About Us

Vaquero Construction Inc. (VCI) specializes in providing full-service general contracting services, from initial cost estimating and design review, through production building, all the way to "zero punch" unit delivery and maintenance.

In the 5 years since incorporating as a general contractor, VCI has completed over $100 million of construction on projects ranging from 12 units of special needs rehab to 104 units of new construction. VCI has developed a comprehensive understanding of requirements related to senior housing, special needs, and large families. VCI works with nonprofit and for-profit developers and projects that require and do not require prevailing wages.

Vaquero’s principals bring a combined 50+ years' of experience in general contracting and project development, with additional experience in production framing. For individual biographies for the firm’s owners, please see below.

Vaquero Construction Owners:

About John Van Dyke

Principal / President

John Van Dyke has worked as a construction manager for more than 15 years, most recently serving as Director of Construction for South County Housing Corporation in Gilroy, California. John’s duties included reviewing site improvement and architectural plans, selecting subcontractors, establishing and maintaining construction budgets and schedules, and managing both the department staff and field staff. He had direct oversight on a wide range of multi-family and single-family residential projects.

John has a thorough knowledge of construction materials, procedures, and methods, as well as proven leadership skills and hands-on expertise. Over the years, he has built a broad network of community relationships involving youth leadership development and training, and employment programs for at-risk populations.

John earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and also studied Construction and Energy Management at Cabrillo College.

Vern Furness

About Vern Furness

Principal / VP of Field Operations

Vern Furness has 30 years of construction experience and previously worked as General Field Superintendent for South County Housing and South County Community Builders in Gilroy, California. Before that, he served as Project Manager/Construction Manager for Bay Shore Properties and Development in Carmel, California. He has also worked as a lead carpenter, building inspector, and high volume production framer.

Vern’s duties as superintendent include plan check, site supervision, field staff training, green building compliance, site safety, subcontractor scheduling, and quality control. He holds special certificates in SWPP, OSHA, and Green Property Management.

About Andy Lief

Principal / CFO

Andy Lief has over 20 years of experience in the housing development business. He started working in accounting and business operations and then shifted to real estate development project management. He worked for the City of San Jose Redevelopment Agency and served as Housing Development Director for South County Housing Corporation in Gilroy, California.

As a project manager, Andy has overseen the development of hundreds of multi-family and single-family housing units using multiple funding sources, including low-income housing tax credits, HUD, CalHFA, and redevelopment funds. His projects have involved zoning changes, subdivision maps, and formation of common interest developments.

Andy earned both a B.A. and M.A. from University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Public Administration degree from San Jose State University.

Vaquero Construction Support Staff:


Esther Brambila

Construction Project Administrator


Leticia Herrera

Accounting Manager


Tony Gama

Superintendent


Jaime Marquez

Superintendent