrator at Semmes & Co Builders. Having started her first business in her early twenties, Denise is no stranger to wearing many hats and thrives in dynamic environments where adaptability and creativity are key. She has a passion for tackling new challenges and excels at creating streamlined systems that boost efficiency and organization.

With her entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of business operations, Denise assists in keeping the behind-the-scenes of Semmes & Co Builders running smoothly.

Outside of work, Denise enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.

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.

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.

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”.