MAY 2025 | BUILT AMERICA MAGAZINE | WEST

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

MAY 2025

ON THE COVER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

As Custom As You Are

The Blueprint for a Regenerative Tomorrow

Steered by Grace, Powered by Purpose

Exceptional Service, with Local Expertise

yre

Chief Executive Officer Tamara Bellamy-Breen

Chief Financial Officer William Breen

Executive Publisher Mara Mather

Built America Magazine West connects your brand with over 110,000 elite executives, offering an unmatched platform to elevate your presence among key decision-makers in the construction and development sectors. Whether you're launching a high-end property, seeking investment for innovative ventures, or aiming to affirm your industry dominance, our dedicated team ensures your message resonates with those who matter most. We provide tailored content solutions—from feature articles to exclusive interviews—designed to showcase your brand's uniqueness and ambitions. Embrace this opportunity to highlight your latest achievements and upcoming projects in a publication revered by industry leaders. Join us in crafting a narrative that not only reaches, but profoundly impacts, an audience ready to engage with your vision. For a partnership that transforms exposure into influence, contact our Group Publisher. Elevate your brand with Built America Magazine, where success meets sophistication.

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Built America Magazine | West

DEAR READER FROM OUR EDITOR

Built America Magazine West: The Journey to Net Zero – Special Edition Welcome to the Built America Magazine West’s first, special edition, devoted to the pioneers who are reshaping the built environment through sustainability, resilience, and heart. In this debut issue of our Journey to Net Zero series, we spotlight the builders and thinkers leading the charge toward a more sustainable future—those who see beyond the materials and into the meaning behind what they build.

These aren’t just projects—they’re promises. Promises to future generations that sustainability isn’t a trend, but a responsibility. That building better isn’t just about code or curb appeal—it’s about conscience. We hope you’ll be as inspired as we are by the people behind these stories— who remind us that building toward net zero is not just an industry milestone, but a deeply human mission. “ We commit to fully inclusive journeying with our collaborators, ensuring their stories are shared with integrity and passion. ”

Proudly featuring:

The Living Future Institute , whose bold vision and globally recognized frameworks are redefining the boundaries of regenerative design. Foksha Homes , An exclusive interview with Oleg Foksha who shares how his family’s journey from Ukraine to Oregon led to the creation of a homebuilding company rooted in quality, care, and legacy. Superior Home Builders , led by John Martin, whose commitment to energy-efficient design includes not one, but two fully off-grid homes—a bold reflection of what’s possible when innovation meets conviction.

Warm regards, The Editorial Team

INSIDE

SPECIAL INTEREST

12 LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE What If Buildings Could Heal the World? The Blueprint for a Regenerative Tomorrow

26 APEX BUILDING INNOVATIONS More Than Just Construction

LIVING FUTURE

38 HOMERIVER GROUP

Exceptional Service With Local Expertise

50 SUPERIOR HOME BUILDERS Steered by Grace, and Powered by Purpose

FOKSHA HOMES

As Custom As You Are

DRYWALL MASTERS Building Walls, Breaking Barriers

80 BUILT AMERICA RECOMMENDS: SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS

FOKSHA HOMES

82 CLOSING LINES:

THE ONGOING BATTLE AGAINST CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES The Role of Construction Companies in Rebuilding Communities

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EDITORIAL ZERO COST, EDITORIAL IMPACT, INFINITE REACH Whether it’s groundbreaking innovations, compelling project journeys, or insightful reflections on trends that are shaping our world, your voice has the power to enlighten, inspire, and influence the sectors you're most passionate about. Contact our group publisher today to learn how your experiences and insights can become a featured part of our content.

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J O I N

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In this first installment of our two-part Journey to Net Zero | West special edition, Built America Magazine highlights the visionaries who are not only redefining what homes and communities can look like—but reimagining how they perform, feel, and function in a changing world. custom sustainable homes, to renovations, to HomeRiver Group’s national efforts to elevate property management, t his issue celebrates those forging a smarter, cleaner, and more intentional path forward. From At t he heart of it all is our special interest feature on the Living Future Institute, a global leader in regenerative design whose work is reshaping the very foundation of what it means to build sustainably. Together, these innovators are pushing the boundaries of performance, equity, and environmental stewardship—demonstrating that the journey to net zero isn’t a distant dream. It’s happening now, one decision, one dwelling, and one community at a time.

S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T: LIVING FUTURE Since its founding, the Living Future Institute (ILFI) has emerged as one of the most visionary forces in sustainable design and regenerative building worldwide. With a bold mission to create a future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative, the organization is reshaping how the built environment interacts with people and the planet . At the core of Living Future’s work is a belief that buildings can do more than simply minimize harm—they can actively heal, restore, and inspire. Through performance-based certifications like the Living Building Challenge, Zero Carbon, and Zero Energy , LF is challenging developers, arc hitects, and communities to think beyond sustainability and embrace regeneration as a standard. T heir efforts go far beyond certifications. From material transparency and social equity programs to international collaboration and climate advocacy, Living Future is laying the groundwork for a new era of building—one rooted in deep accountability, innovation, and hope. Keep reading for exclusive insights from Lisa Carey Moore and the team leading this transformative movement—and discover how Living Future is helping to redefine what’s possible when buildings are designed to give back more than they take.

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What if buildings could breathe, heal, and give more than they take? What if the spaces we inhabit weren’t just less harmful — but radically regenerative? This isn’t a dream of the distant future. It’s happening now. And at the heart of this global movement is the Living Future — an organization not just rewriting the rules of sustainable design, but reshaping our relationship with the built environment itself.

IMAGE BY: MICHAEL DAVID ROSE SONOMA ACADEMY | LBC PETAL CERTIFIED

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“Our mission is to create a living future that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative,” says Lisa Carey-Moore, a Director with the Buildings Team at Living Future. “It’s about designing buildings that work in harmony with the planet — and with the people who live in them.” The Living Building Challenge: A

Framework for Regeneration

At the core of Living Future’s impact lies the Living Building Challenge (LBC) — widely regarded as the most rigorous, performance-based green building certification in the world. Where many systems aim to do less harm, the LBC asks a more radical question: how can we do more good? “This underpins regenerative design and is influenced by how natural systems work,” Carey-Moore explains. “Like a flower, buildings must be rooted in place, ideally harvest their own energy and water, operate pollution- free, and promote well-being. And yes — they must also be beautiful.” The LBC is built around seven interconnected Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health and Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty . Within these are 20 Imperatives, each one a call to action toward creating not just greener buildings, but living systems that restore, inspire, and endure. 17

IMAGE BY BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER, COURTESY OF ZGF ARCHITECTS LLP PAE LIVING BUILDING

And the standard doesn’t accept aspirations — only evidence. Buildings must demonstrate performance for 12 continuous months, backed by data, air quality testing, and occupant surveys, before achieving certification. “Buildings and construction activities impact everything from soil and water quality to community dynamics and public health,” Carey-Moore says. “We encourage project teams to think holistically about the role they can play.” From Icons to Influence: Buildings That Are Changing the World

Some of the most visionary projects in North America have achieved LBC certification — and each one proves that regenerative architecture isn’t just possible; it’s already here. In Seattle, the Bullitt Center has become a global icon. Built without toxic materials, generating more energy than it consumes, and harvesting rainwater for all of its needs, it stands as proof that high-performance, net- positive buildings can thrive in urban environments. In Portland, the PAE Living Building offers something even rarer — financial validation. With a 10% internal rate of return over 10 years and premium rents, the building is redefining what return on investment looks like.

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“Our most recent Living Building is, in the words of its owner/investors, ‘proving technical feasibility and financial viability for private investors’, ” Carey-Moore shares. “It showcases regenerative systems while also supporting a local nonprofit with low- cost renewable energy.” In the South, where climate conditions can be more challenging, the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech raises the bar again. Built on a reclaimed parking lot, it integrates food production, stormwater management, and daylighting. It sourced more than 50% of its materials — including salvaged wood — from within a 621-mile radius, while avoiding chemicals of concern through Living Future’s Red List requirements. “It’s helping shift the industry,” Carey- Moore notes. “And it’s educating thousands in the process — students, architects, policymakers. This is the ripple effect we aim for.” Transparency, Equity, and the Power of Materials While water and energy systems often take the spotlight, Living Future is also transforming the way the industry approaches materials and equity — two often overlooked pillars of regenerative design. Through its Declare label , Living Future has created a “nutrition label” for building materials, making the invisible visible. With over 18,000 products from nearly 400 manufacturers now labeled, it’s become a vital tool for transparency, health, and reformulation.

IMAGE BY: JONATHAN HILLYER KENDEDA BUILDING | COURTESY OF KENDEDA FUND

Meanwhile Living Future’s Just label measures an organization’s commitment to social justice and equity — encouraging companies to examine how they treat their people as closely as how they treat the planet. “Promoting a more equitable built environment is a goal of our Equity Petal,” Carey-Moore emphasizes. “And it's a distinguishing feature of our programs.” From Sustainability to Regeneration Living Future isn’t just pushing the industry to go further — it’s inviting us to leap to a new paradigm.

Sustainability asks: How can we sustain what we have?

CITY OF SANTA MONICA | CITY SERVICES BUILDING

IMAGE BY: AMBER RICHANE

Regeneration asks: How can we repair, restore, and reimagine what’s possible?

The Kendeda Building is a case study in this philosophy: Its Place Petal transformed a paved lot into a living landscape that sequesters carbon, provides shade, and supports pollinators. Its Water Petal harvests and treats all water onsite, restoring natural hydrology. Its Energy Petal produces more power than it consumes, thanks to solar arrays and efficient systems. Its Health Petal prioritizes daylight, natural ventilation, and views. Its Materials Petal helped reshape product manufacturing by challenging red list ingredients.

IMAGE BY: JONATHAN HILLYER KENDEDA BUILDING | COURTESY OF KENDEDA FUND

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Built America Magazine | West

IMAGE BY BENJAMIN BENSCHNEIDER, COURTESY OF ZGF ARCHITECTS LLP PAE LIVING BUILDING

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Its Equity Petal elevated local trades through workforce development. Its Beauty Petal inspires everyone who walks through its doors. “Rather than reducing harm, these projects actually restore — they give back,” Carey-Moore says. “They’re models of what buildings should be.” Barriers, Breakthroughs, and What Comes Next

Of course, regenerative design is not without its challenges.

Outdated building codes often prevent rainwater use or on-site waste treatment. Design decisions made too early — without integrated collaboration — can derail performance goals. Some teams lack access to experts in ecology, energy modeling, or low-carbon materials. But Living Future is ready. With a growing suite of support tools, feasibility reviews, webinars, advocacy resources, and a deeply engaged practitioner community, they help project teams overcome barriers and build smarter from day one. “We don’t expect every project to become a Living Building tomorrow,” Carey-Moore says. “But we want every project team to feel like it’s possible — and know they have support.” 23

IMAGE BY: MARCO CALDERON MUHLENBERG COLLEGE FAHY COMMONS | LBC CORE CERTIFIED

This year, Living Future is launching a Zero Carbon Existing Building Pilot , focused on retrofits and interior updates. Their vision? A future where regenerative, resilient design becomes the default — not the exception — by 2030. Innovation, Policy,

and the Power of Collective Action

Living Future understands that change is never just technical — it’s cultural, political, and collaborative. “To act like a movement, we have to listen to each other, advocate for policy changes, train others, and show up for our communities,” said Living Future CEO Lindsay Baker at the 2023 Living Future conference. From leading The Buildings Breakthrough with the UN’s GlobalABC, to advancing embodied carbon transparency through the ECHO Project , to aligning materials language through the Common Materials Framework , ILFI is influencing every layer of the built environment — from the codebooks to the concrete. This year, they’ll release Design to the Nines , a report exploring how regenerative materials can help restore Earth’s nine planetary boundaries — a science-based framework for environmental safety and resilience. “Business as usual won’t keep pace with the magnitude of the challenge,” Carey- Moore says. “We’re expected to add the equivalent of a new New York City to the planet every month until 2060. Every building matters.” 24 S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T

Built America Magazine | West

A Call to Action: The Blueprint Is Here

So, where do we begin?

“Start by exploring the LBC manual. Use it for inspiration,” says Carey-Moore. “Schedule a call. Register a project. Or join our community and learn alongside others.” Living Future’s ultimate goal is simple but profound: to ensure that regeneration becomes common practice — embedded in every blueprint, budget, and build. A future where buildings clean the air, replenish the land, uplift communities, and spark joy is not just possible — it’s within reach. “We aim to have regenerative, resilient solutions adopted as the common practice for everyone creating and maintaining buildings by 2030,” Carey-Moore affirms.

The blueprint is here. The tools are in our hands.

The time to build the future — is now.

Written by Skyler Grey Editor in Chief Built America Magazine

IMAGE BY: JAMIE GOODWICK, COURTESY OF PAE ENGINEERS PAE LIVING BUILDING

What if the future of construction wasn’t measured in square footage— but in trust? What if a contractor didn’t just show up with blueprints and a bid, but with honesty, consistency, and a genuine desire to serve? In an industry often clouded by missed deadlines and broken promises, Joshua Smith, founder of Apex Construction Innovations, is creating something rare: a remodeling company built on human connection, radical transparency, and a relentless commitment to doing things right. “I’ve been immersed in construction my whole life,” Josh shares. “From side jobs with my stepdad as a kid, to union work in college, to launching Apex in 2016 —I’ve never really been outside of this world.” What began as a vision shaped by mentorship has become one of California’s most trusted names in residential and commercial remodels. Whether it’s a $35,000 bathroom or a $300,000 kitchen transformation, Apex doesn’t just focus on the result—it focuses on the relationship. A Company Built on Transparency, Not Talk

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“There’s a lot of used car salesmen in construction,” Josh says. “A lot of snake oil. I never wanted Apex to be that. I wanted to be the one who communicates— who’s honest, who’s real.” That philosophy is more than lip service. At Apex, every project starts with a real conversation—not just about design, but about budget, expectations, and trust. Clients are looped in from the start, thanks to in-home design consultations and tailor- made plans. And that dialogue doesn’t stop once the contract’s signed. Every Sunday, Josh sends out personal updates: what went right, what went wrong, and exactly what the team is doing to fix it. “If there’s a problem, I always come to my clients with a solution,” he says. “It’s not about hiding the flaws. It’s about fixing them—together.” That sense of partnership extends throughout every milestone. At each critical stage—foundation, framing, plumbing—Josh walks the job site with the client, making sure nothing is missed, no concern overlooked. Design-Build with a Personal Touch One of Josh’s greatest strengths is also one of his most subtle: inclusion. “I leave them homework,” he laughs. “Paint swatches, design ideas—whatever keeps them involved. It keeps them focused on the dream, not the stress.” 29

That client-first mindset has made a measurable difference: over 90% of Apex’s prospects commit to contracts early in the process—not through sales pressure, but through shared vision. Even after the last fixture is installed, Josh continues showing up. Thoughtful thank-you cards, surprise game tickets, and even Christmas mailers keep Apex top of mind—and close to heart. “Little things go a long way,” he says. “You remember their favorite team. You remember their style. That’s the difference between completing a job and becoming their go-to contractor for life.”

Marketing That Speaks Volumes

Josh understood from the beginning that Apex needed to look as professional as it acted. “A lot of contractors in my area didn’t have websites or branding,” he says. “I wanted to raise the bar.” So he did. From a polished, custom-built website to branded hats and shirts, Josh made sure Apex would be remembered— and recognized. Today, he blends digital tools like Canva and Houzz with old-school boots-on-the- ground tactics—flyers, door-to-door connections, word-of-mouth. It’s that blend of modern marketing and human touch that’s helped Apex stand out. “You have to label yourself properly,” he says. “That extra layer of professionalism? It matters more than people think.” 32 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

A Crew That Builds With Heart

Josh’s belief in people doesn’t stop at his clients—it extends to the backbone of every build: his subcontractors.

“You’re only as strong as your subs,” he says. “And I build Apex on strong subs.”

That strength is earned. Josh treats his tradespeople with the same respect he gives clients—paying them on time, communicating clearly, and letting them own their craft without micromanagement. “They’re professionals. I hire them because I trust them. My job is to make expectations clear, and then let them shine.”

Built America Magazine | West

“And most states already respect California’s licensing—it’s just about passing local exams and showing up with integrity.” Eyes on the Horizon Many contractors dream of staying small, staying safe. Not Josh.

“A lot of guys get comfortable,” he says. “That’s not me. I want to grow.”

And grow he has. Year after year, Apex continues to scale—without cutting corners, sacrificing quality, or abandoning the values that brought it this far.

“We’ve been successful because we care. That’s not going to change.”

This year, he’s launching Apex’s first annual subcontractor appreciation event—bringing crews and their families to a pro sports game, all expenses paid. “Gratitude goes a long way,” Josh says. “Say thank you. Recognize good work. That’s how you build loyalty that lasts.” Rooted in California, Ready to Grow Apex Construction Innovations holds a full California license, with reciprocal recognition in Arizona, Nevada, and Louisiana. While the company is California-based, Josh is ready to expand when the right opportunity arises.

JOSHUA SMITH | OWNER

“We travel. We’re ready,” he says.

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The Apex Standard

And that’s exactly what Apex Construction Innovations is doing

There’s no secret sauce here— just a builder who believes in honesty, craftsmanship, and treating people right.

—one job, one relationship, one handshake at a time.

“This is a relationship business,” Josh says.

Written by Skyler Grey Editor in Chief Built America Magazine

“If you lead with honesty, if you put in the work, if you make people feel seen—you won’t just build homes. You’ll build something bigger than that.”

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When Doug Dale and Drew Napurano talk about HomeRiver Group (HRG), their message is consistent: property management may be about assets on paper, but the work is rooted in people and place. “We want to be in the markets, with our owners and our tenants,” says Napurano. “We want to know what occurs every day—not only to help owners get the right rents, but also to find the right tenants who will provide long-term value.” It’s this philosophy—combining national scale with local insight—that has helped HomeRiver grow into one of the largest full- service property management firms in the country, with operations spanning over 30 markets.

But scale was never the end goal. From its founding in 2016, HRG set out to solve a clear problem in the rental investment space: fragmentation.

Solving for Scale

Doug Dale, who co-founded HRG after running his own firm in Indianapolis, saw firsthand how disjointed the experience was for investors trying to manage properties in different cities. “They didn’t have one solution,” Dale explains. “They were working with various providers across a bunch of different markets, and it was difficult.” HRG’s founding model was built around a hybrid approach—centralized systems and infrastructure, backed by funding, paired with local experts who understood their communities.

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As Dale puts it, “You get best-in-class local team members who know the market, but they have the backing of a well-funded company that brings processes, reporting, and systems.” In 2020, the company took a major leap forward with its acquisition of Property Frameworks, its largest competitor at the time. “That deal was transformational,” says Napurano, who had just joined as Chief Operating Officer. “They were in about 15 markets we weren’t in, and they brought a strong operational team. It really gave us a shot in the arm.” The acquisition not only doubled the company’s size but gave HRG access to key regions—especially across Texas—and significantly expanded its national footprint.

National Systems, Local Insight

HRG’s structure is designed to balance scale with responsiveness. Back-office functions like finance, reporting, and call centers are centralized, but field operations stay local. “There are pieces that are best practices no matter where you're located,” Dale says. “Things like accounting and reporting, or 24/7 call centers—we can centralize those to support clients and residents efficiently.” But operational consistency doesn’t mean sacrificing local intelligence. “The local market expertise is about knowing which streets are performing well, where new schools are being built, where the population is shifting,” Dale continues.

A Full-Service Model “We’re more focused on being where our clients are,” Napurano says. “That’s how we help them get the right outcomes.” “Those kinds of insights come from team members who live and work in those areas every day.” It’s also a differentiator in how HRG competes. While some national firms outsource day-to-day work overseas, HRG doubles down on in-market presence. HRG describes itself as a “cradle to heaven” company—an internal phrase used to describe its end-to-end services for real estate investors. “We help clients find properties, renovate them if needed, market them at the right rent, and manage them day to day,” says Napurano.

DREW NAPURANO | COO

“We’re to disposition.” The company’s size also brings added advantages when it comes to repairs and vendor management. there from acquisition “We work with multiple companies in every market,” he adds. “That gives us the ability to get better pricing, faster service, and consistent quality.” These efficiencies not only help owners maximize returns—they also create a better experience for tenants, which HRG sees as an essential part of the value equation. “It’s not just about the owner’s income,” Napurano says. “It’s a home people live in every day, and we want their experience to reflect that.” Tech-Driven, People- Focused

DOUG DALE | FOUNDER

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As the company continues to grow, technology is playing an increasingly important role—but always in support of its service model, not as a replacement for it. “Our investors don’t care about what tech we’re using behind the scenes,” Dale says. “They care about results—whether their property is occupied, whether they’re getting paid, and whether they’re getting clear reporting.” The company is currently implementing a new enterprise system, including Salesforce, to streamline internal processes, improve employee experience, and boost transparency for both owners and tenants. “We think it’ll deliver value across the board,” Dale notes. “For clients, for residents, and for our team.”

Napurano adds that one of the biggest tech wins has been in leasing—particularly using underwriting software to screen tenants and set rents that align with real-time market conditions. “It gives us the ability to understand and find the right tenants at the right rates,” he says.

Serving Both Institutional and Individual Owners

One of HRG’s strengths is its ability to serve very different types of clients—ranging from large institutional funds to everyday landlords managing one or two properties.

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“The institutional side needs high-level reporting,” Dale explains. “They’re looking at portfolio metrics, rent growth, renewal data. Retail owners need more guidance and hands-on support.” Napurano adds that the scale of the company helps it serve both well. “We’ve partnered with national brokerages like eXp to bring more agents to the table,” he says. “And our property managers are always talking to owners about whether to buy more homes or sell.” This consultative approach is particularly valuable in a shifting market.

Maintaining Strong Vendor Relationships As home prices rise and interest rates stay high, more owners are leaning on HRG to help them time their decisions. HomeRiver Group works with both regional and local vendors for everything from routine maintenance to full-scale renovations. “All vendors go through a standard screening process,” Dale says. “We make sure they have insurance, proper documentation—and we set expectations clearly at the start.”

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The vendor management to local field inspectors and coordinators, who maintain company assigns relationships and ensure service quality. “We pay them on time, and they know they can count on consistent work,” Dale says. “That’s how we’ve built strong, reliable partnerships.” Investing in the Resident Experience As more Americans choose to rent long term, HRG is putting renewed focus on resident satisfaction. “We do inspections several times a year,” Napurano says. “We’re looking at what can be improved, and we bring that back to the owner.” The goal is long-term tenant retention, which benefits both sides. Happy tenants stay longer, and owners avoid turnover costs. HRG also offers responsive digital tools—like maintenance chatbots and 24/7 support centers—to ensure resident needs are addressed quickly. “We want tenants to have the same experience as someone who owns a home,” Napurano says Engaging with the Community Through its internal “Culture Crew,” HRG supports community initiatives across its markets—

ranging from food drives to Habitat for Humanity builds. “Our teams do a great job locally,” Dale says. “We share photos and videos in our town halls and newsletters, and we allow volunteer time off. We think it’s incredibly important.” While Dale doesn’t frame it as a marketing strategy, it’s clear HRG sees community involvement as more than a side effort. “Rental properties are part of the fabric of a community,” he says. “We want to have a good relationship with those communities—and giving back is one way to do that.” Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead, both leaders see opportunity— but they’re also aware of the challenges.

“We’re looking at market dynamics, legislation, and affordability,” Napurano says. “Rent prices continue to climb, and we have to balance that with what residents can afford.” Eco-friendly upgrades and sustainability initiatives are also on the company’s radar, though as Napurano notes, they’re often driven by owners. “Some of our owners are looking at things like solar panels,” he says. “Others haven’t made that leap yet, but we’re continuing to explore those options for the future.” As for expansion, the company plans to grow in 2025 and beyond through both acquisitions and new owner partnerships—targeting underserved markets and strategic regions.

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More Than Management

What sets HomeRiver Group apart isn’t just its national footprint—it’s the clarity of purpose behind it. In an industry where efficiency can come at the cost of connection, HRG continues to prioritize local expertise, stable tenant experiences, and long-term partnerships with owners. As the market evolves, the company isn’t chasing volume for its own sake—it’s building infrastructure for lasting impact. As Napurano puts it, “We’re trying to make sure the people living in these homes have the same experience as someone who owns their home—and that the owners feel confident knowing we’re in it with them, for the long haul.” 49

Steered by Grace, Powered by Purpose

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Built America Magazine | West

In the world of construction, you’ll find plenty of talk about specs, square footage, and finishings. But for John Martin, founder of Superior Home Builders located in Mount Veron, Oregon, success isn’t measured in profit margins or how fast a job is done. It’s measured in people—how deeply he connects with them, how well he serves them, and whether he’s left their lives better than he found them. “I’m not the fastest. I’m not the cheapest,” John says simply. “But we take our time, and we do what we say we’re going to do.” That isn’t just the foundation of his work ethic—it’s the foundation of his life. It All Started with a Moose "The path that led to Superior Home Builders wasn’t linear—it carved its way through logging with heavy equipment, government roadwork, global teaching adventures, and cross-country moves."

But if you ask John, it really started with a moose.

“I was praying a lot, asking God where I was supposed to be,” he shares. “I no more than dropped off the pavement up near Kalispell, Montana, and when a big moose walked right in front of my truck. I just knew—I want to live here.” From that moment, John didn’t just build houses—he started building a life rooted in faith, family, and fierce resilience.

“I didn’t know how to build a house. I figured if someone else could do it, so could I,” he says with a laugh. “I wasn’t too proud to ask questions.” John’s first house—built by hand in the rugged chill of Montana—was off by an inch and a half on one end, and three- quarters of an inch on the other. “But we were warm. And nobody else knew but me,” he says with a grin. Building Through Hardship The early days weren’t glamorous. John, his wife, and their young son lived in their under-construction home, using an outhouse 80 feet from the front door until he could get plumbing in.

“We potty-trained our youngest in that outhouse,” he chuckles.

It wasn’t easy—but it was real.

After selling their Montana home in the dead of winter (a family from Arizona miraculously bought it with four feet of snow on the ground), the Martins packed their lives and moved to Michigan. Then, not long after, back to the mountains of eastern Oregon—closer to John’s aging parents. “They need us now more than ever,” he says. “And I know I’m right where God wants me to be.”

That sense of purpose isn’t just personal—it flows into every home John builds.

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More Than a Name

Superior Home Builders began with a conversation at the kitchen table. “We all sat down—me and my folks—and tried to think up a name,” John recalls. “I had just built our place and theirs, and I wanted to keep building homes.” But for John, “superior” isn’t about boasting. It’s about intention. “I wanted to build homes and make a difference in people’s lives,” he says. And that mission has guided him ever since. His first job was a deck. That turned into two decks, then sidewalks, then a garage with a two-story addition. “At that time, I had my dad helping me and my oldest son, who was 13 and had to sit down and rest every couple of hours,” he says. “We worked through it.” Now, more than two decades later, Superior Home Builders has handled projects ranging from custom homes to major government facilities, financial institutions and motels, each one infused with the same values John carried up a Montana mountainside. What Sets Him Apart In a profession where speed and scalability dominate the conversation, John offers something different — something incre- asingly rare. “I believe in doing one project at a time. I don’t start another job until the first one is finished—unless I’m waiting on subs or delayed materials,” he explains. “We follow the Golden Rule: treat people the way we’d want to be treated.” His impact stretches far beyond blueprints and beams. “I’ve had clients who passed away, and their families asked me to conduct the funeral.

JOHN MARTIN | PRESIDENT

I officiated at one of our employees wedding” he says. “It’s not just building—it’s life.” That authenticity creates a bond that endures. “We get a lot of repeat customers. Word of mouth is everything in a small town,” John says. “Believe it or not, people still use the Yellow Pages up here.” Standing Strong Through Fire and Ice Two projects stand out in recent memory— both for the quality of the work and the courage it took to get through them. The first was for retired fire chief Jim Klum and his wife Julie in Seneca, Oregon—a town known as the coldest spot in the continental U.S., where winter temperatures once dropped to 54 below zero.

John’s team had to race against the weather, adding two stories to a modest home and getting it fully enclosed before the snow arrived. “We got it buttoned up just in time,” he says. “And Jim’s whole family was able to spend Christmas there.” The second project—just last year—was for a privately owned building leased to both state and federal government agencies. “It was a $500,000 job, the biggest we’ve done,” John says.

And it came with unimaginable challenges.

Midway through the project, Oregon was struck by the worst wildfire season in state history. The road home was closed. The air quality was dangerous. John and his crew kept working through the smoke.

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Then, fire threatened John’s own home.

“I took two weeks off, got on my bulldozer, and cut fire lines around my parents’ house and ours,” he says. “We cut down over 100 trees. We hauled out food, freezers, everything. And by God’s grace, the rain came. The fire didn’t get us.” They lost two and a half weeks of build time—but still finished the project on schedule. “Deanne, the client, was patient. And the job got done,” he says with quiet pride. A Builder with a Shepherd’s Heart What John brings to his work can’t be taught in a trade school or priced into a bid. It’s the lived experience of someone who has been a laborer, a husband, a father, and now a leader. His crew members aren’t just employees— they’re family. “One of my guys, 25 years old, just left to go into the medical field,” John shares. “He’s got several kids. The nursing home he works for is putting him through school. I’m proud of him.”

At 66, John isn’t done yet. “In five years, I’ll be 71. My wife keeps asking when I’m going to retire,” he laughs. “But I’ve got strength. I’d like to grow. Maybe take on a few more custom homes. Hire a couple more guys. We’ll see where God leads.” The future may not be drawn in pencil just yet, but the foundation is solid. Built on faith. Built on compassion. Built on love for the craft and care for the people who benefit from it. “Every January,” John admits, “I find myself praying, ‘Lord, are we going to have work this year?’ Looking Ahead—With Gratitude

And his subcontractors? He treats them like gold.

“I pay them as soon as I can. I split travel stipends with them. One of my plumbers said he’s been in business over 20 years and never got paid for something he hadn’t done yet,” John says. “I’ve been an employee. I remember what it feels like.”

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“Living in a sparsely populated county is challenging, But God always provides.”

And that is the quiet miracle of Superior Home Builders: a business born from grit, steered by grace, and powered by purpose—one meaningful home at a time.

Written by Skyler Grey | Editor in Chief Built America Magazine

Ready to build something extraordinary?

Discover more about Superior Home Builders and explore their portfolio at

superiorhomebuilderscorp.com.

As Custom As You Are

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Built America Magazine | West

They came with $500 and a suitcase each. That’s how Oleg begins the story—not with blueprints, not with branding, but with a memory. A memory of a family arriving in America in 1990 from Ukraine, with hands built for craft and hearts built for legacy. His father, a cabinetmaker by trade, couldn’t speak the language. But his skill spoke volumes. “He went to school right away to learn English,” Oleg says. “And within a year, he had a job with a local remodeling company. Everything here—the tools, the systems—it was all new to him. But he learned. He adapted. That’s where it all began.” It began in a garage behind their home in Salem, Oregon. A modest cabinet shop born out of resilience, not ambition. And it grew, year after year, until it became something more. Something called Foksha Homes. Not Just Building Homes — Building Forward Foksha Homes isn’t the result of a singular vision. It’s a story of slow, deliberate evolution. Of a father and son walking into construction side by side, one with sawdust in his blood, the other with business in his bones. 63

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“I never thought of myself as a construction guy,” Oleg laughs. “I was the real estate one. I was supposed to sell the homes while Dad built them.” But life had other plans. When the recession hit in 2008, both father and son found themselves without clients, without projects, without much hope. Until the phone rang. Banks needed someone to fix half-built homes. Foreclosures needed finishing. And the two of them? They needed purpose. “We just started working,” Oleg says. “Little by little, one job turned into another. I looked up one day and realized—I wasn’t in real estate anymore. I was building.” By 2014, Foksha Homes was born in its full form. And the two were no longer just father and son. They were partners. A Philosophy of Craft, Not Scale Today, Foksha Homes builds everything from $20,000 bathroom remodels to multi- million-dollar estate renovations. But price isn’t the point. People are. “We never want to get to the point where we can’t help someone,” Oleg says. “We don’t have a minimum. We don’t say, ‘Your job isn’t big enough.’ If someone comes to us and it’s realistic—we make it happen.” What makes them truly unique isn’t just the quality of the work. It’s the continuity behind it. “We use the same subs—every time,” he explains. “The same plumber, same electrician, same cabinet maker. Whether it’s a $20,000 job or a $2 million build, it’s the same hands. That means something to me.” 65

His team includes nine full-time employees, four of whom are hand-selected carpenters. Together, they walk each job, inspect every detail, and ensure that every nail, every finish, every fixture meets the Foksha standard. “We don’t hire just anyone,” he adds. “Some of our subs have been with us for over 20 years. And if they’re not up to par—we don’t bring them back. It’s that simple.” Relationships Over Transactions Ask Oleg what sets Foksha Homes apart, and the answer isn’t technical. It’s human. “I never want to build a home and then avoid that client in the aisle at Costco,” he says.

OLEG & OKSANA FOKSHA | OWNERS

It means integrity. It means standards. And it means never compromising quality for volume. A Builder Who Still Builds Oleg doesn’t sit in a corner office. He walks job sites. He knows the trades, the details, the dust. “I’m not a project manager. I’m a builder,” he says simply. He learned from his father, a master of finish carpentry. “Cabinetry and staircases—those are the pieces that hide everyone else’s mistakes,” he says. “If you grow up learning to make those perfect, you learn how to fix everything.” 66 S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

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“I want to shake their hand. I want to build again for their kids, their in-laws, their neighbors.” That’s not a marketing line. It’s a philosophy. His clients return again and again—not just because of the craftsmanship, but because of the care.

The House That’s Hardest to Build

Among the dozens of homes he’s completed, the hardest one might just be his own.

“My wife and I are building our family’s home right now,” he says, smiling. “And I have to admit—taking my own advice is harder than I thought.” Still, it’s become a labor of love. A home that will represent not just his family, but the philosophy that built Foksha Homes. It’s also one of many. This year alone, the team is building a home for the Home Builders Association’s “New Product Home”—a fundraiser that unites the community around craftsmanship and service.

“They’re not paychecks. They’re people. And we treat them that way.”

That care extends to the trades, too. Foksha doesn’t pit subs against each other for the lowest bid. He respects their value—and in turn, they respect the project. “It’s a balance,” he says. “I walk between the client’s needs and the sub’s needs. That relationship—that respect—is everything.”

The Story Behind the Walls “There may not have been much profit,” he says, “but it was one of the most rewarding projects we’ve ever done.” And still, Oleg says one of his proudest builds was for a schoolteacher—a single mom with kids—whose modest budget didn’t deter him from delivering something beautiful. What makes Foksha Homes remarkable isn’t the architecture. It’s the storytelling. Each home is different because each family is different. “We never build the same house twice,” Oleg says. “Because none of our clients are the same.”

That’s why Foksha takes time—hours and hours—to learn who they’re building for. What they love. How they live. What legacy they want to leave behind. “We’re not just investing their money into a home,” he says. “We’re investing it into their future.”

Marketing With Meaning

Oleg doesn’t love social media. But he uses it—because it works. “I started posting little videos on TikTok and Instagram—project updates, behind-the-scenes stuff. It felt silly at first,” he admits. “But then a client in Texas found us. We’re now working with them on a coastal home in Oregon.”

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It’s that transparency, that window into the process, that makes Foksha stand out. It’s not curated perfection. It’s honesty. It’s reality. “It’s just being present,” Oleg says. “Being consistent. That’s how people come to trust you.”

Not offices. Not empires. Homes.

“I want to know my clients. I want to walk the builds. I don’t want to sit behind a desk all day.”

The Foundation Beneath It All

Legacy, Not Just Longevity

In a time when speed often outpaces care, and scale often overshadows soul, Foksha Homes builds a different way. A slower way. A truer way. Oleg doesn’t just build for profit. He builds for purpose. And in doing so, he’s created more than a company. He’s created a craft that honors his roots, his family, and his community. Because for Foksha Homes, the story doesn’t begin with concrete.

His father, now retired, still stops by the job sites. His wife helps run the business. And while Oleg doesn’t know if his four children will someday take the reins, he hopes the company’s story continues. “My dad started something meaningful. I took it to a new level. If my kids want it, I want them to take it even further.”

But no matter how big Foksha Homes grows, Oleg’s focus remains the same: build homes.

It begins with character.

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