Our Team: Behind the Build

Shawn Bakker

Meet Shawn, Owner and Founder of Bakker Construction, where high-end renovation and the Design-Build process are not just about craftsmanship but about bringing each client's unique vision to life. His dedication to excellence has become synonymous with the elegance and bespoke quality of the homes on the Monterey Peninsula.

Shawn was born and raised in Golden, Colorado, and as a 4th generation builder, grew up watching and learning on family jobsites. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Psychology from Regis University in Denver, where he met his wife Amanda. Shawn co-founded ReVolve Construction in Colorado in the early 2000s and relocated with Amanda to the Monterey Peninsula in 2007.

Shawn founded Bakker Construction in 2008, and with relentless dedication, grew his vision from a small home-run business to the large award-winning firm it is today.  In 2023, they celebrated 15 years of serving the Monterey Peninsula community with their client-centered, quality-driven, community-invested approach to the Design Build industry.

Amanda Bakker

Meet Amanda, co-owner of Bakker Construction and wife to Shawn Bakker. Amanda met Shawn while at Regis University in Denver, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Spanish. Shawn and Amanda were married in San Juan Bautista, CA in 2000, but started their life in Colorado.

In 2007, the Bakkers felt the call to relocate to Monterey County, where Amanda was born and raised, to grow their family and business. Amanda's lineage in Monterey County gives her deep roots as a 4th generation native and descendant of William E.P. Hartnell. 

Amanda embodies the spirit of community and family, a foundation upon which they've built their business. She brings to Bakker Construction her 21 years of experience in executive leadership in the nonprofit world, and 17 years of staging and coordinating photo shoots to put a beautiful book end on our remarkable projects. Together with Shawn and their three children, Olivia, Wyatt and Tatum, and her incredible service dog Copper, and Yorkie, Scout, the Bakkers love the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors, exploring the great outdoors and road tripping across the country.

Chanelle Simpson

Meet Chanelle Simpson, co-owner of Bakker Construction. Chanelle is a Monterey County native who has always had a passion for style and design. She first joined the Bakker Construction team as a part-time Office Assistant in 2017, where she fell in love with design and honed her skill and fueled her desire to be more involved in the process and execution of quality projects. Chanelle soon moved into the role of Design and Development Coordinator in 2019, where her creative influence and eye for detail can be seen throughout the Builds page on the Bakker Construction website and in the homes of trusted clients.

In 2022, Chanelle was promoted to General Manager, and entrusted to not only oversee the Design and Development Process at Bakker but to ensure that her design visions were brought to life through the lens of Production.  After years of seeing her own design visions—and those of the Architects and Designers who collaborate with Bakker—come to life, Chanelle’s leadership within the team became evident and the Bakkers invited her to join them in ownership of Bakker Construction in 2023.

Chanelle takes pride in hearing and understanding her clients, building relationships and trust, and partnering with them to turn their houses into homes they love to live in. She is most motivated by seeing how happy a client is at the end of a project as they move into their home and invite our team back to enjoy the space with them. She and her husband Kaleb live in Monterey County with their Pit Bull, Bella, and cat, Harvey. In her free time, Chanelle loves working out in her home gym, hosting dinner parties for friends, and riding motorcycles with her husband.

Our Team

  • Production Manager

    When it comes time to bring our clients’ design visions to life, they can count on our Production Manager, Tyler, to lead the way—coordinating and directing our carpenters and subcontractors in the field. Tyler has been a key part of the Bakker team for nearly four years, but brings 20+ years of both residential and commercial construction industry experience to the table. He shares that his favorite things about his job are finding solutions to problems and crossing things off his to-do list. That’s how we get things done around here!

    Tyler is a transplant to Monterey County from Battle Ground, WA, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration. Aside from keeping our jobs running smoothly and efficiently, Tyler also enjoys working on his own home and cars and frequents Lowe’s on the weekends. His next personal goal is to finish the interior of his own home remodel. He loves hanging out with his lovely wife and their dog, Tucker, and even admits to also having 3 cats!

  • Office Manager

    The Bakker team is so thankful for the creativity and talent of our Office Manager, Brianna, who describes herself as ambitious, optimistic, and approachable—and we agree! Brianna has grown so much in the last year at Bakker.  Brianna’s talent and infectious personality are truly gifts to our team and our clients alike. 

    Brianna grew up in Los Banos, CA and recently attended California State University at Monterey Bay, where she studied Psychology. Although her early childhood ambitions of becoming a vet didn’t become a reality, she still loves animals, is a big supporter of the SPCA for Monterey County. Brianna is also recently engaged, and she and her fiancé have two sweet cats!

  • Superintendent

    John brings a wealth of knowledge and 20 years of industry experience to our team, in the role of Superintendent. He is a Salinas Valley native and Salinas High alum, and is truly motivated by the production process, saying, “Seeing things come together in an efficient way is quite a thing to be a part of. It’s incredible to hear from happy families when they see their ideas come to life.” He says he enjoys the team aspect here at Bakker and finds it very cool to have the support of people he works with. On top of being a team leader here at Bakker, John is a budding writer and has goals of writing more short stories and starting to learn Spanish this year. He has also become quite invested in golf as of late, with the goal of being able to play and enjoy it on his upcoming trip to Scotland.  

    John and his wife Cecie love to travel, whether up and down the California Coast or around the country. Their love is their Huskie-mix “Blue,” and they also share a passion for animal rescue and fostering and support many local animal shelters and rescues with their time and resources. 

  • Project Designer and Developer

    We are so thrilled to welcome Caitlin to our Interior Design Team here at Bakker Construction! She is a native of the Salinas Valley, going to Salinas High School and then earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Sonoma State University. She brings 5 years of experience in Interior Design to our team, and shares that she’s most driven “by the thrill of transforming ideas into reality. Exploring new trends, pushing creative boundaries, and collaborating with my design team to bring bold concepts to life is what truly inspires me.” That kind of passion makes her an excellent fit for this team, as she also describes herself as motivated, organized and charismatic! Looking back, her eye for design was always a part of her, as a little girl she loved rearranging and redecorating her room any chance she could.

    Fast forward to today, and she loves cooking for those she loves, and spending quality time with her future husband, Gary, and her goldendoodle Murphy. She skates with the Monterey Bay Roller Derby and is a supporter of “No Kid Hungry”—firmly believing no one should be hungry in our modern world. Finally, Caitlin is most inspired by the people she works with here at Bakker, and their motivation—and by her younger sister, who she describes as “wise beyond her years. She’s always known exactly what she wants and will stop at nothing to make it happen. She’s got the most amazing outlook on life and the kindest heart.” It’s that kind of heart for the people in her life that reinforces for all of us that Caitilin is a wonderful addition to our team!

  • Project Designer and Developer

    Tessa is a whimsical, optimistic, and resourceful Project Designer and Developer here at Bakker. She is from Palo Alto originally and attended PALY and later Chaminade University of Honolulu for her BFA in Interior Design. Tessa is motivated by the thrill of a design coming together, likening it to solving a Rubik's cube. She greatly admires her mother, who both worked and went to school full-time while Tessa was growing up, getting her PHD the year before Tessa graduated college! Tessa would love to have an art studio fully set up in the next year, and one day learn to fly small airplanes.  

    Tessa loves painting, pottery, gardening, hiking, picnics, swimming, and so much more! She wanted to be either a mermaid or a teacher growing up. Tessa likes listening to Goldford, Janelle Monae, The Beeches, and Ella Fitzgerald, and watches Survivor, Gilmore, Girls, and New Girl! She proudly supports any cause that pushes for the humane treatment of animals and care for the environment, including The Gentle Barn Sanctuary and the Project for Awesome.  

  • Construction Superintendent

    We are excited to welcome Andrew to the Bakker Construction team as a Superintendent! A Salinas native, Andrew brings both local roots and a strong sense of pride to his work, along with a passion for seeing projects come together from start to finish.

    Andrew shares that what motivates him most is progression—watching a project take shape and come together over time. He has always been drawn to construction, even from a young age, when he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the field. Today, he especially enjoys the structure of his work and the opportunity to be part of building something meaningful. He describes himself as aware, intelligent, and empathetic, qualities that make him a thoughtful leader and a great teammate.

    Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and staying active at home—on Sunday mornings, you’ll likely find him out cutting the grass. He also has a goal of continuing to grow personally and professionally, including building his computer literacy skills. Looking ahead, one of his goals is to buy a boat and spend even more time enjoying life outside of work.

    Andrew greatly admires his dad, whom he describes as the strongest man he knows, and carries those values of strength and integrity into his everyday life. He also cares deeply about giving back to the community, especially through youth sports programs like MBYFL.

    We’re grateful to have Andrew’s leadership, dedication, and positive mindset here at Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Andrew!

  • Preconstruction Manager

    Kyle is a California-native who grew up down south in Glendora, attended Glendora High School and Citrus College. He has been in the Monterey area for the last 10 years. He is a wonderful asset to our team here at Bakker Construction, joining us as a Superintendent with 15 years of industry experience. When asked about what he likes most about his work, Kyle says. “I love the collaborative aspect of my job, as well as the people that I get to work with. I really enjoy design and seeing the finished product. Many parts of construction are like a puzzle, and I love getting to solve them.” He also finds motivation in “a stellar finished product and team collaboration. I’ve always been proud of the things that we’re able to build.” Kyle has always wanted to explore the craft of furniture-making, and has a goal of finally building the coffee table he’s been dreaming of for years. He also notes that his grandfather was an architect and built his own home, and Kyle was always impressed with his attention to detail and wanted to continue his legacy in his own way, saying, “I love the challenge of bringing the client’s dream to fruition.”

    On a personal note, Kyle says he has always admired Teddy Roosevelt since he was young. His efforts in conservation, as well as creating the United States Forest Service and the National Parks, have always amazed him. In his down time, Kyle loves the outdoors—camping, backpacking and climbing. He’s also a fan of America’s pastime, catching every Padres game during the season, and playing co-ed softball in his spare time. We are so grateful for all of the expertise and energy Kyle brings to our team!

  • Project Designer and Developer

    Toni is a Napa native that now serves as one of our Project Designers! She attended Chico State for college and recently moved to Monterey at the beginning of 2025. When asked about her job, Toni shared the following: “I still can’t believe I get to do this every day. I am constantly gathering inspiration from clients, trends, or even just fun things around me and it’s cool to look at the entire world as art. I’m also incredibly honored to collaborate with such an amazing team. It’s incredible to see what happens when so many creative minds come together.” Toni’s passion for creativity and problem solving started at a young age, when she wanted to be a fashion designer.  

    One of Toni’s favorite humans is her grandpa, who she admires and is constantly inspired by. She is the proud mom of a bull terrier named Eevee, who she says, “is the light of my life.” Toni loves antique shopping, watching waves at the beach, graphic design, Sublime, Gilmore Girls, and an iced mocha from Phoebes Café. She is also a big supporter of Alaina’s Voice Foundation, which has a very special place in her heart! 

  • Estimator

    We are thrilled to welcome Jon Shamess to the Bakker Construction team as our Estimator! Originally from Fairfax Station, Virginia, Jon brings a diverse and accomplished background to his role. He graduated from Woodson High School before attending the Air Force Academy, West Point, and Indiana University—an impressive academic journey that reflects both discipline and drive. We are incredibly thankful for Jon’s years of service to our country—as well as his wife, Nicki who is still active duty in the Air Force. Jon is deeply motivated by “making things happen” and by developing strong, effective teams, which makes him a natural fit for our collaborative environment here at Bakker.

    Jon describes himself as ambitious, passionate, and dependable—traits that anyone who meets him will quickly recognize. His favorite part of his work is being an integral part of a team, contributing meaningfully to the forward momentum of a project. He also has big goals outside the office, including an upcoming challenge he’s set for himself: climbing Mt. Vinson in Antarctica.

    When he’s not at work, Jon’s happiest moments are spent with his daughters—whether they’re summitting mountains together or simply sitting beside him on a Sunday morning while he watches football. He also enjoys cigars by the fire and has a pair of cats, Moon and Oreo, who he jokingly admits “don’t like him very much.” Jon admires his father above anyone else, calling him “Mr. Reliable,” and praising his integrity and level-headedness.

    As a child, Jon dreamed of becoming an “army man” or the head of a large company—a blend of leadership, courage, and determination that still shines through in his personality today. He cares deeply about giving back, especially through Homes for Heroes, a cause dedicated to building and providing homes for American heroes who have suffered life-altering injuries while serving.

    We are grateful for the drive, heart, and leadership Jon brings to Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Jon!

  • Construction Superintendent

    We are excited to welcome Brian Reed to the Bakker Construction team as a Superintendent! Brian grew up in Saratoga, California, and attended San Jose State University and received his degree in Fine Arts. He brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work, along with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional results for every client. He says he has always worked with his hands, beginning as a ceramics artist from his youth. He later started learning to build furniture and cabinetry, and moved into carpentry, giving him nearly 30 years combined experience in the world of construction. Brian also is an accomplished and professionally trained chef! He really lives to make people happy through his creativity.

    Brian shares that his biggest motivation at work is client happiness, and he takes great pride in seeing a project progress from start to finish. He enjoys the structure of the work and the satisfaction that comes from bringing all the pieces together. He describes himself as controlling, detailed, and organized—qualities that translate into a well-managed jobsite and a high standard of craftsmanship.

    Outside of work, Brian enjoys woodworking, spending time in his garden, and relaxing at the beach. He’s also interested in expanding his creative side, with goals of learning more about painting. At home, he has a 13-year-old Boxer named Bella who keeps him company, along with his lovely wife. Brian greatly admires his father, whom he describes as a great teacher, and carries those lessons with him in both his personal and professional life.

    We’re grateful to have Brian’s experience, organization, and dedication to excellence here at Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Brian!

  • Bookkeeper

    We are excited to welcome Paige to our Bakker Construction team as our Bookkeeper! Paige grew up in Salt Lake City, UT and spent the last 8 years in Austin, TX before recently making the move to Monterey. As she settles into her new surroundings, she’s focused on making Monterey feel like home—and we’re thrilled that her journey brought her to Bakker!

    Paige is motivated by the satisfaction that comes from putting all the pieces in place. She shared that she loves checking tasks off her list, feeling accomplished at the end of the day, and and being part of something bigger than herself. That appreciation for order, accuracy, and teamwork makes her a wonderful fit for her role and for our team. She describes herself as kind, collaborative and inclusive—qualities that are felt immediately by those who work with her.

    Outside of work, Paige enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and being with family. Sunday mornings often find her drinking coffee and walking by the ocean, soaking in the calm start to the day. She’s also an adventurer at heart, with scuba diving high on her list of skills she’d love to acquire. At home, she’s kept company by her beloved dog, Enzo—a Yorkie-Poodle-Maltese mix who adds plenty of joy to her days.

    Paige admires artists, dreamers, and adventurers—especially those who give back and make the world a better place. She cares deeply about the mission of the American Brain Tumor Association, a cause close to her heart. We are so grateful to have Paige’s warmth, organization and positive energy here at Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Paige!

  • Carpenter

    We are excited to welcome Ivan to the Bakker Construction team as a Carpenter! A local to the Salinas Valley, Ivan grew up in Salinas and graduated from Salinas High School. He brings a strong work ethic, creativity, and pride in his craft to every project he’s a part of.

    Ivan shares that his greatest motivation is his family, which drives him to work hard and continue growing both personally and professionally. He enjoys the artistic side of construction, noting that his work “can be a form of art”—a perspective that reflects his attention to detail and passion for creating something meaningful. He describes himself as outgoing, honest, and respectful, qualities that make him a great fit for the Bakker team.

    Outside of work, Ivan enjoys spending time with his kids, hiking, swimming, and being outdoors. On Sunday mornings, you’ll likely find him sleeping in or taking it easy after a busy week. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a firefighter, and today he continues to carry that same sense of dedication and responsibility into his work. He also hopes to one day learn how to fly an airplane—an exciting goal that speaks to his adventurous spirit.

    Ivan greatly admires his older brother, who built his own race car business, inspiring him through hard work and determination. Looking ahead, one of Ivan’s goals is to purchase property and continue building a strong future for his family.

    We’re grateful to have Ivan’s craftsmanship, integrity, and positive energy here at Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Ivan!

  • Click “Join our Team” at the top of this page to learn more!

  • Carpenter

    We are pleased to welcome Noe Diaz to the Bakker Construction team as a Carpenter. Noe grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico, where his strong work ethic and appreciation for craftsmanship began. He brings that dedication to every project, along with a genuine pride in the work he does.

    Noe is motivated by his family and his love for building. He enjoys using his mind on the job and takes satisfaction in doing things the right way. One of his goals for the year is to continue improving jobsite safety so everyone can work confidently and securely.

    Outside of work, Noe enjoys spending time with his family, and on Sunday mornings you’ll often find him resting with his kids. As a child, he dreamed of becoming an architect—a reflection of his long-standing interest in construction and design. He also hopes to expand his skills by learning to operate heavy equipment, including excavators.

    Noe deeply admires his mother for her strength and support, values that guide him both personally and professionally. He cares about helping people in need, especially those from underserved communities.

    We’re grateful to have Noe’s skill, dedication, and heart on the Bakker Construction team. Welcome, Noe!

  • Carpenter

    We are excited to welcome Garth to the Bakker Construction team! Garth brings strength, focus, and dedication to his work each day, motivated first and foremost by his family. He takes pride in the physical and mental challenges of the job and enjoys pushing himself to be the best version of himself—both personally and professionally.

    Garth describes himself as strong, smart, and caring, qualities that are evident in the way he approaches his work and the people around him. He greatly admires his father, whom he calls his “Superman,” and credits him as a major influence in his life. One of his biggest goals this year is purchasing a motor home for his family—continuing to build meaningful memories together.

    Outside of work, Garth enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and anything related to cars. On Sunday mornings, you’ll likely find him making breakfast with his family. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a police officer, a reflection of his strong sense of responsibility and service. He also values mentoring and coaching, sharing that being a positive influence for his children and others is something he deeply cares about.

    We’re grateful to have Garth’s work ethic, heart, and drive here at Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Garth!

  • Lead & Office Coordinator

    We are delighted to welcome Anna Klein to the Bakker Construction team as our Lead & Office Coordinator! Born in Santa Cruz and raised in Pacific Grove, Anna graduated from PG High School before beginning her college journey. She completed two years at Monterey Peninsula College and then moved to Tennessee, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Carson-Newman University. Recently, she returned home to the Monterey Peninsula to be close to family again—a decision that we’re very grateful for, as she brings tremendous heart, dedication, and positivity to our office.

    Anna describes herself as loyal, hardworking, and unyielding—qualities that shine through in the way she approaches her work. She loves supporting her team, helping everyone reach a common goal, and making sure people have what they need to do their jobs well. She also enjoys the versatility that comes with administrative work, appreciating that every day brings something new.

    Outside of work, Anna loves to bake, explore new places, and take walks on the beach. She’s always up for a road trip and cherishes quality time with friends and family above all else. And while she’s an excellent baker, she hopes to grow her cooking skills in the coming year and work on building new habits of discipline.

    Anna holds deep admiration for her mom, a former hospice nurse whose compassion and strength left a lasting impact on her. She is also passionate about causes that support children’s well-being and safety. She sponsors a child through Compassion International, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children worldwide overcome poverty—something that aligns beautifully with her empathetic and service-oriented nature.

    We are thrilled to have Anna’s energy, care, and unwavering dedication here at Bakker Construction. Welcome to the team, Anna!

  • Production Intern

    Brenden is a student at Colorado State University and joins us this summer as a Production Intern! He grew up in Pacific Grove, wanting to be a police officer as a kid. He admires his parents for being hardworking and honest people, and would describe himself as outgoing and loyal. Brenden is motivated by learning new skills at work and has enjoyed meeting new people in this role. His goal for the year is to complete his internship and continue doing well in his classes!

    When he isn’t working or doing school, Brenden loves to play golf and snowboard! He can often be found at the golf course and is hoping to keep getting better at it. Brenden likes cheering for the Giants, listening to Alan Jackson, and vacationing at Donner Lake. A cause he cares about is the Wounded Warrior Project. Welcome to the team, Brenden! We're glad to have you here this summer.

  • Intern

    We like to keep things feeling like family around here, and that is especially true with Olivia joining the team this summer as an intern. She grew up watching her parents, Shawn and Amanda, build Bakker Construction from the ground up, and is now double majoring in Business and Spanish while in the Torrey Honors program at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. Olivia has a bright future ahead of her in whatever path she chooses, and is looking forward to shadowing and learning from many team members, from Design to Sales to Marketing to Accounting. She’s especially excited about learning how to use design software, acquiring new skills, and getting to spend time with the fun and amazing people on our team.  

    Olivia also hopes to enjoy her summer break by adding in lots of time outside, whether going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, taking some road trips and loving on the family dogs, a Yorkie named Scout and Red Fox Lab named Copper. She is an avid reader, even when not in school, and hopes to fit reading for fun around her summer classes. Olivia is looking forward to a big PNW camping trip this summer, where she’ll get to spend time hiking and discussing with friends, getting class credit for it too! 

  • CTO (Certified Treat Oficionado)

    Mr. Scout is hands - down the favorite member of our Bakker Team. This handsome and spunky 10 - lb Yorkshire Terrier is a regular greeter at our office and is always willing to give design input.

    He’s also a fan of sporting our Bakker - gear around town and helping our Marketing team with promotion. His work has earned him lots of recognition, and he showcases great class by accepting awards in the form of treats instead of trophies.