Builder Story A home is where we make time for ourselves, re-energize, reflect on life and enjoy personal experiences unique to our own. We may share our home with family and friends and create memories and bonds that last a lifetime. A home should promote the essence of our own unique lifestyle and embody the things we love and make us proud to own a part of the world. At California West, we work hard every day to create these connections. From the first time you visit one of our communities, to the closing of your home, we embrace the opportunity of making you proud California West built your home. This vision has motivated us for years to create homes and communities with a heightened level of design sophistication and individuality. We started this process over 25 years ago, sharpening our skills, expertise and artistry along the way. Today, we build with a level of depth and personal commitment that spans generations with a focus on sustainability, quality and craftsmanship. The places where we build, the homes we design, the experiences we offer, are thoughtfully planned and carefully considered, in the spirit of knowing we are building more than homes – we are building trust and impacting the lives of those who place trust in us. We recognize that each of the homes and places you live creates a living tapestry of the most significant and endearing experiences of your life. We, therefore, encourage you to dream big, imagine the possibilities, and allow your decisions to be informed by your personal experiences and the things you have loved throughout your life. This is where we live, this is our place in the world, and this is our legacy.
Robby Thorne has been active in the real estate development industry since 1983. He started his career at Grubb & Ellis Commercial Brokerage as a real estate land broker sourcing land opportunities for the homebuilder community. Robby moved into the development business in 1986 with Pacific Scene, Inc. and was successful securing numerous land acquisition opportunities for the company. In 1987, he joined California Communities (later Meeker Homes) as Manager of Land Acquisition and in 1989 was promoted to Division President and was responsible for overseeing all division operations. Robby joined Woodcrest Development in 1990 as Vice President of Land Acquisition until pursuing a development company of his own. In 1993, Robby and his partners started Lucas & Mercier Development and he has served as President of the company since leading to the formation of CWC. Besides managing the business affairs of the CWC companies with the other two partners, Robby’s primary responsibilities include overseeing all equity financing, debt financing and co-management of the land acquisition and sales and marketing functions. During Robby’s career in real estate, he has been involved with the development of approximately 4,000 homes in over 75 projects. Robby attended California State University, Fullerton and later San Diego State University, where he majored in Business Finance and Marketing.
Don Fontana has been in the residential land development and homebuilding business since 1984. A third generation builder in the San Diego area, Don had an opportunity to learn all aspects of the homebuilding business from the ground up. During his nine years at Westana Builders/Developers, Don served various position and management responsibilities including construction management, customer service, government entitlements, project management, sales and marketing, land acquisition and equity/debt financing. The last four years at Westana, Don served as Vice President, General Manager of the company and participated as a partner in various projects. Westana built over 1,800 homes throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. Between 1992 and 1995, Don provided consulting services for D.R. Horton and Brehm Communities. Don joined Lucas & Mercier Development in 1995 and held positions as Director of Operations, Vice President and Principal. At CWC, Don’s primary responsibilities include overseeing all forward planning, entitlements, project management and development operation and co-management of land acquisition and sales and marketing. Don graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1984 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. He has also held an active California Contractors license since 1993 and an active California Real Estate Broker’s license since 1989.
Greg Harris joined Lucas and Mercier Construction, a rough framing company for residential developers, in 1976. During his 17 years with the framing company, Greg held various management positions within the company and helped them grow into one of the largest and most successful framing operations in Southern California. Besides managing the business affairs of the company with the two principals, Greg was responsible for management of all budgeting, bidding, purchasing and field operations for the company. During his involvement with Lucas & Mercier Construction, Greg managed up to 25 employees directly who in turn managed from 250 to 1,000 employees and was involved the rough framing of approximately 10,000 residential units. In 1993, Greg and partners started Lucas & Mercier Development. He has served as Vice President and Principal for the companies since their formation. Besides managing the business affairs of the CWC companies with the other two partners, Greg’s primary areas of responsibility include overseeing all architectural design, product development and land planning and community design.