OUR TEAM

JAMES BLACK
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

James serves as our company’s Chief Financial Officer. Under James’ leadership, ALBD has built lasting credit relationships with suppliers and lenders, developed advanced reporting capabilities for job costing, and expanded ALBD’s work in the commercial market.

Having worked in finance for more than 25 years, as CFO at ALBD, James strongly believes business ethics is the cornerstone of ALBD’s success. His internal policies and procedures to minimize risk allows employees, vendors, customers and lenders to have confidence that ALBD will uphold the highest standards of business ethics.

Preceeding his partnership with ALBD, James earned his Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of California, San Diego. As a high-level business strategist, his sound problem solving abilities and informed business decisions allow every job ALBD undertakes to be on time and on budget.  By the way, he’s an avid snowboarder and surfer who is always up for the ultimate ride!

CHAD LAMBERT
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Chad is dynamic and passionate and often seen taking in a game at your favorite stadium, arena, or shooting for a hole-in-one on the golf course. As President and resident fire-starter always striving to take ALBD to the next level, Chad guides the extensive commercial, underground, service & maintenance divisions and overall operations here at ALBD. Chad began his career as an electrician in 1991 and is recognized today as an authority in electrical construction.

Prior to diving into electrical contracting, Chad studied architecture at the University of Nebraska. He attributes his recent hair loss to his school’s struggling football team. Chad’s powerful and motivating personality and depth of experience in business, architecture and electrical provides ALBD with a unique blend of management expertise in all areas of the construction process. Under Chad’s leadership, ALBD’s team of highly skilled and dedicated electricians continue to develop and flourish with the ultimate goal of delivering exceptional electrical, day in and day out.

“The employees. They own the company. It’s about them. I just try to guide it.”  – Chad Lambert

JULIA KOMPARA
CONTROLLER

When Julia is not keeping track of her hits, runs and batting average in one of her three softball leagues, you will find her keeping track of ALBD’s daily accounting operations, including our payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable departments. Julia is an accomplished financial executive with over 20+ years of experience in public and private accounting, spanning financial planning & analysis, cash management & budgeting, staff management & development, and external audits & system conversions.

Julia joined Team ALBD in 2010, and has been an integral part of ALBD’s impressive growth ever since. Her passion for finance and operations is only rivaled by her passion for spending time outdoors. She loves to ski, hike, camp and cycle – preferably with her two daughters and her two mutts!

LILLY LEFEBER
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Until she becomes America’s next Top Chef, Lilly lives and breathes ALBD and Human Resources. This aspiring horticulturist joined Team ALBD in 2019, and brings nearly 20 years of experience from a diverse range of industries, including property management, lending and construction.

Lilly discovered her true passion for human resources in 2006 while working in hospitality. It was then that she tenaciously pursued her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. Lilly received her degree from the University of California, Riverside, has her Human Resources Management Certificate from Cal State Fullerton, and is a participating member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

When Lilly isn’t taking her beautiful daughter to Disneyland, you’ll find her cheering on her LA Dodgers & LA Kings. She cherishes her time hiking and exploring new places, and is a lover of fine wines. Our ALBD family is delighted to have Lilly on our team!

LAIN VAUGHT
DIRECTOR OF PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Lain joined the ALBD family in 2017 bringing over 30 years of electrical construction experience and has been our resident die-hard jokester and prankster ever since. Having been introduced to the industry as a teenager by his older brother to whom Lain credits his strong work ethic, unwavering loyalty, and the scar above his left eye after borrowing his car without permission back in high school.

Lain started his career with a small electrical contractor based out of Newport Beach in 1990. He then migrated to a heavy commercial & industrial market and on to a national electrical company in 2005.  Here, Lain serviced brand named clients such as Apple, Best Buy, Sprint and Pizza Hut on various levels when he onboarded as a journeyman electrician with a quick progression to foreman, then superintendent and ultimately to the office as Project Manager and Sales in the course of 2 short years.

Today, Lain drives the business development side of ALBD and is responsible for sales and account management. As a people person, Lain has a difficult time saying no to the people he interacts with on a daily basis. Maybe this explains his garage full of Girl Scout Cookies!

Passionate about traveling, surfing, and the outdoors, Lain shares as many moments as he can with family.  As one of ALBD’s inspirational leaders, we are grateful that Lain has chosen our ALBD Family to be an extension of his own.

DANNY DUTCH
DIRECTOR, PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Surfing at dawn, golfing mid-morning, and dirt bike riding in the late afternoon. No, this isn’t the X Games. This is just an ordinary weekend day for our Project Manager Danny. Multitasking is what Danny does best. As a second-generation electrician, Danny is a dedicated Project Manager with over 16+ years of experience with ground-up projects, tenant improvements, and design-build projects. His extensive field experience includes work with commercial, residential and industrial settings, managing small projects to mega-ground-up developments and everything in between.

Danny’s years of field electrical experience, business background, project leadership, relationship building, and knowledge of important elements with the big picture in mind are key components as ALBD’s continues on a growth trajectory. Danny is OSHA 30 certified, an active state-certified journeyman electrician, and a die-hard baseball fan. We couldn’t be happier to have Danny on Team ALBD!

GABRIEL VASQUEZ
DIRECTOR, FIELD OPERATIONS

Growing up right here in Southern California, Gabe’s passion for electrical contracting began more than 17 years ago when he started as an apprentice leading him to journeyman certification through the Associated Builders & Contractors program. Gabe found a home at ALBD in 2008 where his path, innate desire to lead, pride in the trade, and his education led him to roles as a journeyman, then foreman, superintendent, General Superintendent, and now Director, Field Operations.  During his tenure with ALBD, Gabe has been an instrumental puzzle piece helping create opportunities for our field team, company’s growth, and family-culture.

During his off-time, you might find Gabe at a comedy show with his wife, keeping up with his two awesome dogs, offshore fishing, or rooting on Lakers, Dodgers, or Patriots!

One of Gabe’s favorite quotes is “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” by Wayne Gretzky. 

We’re thrilled to have Gabe on our team willing to take every shot with our ALBD Family!

JORGE LAGUNAS
PROJECT MANAGER

Jorge craves knowledge, is always eager to develop himself, and strives to be better than he was yesterday.  His discipline and dedication to the electrical craft is proven by his ambitious path.  Jorge began his electrical journey in 2006; he brings years of field experience and mastery of underground electrical work and heavy equipment operation to a strong, well-rounded perspective while managing projects of all sizes.  As a life-long learner, Jorge attends Long Beach City College and is a student at Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. as he continues to pursue his undergraduate degree and journeyman’s electrical certification. When he’s not expanding his brain power, Jorge is an active soccer and basketball player and fan.

ALBD is thrilled to have Jorge as part of our family.

BROOKE (SEVERNS) GIBAS
PURCHASING MANAGER

Brooke’s first days with ALBD began in 2018 as a Project Engineer.  Her warmth, focus, and disciplined demeanor quickly launched her into her new role as Purchasing Manager where our in-house and field teams rely on her foresight, planning, and commitment.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and her Paralegal Certificate from the University of California, Irvine.  When joining ALBD, Brooke changed her path. Brooke is thrilled to be a newlywed and loves spending time canvas painting, camping, and hiking with her husband and three dogs, Khaleesi, Nonnie, and Hazel!

ALBD’s future is even brighter with Brooke on our team!

JOSH PICENO
ELECTRICAL ESTIMATOR

Josh is working his way toward 9 years of experience as an Electrical Estimator. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management and is a team player who enjoys helping others get the job done right. Josh loves skateboarding, drawings and reading.

JONATHAN CALDERON
COMMERCIAL SUPERINTENDENT

Jonathan was born and raised in the construction industry where his family showed skill in every trade.  Eager from a young age as he watched and worked with his father and uncles, Jonathan’s construction career began in 2008 and while framing, he was captivated by the intensity of electrical.  His drive and potential were visible, and he was soon asked to join the ALBD Family in 2015.  Never complacent, Jonathan yearned for as much electrical knowledge & theory as he could find. While an apprentice, Jonathan pursued and received his Journeyman’s Certification and ultimately his own C-10 License.  During his tenure with ALBD, Jonathan’s strong work ethic and leadership qualities have led him from his first position as an apprentice, to being a journeyman, then foreman, and is now Commercial Superintendent.

ALBD couldn’t be any prouder to be part of Jonathan’s development and we look forward to seeing where his journey continues to take him.

THOMAS TAKENAKA
GENERAL FOREMAN

Thomas joined our ALBD Family as a certified journeyman electrician back in 2017.  His quality of work, consistency, efficiency, attention to detail, and communication skills quickly catapulted him to a foreman role and he continues to make incredible strides towards excellence every day. His positivity and “Work Hard – Play Hard” attitude is contagious. Thomas’ energy, trade knowledge, and leadership inspire those around him and he simply has the ability to make everyone around him better!

Our ALBD Family is thrilled to travel on this journey with Thomas and we look forward to seeing where this awesome adventure takes all of us – together!