Leadership
Dave McCarthy
Principal
Dave McCarthy has over 26 years of experience in the construction industry. He grew up in Southern California and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University.
As Principal and Co-Founder of Commercial Builders, Dave pilots the CBI team’s daily operations. His exceptional leadership skills combined with vast knowledge of the construction industry serves as a valuable resource to the company. Dave’s strategic project planning methods, superior management abilities, and enthusiastic outlook make him the perfect motivating force for Commercial Builders.
Prior to starting Commercial Builders, Dave spent 19 years working for another general contractor in San Diego, CA. During his time there, Dave led the Tenant Improvement division and expanded it to TI/Special Projects. As leader of the TI/Special projects group, Dave utilized his expertise and proved to be a valuable asset to the industry.
Dave has successfully completed numerous construction projects. Among his most noteworthy projects are the LEED Gold Certified Procopio Law Firm in San Diego, the Santaluz Fire Station in San Diego, the Mission Valley YMCA in San Diego, and several GSA projects including the SSA, VBA, and DEA.
Dave lives in San Diego, CA with his wife Susan and their four children, Savannah, Isabelle, Sam and Caden. In his spare time, Dave enjoys surfing, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with family.
Education:
- BS, Construction Management – Arizona State University
Professional Affiliations:
- ASU – Del E Webb School of Construction Alumni Group
- AGC, Associated General Contractors
Community Involvement & Charitable Organizations:
- YMCA
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Home Aid
- Stars and Stripes
Rob Netzer
Principal
As Principal and Co-Founder of Commercial Builder’s, Rob provides leadership on all operational functions of the company and is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and successful project delivery. Rob is a strong leader who is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the industry. He is a highly respected and experienced professional who is essential to CBI’s occupational endeavors.
Rob has extensive construction experience including office, retail, and bank facilities and special construction such as water parks and amusement rides. Prior to starting Commercial Builders, Rob spent 16 years working for another San Diego based construction company where he successfully managed numerous projects. Throughout his time at the previous company, Rob advanced from Project Engineer to Senior Project Manager and was responsible for conceptual estimates, value analysis, design development coordination, subcontractor bidding, and CPM scheduling.
Some of Rob’s most notable projects include the LEGOLAND Waterpark in Carlsbad, the LEED Gold Certified Procopio Law Firm in San Diego, Comerica Bank in San Diego, and the Cabrillo Tech Center Phase A & B in San Diego.
Rob lives in Rancho Penasquitos with his wife Lauren and their two children, Cole and Maddison. In his spare time he enjoys dirt biking, surfing, traveling, and snowboarding.
Education:
- BS, Construction Management – California Polytechnic State University
Professional Affiliations:
- AGC, Associated General Contractors– Safety Committee
- Cal Poly SLO Construction Management Alumni Group
- LEED Accredited Professional
Community Involvement & Charitable Organizations:
- San Diego Food Bank
- Susan B Komen Race for the Cure
- MS Walk 5k
- Home Aid
Robert Kay
Principal & General Superintendent
As Principal and Co-Founder of Commercial Builders, Robert spearheads all of the company field operations including the development and implementation of the company Safety Plan. In addition, Robert assists the leadership team with any operational decisions and provides expertise in business development and client relations.
Robert began his career as a carpenter and worked his way up to become one of the most valued Superintendents in the industry. He has a unique ability that is truly inspiring to anyone who has the pleasure of working with him. Robert offers a sense of versatility that is extremely valuable in the construction industry. Prior to starting Commercial Builders, Robert spent years overseeing construction projects at two other established construction companies in San Diego, CA. He showed his remarkable ability to successfully lead any type of project.
Throughout his years in the industry, Robert has worked on countless projects from concrete tilt-ups to amusement parks. Some of his notable projects include SEALIFE Aquarium Center’s in 3 cities, the 88,000 SF Pechanga Community Center in Temecula, CA, the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, and the 50,000 SF Conexant Facility Expansion in Mexicali, Mexico.
Robert lives in San Diego, CA with his wife Diana and their son Bobby. His hobbies include golfing, fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and off-roading.
Professional Affiliations:
- AGC, Associated General Contractors – Safety Committee
Community Involvement & Charitable Organizations:
- Home Aid
- Stars & Stripes
Senior Staff

Philip Levesque
Project Executive

Sean McCormack
Project Executive

Robert Serna
Field Service Executive

Gary LaFever
Senior Superintendent
Let's Talk!

These professionals have been building for my clients for over 15 years. Their combined expertise, efficiency, and attention to client needs is beyond anything I had experienced before.
D. Cowan, Executive V.P., Project & Development Services, Jones Lang LaSalleThey are extremely flexible, cost conscious, and always ready to sit down and work out challenging issues. They understand what is important to their client and the end user.
B. Parikh, Director, HinesThey provide outstanding supervision on every project which minimizes disruption to building tenants and always execute each job in an exceptional manner.
M. Cochran, Real Estate Manager, CBRE