Ampersand Development
Jeanevra Calhoun
Owner, Ampersand Development
Design/Build, General Contracting & Development
310-717-5050
23661 Telo Ave, Torrance, CA 90505
Why do you like working in the South Bay and serving the residents of Rolling Hills, Jeanevra?
Having lived in the South Bay my entire life, with much of my time spent in Rolling Hills, I feel a deep connection to this community. I feel I truly know the people here. The diverse pastimes and lifestyles of the residents here resonate with me, and I genuinely connect with all my clients. The unique culture and values of this area align closely with my own, making my work here incredibly fulfilling.
How long has your company been in business and how many people does it employ?
It's been a little over 10 years now! We have a small in-house staff, but most of our team is a mix of independent contractors and collaborators. We handpick teams for each aspect of each project to make sure our clients have the right people for their jobs. Since the very beginning, I have worked with most of our collaborators and subcontractors, while always continuing to build relationships within the industry.
What prompted you to start your business and how did it begin?
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Boston University, I realized I needed a more hands-on career. With a passion for problem-solving, I found the construction industry to be a perfect fit. At 24, I decided to venture into real estate development and began establishing my business. In 2013, I founded Ampersand Development, launching it in early 2014 with the purchase of my first development project in Rolling Hills Estates. Initially, Ampersand focused on high-end single-family development. However, due to growing interest from friends and neighbors, I expanded the company to offer general contracting services. Today, Ampersand provides residential design-build services and multifamily development, working on a variety of projects across different styles, from Manhattan Beach to Rolling Hills.
Anything unique or special about your business?
Ampersand is a woman-owned construction company. In an industry that is typically male-dominated, people are sometimes surprised to see me on site, but I don’t take it personally – I would be surprised to see me too!
What is the most valuable skill you offer clients?
Seamless management. Clients have a single point of contact for their entire project: me! They know I am available to address any questions about any aspect of their job. I wear many hats, which helps clients feel at ease knowing they have a single expert for every phase. Whether it’s hiring subcontractors, coordinating with designers, managing city permitting, or selecting materials, I handle everything homeowners typically have to piece together on their own, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?
There are many great companies out there, but our boutique approach allows us to prioritize our clients uniquely. By only taking on a few projects at a time, we ensure that each client receives the highest level of service. We are not a high-volume firm; we are meticulously dedicated. I approach every project with the mindset, "What if this were my home?" When our values align with our clients', we can effectively meet their expectations and deliver a beautiful final product.
What’s the secret of your company’s success?
Transparency and Trust are huge pillars of our operation. I prefer all my clients to see exactly what they are paying for and have the most information possible. Given the industry's stigma, my goal is to make the construction process more transparent, creative, and fun.
I’m proud to say all of our projects come from returning clients or happy referrals. We love to get calls back from previous customers. It feels great to know people are enjoying their experience and trust us enough to hire Ampersand again and again.
What makes a good team?
The relationship between contractor and client is crucial. When you’re on a project every day for months, getting along is just the beginning. Effective communication and mutual understanding are essential, turning the homeowner and contractor into a partnership with a shared goal. Beyond this owner/contractor relationship, we recognize that we can't do everything ourselves, which is why we hire some of the most reputable subcontractors in the area. It’s vital that every tradesperson who steps onto a job site or into a client’s home is professional and skilled. With the right team, we are able to provide exceptional service at every level.
The relationship between contractor and client is crucial. When you’re on a project every day for months, getting along is just the beginning. Effective communication and mutual understanding are essential, turning the homeowner and contractor into a partnership with a shared goal. Beyond this owner/contractor relationship, we recognize that we can't do everything ourselves, which is why we hire some of the most reputable subcontractors in the area. It’s vital that every tradesperson who steps onto a job site or into a client’s home is professional and skilled. With the right team, we are able to provide exceptional service at every level.
What’s your favorite aspect of construction?
I have a deep passion for tile and stonework. It's probably my favorite trade and an activity I thoroughly enjoy sharing with clients. I love spending a day at the slab yard, watching clients walk through the aisles, admiring each unique piece. Natural stone fascinates me, and the variety of beautiful materials available is astounding. After selecting samples, we head to the tile shop to explore how we can blend natural and manmade materials, which is a wonderfully creative process. This is where I get to have the most fun with clients—it's my absolute favorite part of the job!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Working in this industry is a passion of mine and truly rewarding, but I also enjoy spending time outside at the lake or BBQing in the sun with friends and family. Being creative fills a lot of my time as well. I enjoy drawing, painting, and playing piano, as well as spending time with my pets or riding my horse, Holiday. I am so grateful to live in an area where all of these things are possible!
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your business?
Ampersand is now booking projects for late summer of 2024.