Our Profile

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Co-founder

Garrett  began working as a handyman in his 20s. In the early 2000s, he answered the call to join the US Army and serve our country, fighting in Iraq as part of Global War on Terrorism.

Moving to California in 2006, he studied Parks and Resource Management at San Francisco State University. He was able to support himself by taking on repair and remodel jobs while completing his BA. 

After college, he worked in Engineering at The San Francisco VA Medical Center managing and supporting various projects, to include the $2.1B long-range development plan to double the size of the facility. This experience gave him valuable insight into government contracting, inspection agencies, and facility management.

Not satisfied with his level of education, Garrett decided to study Mathematics and Global Environmental Science at The University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Again, he found himself taking on handyman work to support himself when he wasn't studying or out at sea on scientific research cruises. He also worked part-time as a Project Manager, installing residential and commercial Solar Hot Water systems.

Upon moving back to California, he purchased an Off-Grid property in the mountains above Colfax, CA where he lives primarily. He is currently building his dream cabin using Timber Frame construction with Straw Bale infill. His plans include geothermal heating/cooling and other energy efficient and Green Building techniques. 

Co-founder

Jim has been involved in all phases of construction for over 50 years.

As a child, Jim grew up in Orangevale CA. At the age of 14, he independently developed a rabbit farm. By the time he was 18, it grew into the largest rabbit farm in the country.

In 1975 Jim enlisted in the US Air Force and served for 8 years in Anchorage Alaska. While serving, he opened his first licensed General Contracting business.  In addition to building homes, remodeling executive offices, and managing a multitude of large and small construction projects, Jim purchased land on a remote island in the Aleutian Chain where he established a privately held freshwater utility which is still in operation today. Always looking for more opportunities to learn and develop new skills, he bought his own aircraft and worked as a bush pilot on the side, flying people and supplies into remote locations throughout Alaska and beyond.

After completing his service in the Air Force, Jim moved back to California in 1987 and opened a Cabinet Making company which he owned and operated for 20 years. From 1990 to 2006, he also taught Wood Shop, Auto Shop, and Life Skills at the Sacramento Adventist Academy.

Jim has been a mentor to countless people, and he has helped several of them open and grow successful businesses in multiple industries. Now semi-retired, he maintains his own General Contracting License while taking on the position as the Responsible Managing Officer of Unus Ursus LLC. His full list of accomplishments, affiliations, and his history in the construction industry are too long to list here. Nevertheless, he has mastered several trade skills, and he has held Electrical and Mechanical Licenses.

Today, Jim splits his time between living in Northern California and spending time at his cabin in the North Woods of Wisconsin. A lifelong student, he continues to develop new skillsets and hobbies while playing a key role in Unus Ursus' daily operations.  

Why the funny name?

Hebert, pronounced "A Bear"

A Bear, One Bear, Latin: Unus Ursus

Jim met Garrett while helping a mutual friend and neighbor finish construction on their home. Jim and Garrett immediately began developing a mentor/mentee relationship. They discovered that they all had a similar business ethos: The reward is in serving others by providing quality craftsmanship at fair prices. As time went by, Jim invited Garrett to work on other projects and at his personal residence. Jim also began providing expert advice on Garrett's off-grid building projects.

 In February of 2022, the decision was made to combine their different strengths, skill sets, and knowledge. Jim agreed to be the Qualifying Individual under the California Contractors State License Board's Responsible Managing Officer program. This made the mentor/mentee relationship official, and it provided the business with a General Contracting License and an unparalleled level legitimacy/potency.

Garrett: I was house-sitting for a friend in Pacifica when we got the idea to ask Jim if he was interested helping me open a General Contracting Company. Without hesitation, Jim agreed. I knew I couldn't let this opportunity slip through my fingers because our forces combined equaled a powerhouse in an industry desperate for licensed contractors. I started this business on my friend's couch, talking with Jim constantly on the phone. Sure enough, things began to grow. More project opportunities presented themselves while I tackled the administrative duties in the background. Now we have a solid client base with new customers seeking our services. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Jim as a partner and mentor.