Santa Rosa, California, is a vibrant tapestry of culture, commerce, and community. With its picturesque landscapes, diverse population, and palpable entrepreneurial spirit, Santa Rosa emerges as an ideal canvas for those envisioning retail success. For retail enthusiasts eyeing Santa Rosa, the prospect is not just about business; it’s about becoming an integral part of a flourishing community. The city’s robust economy and supportive local government position Santa Rosa as an attractive hub for retail ventures. 

If you’re considering building a retail establishment in Santa Rosa, California, we have compiled a list of the city’s five best retail contractors poised to transform your vision into a thriving reality. These firms have been evaluated based on their proven track records, industry recognition, and organization affiliations. 


Harkey Construction

810 DenBeste CT #101, Windsor, CA 95492

Established over three decades ago, Harkey Construction has solidified its position as a cornerstone in Sonoma County’s building landscape. The company’s legacy is built upon unwavering craftsmanship and a dedication to customer service. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Harkey Construction is committed to helping clients realize their construction goals efficiently and cost-effectively. Its commitment to excellence is reflected in its reception of the Diamond Certified’s Customer Satisfaction Award for an impressive 21 consecutive years, as well as the North Bay Biz Magazine’s Gold Award and Windsor’s Small Business of the Year Award. In 2023, Harkey Construction also earned The Press Democrat‘s Best of Sonoma County Readers’ Choice award, further solidifying its standing in the community. 

The company’s principles, led by founder Jeff Harkey, reflect a commitment to quality that began with his time at Sonoma State University. Affiliated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Harkey Construction’s notable projects extend beyond construction, shaping communities and leaving a lasting imprint on the Sonoma County landscape.


Precision Builders Corporation

3510 Unocal Pl Ste 110, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Precision Builders Corporation, co-founded by Sean McFarland in 2013, brings over 25 years of construction industry prowess to its projects. The company serves as a conduit for Sean’s talent, inspiration, and innate aptitude, catering to clients, architects, designers, and business leaders. The focal point of the firm’s philosophy is Sean’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Transparency, flexibility and the timely delivery of a quality product that surpasses clients’ expectations are the keystones of its successful collaborations.

Precision Builders boasts a portfolio of diverse projects, showcasing proficiency in new residential construction, residential remodels, commercial shell buildings, tenant improvements, school renovations, winery facilities, and more. The firm’s expertise extends to on-site and off-site utility work, church renovations, and health club construction. The accolades it has received, including the 2022 Bohemian Best of the North Bay Award, underscore its commitment to providing a construction experience grounded in skill, dedication, and client-focused values.


Midstate Construction

1180 Holm Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954

Established in 1935, Midstate Construction is a seasoned general contractor with over 80 years of construction mastery. The company builds more than just structures, forging enduring and strong relationships, one project at a time. It specializes in multi-family, office, retail, industrial, hospitality, parking structures, public works, and historic renovations. Regardless of the project type, however, the firm aims to blend tradition with innovation and boasts an unwavering commitment to unparalleled quality, integrity, reliability, and professionalism. Its mantra is to meet and exceed client objectives, ensuring on-schedule and on-budget performance. The company’s accolades, such as the 2018 North Bay Business Journal‘s Top Projects Award, affirm this dedication to excellence.

Led by Roger Nelson, whose academic background includes studies at Stanford University and Claremont McKenna College, Midstate Construction brings a blend of intellectual understanding and practical experience to its projects. Affiliated with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Build It Green, as well as holding the status of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), Midstate Construction showcases its deep dedication to sustainable building. 


DRF Builders Inc.

131A Stony Cir Ste 500, Santa Rosa, CA  95401

Founded by Dana R. Faustine in March 2009, DRF Builders represents a departure from a family-owned construction legacy. The company stands on the pillars of integrity, honesty, and quality, distinguishing itself by organically cultivating a clientele through its commitment to superior construction and candid advice. Faustine’s passion lies in demystifying the construction process for clients, transforming what might be perceived as a daunting endeavor into an exciting journey. In order to accomplish this, Faustine uses a hands-on approach, ensuring clients are well-informed at every project stage. Transparency is another cornerstone of the firm’s work, so it constantly provides insights into the construction process, details the work executed, and addresses any challenges head-on. Faustine’s creative input adds an extra dimension, offering clients innovative ideas to realize their envisioned results. 

At DRF Builders, construction is viewed as a realm of possibilities, where achieving desired outcomes sometimes requires navigating unique routes. This ethos is exemplified in every project, as is the company’s commitment to client satisfaction, which it ensures through an informed, transparent, and creatively driven construction process.


GMH Build

901 Bdwy, Sonoma, CA 95476

Established to cater to the construction management and general contracting needs of Northern California communities, GMH Builders stands as a beacon of community-focused construction. The firm’s mission is clear: to foster positive community growth, maintain meaningful local connections, and consistently surpass expectations in every project undertaken. It is centered around the mantra of “Building for Life.” In order to achieve this, GMH Builders offers a versatile range of services, from tenant improvements and renovations to larger projects requiring seamless continuity.

What sets the company apart is its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement with regard to its people, processes, and technologies. It is led by CEO Seth Maze and Co-founder Josh Grigg, who offer a wealth of expertise, including status as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-Hour Certified, ensuring a meticulous approach to sustainability and safety.  GMH Builders has also received awards such as the 2020 North Bay Business Journal “Top Real Estate Project” for its work on a 1910 Spanish Colonial-style bank. As reflected in its feature in Sonoma News, the firm has become a trusted force in shaping Northern California’s built environment through a dedication to community-centric construction and a focus on excellence.

Author

  • Jake Gustafson

    Jake has served as Senior Editor at General Contractors and brings a wealth of experience rooted in his passion for building. Holding a degree in Construction Engineering Management from Oregon State University, he actively engaged in industry-related activities, including membership in the Associated General Contractors of America student chapter and participation in the Associated Schools in Construction student competition. Previously, Jake served as a project engineer for a prominent general contractor in Portland, where he played a pivotal role in various aspects of construction projects, from pre-construction to subcontractor management. His expertise extends to working on innovative projects, such as North America's largest CLT commercial building. Expertise: Commercial Construction, Commercial Remodeling, Home Design and Build Key Highlights: Editor at General Contractors, Project Engineer for Portland-based general contractor, Field Engineer for the largest CLT commercial building in North America Education: Oregon State University, Degree in Construction Engineering Management