Locations
Dianda Construction
Vice President of Preconstruction
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Toby Basta's Bio
Toby Basta joined Plenium Builders in 2020 as the organization’s President and Managing Partner. His wide range of commercial building construction experience includes five-star hotels in Lake Tahoe, urban in-fill condominium buildings, industrial processing facilities, large-scale distribution centers, university buildings, state institutional projects, K-12 education facilities, retail lifestyle centers/super-stores and luxury homes. Basta’s career has been firmly dedicated to building construction and general contracting. Over the last 21 years he has acted in various roles that have shaped his development into a company leader, having performed as a project engineer, project manager, preconstruction manager, senior project manager and vice president for several general contracting firms, including Q&D Construction. Early in his career, Basta also worked as a carpenter building custom homes in Vail, Colorado and Truckee, California, where he gained valuable experience in constructing ground-up projects at the field level – and a strong appreciation for efficiency, quality and teamwork. After completing his master’s degree in construction management and spending several years in the Bay Area working for a general contracting firm, Basta returned to Reno and joined Q&D Construction in 2006. His first assignment with Q&D was the project management of the structural concrete system on the 300,000-square-foot, eight-story Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe and its four-story parking garage. Success on the high-risk Ritz-Carlton led to additional project management assignments for Basta on more than $200 million of commercial projects for Q&D Construction over the next seven years including the $100-million Outlets at Legends Lifestyle Center in Sparks, Nevada. It was there that he and the Q&D organization began their long-term business relationship with national retailer Scheels, which eventually yielded new Scheels superstore projects in Utah, Montana and Minnesota. Basta relocated out of Reno in 2011 and served as the senior project manager on both the Utah and Montana projects and the project executive on the Minnesota project. In 2014, Basta returned home and was promoted to Vice President of Q&D’s Building Group. While the Scheels projects are great examples of Basta’s contribution to Q&D’s private construction portfolio, he also contributed significantly by cultivating relationships with many of the local public agencies in western Nevada through the acquisition and delivery of major projects via the CM-at-Risk (CMAR) delivery method. Major agency clients included: Washoe County School District, University of Nevada, Nevada State Public Works, Carson City School District, Washoe County Capital Projects, Douglas County School District and Churchill County School District. Between 2017 and 2019, Basta continued to diversify Q&D’s portfolio of projects, acquiring several major medical, educational, industrial and retail facilities for Q&D, including Sierra Behavioral Health Hospital, Carson Tahoe Hospital Expansion, Nick Poulakidas Elementary School, University Arts Building and a new Scheels superstore in Colorado Springs, CO. Basta’s brings to Plenium Builders his 14 years of experience with Q&D in the regional Reno/Tahoe construction market and across the western U.S. His passion for forging and solidifying long-term partnerships with clients is what drives him most, along with the satisfaction of developing in-house talent to fuel Plenium Builder’s future. His vision for the company is to be the most highly respected and sought-after general contractor in the region through a complete focus on client service, employee development and construction excellence. A fourth-generation Nevada native and graduate of Reno High School, Toby received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado in 1996 and a Master of Science in Construction Management from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003. In addition to his experience and academic credentials, Toby is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, and is Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certified. He is also a graduate of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Leadership program. As President of Plenium Builders, Toby is responsible for oversight of all company elements and activities, and most specifically, the expansion of the company’s project portfolio through project acquisition and client relationship development.
Estimating, Purchasing & Preconstruction
David Evans's Bio
As an estimator and preconstruction manager with over 40 years of experience, David enjoys visualizing what the client wants and assisting them with ideas for a cost effective project. He feels that the construction profession gives him the opportunity to really see the results of the team’s work. Preconstruction offers David a range of new ideas to help implement using his technical understanding of construction means and methods. He is dedicated, experienced and honest. David is a certified professional estimator (CPE) and holds a BS in Industrial Construction Management from Colorado State University. When he isn’t thinking up new value engineering scenarios for the latest design, he is skiing and enjoying time with his family. David works for Q&D Group Invesco as a consultant, estimating on behalf of Plenium Builders.
Devin Harrill's Bio
Devin got his first experience in construction installing counter tops for a solid-surface vendor while studying mechanical engineering. He thought that he would be pursing a calm career in engineering but based on his previous work in the hospitality business, he realized he enjoyed applying his analytical skills to orchestrating teams of people to achieve large goals. So the fast pace and busy work environment of construction management appealed to Devin. In the estimating department he enjoys developing relationships with industry partners like subcontractors, vendors and clients. When he’s not estimating, Devin, a former youth ski instructor, likes snowboarding, hiking, reading and spending time with his family and friends. Devin works for Q&D Group Invesco as a consultant, estimating on behalf of Plenium Builders.
Larissa Vocke-Merkert's Bio
Inspired to shape our physical reality and promote well-being by builders and designers going back several family generations, Larissa earned an MS in Architecture from the Karlsruher Institute of Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany. As a project manager for firms in Frankfurt and Heidelberg, she applied her efficient work style and leadership initiative to manage the inherent complexity of construction. She later moved to the U.S. to pursue design. Here, Larissa found herself drawn toward the analytical and meticulous aspects of building like appraisal and estimation. Her keen eye for detail and personal commitment to presenting innovative solutions to project challenges make her an asset to any team. When she is not estimating or coordinating the preconstruction process on projects at Plenium Builders, Larissa likes stargazing and traveling with her husband and their dog.
Neil Bartlett's Bio
Neil has worked in the construction industry since 1985, leading complex and sophisticated projects across Northern Nevada and Northern California. With a wide-ranging skill set and deep levels of industry experience, Bartlett excels at streamlining the most complicated projects. He is a registered civil engineer and worked at an architecture firm before taking on his pre-construction management role. His experience in pre-construction includes world-class projects such as the Facebook headquarters construction, where he integrated unique elements like the green roof and the Frank Gehry design into the construction process. He has a wide range of Northern Nevada project experience as well, including the Aloft Hotel and a recent large food processing facility. Neil works directly with clients, setting the table for construction, as well as coordinating the logistics, planning, subcontracting and architectural and engineering aspects of large projects.
Scott Higgins's Bio
Scott has 24 years of experience in the construction industry, working his way up from project engineer with varied experience, including serving as the general superintendent for a large builder, managing labor resources and overseeing all aspects of field management for the $300M/year company. Prior to joining Plenium Builders, he managed teams that constructed iconic Reno-Tahoe projects such as the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center at the University of Nevada, Reno and the legendary Tranquility Estate at Lake Tahoe. As the general manager, Scott oversees all Plenium Builders’ projects. For him, every project is special and receives the same care and attention; Monitoring the schedule and budget as well as client satisfaction. As a mentor, he enjoys helping his team develop their skills and abilities. A LEED Green Associate, Scott is ready to help your team evaluate green construction strategies. Scott graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, running and backpacking. Scott daringly took up the piano just a few years ago and has become quite good.
Operations
Erica Thomas's Bio
Erica has been with Plenium Builders since the beginning and has been in the construction industry for 19 years. As a project administrator, Erica uses her strengths in organization and document tracking to get the job done. She finds it very rewarding to drive around her hometown and actually “see” the work that she has helped bring to reality. When not in the office, Erica enjoys camping and playing baseball/softball and spending time with friends and family.
Grace Silva's Bio
Charismatic and diligent—a naturally talented project manager—Grace has always sought out work roles requiring collaboration, technical knowledge, and follow-through. During and after college, she worked part-time for Sherwin Williams and was energized by visiting project sites and developing team relationships. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Sales Certificate with the Seufferlein Sales Program, both from California State University, Chico. Moving on from coatings and finishes, Grace continued to work in sales and design management after graduation, and found herself captivated by the process of bringing a whole structure to life, from start to finish. Goal-oriented and determined, she set her sights on joining a general contractor and is now a part of the Plenium Builders team. When she isn't working together with stakeholders to keep procurement and project controls on track, Grace enjoys bowling, spin classes, golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Greg Meehan's Bio
Greg found the construction industry after watching his father, a contractor, build and create. Trained as a carpenter, and adept at both project management and superintending, his versatile skillset is exceptionally valuable for clients requiring construction while their facilities are occupied. Past projects he's completed in is over-40-year career include leading management and field construction of multiple renovations within Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center and Northern Nevada Medical Center sites. Often these projects involve coordinating structural and electronic parameters of advanced medical equipment—like a da Vinci robotic surgical system—while maintaining a clean environment, working inside approved hours of construction, and communicating with hospital or clinic staff members as well as subcontractors and direct labor. Greg is persistent and dedicated when it comes to getting the answers needed to keep his projects moving forward. Greg enjoys spending time with his family, camping, shooting and sports.
Jacobs Sands's Bio
As a young man, Jake got to see the inner workings of construction sites touring projects with his father, a Caterpillar employee, on the weekends. He was hooked! He is a dynamic construction professional with both creative skills and the disciplined organization it takes to keep a team on track. Jake will roll up his sleeves and help with anything even if it isn’t in his job description. Patient and reliable, he enjoys the satisfaction of seeing the end result of so many people’s hard work come together, including his own. When he isn’t tracking down the resolution to an important issue for the team, Jake enjoys photography, off-roading, snowboarding, and backpacking.
Joe Brake's Bio
Joe has a natural instinct for problem solving that drew him to construction over 19 years ago. His background includes management roles in construction and manufacturing as well as experience as a craftsman and laborer. Joe approaches everything he does with commitment, high standards of quality and a focus on client satisfaction. Joe’s superpower is amiably balancing stakeholder priorities, procurement time lines, design milestones, quality control and commissioning against firm schedule priorities. On recent projects in the Reno-Sparks area, Joe worked with subcontractors, inspectors, city staff, homeowners and energy auditors to coordinate reporting and documentation and ensure quality and energy-rating standards were being met. Like all of us on the Plenium Builders team, he enjoys the variety that a career in construction presents — applying your talents to each new project – and the excitement of being part of a team working toward a common goal. Joe holds an associate’s degree from Chabot College in Hayward, CA and is currently pursing a Project Management certificate from Truckee Meadows Community College. When he’s not focused on document control and procurement management as a project engineer for Plenium Builders, he’s playing or watching basketball, hiking, fishing, jet skiing or playing golf.
John Wallace's Bio
With 24 years’ experience in construction, John’s knowledge of the industry along with his strong teamwork skills make him a great leader and an integral part of your project team. Most recently, john oversaw the team renovating 781 guest rooms and updating the fitness center and convention center at the Nugget Resort Casino. John will oversee your project from start to finish and make sure the project stays on schedule. John has his bachelor’s in Construction Management from California State University, Fresno. John loves to camp, enjoys riding off-road vehicles and target shooting, and listening to music in his spare time.
Logan Fencl's Bio
Starting out as a summer assistant on residential projects in Carson City, NV, Logan felt energized working as part of a team to build something new. He was intrigued by the level of detail and rigorous management processes of building much larger structures and began pursuing a degree in construction management at Western Nevada College. He joined Plenium Builders as an intern and is now a full-time project engineer. Driven, outgoing, and hard-working, Logan enjoys seeing a project through from start to finish. Recent projects include the Here Reno student housing project, an 8-story, 182-unit facility with 3 levels of parking and storage. When he isn't keeping track of the details and overseeing the quality control on this large-scale project, Logan enjoys being outdoors hiking or golfing with friends.
Melanie Heilig's Bio
Family inspired Melanie to explore the construction industry. Her father, a general contractor, brought her to jobsites where she watched him over the lifecycle of many projects, from designing homes at his drafting table to building those homes in the field. She was awed by the transition from imagination to reality—paper to building. Excited to join the industry and apply her numerous creative talents, she obtained her degree in interior design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco. Over her 25-year career, she has had experience as a draftsperson, an interior designer, and a project manager, working on both residential and commercial projects. Her approach to project management includes a focus on leading with transparency and, on building trust by being a reliable resource and following through on commitments. When Melanie is not using her diverse skillset on behalf of her team, you can find her hiking, biking and/or exploring new places.
Nathan Bily's Bio
A Nevada native, Nathan's detail-oriented skills and strong work ethic are rooted in business, having worked as an analyst and accountant before, during, and after earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration for both Economics and Marketing. A relationship-builder and effective problem solver, Nathan is also a natural fit for the construction industry, given his proven ability to judge priorities, identify critical paths, and follow through on commitments. Focused and energetic, he enjoys seeing projects go from imagination to reality—becoming useful, reliable structures that will serve the community for many years to come. When he isn't keeping the latest project's controls on track for success, Nathan enjoys skiing, hunting, hiking, off-roading, learning, reading, and/or spending time with friends and family.
Patrick Rucker's Bio
Patrick has been a part of the construction industry for over 20 years. His certifications include LEED AP and OSHA 30. Patrick was recently the project manager for an office remodel for Horiba Instruments and worked on building a laboratory for them as well. He has worked on a variety of projects related to industrial, commercial, retail, residential, heavy road/highway and the airport before coming to Plenium Builders. He also has experience with CMAR and preconstruction services. His experience as a developer provides him with special insight to the clients’ concerns and helps him to reach a consensus on projects with many stakeholders. On your project, Patrick will effectively manage the construction team and find innovative and cost-effective solutions to any issue that might arise. Patrick has his bachelor’s in Construction Management from Arizona State University. For fun, Patrick enjoys fly fishing, bird hunting, snow skiing and playing golf.
Ross Blaine's Bio
Ross Blaine brings over 40 years of strategic insight and entrepreneurial experience to the team at Plenium Builders. With past industry roles as general contractor, construction executive and client representative, Ross has a multi-faceted skillset that helps him manage large-scale operations. For example, Ross led the $100-million Legends at Sparks Marina project as the client representative. At Plenium Builders, he orchestrates the resources, personnel, and data for all active commercial projects.
Finance & Accounting
Shorrelle Grove's Bio
Outgoing and positive, Shorrelle has over 15 years of experience managing offices and preparing complex billings. Her aptitude in accounting and professional approach to problem solving make her a great addition to our project teams. She oversees all aspects of project accounting at Plenium Builders, with a special focus on customized reporting that is important to a successful project implementation for many of our clients. Shorrelle enjoys watching projects develop over time. Construction has a tangible result and she enjoys sharing her teams' accomplishments with her family and friends. Her favorite activities include time with her family, gardening, hiking, hunting and fishing.
Other
Lavon Gray's Bio
Lavon has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and a huge heart. In addition to working with the administration team on payroll, project invoicing, and subcontractor compliance and pre-qualification, she plans team events and looks for ways to help people and make them smile. Past projects include Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center West Campus Expansion, Nick Poulakidas Elementary School, and CQC's Phase 1. At Plenium Builders, in addition to her administrative duties, Lavon is our greeter, welcoming each guest into the building and making sure they get where they need to go. When she isn't riding herd on her project teams' accounting and administration priorities, Lavon enjoys looking after the menagerie of animals she and her husband have rescued including birds, elderly and special needs dogs, and found kitties. She also enjoys watching movies, attending concerts and local events, and visiting family and friends.
Lori McFarland's Bio
Lori is the glue that holds teams together. She likes to say, “Construction chose me” and we are glad it did. She excels at maintaining budgets, keeping projects organized and enjoys building relationships with clients and subcontractors. Lori’s favorite part of a project is similar to her teammates’ – seeing the results of a team effort successfully come together and be respected as a high-quality project. She has overseen the administration of many large projects over her over 40 years in construction with award-winning efficiency including, most recently, a $32,000,000 skilled nursing facility for veterans. When Lori isn’t keeping her team on task with contract details, she is outdoors, hiking, fishing, and snow skiing.