Meet the Team
About the Founder
Patrick O’Connell
Patrick's journey began in his hometown of New York, where his passion for construction blossomed alongside his education. From a young age, he found joy in the creative fusion of design and functionality inherent in construction projects. Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from St. Joseph University, Patrick embarked on a career spanning over two decades, navigating various roles as a Project Manager and Senior Risk Engineer. His expertise graced diverse projects, from luxury apartments to intricate tenant improvements for esteemed financial institutions across New York City.
His professional journey was enriched by stints at renowned companies such as RD Rice Construction, Linear Construction, Claudwell Wingate, Lend Lease, and Zurich, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
In 2013, Patrick, accompanied by his family of three kids and two dogs, embraced a new chapter in sunny Southern California. Nestled in the vibrant community of Rossmoor, CA, Patrick's talent quickly earned recognition, leading to numerous opportunities to build homes within the area. With each project, Patrick fostered deep connections with his clients, turning their dreams of a forever home into tangible reality. This ignited a lifelong ambition, culminating in the establishment of his own company - DLC Builders.
Enamored by the charm of the West Coast, Patrick finds solace in its sunny days, where he indulges in surfing, cheers on his daughter at volleyball games, and embarks on desert adventures with his beloved wife and family.
Lauri O’Connell
Office Manager
Lauri has been an integral part of DLC Builders since its inception, serving as a driving force behind its vision and mission. In her pivotal role within the company, Lauri adeptly manages day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless experiences for clients and partners alike. Her unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections underscores her approach to business, valuing open communication and nurturing interpersonal relationships.
With a background rooted in Psychology, culminating in a Master's degree, Lauri brings a unique perspective to her role. Her introspective nature, shaped by her academic pursuits and personal passions, enriches the fabric of DLC Builders' culture.
Originally from Argentina, Lauri now resides in Rossmoor, CA, with her family. Fluent in Spanish, Lauri's multicultural background adds depth to her interactions, enhancing the company's ability to connect with diverse communities.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Lauri finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, cherishing moments spent with her two dogs, grown children, and indulging in her love for music. Her multifaceted presence within DLC Builders not only shapes its culture but also contributes to the enduring loyalty of its clientele, embodying the company's core values both within and outside the business.
Shawn Kruse
Project Lead
Shawn's journey is steeped in engineering excellence, honed over 21 years of dedicated service at Rehig Pacific, coupled with a Bachelor's Degree from UCLA in Applied Science, Material Science, and Engineering. Transitioning into the realm of residential building marked a pivotal moment in Shawn's career, driven by a newfound passion to serve his community.
As a resident of Rossmoor, CA, Shawn has played a pivotal role in the realization of countless family homes, personally contributing to the journey of building dreams from foundation to fruition. His intimate understanding of the significance of home and family stems not only from his professional endeavors but also from his role as a devoted father to two beautiful daughters, grounding his commitment to creating spaces where memories are made and cherished.
Beyond his professional and familial pursuits, Shawn finds solace in exploration and recreation. Whether it's traversing new landscapes, teeing off on the golf course, or riding the waves, Shawn embraces opportunities to indulge his adventurous spirit and foster connections with the world around him.
Kenny Hutchison
Project Lead
Kenny embarked on his journey in construction at the age of 18, immersing himself in various trades such as commercial plumbing and operation. His path then led him to the realm of Real Estate as a Mortgage Loan Officer, offering him valuable insights into the industry. Prior to joining DLC in Residential Home Building, Kenny honed his skills at Griffith, where he served as a Foreman on high-profile projects like the 57 freeway expansion and tarmac grading of John Wayne airport, handling investments of up to $627M.
Thriving in environments where precision and efficiency are paramount, Kenny has developed a reputation for his proactive approach and exceptional relationship-building skills. He finds inspiration in his role in Residential Home Building, where he plays a pivotal part in turning clients' dreams into reality. Witnessing their vision come to life and become an integral part of their daily lives is what drives Kenny's passion for his work.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Kenny channels his dedication and discipline into his passion for sports, drawing from over a decade of experience as a professional fighter. Now, as a Football Coach for young children aged 5-6, he shares his expertise and values with the next generation. Above everything, Kenny treasures his role as a loving husband and devoted father, spending his free time with his family, enjoying quality moments together
Eric Page
Project Lead
With 37 years of experience, Eric is a seasoned expert in construction, specializing in foundational work. His journey began as a Framer, where he honed his skills with Rapid Cut Framing before venturing into entrepreneurship with his own framing company. Following this, he gained further expertise as a Superintendent with various firms before finding his place at DLC Builders.
Eric's passion lies in delivering homes that seamlessly blend function and value, tailored to meet the unique needs of each homeowner. Residing in Belmont Shores for over 22 years, he has become deeply rooted in the community, intimately familiar with the history and culture of Long Beach and Seal Beach. As he passes by homes he has helped build, Eric feels a sense of pride in his contribution to local history.
When he's not on a building site, Eric takes full advantage of Southern California's sunny beaches, where he can often be found riding the waves and soaking in the coastal beauty.