Our Team

Adele Talmadge

Accounting/Marketing/Corporate Officer

Over 30 years bookkeeping and customer service experience in residential and commercial construction and property management. Background in architectural glass design and construction. Co-founder of Talmadge Construction, Inc. in 1984.

“It has been satisfying to see the company grow in size and reputation over the years. I am proud of the quality of work and attention to detail we provide, and consider myself lucky to work with our great staff. Most gratifying however, is our long history of satisfied clients, many of whom I now count among my good friends.”

Danielle Grenier, CGBP

Registered Architect
Certified Green Building Professional

A California State Registered Architect with over 22 years in the local architecture and construction industry, Danielle is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree with Honors. Before joining Talmadge Construction, Danielle worked with Fiorovich Group, Russell J. Short Architects, Santa Cruz Kitchen and Bath, and for herself designing a multitude of custom residential homes and remodels. She utilizes state-of-the-art CAD programs to produce accurate descriptive drawings and specifications. Danielle worked on several projects as an outside contractor for Talmadge Construction before coming on board full time in 2004.

“Design/Build is the right idea at the right time. I can’t say enough about Talmadge Construction’s hassle-free one stop shopping. You become part of our family in the design phase and we deliver right through construction and beyond. It’s very gratifying to be able to give people what they want, in their budget, on time, with a smile on everyone’s face.”

Visit her website at www.daniellegrenierarchitect.com

Andrew Wightman

Designer

Andrew joined the design team at Talmadge Construction in early 2017. He brings an extensive background in home remodeling design. Growing up in a design-oriented family – mother in the apparel industry and father an architect, he took the obvious path: Apparel! He eventually came around to his true passion, architecture and residential design. And are we glad he did! He is a people person who knows the world of design/build and is happy to explain the details required to create your vision. Andrew is a great resource for the numerous decisions required of clients in any home remodel. He especially enjoys kitchens and we’ve seen some beauties he has guided our clients through. He considers bathrooms the most intriguing room in the house – and most challenging. Thanks for coming on board Andrew!

“As a designer, the fun creative part is important, but a very modest percentage of the job duties. I’ll also be acting as a facilitator, counselor, fire fighter, ambassador…so many additional titles fit just as well.”

Cynthia Sullivan

Designer

Cynthia joined our design team in 2019. With a degree from UC Davis in Interior Design, she worked as a designer in San Francisco for a few years before setting off to travel the world. With a world-wide perspective on design and architecture, Cynthia began working for a Design/Build firm in the Bay Area once her globe-trotting was done. She began to appreciate the seamless coordination of teams in a Design/Build style construction company. She found the benefits of working with clients from concept to completion were outstanding. Working in Santa Cruz County has long been a desire since Cynthia and her family have made their home here.

“Transformation is my job…transforming space, transforming lives. Our homes mean so much to us and our families. It is an honor to work with each client to find the right space in the right budget. It is also an honor to work with a talented team to see a project from the first bright idea to the last touch of paint.”

John Anderson

Production Manager
Certified Green Building Professional
EPA Renovators Certification (Lead safe practices)

John Anderson joined Talmadge Construction in April 1999, and brings more than 29 years of management and construction experience in custom residential remodeling and new construction markets. His responsibilities include coordinating production schedules, supervising project managers, preparing estimates, and job cost tracking. He provides support to crews in the field by coordinating in-house crew schedules, leading on-site walkthroughs, processing change orders and other administrative details. John earned the designation of the NARI Certified Green Building Professional in May 2004. He holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from Southampton College of Long Island University.

“Through his friendly, caring personality, honesty and fairness, Jeff Talmadge has created a wonderful “family” environment in which to work. My efforts are consistently rewarded with a feeling of sincere appreciation. The company focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction makes me proud to be a member of the Talmadge Team.”

Aaron Anderson

Project Manager

Aaron joined our crew early in 2014. He has lived in Santa Cruz most of his life and has been in construction for over 23 years. He started in the tile and marble trade and in 1999 moved into building and remodeling. He started with a framing contractor building large custom homes then got his contractor’s license in 2004 and ran his own remodeling business for 10 years. He took a break from construction to work in the farming industry for a year. Aaron missed the construction world and came to work with us. He has been married to Lisa for over 13 years and has two daughters, Camryn, 11, and Lyla, 7, and a dog named Duke.

“I enjoy working with all the Talmadge crew in the field and in the office. They are very skilled and easy to get along with. I also like the clients and feel good when the job is completed and they are happy.”

Jason Anderson

Project Manager

Jason was raised in Santa Cruz and graduated from Soquel High.  An avid surfer whose home break is 26th Avenue, Jason worked at O’Neill Surf Shop for 15 years.  He transitioned from retail management to construction in 2000. A journeyman carpenter with over 15 years experience, we were fortunate to bring Jason on board in 2015. He is a creative problem solver – a great asset in the remodeling business where surprises do happen!

Jason lives with his wife, Dana, and their 2 dogs, Ozzie and Maggie.

“I enjoy working with a group of professionals who take pride in their work. They take excellent care of their clients and employees.”

Jeff Menna

Project Manager

Jeff re-joined our crew in 2016 after 14 years running his own business. He is a third generation, full scope contractor and designer.  He has been in construction for over 30 years.  Jeff has the knowledge and hands on experience building, remodeling and designing homes from the ground up.  Jeff’s organizational skills and attention to detail make him efficient in his work and customer service. We are so happy that Jeff has returned to our team!

“Talmadge Construction is like working for family.  They support me 110% and it’s a very upstanding company in our community.  I want to give Talmadge my knowledge and continue to see the company grow and continue to teach my colleagues.”

Carlos Gomez Lopez

Carpenter

Carlos Gomez Lopez has been assistant carpenter with Talmadge Construction since October 1998, with an additional five years experience in residential construction and 12 years in service industries. He works at several project sites during a typical workweek, interacting with project managers and clients.

“I always try to do my best, and TalmadgeConstruction is like that too. I like to see the happy faces when we finish a job.

Andrew Talmadge

Project Manager

Andrew joined the Talmadge crew in 2013 after a lifetime of being in a “construction family.” While obtaining his AA in Anthropology at Santa Barbara City College, Andrew took some construction technology, green building and blueprint reading classes and decided to join the industry because it was interesting and varied. Six years as a “crew member” at Trader Joe’s has taught Andrew the value of promptness, customer service and working with a team.

He will continue working on his Construction & Energy Management Associates Degree at Cabrillo College while getting hands on training with the Talmadge Crew.

“I enjoy the sense of achievement and gratification in the progress we make each day. The crew is very helpful with training and encouraging me to learn the industry. My parents set the example of running a company with integrity and establishing long term relationships with their clients.”

Quinn Pearlberg

Assistant Carpenter/Tile Apprentice

Quinn joined our team in July, 2016 having worked in customer service for years. He decided he wanted a change and find a career that allows him to be creative while still utilizing his customer service skills. Before working at Talmadge Construction, he had little experience in the building trades. In a short time, Quinn has proven himself a valuable addition to our team – working hard, listening, and learning many valuable skills and techniques. He is an asset on the job site with his ever present smile and great work ethic.

“The Talmadge Construction team is like family to me. They have truly supported and encouraged me from the very beginning. I enjoy going to work every single day. There is always a new problem to solve and there is always something new to learn.”

Tyler Western

Assistant Carpenter

Tyler was born and raised in Santa Cruz, went to Soquel high school and graduated in 2010. After attaining an AA at Cabrillo and working in retail here, he transferred to Cal Poly and got his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 2015. After graduation, he moved back to Santa Cruz and worked at a physical therapy office getting hours to apply for physical therapy school. After much thought, he made a decision to pursue work in the trades instead of going back to graduate school. We are fortunate that in 2017 Tyler decided that Talmadge would be a great starting point to begin getting experience in the trades. He is a great team player!

“The Talmadge team has welcomed me in with open arms and I enjoy going to work everyday. Talmadge provides quality work and I feel my job is making a difference when I see clients’ happy faces when the job is complete. I feel very fortunate to be apart of an excellent team and enjoy learning something new everyday.”