GSI Builders, Inc.
GSI Builders, Inc. is a Latino/a Owned General Contractor and COBID certified with the State of Oregon as MBE/ESB (#12728). We remain committed to advancing racial equity and creating a more inclusive community. While our primary focus now is on affordable housing our past experience includes successful completion of a diverse variety of projects that range in value from under $100,000 to over $26,000,000, including affordable multi-family housing, market rate multi-family housing, commercial, industrial, retail, public works and tenant improvements.
We bring a long history of family values to each project we build. Having grown up in the construction industry, I became President and Owner of GSI Builders 4 years ago with a primary focus on and passion for multifamily and affordable housing. Over the past few years, GSI Builders has been growing its portfolio, its capacity along with it, expanding its team and refining its construction management and feasibility systems to deliver projects more efficiently and increasing its connectivity to the communities that are important to us. I founded GSI Builders, Inc. in late 2018 with my father and eminently qualified business partner, Steve Seabold, and my Mother and respected community leader and business partner, Lina Garcia Seabold.
Steve has been in the construction industry for over 40 years with a 30-year focus on affordable housing development and construction. Lina’s experience in working with the minority business community is significant and unmatched in the industry. She has addressed inequity from a larger more global scale and has a proven record in working with COBID certified businesses by bringing the resources necessary to mobilize teams into action. Lina is 100 percent bilingual in Spanish and English and is experienced at providing culturally specific services to increase equity and inclusion for the owner, developer and project teams inclusive of subcontractors, vendors and suppliers. We believe that development should be led with a collaborative spirit and with the local Latino/a and BIPOC community at the center.
In addition to the success and experience that Steve, Lina and I bring to each project, we have assembled a seasoned team of construction professionals who have not only worked with me directly but have successfully completed projects in all commercial construction markets. GSI Builders has completed the Maryland Street Apartments (19 units) and is currently well under way with construction of the 2316 N. Vancouver Apartments (18 units) and Flanders Townhomes (19 units). Additionally, GSI Builders is doing renovations and tenant improvements for Hacienda CDC and engaged in discussions for design/build plans for new construction in 2022.
We are confident that we bring a diverse background and skill set to each and every project we undertake and know that we can bring experience and value to your project. We remain committed to leading with racial equity. This commitment is visible at GSI Builders through its inclusive approach, its Latino/a Owners, it’s bilingual staff (Spanish/English), its subcontractor base and Latino/a and BIPOC community support. We have included recently completed projects and references along with industry references including Owners & Developers, Architects & Engineers, Trade References, Legal, Accounting, Insurance & Bonding and Minority Business References.
We look forward to building UP our community with you!
Sincerely,
Alex C. Garcia Seabold
President
Past Experience
The GSI Builders core group has had over 25 years of successful experience in the affordable housing market. Alex, Lina, Steve, Christa Griffiths, and Joe Abbett have collectively been responsible for numerous past affordable housing projects and have worked with many non-profit CDCs over the years. Having worked in the affordable housing market, we are very familiar with all funding and application requirements including OHCS, Prosper Portland, Home Forward, Portland Clean Energy Fund and the Oregon Multifamily Energy Program. A representative list of past projects completed in the Portland metropolitan area include the following;
The following three projects represent GSI Builders’ current work in the mulitifamily markets:
Maryland Apartments
This project consists of 18 units of market rate multi-family housing and consists of 3 stories of wood framing with a flat roof and has been completed. All units are accessible from 2 exterior stairways and contains 10,158 gsf. The project is located at 6310 N. Maryland Ave. All units have standard fixtures and finishes with vinyl windows and a Hardi/wood/metal exterior skin. GSI team member include Christa Griffiths as project manager, Joe Abbett as oversite construction manager and Fernando Navarro-Oceguera as project superintendent. The GSI team has stayed on schedule and completing the project on budget with minor change orders.
2316 N Vancouver Apartments
This project consists of 18 units of market rate multi-family housing and consists of 3 stories of wood framing with a pitched roof system. All units are accessible from 2 exterior stairways and contains 10,150 gsf. The project is located at 2316 N Vancouver Ave. All units have standard fixtures and finishes with vinyl windows and a Hardi/wood/metal exterior skin. Alex and Steve have general ownership oversite of the project guiding it thru design development and pre-construction. Our project team includes Christa Griffiths as project manager, Joe Abbett as oversite construction manager and Fernando Navarro Oceguera is the project superintendent.
GSI Builders has had a long and successful history with affordable housing in Oregon and the Northwest and is actively pursuing several projects. We are currently engaged by our past client, Hacienda CDC, to do extensive exterior and interior renovation of the existing Miraflores and Plaza Los Robles properties and actively engaged in numerous miscellaneous tenant improvement projects for Hacienda. We are also in discussions with Hacienda CDC regarding the planned Clara Vista Apartment Redevelopment project. This ambitious project envisions a phased development currently slated to be 3 to 4 projects consisting of approximately 100 units each.
FLANDERS TOWNHOMES
Wisdom Ridge Academy
Past Senior Housing Projects
Project Approach / Staffing & Scheduling
We understand that development brings many risks to the entire team. We believe the overall project schedule provides adequate time for the entire team to bring everyone’s strengths and expertise to the table to produce the best housing solution. To that end, GSI Builders is committed to:
- Listening to all clients and partners early on before generating a cohesive plan;
- Meet all project milestones;
- Bring valuable experience with building methods, products and systems;
- Provide accurate cost estimating during funding application, schematic design, design development and final design;
- Provide accurate and ongoing schedule development;
- Bring years of experience in value engineering;
- Provide trade input on best practices regarding building envelope systems;
- Develop additional connections with community partners for minority contracting and workforce development plan including promotion of new subcontractors and vendors with pre-apprenticeship training;
- Meet or exceed OMWESB goals by utilizing formidable outreach strategies early on, early engagement with community groups, word of mouth, advertising in social media and culturally specific publications including radio and television, etc. Additionally, our partnerships with NAMC and LatinoBuilt will allow us to increase awareness across all trades to support OMWESB firms;
- Participate in all Owner/Architect/Contractor meetings;
- Deliver all Developments on Time and within
GSI is committed to providing all necessary resources and staffing during the preconstruction period, construction and warrantee. Alex, Steve and Lina will be involved during the preconstruction phase as will Christa Griffiths as project manager, Joe Abbett as construction manager and Paul Nellany as senior estimator. Resumes for proposed GSI team members are attached.
Alex C. Garcia Seabold, President
Alex is an emerging leader in the local construction industry. He is a third-generation commercial contractor and has had the benefit of being exposed to the construction industry his entire life, possessing over 15 years of direct experience in the field. Alex is the principal owner of GSI Builders.
As President of GSI Builders, Inc., Alex relies on a leadership-by-example approach that includes integrity, high standards and a strong work ethic. He has a proven ability to communicate with diverse clients and business cultures to secure trust, understanding and confidence in delivering successful projects. The execution of quality projects is the primary focus of GSI Builders. With a committed group of highly accomplished professionals who, are prepared to go to work to deliver high quality projects on time and within budget, GSI Builders is proud to have them on the Team.
Performance and knowledge of commercial construction principles and practices are the strong suite and base of GSI Builders. Together, with his father and business partner, Stephen C. Seabold, they have a combined experience of over 40 years in the local construction industry. Individually, they each have a proven track record in the Portland area and surrounding markets of trustworthy performance in the field. Alex’s Mother and business partner, Lina Garcia Seabold, also brings experience as well as a perspective unique to the Latino/a and BIPOC community and is a valued member of our Team. Lina has maintained a high profile in the Latino/a community in Oregon for years and is a respected Leader. With Alex at its helm, GSI Builders will continue to build on those valuable relationships in the Latino/a, BIPOC and OMWESB community.
GSI Builders’ development experience in the affordable and senior housing market (nationwide) speaks volumes to the level of competence in providing quality construction services. Major projects have been completed successfully by maintaining positive relationships with Developers, Clients, Sub-Contractors, Architects, Consulting Engineers, Inspectors, Internal Staff and community organizations.
GSI Builders’ background includes, but is not limited to, multi-family housing, affordable housing, commercial, industrial, retail, tenant improvements and senior housing, including independent living, assisted living and memory care.
Alex’s years of education and training at Oregon State University and Portland State University focusing on Economics and International Finance, prepared him for his professional career.
In 2015, Alex founded his first business, Seabold Venture, LLC. As owner of a Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwich franchise, in Cornelius, Oregon, he has been able to expand his experience as an independent Business/Owner Operator. From Customer Service, Inventory Control, hiring and firing and maintaining relations with employees in such a volatile market with regulatory challenges placed upon him has only improved his expertise and business acumen.
Alex’s background of over 15 years in the Commercial Construction market has given him a skill set that he has been professionally trained in and has executed firsthand. Alex is fully prepared to become of the new emerging leaders in the construction industry in Oregon.
Current Projects
Past Projects
Stephen C. Seabold, Vice President
In the Fall of 2018 Steve, Lina and their son Alex made the decision to create a new commercial construction company, GSI Builders, Inc. GSI Builders derives its beginnings from the family investment entity, GarciaSeabold Investments, LLC. which is Alex’s mother, Lina’s maiden name Garcia and Seabold. Steve is Vice President and is primarily responsible for marketing and job development and serves as General Managing Partner for GSI Builders.
Prior to the Fall of 2018 Steve and his wife Lina traveled to numerous places both near and far. They also had the opportunity to spend quality time with their three grandsons, Cameron, Elliott, and Mateo.
In the Fall of 2015 Steve retired from Seabold Construction Co. Inc. Steve founded Seabold Construction Co., with his father in 1984. As acting President of the company, Steve oversaw its growth for over 30 years as it became recognized as a very successful and reputable mid-sized construction company in the Northwest. Steve’s experience included commercial, industrial, retail, renovation, multi-family, and senior housing projects. During his tenure as President, Steve managed all phases of the construction business including marketing, project development, project management, estimating, scheduling, project closeouts and the warranty period. During the last 10 years of Steve’s tenure, the company saw significant emphasis on senior housing projects including construction, development, and ownership.
Prior to founding Seabold Construction Co. Inc. Steve began his construction career in 1973 as a laborer with Moran Construction Co. He steadily advanced within the company and became Vice President of the Pacific Northwest Division of Moran. Steve was directly responsible for the development, administration, and project management of many large commercial projects in the Portland area including Freightliner E-Wing Corporate Headquarters, 3 Freightliner distribution facilities in Reno, Chicago and Atlanta, and first-generation tenant improvements in the 200 Market building.
In 1976 Steve graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Business Administration. Steve also attended the University of Oregon from 1969 thru 1973 and majored in architecture and business.
Current And Recent GSI Builders Projects
Past Projects Affordable Multi-Family Housing
Additional Representative Affordable Multi-Family Projects:
Projects
Units
- 20
- 20
- 20
- 28
- 08
- 32
- 67
- 44
Projects
Units
- 48
- 63
- 82
- 20
- 36
- 36
- 72
Senior Housing
Lina Garcia Seabold, Owner/Secretary
Lina Garcia Seabold brings over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry in both the public and private sectors. Her experience in the construction industry was acquired through contract management, contract administration, small business advocacy and human relations training, all of which helped her gain real world knowledge and expertise needed to facilitate transformative change in professional lives, businesses, and organizational culture change initiatives.
Among her leadership roles, Lina’s experience includes work on two design/construction phases of the Tri-Met Light rail Projects (Eastside and Westside) where she administered the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. In this capacity, she worked with national construction companies bidding on large and small scale federally funded construction projects working toward meeting specific diversity goals. This effort led to record-breaking heights of participation and support for small businesses especially minority and women-owned businesses who had historically been underserved. She identified and developed contracting, mentorship and workforce development efforts for local construction industry companies in the Pacific NW.
Lina went on to work on legislation for the State of Oregon’s First Minority Business Advocate in the Governor’s Office and served in that initial role. In this position, she oversaw the certification process for Minority, Women and Emerging Small Businesses and advocated for those businesses by bringing them together with key procurement representatives at Federal, State and local levels. Lina has a passion for bringing diverse voices to the table to realize common goals and has dedicated much of her professional career to the goals of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.
In terms of the private sector, Lina is part owner of GarciaSeabold Investments, LLC, which has managed several Senior Housing facilities that provide independent, assisted and memory care services to Seniors in the Western Region: Washington Gardens in Oregon, Canyon Valley Memory care and Hacienda Crossings Assisted Living and Memory Care both in Arizona.
In her role at GSI Builders, Lina, who is 100 percent bilingual in Spanish and English, is involved in the executive day to day management of the company overseeing outreach and marketing, human resources, finance, COVID-19 health and safety issues, contract administration, OMWESB minority contracting/workforce plans and general administration. Lina recognizes that GSI Builders has faced many of the same challenges experienced by MWESB contractors and recognizes that collective success to improve the inequities that exist, goes beyond percentages.
One of Lina’s greatest professional joys has been serving on the Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation Board where she currently serves as the incoming Board Chair. Lina received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1974 and her family was one of the First Founding Families of the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Much of the groundwork was done in the 1970’s and what began as a small clinic serving the local farmworker community all from a 3-car garage in Cornelius, Oregon, Virginia Garcia Health Clinic is now a 17-site Clinic providing culturally specific services to 52,000 low- income individuals in 62 languages. Lina maintains a high profile in the Latino community in Oregon and Arizona and she and Steve continue to actively support several Latino organizations in the local community. Lina has served on the Boards of numerous Latino non-profit organizations and has been recognized as a Leader by many of those organizations. Currently, Lina sits on the LatinoBuilt Board which advocates for Latino Contractors in Oregon and the EngAGE Board which deals with Seniors and building communities for all ages through the creative arts. Lina also sits on the Hispanic Women’s Corporation Board (HWC) a national organization that sponsors a one-day conference designed to empower Latinas of all ages and in various professional fields.
Lina believes that arts build emotional resilience and coping skills and strengthens our sense of identity and community. Lina is a huge supporter of the Arts and is a practicing plein-aire painter. She Chaired the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and was responsible for the adoption of the Agency’s First Equity Plan. She also spearheaded the art gift exchange of “Hermano Mago,” an iron sculpture housed in the lobby of Portland5 Centers for the Arts. This piece of art was donated (and transported) to the City of Portland by its Sister City of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
She remains committed to staying healthy by practicing Pilates. She loves to travel and explore towns, villages, old colonial haciendas and world heritage sites throughout Mexico and Espana. What Lina enjoys most is spending time outdoors at the Oregon Coast with her rapidly expanding family of 4 Grandsons: Cameron, Elliott, Mateo, and Jaden. Lina celebrates Diversity every day!
Kiki Garcia Benjamin, Owner/Executive Assistant
Current Responsibilities
Kiki oversees all executive functions for GSI Builders. She is focused on aligning external and internal priorities in achieving organizational results. She assists executive staff in Marketing, Human Relations (HR), Contract Administration, Contractor Outreach and internal project systems management.
Career Summary
Kiki has been around Design and Construction her entire life. She helped design interiors for several homes and is experienced at interpreting architectural plans and specifications for both exteriors and interiors. Kiki brings over 8 years of successful ownership and management experience in running a business. She owned her own sole proprietorship business in Floral Arranging and Wedding Décor for several years. She also helped launch a local Studio Gym that provided exercise and nutrition programs to clients. She not only helped design the concept and physical space, but she was also involved in the budgeting, marketing and operational aspects of the business by serving as a Trainer. Additionally, Kiki has provided fiscal and management oversight for several years for a family LLC entity involved with Senior Housing.
Education
- Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Portland State University 2007
- Undergraduate Studies, University of Oregon
Kiki is married and has 2 boys, ages 3 and 1 and devotes her spare time to their healthy and happy early childhood development. Kiki is a lifelong ally and advocate and learner of Diversity and Inclusion. She has experience working with culturally specific and responsive organizations to increase access for services to underserved communities and communities of color in our region. Kiki has bilingual and bicultural capacity to serve, engage, partner with diverse audiences and communities of color.
Christa Griffiths, Contracts/Project Manager
Current Responsibilities
As Contracts Manager Christa Griffiths oversees projects from inception to occupancy, ensuring all work is completed on time and within budget. Christa works on a wide variety of projects, from office developments to senior housing, schools, tenant improvements, and retail. She is just as comfortable working on a single scheme as working on several ones.
Christa is the first point of contact for all clients, subcontractors, and site managers, for the duration of the contract. Christa brings her experience and education to the execution and oversight of all contracts with a keen eye for monitoring project budgets, scheduling, and overall project integration of Owner and Contractor activities. She helps to resolve disputes and identify areas for improvement in GSI’s contracting processes.
Career Summary
Christa Griffiths comes to GSI Builders with 25 years of varied construction experiences. Rising through the construction ranks from purchasing, estimating, accounting, contracts, field engineer, and project manager; Christa’s strength lies in her flexibility to manage multiple projects, as well as multiple tasks. She has worked with Steve and Alex previously for 12 years.
Education
- 2010 Project Management Certification PSU
- OSHA 30Hour, Safety
- LEED Green Associate
- AAS Science Construction Management
Christa also is committed to community activities including time as school board member and chair, neighborhood committee member, HSBA handicap ramp building, and food pantry volunteer.
Project Highlights
Joseph Abbett, Construction Manager
Current Responsibilities
Joe is currently GSI Builders’ Construction Manager with oversight of all Field Operations. Joe is a self-motivated individual with a knack for solving difficult project related issues. Utilizing over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, Joe meets with building owners and tenants to discuss build-out specifications and improvements. He mediates between landlords and tenants to find workable solutions that appeal to both parties. Joe has also assisted in the renovation and construction of a HUD 811 project.
Career Summary
Joe is a deadline-driven Construction Superintendent who oversees construction projects and acts as a link between various project parties. He leads and manages the onsite construction team and oversee all work onsite. Joe maintains orderliness on site, as well as ensure compliance with safety regulations are followed. Joe ensures quality standards are met, and all equipment and materials are always available onsite. Joe serves as liaison with inspection authorities regarding approvals.
Joe ensures success by seeing to it all projects are complete on time and within budget, and never compromise on quality. Joe is a strong leader, proactive, and performs well under pressure.
Joe previously worked with Steve and Alex for over 12 years at Seabold Construction.
Education
1984 – 1988 Journeyman Certification, United Brotherhood of Carpenters
Project Highlights
Paul Nellany, Senior Project Estimator
Current Responsibilities
Paul is Senior Project Estimator at GSI Builders and handles all project estimates and bidding.
Paul’s primary focus is bidding private and public projects, including the accurate and comprehensive process of bid preparations, submittal and follow up. Paul has a wide range of talent and works well with teams in all fields of construction management. Paul gladly welcomes challenges in which he and his team can produce completed projects that will set a tone and precedent for future endeavors.
Career Summary
With more than 30 years in the construction industry, Paul has managed and directed all aspects of the development process from estimating, inception of the project, to close out and turn over to the client. These projects have included $500 million in school and university construction, $368 million in hospital construction, $455 million in commercial projects, $165 million in multi-family housing, $220 Million in restaurant construction and $120 million in Theater Construction.
Education
- Union Trained Carpenter
- University of California, Santa Barbara, CA Business Management
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, B.S. Construction Management
Community Activities / Volunteer Experience:
Teach computer science and application use. Donate time to Hospice of the Valley, Salvation Army, and Veterans Administration.
