Our Team

MARK LABOURDETTE, PRESIDENT

Mark discovered he had an aptitude for the construction business at an early age. With the encouragement of a mentor he started his own company while in high school. Mark went on to open Golden Gate Home Remodeling, (GGHR, Inc.) in 1980. His commitment to a creating a positive experience when remodeling a home has lead to his company’s success and distinction. As his company grew Mark found that the key to achieving a positive experience for homeowners is to practice under a design/build model. Lead by the contractor, the design/build model teams up the homeowner, architect, and contractor at an early stage providing a smooth, relaxed build or remodel. In 2008 GGHR Inc. was re-named Design Build Specialists, Inc. to reflect Mark’s dedication to the design/build process.

Mark has received national recognition for his achievements:

• Top 500 Remodeler Award, Qualified Remodeler ranked Design Build Specialists, Inc. in the top 1% of contractors in the USA.
• Big 50 Award of Excellence, Remodeling Magazine. This prestigious award honors companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact on their community or the industry at large.
• Certified Restorer, RIA — Restoration Industry Association
• ASCR Convention Speaker on Business Topics
• National and local published articles
• ASCR - Certified Restoration Contractor
• NARI- National Association Remodeling Industry
• Certified Xactware Restoration Contractor
• California Sate License: 1986
  

BILL JOHNSON, VP MARKETING & OPERATIONS

Bill brings a diverse background and multiple talents to Design Build Specialists, Inc. Originally hailing from Boulder Colorado, Bill worked in the City Planning Department while he earned a B.A. in Environmental Conservation. He then worked many years as a real estate appraiser and property owner advocate providing services for FHA, FNMA and the Boulder County Land Use Department before returning to school to earn a Masters in Business and relocating to the Bay Area.

As a sales executive with Silicon Valley companies including Cellular One, InfoSpace, and CCBN during the Internet boom of the late 1990s, Bill demonstrated an ability to help his clients achieve their business goals with creative technological solutions. As the Vice President of Business Development for one of San Francisco’s most sought after boutique web development firms, Netkitchen, Bill's business development and project management skills were critical in his ability to pull multiple, dynamic elements together for project success.

Bill maintains a keen interest in environmentally responsible building techniques and, with his appraisal background, a strong desire to provide functional projects that create equity and value for his clients.

Bill holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado and an M.B.A. from The American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird).

SARA BARRACK, MARKETING SPECIALIST

Sara has over 20 years experience in Marketing, Business Development, and Promotion. She began her career in New York City at Young & Rubicam, marketing high-profile clients such at Met Life, AT&T, and Walt Disney. Sara was also Marketing Manager at IBM while in New York. Upon re-locating to the West coast in the early 1990s, Business Development projects began and remain today as her primary focus of expertise. Clients such as U.S. Bank, McKesson, DHL, BMC Software and Chevron have all benefited from working on business development projects with her.

At Design Build Specialists, Inc. Sara brings enthusiasm and confidence for reaching out to key prospects and customers and uncovering what they truly want and need. Sara then works closely with the entire Design Build Specialists, Inc.team, particularly Sales and Project Management, to help customers acquire those wants and needs and ultimately delight clients with the outcome.

“It is my vision to provide prospects and existing clients with information and expertise that fits their specific needs. My primary goal is to first listen and fully understand every prospect’s or customer’s needs and respond to those needs in a timely, responsible, mutually beneficial way.”

BETH DONALDSON, OFFICE MANAGER

Beth has over 10 years experience in Management and Administration. She began her career in the medical field at Cardiology Associates of Marin and Mt. Tam Orthopedics where she supervised and coordinated front office staff, doctors, and patients. After continuing her education at Santa Rosa Junior College, she became skilled in the “language” of Medical Terminology. During her medical profession, Beth was able to single-handedly interpret the handwriting of over 19 doctors. Nevertheless, she desired to advance her career into the world of Medical Billing. Companies such as Marin Medical Practice Concepts benefited from Beth’s background in medical coding, and insurance billing.

At Design Build Specialists, Inc. Beth brings a high level of professionalism and organizational detail to her field. She is in charge of Accounting, Payroll, Marketing, Human Resources, and General Office Operations. She is the main link between every facet of Design Build Specialists, Inc. for coordination and communication. Her passion, love, and caring for people is the foundation of our strength at Design Build Specialists, Inc.

“It is my mission to provide our clients with exceptional service, attention, and so much care that they won’t want to do business with anybody else.”

Beth is a native Californian and an active volunteer & resident of the Novato community.

Summer helps our clients with product selection. She has helped clients select product and put together designs for many projects ranging from a single bathroom remodel to a whole house rebuild. Summer has a distinct eye for color and a knack for coordinating projects to achieve the end results our clients look for. One project in particular is our 2400 sq. ft. showroom and design center in Novato. We invite you to come and see this testimony of her work.

Summer was born and raised in Marin County and currently resides in Novato. She has an extensive background in Real Estate which involves a partnership in the purchase of foreclosure property, taking an active part in the renovation process as well as the resale or rental of the property. Summer has kept up to date with market trends and has the knowledge to determine renovations that “sell” in the current Real Estate market or will be enjoyed by the client for many years.

Summer is currently enrolled in an Interior Design program where she will earn certificates in commercial and residential interior design as well as retail merchandising.