LEGACY BUILDERS BAMWEST

WEST

VOLUME I | EDITION I

Where Legacy Begins ROLEX Built for Those Who Build What Lasts

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:: S&S HOMES

Thirty Years of Building Futures, Families, and Legacy BERGMAN BUILD LLC Forged in Fire, Built in Faith Build. Lead . Serve. — The Bergman Way . Serve. — The Bergman Way FORGED CONSTRUCTION

BUILDERS Legacy EDITION

Chief Executive Officer Tamara Bellamy-Breen

Chief Financial Officer William Breen

Executive Publisher Mara Mather

Built America Magazine West connects your brand with over 125,000 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.

Director of Operations Scott Carter

Business Development Managers Laura Dobson Mary Ann Taylor Nina Torres Menzi Sumile

Editor-in-Chief Skyler Grey

Associate Editors Georgia Taylor Greg O’Brien

Production Manager Bill Gregson

Editorial Outreach Manager Brianna Jordan Darlene Muise

Mara Mather e: editorials@builtamericamagazine.com

Chief Digital Officer (CDO)/Digital Strategy Manager Peter Gibbs

editorials@builtamericamagazine.com Email for all inquiries:

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Built America Magazine | West

DEAR READER FROM OUR EDITOR

Built America Magazine West: The Legacy Builder’s Edition

Welcome to the Built America Magazine | West Legacy Builders Edition—an issue dedicated to the brands and builders who define excellence through time, craftsmanship, and enduring vision. In this special edition, we explore what it means to build with intention. Legacy is not measured by scale alone, but by the standards upheld, the values passed forward, and the impact left behind long after the project is complete.

“ We commit to fully inclusive journeying with our collaborators, ensuring their stories are shared with integrity and passion. ”

These are not just projects—they are legacies in motion. Stories of builders and brands committed to excellence, responsibility, and work that stands the test of time. We hope this edition inspires you as much as it inspired us—reminding us that legacy is not built overnight, but earned through consistency, vision, and care.

Proudly featuring:

Rolex , leading this edition with an exclusive feature on timeless precision, master craftsmanship, and a philosophy built for those who create what lasts. S&S Homes of the Central Coast , celebrating three decades of building communities rooted in quality and care, with an in-depth interview featuring Janet Axelsen on leadership, longevity, and building with purpose.

Forged Construction , where strength, faith, and integrity shape work designed to endure.

Warm regards, The Editorial Team

Bergman Build LLC , exemplifying a disciplined approach to craftsmanship, service, and thoughtful execution.

INSIDE

SPECIAL INTEREST

14 ROLEX

Built for Those Who Build What Lasts

30 FORGED CONSTRUCTION Forged in Fire, Built in Faith

42 BERGMAN BUILD LLC

ROLEX

Build. Lead. Serve. — The Bergman Way

56 STORY BUILT HOMES

Home is Just the Beginning

66 S&S HOMES OF THE CENTRAL COAST Thirty Years of Building Futures, Families, and Legacy

CONSTRUCTION CORPS Thirty Years of Building Futures, Families, and Legacy

CLOSING LINES

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BUILDING FOR THE WEST’S FUTURE Sustainability Where It Matters Most

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IBS SPECIAL EDITION

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERSHIP Get Your Free Pass to 2026 Disasters Expo/Resilient Cities Expo Highlighting This Years Most Innovative Exhibitors and Attendees

S&S HOMES OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

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SHARE YOUR STORY CONNECT. ENGAGE. INSPIRE.

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. MULTI-LEVEL PRICING, UNMATCHED VALUE, MAXIMUM EXPOSURE ADVERTISING Let us help you amplify your business, spotlight your products and services, and expose yourself to the unlimited connections across America’s construction landscape. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your brand and make a lasting impact in the industry today.

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MX FUEL™ 20" Plate Compactor MXF220-2HD

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MX FUEL 14" CUT OFF SAW MXF315-2XC

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OPENING LINES

The Legacy Builders Edition

In this special Legacy Builders Edition of Built America Magazine West, we turn the spotlight toward the leaders shaping the soul of modern construction — not just through what they build, but how and why they build it. This issue honors a remarkable group of builders whose impact goes far beyond floorplans and finishes. These are the companies building with intention, integrity, and an eye toward the next generation. From the generational craftsmanship of S&S Homes, to the bold vision of Forged Construction, to the detail-driven ethos of Bergman Build LLC and to Story Built Homes, focused on building more than a house, a place to call home — these firms represent what it truly means to build a legacy. Together, they show us that legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind. It’s about what you create today — the homes, communities, and values that endure. Through every beam placed and every relationship built, these companies are quietly rewriting the rules of construction, one story at a time. This edition is a tribute to those who lead not with ego, but with purpose. Who don’t just build houses — they build trust, beauty, connection, and impact.

Keep reading to meet the Legacy Builders who are shaping the future of homebuilding, by honoring the values that stand the test of time.

FEATURED EXCLUSIVE ROLEX

For more than a century, Rolex has represented something increasingly rare: work built without shortcuts, guided by patience, and measured not in trends, but in time itself. Founded in 1905, Rolex was driven by a singular belief—that precision, reliability, and craftsmanship, when pursued without compromise, create objects that outlast their moment. What began as the pursuit of the world’s most dependable wristwatch became a legacy that would come to define excellence across generations. That philosophy mirrors the foundation of legacy building. Like the builders featured throughout this edition, Rolex has never been concerned with what is temporary. Its watches are engineered for permanence—designed, tested, and refined to perform decade after decade, often passed down not as possessions, but as inheritances. Rolex pioneered innovations that reshaped its industry, from waterproof cases to self-winding movements and chronometric precision standards that remain benchmarks today. Yet its most enduring achievement may be its restraint—the discipline to evolve without abandoning core principles. More than instruments of time, Rolex watches have accompanied explorers, engineers, and builders whose work demands reliability under pressure and purpose beyond recognition. They are not symbols of status, but tools of trust, marking milestones earned through mastery and commitment. This Legacy Builders Edition is dedicated to those who share that same ethos. The builders who follow do not measure success by speed or volume, but by integrity, foresight, and the belief that what we build today should still matter tomorrow.

Rolex stands at the forefront of this conversation not because it builds structures, but because it embodies the values that enduring structures require.

In a world driven by immediacy, true legacy is never rushed .

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ROLEX Built for Those Who Build What Lasts

Written by: Skyler Grey | Built America Magazine

In construction, legacy is not an abstract idea. It is concrete, steel, wood, and responsibility.

Legacy is measured in projects that outlive their creators. In structures that carry families, businesses, and communities forward long after the final inspection is complete. For builders and developers, time is not theoretical. It is measured in schedules honored, systems that perform, and reputations earned over decades of decision-making.

It is within that context that Rolex has long held relevance among legacy builders.

Rolex World Headquarters Geneva | Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

“Every Rolex watch reflects what we strive to achieve, perpetually: watchmaking excellence at the service of human accomplishments.”

— Rolex Watchmaking Philosophy

Hans Wilsdorf Founder of Rolex 1942 Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Founded in 1905, Rolex was built on a singular conviction: that excellence is achieved not through shortcuts or trends, but through uncompromising standards, technical mastery, and long- term vision. From its earliest innovations to its modern manufacturing processes, the company has remained focused on creating timepieces designed for permanence — instruments intended to endure across generations.

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“Since its creation, Rolex has been driven by a passion: to design and manufacture watches that stand the test of time.” — Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO, Rolex

First Oyster Cushion Shaped 1926 Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Precision Is Not Optional In construction and development, precision is foundational. Small tolerances influence long- term performance, safety, and reliability. Accuracy governs everything from engineering calculations to execution in the field.

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Daily Mail 1927 Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

First Submariner 1953 Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Watchmaking, Parachrom Hairspring Assembly | Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

In-house casting of 18 ct gold alloys used in the manufacture of Rolex watches Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Reliability Test for Oyster Bracelets Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Testing of the Winding System via a Perpetual Rotor | Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Final Assembly of a Submariner Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy 20

Movement 2236 Equips the Oyster Perpetual Date Just Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Rolex approaches watchmaking with the same discipline. It became the first wristwatch brand to receive a Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision — a recognition rooted in performance, not aesthetics. For Rolex, precision is not an embellishment; it is an engineering requirement. Each timepiece is designed as a fully integrated system, engineered to perform consistently under real-world conditions. This approach resonates with builders responsible for complex assemblies, tight timelines, and outcomes that must perform long after delivery.

Performance in Real Environments Construction professionals work in environments defined by exposure.

Weather, vibration, dust, pressure, and time itself.

Rolex has long approached innovation through the same lens: performance must hold under demanding conditions. In 1926, the introduction of the Oyster case marked a functional breakthrough — the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. The innovation demonstrated a principle familiar to builders: performance should not diminish when conditions are difficult. In 1931, Rolex introduced the Perpetual self- winding movement, designed to maintain consistent operation through motion. The concept emphasized reliability, efficiency, and continuity — values that align closely with modern construction priorities, where dependable systems and long- term performance are essential.

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy 22

The Waterproofness of Each Finished Watch is Tested in a Hyperbaric Tank Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Designed for Longevity Unlike products intended for short replacement cycles, Rolex timepieces are engineered as long-term instruments. Each watch is assembled, tested, and certified to internal standards that exceed industry benchmarks, supported by a global service network designed to sustain performance over decades.

“Superlative… more than a word, it is a vision. A commitment to designing and manufacturing increasingly reliable, high- performance watches.” —Rolex Watchmaking Philosophy Each Watch Certified as a Superlative Chronometer Comes with Rolex’s Green Seal | Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

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This philosophy closely mirrors the mindset of legacy builders.

Those who design with foresight, accountability, and respect for future generations. Just as well-constructed buildings become part of a city’s fabric, a Rolex often becomes part of a personal journey, worn through different phases of a career and, in many cases, passed down as a reflection of work completed with integrity. Leadership and Responsibility As builders grow into owners, developers, and stewards of larger projects, the tools they rely on often evolve alongside their responsibilities. Rolex’s enduring presence across professions reflects an understanding that leadership is defined not by excess, but by responsibility — to teams, clients, communities, and the future.

Watches and Wonders 2022 Pre-Fair Session Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

Rolex’s long-standing engagement with architecture, exploration, engineering, and environmental initiatives underscores a broader commitment to responsible progress. The brand aligns itself with disciplines that demand accountability, precision, and long-term thinking. The same qualities required of those shaping the built environment.

The Perpetual Planet Initiative Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Courtesy of Rolex Newsroom

A Shared Standard

Within construction and development, Rolex is often regarded not simply as a luxury timepiece, but as a symbol of professional milestones — representing standards upheld over time, decisions made under pressure, and work carried out with intention.

For legacy builders, time is not something to chase. It is something to manage, protect, and respect.

And for those who build with the expectation that their work will stand long after they are gone, Rolex reflects a shared belief:

What lasts matters.

Forged in Fire, Built in Faith

Not just to raise walls and nail beams, but to shape something lasting under pressure—to craft beauty out of strain and anchor legacy in soil and stone.. For Brad Covington, founder of Forged Construction, building has never been just about lumber and blueprints. For him, it’s about a process as old as creation itself: the act of being forged. “The way a thing is forged is with heat and pressure,” Brad reflects. “At the time we were starting our company, it felt very much like we were being forged.” From the fires of personal trial to the quiet determination of a Navy kid helping raise his family’s home in rural Oklahoma, Brad’s journey has been marked by both heat and pressure. Out of that refining came Forged Construction—a company built not merely to construct houses, but to honor people, faith, and the very idea of home. Roots in Rural Soil Brad’s introduction to construction wasn’t in a classroom. It was in the dirt of Oklahoma, hammer in hand, standing alongside a small crew as they built his family’s home. “That builder was just your traditional old school builder—one man and two guys—and they built the whole thing,” Brad recalls. What does it mean to build?

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

“As a homeschooled Navy kid, I got to participate in virtually the entire construction of that house, and that’s where my exposure first happened.” Those years shaped a work ethic as enduring as the land itself. In small-town life, you didn’t just build—you mended, you lifted beams shoulder-to-shoulder, and you made do. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest. And it planted a seed that would one day grow into something far greater.

A Family Decision in a Season of Fire

Years later in Idaho, Brad carried another mantle—that of a firefighter. Yet the uncertainty of government mandates threatened his career, forcing him to face a crossroads. “Out of a sense of security, I told my wife, ‘Let’s do something where we can work together,’” he shares. “She was working full-time as basically a super bookkeeper for an accounting firm. I said, ‘Why don’t you come and work with me, and we’ll start a construction company on the side?’” It was a leap of faith. But faith had always been Brad’s compass. Together, he and his wife built more than a company—they built a calling. From the firehouse, Brad carried over a rare and vital skill: the ability to delegate. “All of these business principles that builders have a hard time learning were just deeply ingrained,” Brad explains.

“Delegation was the missing piece. That’s what allows us to scale, not just survive.”

A Name with Weight

The name Forged Construction is no accident. It is a declaration .

“Being forged is a painful process, but it’s always a good thing,” Brad says. “That’s where the best tools are made. And as a firefighter, I very much appreciate the fire and the work that it does.” To Brad, the word forged is about more than fire and metal. It’s about resilience, transformation, and the strength born when pressure refines character.

Building for Glory, Not Ego

In an industry often measured in speed and profit, Forged Construction pursues a higher purpose. “I joyfully build for the glory of God, not for my own” Brad affirms. “That fixes everything—how I treat my crew, how I treat my customer. When we do work, we do it as if it was a gift we were presenting to the God who built us and built our world.” For Brad, faith isn’t a quiet undercurrent— it’s the framework of every project. The Art of Brutal Honesty

Brad’s approach with clients is refreshingly direct. He believes in confronting hard truths at the beginning, not after the contract is signed. “If I’m going to be brutally transparent with a customer, I’m going to disappoint them as much as I possibly can at the outset,” he explains. “I’ll tell them, ‘You can’t afford this.’ Or, ‘With that budget, your finishings will be so low-end you’ll wish you had a smaller, more quality home.’”

That honesty creates trust.

“Everyone says under promise, over deliver,” Brad says. “But I think that can turn into laziness. The goal is to promise everything that needs to be promised—and deliver on them.”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

“There are so many small families making $70,000 a year, trying to figure out how they’ll ever afford a home,” he explains. “The Mini House is a foothold. Maybe $350,000 total with land. It’s not their forever home, but it gets them into the market.” For some, it’s a beginning. For others, a dignified downsize. For all, it’s a chance at ownership. “I joyfully build for the glory of God, not for my own”

While Forged Construction builds high-end custom homes, Brad’s heart also leans toward families on the margins of the housing market. A Foothold for Families: The Mini House

“We recently tried what we call the Mini House,” he says.

“It’s a hybrid between a conservative home and a tiny home—one bedroom, one bath, with a really spacious open area. About 24 by 24 feet. Real home, real property .”

BRAD & NICOLE COVINGTON | OWNERS

Though some investors doubted the concept, Brad stood firm.

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Built America Magazine | West

Loyalty That Builds Trust

Above all else, Brad’s loyalty lies with his team.

“At a certain point, you have to decide who you’re going to trust most,” he says. “Is it the customer or is it the teammate? If I determine that my team did not fail, I’m not going to compromise the value and trust I place on my teammates. We’re not going to turn on each other.” That fierce commitment fosters a culture where craftsmen feel honored , defended , and empowered to give their best. “I want teammates who will be with me for a career,” Brad adds. “Not just a mill of employees who pass through.” Building with Partners, Not Just Suppliers

“Being forged is a painful process, but it’s always a good thing, that’s where the best tools are made.”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

Forged Construction treats suppliers as part of the team, not just vendors. “The best teams are built on trust and sharing the load,” Brad explains. “Sure, the new Home Depot has lower prices. But my local supplier’s eagerness to serve me far outperforms that. They’re a member of my team.” For Brad, construction isn’t a transaction. It’s a community. The Horizon Ahead Forged Construction’s future is filled with both ambition and intention. “We live in Idaho—it’s a beautiful area. Trees are our commodity here, and we’ve seen a rise in high-end custom homes. Heavy timber framing is something we’re growing into,” Brad shares.

“And I want my guys who’ve been with me since the beginning to become leaders themselves. To take ownership, solve problems, and allow us to scale.” The Legacy of a Forged Home When the last nail is set and the dust clears, Brad hopes people feel more than satisfaction. He hopes they feel reverence. “The contributions you see front and center—that’s the team,” he says.

“My wife does all of the pre-build design with our customers. The finishings, the kitchen design—those aren’t things I myself would have to offer. But together, our team harnesses old-school and new-school strengths to create a high-finish product.” At its heart, Forged Construction is about more than craftsmanship. It is about care. About homes built with dignity, integrity, and a vision for generations. “We joyfully build for the glory of God,” Brad concludes. “Not for ourselves. And that changes everything.”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

See how Forged Construction brings faith, integrity, and craftsmanship together at forgedconstruction.work

Build. Lead. Serve. — The Bergman Way

Written by: Skyler Grey Editor in Chief | Built America Magazine

Steel bones rise from dust and dirt, cranes gliding like giants in the California sun. Inside the gridlines of possibility, Bergman Build LLC doesn’t just break ground, they break convention. Where most see job sites, they see future hospitals, labs, learning centers, and hope etched in rebar and poured concrete. Here, every structure tells a story. Every beam carries meaning. Welcome to the world of Bergman Build, where the commercial and industrial landscape is built with more than muscle. It’s built with purpose, precision, and people at the center of it all.

At the heart of it is Peter Livermore, Vice President — a builder not born but made.

“I wasn’t born into construction. I wasn’t the son of a contractor. I found my way here through hard work and learning from the ground up,” says Livermore.

BECKMAN COULTER, BREA CA

“My earliest days in the field were about soaking up knowledge. Estimating, project engineering, assisting PMs. I lived every rung of the ladder.” From Cal Poly Pomona to job sites brimming with complexity, his journey was carved by years of hands-on experience. Each assignment taught a different language: new owners, unfamiliar structures, evolving codes. “No two projects were the same, which is what made me fall in love with the challenge,” he reflects. “Each one forced me to stretch, to adapt, and to keep learning. It was construction, but it was also character building.” A Canvas of Complexity. Some contractors build. Bergman composes. Their projects are symphonies of systems, orchestrated to serve sectors where there is zero room for error: behavioral health, clean room labs, medical facilities, high-tech research hubs.

“It can become chaotic if people aren’t able to handle it. We want to be remembered as the trusted ally through that storm.” —Peter Livermore | Vice President Bergman Build LLC

Established Legacy Building trust since 1984, Bergman KPRS continues to deliver excellence through craftsmanship, precision, and innovation.

Driven by Collaboration Through Bergman Build LLC, the team turns vision into reality—working hand-in-hand with clients, suppliers, and trades to ensure seamless execution. Leaders in Commercial Construction From state-of-the-art healthcare and education projects to large-scale developments, Bergman builds spaces that shape communities and stand the test of time.

One such masterpiece: the Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health facility. A 120-bed inpatient center, designed under the rigorous OSHPD-1 guidelines, with a core focus on dignity, healing, and human- centered care. “That building means more than square footage,” Peter explains. “It serves people during the hardest moments of their lives. Getting that project right wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about building trust, safety, and compassion into every square inch.” Another standout is the alternative energy auto lab project in Irvine — built under a strict NDA. High voltage. High heat. Tight deadlines. “It was a sprint wrapped in a marathon,” Peter recalls. “But our team showed up, finished strong, and delivered exactly what was needed to launch a high-tech product into the world. Those are the kinds of moments that show you what your team is really made of.” These are not standard builds. These are structures layered with meaning, technical precision, and responsibility.

Build. Lead. Serve

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL, LOS ANGELES CA

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

BECKMAN COULTER, BREA CA

That mantra is cut into the very foundation of Bergman, and it guides more than project delivery. It shapes identity.

“To serve means adapting. Every client has a different rhythm, a different pressure point. We listen and adjust to match it. We lead by clarifying the chaos. And we build, not just with excellence, but with empathy,” Peter says. 45

“Sometimes being a leader is knowing when to step forward and when to step aside and let others shine.”

Leadership, he explains, isn’t about control. It’s about guidance.

“Sometimes being a leader is knowing when to step forward and when to step aside and let others shine,” he adds. “The best results don’t come from micromanaging. They come from empowering people who care.”

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To scale without sacrificing quality, Bergman developed the Key Account Manager (KAM) system. Each KAM is a vertical expert in sectors like retail, healthcare, laboratories, or hospitality. They live in the details. They own the process. They prevent drift. “Our KAMs aren’t just project managers. They’re curators of quality,” Peter says. “It’s not enough to finish a project. We want to finish strong and finish right. That level of attention isn’t negotiable for us.” The system fosters peer review, mentorship, and deep accountability. And the results speak for themselves. Precision by Design

KCB, PASADENA CA

EOS FITNESS, MESA AZ

More Than Metrics

Construction is risk, weather, wiring, and will. It’s human error and raw ambition. But it’s also memory, trust, and neighborhood. “People won’t just remember what you built, they’ll remember how you made them feel,” Peter says. “We want to be remembered as allies, not just contractors. As the ones who answered the call, fixed the problem, or gave someone a chance.” That approach extends beyond clients. “We value our subcontractors, our vendors. We don’t just expect their best, we give our best to them. The golden rule is still golden.”

It’s a culture that builds loyalty, not just loyalty programs.

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

“People won’t just remember what you built, they’ll remember how you made them feel. We want to be remembered as allies, not just contractors.”

A Legacy in Layers

Bergman isn’t driven by growth alone. Their 10-year plan is sculpted around intention: 20 major markets, each grounded in local relationships and visibility. Nationally recognized. Locally trusted. “We want to be part of the fabric. The name you know in your city, not just from a billboard, but because we built your library or your kid’s school. That’s how real legacy is built,” Peter says.

CHASE BANK, LAKE FOREST PARK WA

PETER LIVERMORE | VICE PRESIDENT

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N 50 BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

CHASE BANK, LAKE FOREST PARK WA

For the Next Generation And as Bergman expands its footprint, it does so with mindful momentum. Every new location isn’t just a dot on a map. It’s a relationship. A responsibility. A promise.

DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN, CLAREMONT CA

To new builders stepping into the space, Peter offers not clichés, but truth:

“It feels like walking into an ocean — waves everywhere, no boat. But you learn. You read. You try. You fail and keep going. Knowledge, practice, and humility. That’s your gear.” He adds, “You’ll be overwhelmed at first. That’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving. Learn from everyone. Show up. Care deeply about the outcome. That’s how you get good. That’s how you become invaluable.”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

KITE PHARMA, EL SEGUNDO CA

Final Beam So, what is Bergman Build really building? Relationships. Structures that shelter stories. A company that sees every job as more than just a set of plans. “Construction can be chaos. Our role is to steady the ship. To be the calm, clear voice in the storm,” says Livermore. “Clients come to us for outcomes. But they stay with us because of how we make them feel along the way.” And when the concrete is cured and the ribbon is cut, the measure of success won’t just be square footage, it’ll be the relationships left standing. 53

KITE PHARMA, EL SEGUNDO CA

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“One day, when I’m retired, I hope to have coffee with the people I built with. Not because we had to. But because we still want to,” Peter says, smiling . That’s legacy.

And at Bergman Build, it’s already underway. .

Ready to Build with Purpose? Discover how Bergman Build LLC turns vision into legacy— one carefully crafted home at a time . Visit bergmanbuild.com to connect, collaborate, or start your next chapter. .

MORENO VALLEY 5 BUSINESS CENTER, MORENO VALLEY CA

Home is just the beginning.

“We’re not trying to build the most homes. We’re trying to build the ones that matter.”

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They shared the same passion, the same frustrations, and the same belief that homebuilding should still mean something. Over the years, they'd become friends often meeting over breakfast, trading stories, and comparing notes on how the industry could do better. Built America Magazine | West In Montgomery County, two builders worked just four miles apart.

But one Thursday morning, something shifted.

The conversation turned from what if to why not. And just like that, a new chapter began. “We just clicked,” says Chastity White. “It was like looking in the mirror. We had the same values, the same frustrations with the industry, and the same belief that building homes should still mean something.” The man across the table? Matthew Reibenstein, founder of Royal Design Build. The company she was leading? StoryBuilt Homes. That breakfast? The beginning of a collaboration that would shift the energy of Houston’s custom homebuilding scene. It was never just about consolidation. It was about two teams, each humbly doing the right thing in their own corners of the industry, coming together to build something greater than themselves. Something lasting, something that matters.

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Built America Magazine | West

The Roots of StoryBuilt Chastity White never planned to be in construction. “I swore I’d never be on this side of the industry,” she laughs. But in 2016, after the birth of her granddaughter, life had other plans. Wanting to be closer to her family, Chastity moved from San Antonio back to Houston. “I fell in love with real estate,” she says. “I started in sales and learned fast—but I also learned what I didn’t want.” When the company she worked for no longer aligned with her values, she decided to take the leap. “I didn’t want to be part of something that didn’t stand for integrity. So, I built something that did.” StoryBuilt Homes was born out of that decision, and with it - a belief that people deserve more than square footage and a handshake. “We don’t just sell houses,” she says. “We build spaces where people feel seen.”

It wasn’t flipping or fast money. It was slow, steady, intentional building.

“It took forever to land on the name,” Chastity admits. “But we knew we wanted it to mean something. We wanted every home to be a story worth telling.” Enter Matthew A civil engineer by trade, Matthew Reibenstein started Royal Design Build in 2009, driven by a simple realization: “I didn’t want to just design for people. I wanted to build with them.”

“See that one? We built that,” he tells his kids as they drive through town.

That’s the achievement that matters most. The Merger That Wasn’t a Merger The idea started as a joke. “We were at breakfast one Thursday morning and Matthew says, ‘Maybe I should just come work for StoryBuilt,’” Chastity recalls. “We laughed. But it stuck.” What followed were months of breakfasts, strategy sessions, and soul-level conversations. “We realized quickly that where I’m strong, he needs support. And where I’m weak, he’s rock solid,” says Chastity.

CHASTITY WHITE | CEO

Back then, he was newly married and moonlighting on construction jobs after work. Eventually, he took the leap. “We moved into a small house. My wife helped me paint signs. That was the start.” From his first $200,000 home in an aging neighborhood to full-scale developments, Royal grew by word of mouth and a relentless focus on people.

“There’s no perfect build,” he told clients. “But I’ll be here. Always.”

His firm was named Custom Builder of the Year in 2017 , and he served as President of the Greater Houston Builders Association in 2024 . But spend even a minute with Matthew, and it’s clear: accolades aren’t what drive him. 62

MATTHEW REIBENSTEIN | CSO

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

Matthew agrees: “It just made sense. Our cultures aligned. Our values aligned. Our families even aligned. We’re not competitors—we’re the same brand in different fonts.” Royal Design Build became part of StoryBuilt in 2025. The systems integrated. And the vision scaled. “It was never about a name change,” says Matthew. “It was about building something that could outlast us.” teams merged. The

That means no cut corners. No rushed timelines. No glossing over hard conversations. “We tell clients the truth. Even when it’s not easy. Even when it’s not convenient. That’s what builds trust,” says Matthew. They treat their trade partners like family. “You can’t run a job without respecting the people who make it happen,” says Chastity. “Our trade partners are the heartbeat of every home.”

The People-First Philosophy

And they treat their clients the same way.

So what sets StoryBuilt apart? According to Chastity, it’s simple: “We care more about people than we do about margins.”

“This is where people will raise babies, mourn losses, host holidays,” says Matthew. “You don’t call that a unit. You call that a home.”

“It was never about a name change, It was about building something that could outlast us.”

Project Spotlight: Harbors at Clearview Their first joint project? A 35-home waterfront community on Lake Conroe called Harbors at Clearview. “Every time we dive into this project, we uncover another layer,” Matthew says with a smile. “It’s challenged us in all the right ways, and it’s going to be something truly special.” The project brings together smart design, lakeside living, and the full force of StoryBuilt’s vision. “It’s our lemonade stand,” he adds. “We took the lemons, and we’re building something sweet.”

Everyone on the team has touched this one. “It’s the definition of synergy,” says Chastity. “We’ve laughed, cried, and rallied— and it’s making us better.”

What’s Next

The future for StoryBuilt is bold .

More communities. Smarter systems. Deeper partnerships.

Always putting quality first, over volume. “We’re not trying to build the most homes,” Matthew says. “We’re trying to build the ones that matter.” “We don’t just sell houses, we build spaces where people feel seen.”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

Because at StoryBuilt, the goal was never just to build houses.

That includes tech-forward features like secure home delivery zones, expanding energy-efficient systems, and designing for warmth and connection. “People don’t want cold white boxes anymore,” Chastity says. “They want coziness. Texture. Spaces to gather. Spaces to exhale.”

It’s to build something that lasts. A feeling. A foundation. A place where people can live the most honest version of their lives. Not every builder understands that. Not every builder wants to. But StoryBuilt was never meant to be every builder.

Building a Legacy

Ask either of them what success looks like, and you won’t hear “revenue” or “expansion.” You’ll hear this: “Success is my granddaughter knowing her nonna built something that mattered.” — Chastity White

They’re here to be your builder— the one who sees your story and builds a home worthy of it.

Your story deserves a home that lives up to it. Discover the difference at: www.storybuilthomes.com

“It’s my kids pointing at a home and saying, ‘Dad built that.’” — Matthew Reibenstein

Thirty Years of Building Futures, Families, and Legacy Families, and Legacy

Some mornings, when the sun hits just right, the sandblasted windows in S & S Homes’ earliest houses still glow.

S & S Homes was not born from a business plan or strategic expansion. It grew naturally out of a family that learned the trades with their hands long before earning titles. Steven Sanders began working with his father, Warren, straight out of high school. The work was hands-on and demanding. There was no easing into it, just long days, problem-solving, and learning on the job. At the same time, Janet Axelsen was working for an architect after graduating from high school,

It’s a small detail, easy to miss, but it captures what the company has stood for from the very beginning. Before subdivisions stretched across the landscape, before model homes helped buyers imagine what was possible, and before teams of employees could recite decades of projects from memory, S & S Homes was simply a family learning how to build together. That same feeling still sets an S & S Homes community apart today. People sense it the moment they walk inside one of the homes. As the company celebrates 30 years as a corporation and more than 40 years since its early beginnings, that feeling has become more than a design choice. It has become their legacy .

A Family Beginning and a Father Who Said, “Figure It Out.”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | West

where she developed a deep appreciation for design, symmetry, and the way a home can communicate purpose before a single word is spoken. As Warren and Steven took on small projects, they began asking Janet for help, first with design input, then with deeper involvement as the work grew more complex. Over time, Janet decided to join them fully.

With that shift, the company evolved from Sanders and Sons into Sanders and Siblings, marking the true beginning of what would become S & S Homes. Soon after, Warren came across a 300- home subdivision he wanted to purchase. “I told him, ‘Dad, we’ve never built a subdivision. We’ve only built one house at a time. This is over our heads,’” Janet recalls. “He looked at us and said, ‘Well, you’re just going to have to figure it out.’” The road was not easy. They had to learn many things the hard way.

So they did.

“We always asked ourselves, ‘What will make this home

Designs That Feel Different, Because They Are

stand out? How can we make it better than the competition?”

72 BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

That mindset has remained woven into every floor plan, elevation, and streetscape the company creates. Vali Nemetz, who has spent years selling S & S Homes, sees the difference immediately. “The floor plans live so well,” she says. “There’s no wasted space. Rooms are proportionate. Families fit. Before you even walk inside, an S & S Homes community feels different because of the level of care.” It isn’t marketing. And it isn’t clever branding. It’s more than 30 years of doing things right, even when it’s hard. A Company Built on Relationships and a Team That Stays

Built America Magazine | West

Some companies measure success in volume. S & S Homes measures it in loyalty.

At the company’s anniversary celebration, employees and subcontractors spoke about S & S Homes the way one speaks about family, with tenderness, pride, and long memory. “There were subcontractors at the party who could name every project they’ve worked on for the past twenty years,” Vali says. “That’s unheard of in this industry.”

Why do they stay? Janet answers without hesitation.

“Fairness. Respect. Looking out for their interests. It has never been all about the bottom-line dollar for us.”

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The company invests in systems that help its subcontractors work more efficiently. They communicate clearly and have built a reputation for paying their bills on time. But loyalty runs deeper than business. That simple truth explains more about S & S Homes than any brochure ever could. Tri Counties Bank: Rooted in Relationships, Built for Community At its core, Tri Counties Bank is built on relationships. Since 1975, the bank has operated with a simple philosophy: local people, local decisions, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. That approach makes its partnership with S&S Homes a natural fit, grounded in trust, collaboration, and a shared long-term vision. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 75 locations across California, Tri Counties Bank pairs financial strength with a deeply local approach. As it celebrates 50 years of stability, the bank remains focused on supporting partners who value sustainable growth and lasting community impact. Why Their Homes Carry Weight: Literally and Figuratively In a market filled with national giants like DR Horton, KB Homes, and Lennar, S & S Homes stands apart: not because of size, but because of its stance.

They refuse rigid rules.

They refuse “take it or leave it.”

They refuse to treat buyers like numbers.

After a homeowner was left disabled following a tragic accident, he needed major accessibility modifications to his home. “National builders would not accommodate him,” Janet says. “But we found a way to adjust the home to fit his needs. We’re willing to customize our houses when it matters.” That flexibility is difficult. It’s costly. It requires a level of operational precision most builders simply won’t take on. But S & S Homes does it anyway. It’s the same spirit that carried their milestone project, Vista Montaire , from a distant vision into a living community. “No one else would have taken this project on,” Vali says. “Warren saw the vision twenty years ago and never wavered. Through down markets, through COVID, through supply challenges the team carried that dream forward.” The Client Journey: Transparency, Trust, and Touchpoints S & S Homes doesn’t just build houses, they build relationships from the moment a buyer steps into one of their model homes.

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Built America Magazine | West

Thirty Years of Meaning When asked what this milestone means to her, Janet speaks with quiet gratitude. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized what a gift it’s been,” she says. “I’ve spent more than 30 years working hand in hand with my father and brother. Most people don’t get that privilege. I’m thankful.” The anniversary celebration made that realization even more powerful. “There were employees who had been with the company for over twenty years,” Vali says. “Seeing them, seeing how much they still love what they do. That was really special.” “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized what a gift it’s been. I’ve spent more than 30 years working hand in hand with my father and brother. Most people don’t get that privilege. I’m thankful.”

Each client meets with a team intent on understanding their needs. With 15 to 20 configurable options available for each plan, personalization isn’t a premium add-on—it’s the standard. The process includes: • A walkthrough with the client and their superintendent • Clear communication and immediate problem-solving throughout the building process • Thorough internal quality control and multiple inspections “The goal is an ecstatically happy homeowner,” Vali says. “This is their one home, and we treat it with the importance it deserves.”

-Janet Axelsen

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A Legacy Carried Forward

Vali sees the legacy clearly. “S & S Homes will leave a legacy of excellence,” she says. “You can drive through communities built nearly 30 years ago, and they still reflect care, pride, and integrity.”

Janet adds the heart behind that legacy.

“Take pride in everything you do,” she says. “What we build isn’t a throwaway product. Families raise their children here. They build memories here. What we create lasts for generations, and it should be made with care.”

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