Pietro Rovelli, RYDA Ventures, Inc.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with EPI Construction through my role as a Construction Project Manager at RYDA Ventures, Inc. Born in Italy, into a family of general contractors and having grown up around construction, I’ve always had a passion for the industry. Now, as a project manager, I bridge the gap between ownership and the outside world, ensuring that our projects run smoothly while staying within time, financial, and legal constraints.
The Start of a Strong Partnership
I was first introduced to EPI Construction in 2021 when we partnered for a challenging renovation project at 3210 Sunset Blvd., now, Sunset Row retail center. It was my first project at RYDA and involved restoring a historic brick building—a complex task filled with unknowns. RYDA demands excellence and is known to make changes during the construction process. From the onset, the team at EPI managed everything with professionalism and expertise, quickly developing a strong constructive collaboration between our teams. This laid the foundation for a solid relationship built on trust.
A Relationship Built on Transparency and Expertise
Since Sunset Row, I’ve worked with EPI on multiple projects and have seen them manage tenant improvements for a few of our spaces, like the construction of Baggu’s Silverlake store and the ongoing design-build for Bar di Bello Italian restaurant. What sets EPI apart is their commitment to transparency. In construction, you can always find someone to do it cheaper, but often at the cost of quality. With EPI, they present all options, from budget-friendly to premium, always explaining the differences and offering expert recommendations. This consistency and clarity are why I continue to choose EPI for RYDA’s projects.
The EPI Team: Professionalism at Every Level
One of the unique aspects of working with EPI is the consistent professionalism and friendliness across all levels of the company. I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with Bill Maine, Jaime Pena, Fred Hall, and Mike Jacobson, and every interaction has been positive. Construction can often be stressful and conflict-driven, but with EPI, it feels like they’re right there in the trenches with you, working as true partners rather than adversaries. This approach has turned what could be a tough business into an enjoyable experience.
Why I Recommend EPI Construction
I regularly recommend EPI to other developers and tenants at RYDA. My main reason is simple: EPI gets the job done. They won’t take on a project unless they are confident that they can deliver it to the highest standards. Their extensive due diligence and preparation help ensure that any potential challenges are dealt with before they become problems.
Working with EPI has been an incredibly positive experience. At RYDA, just mentioning EPI is synonymous with confidence and trust. They have made my job easier by taking care of every detail, allowing me to focus on other aspects of our business. I look forward to continuing this partnership and watching EPI grow while maintaining their commitment to excellence.
