People

Michael Flannery: Principal

Previous to his building career, Mike Flannery spent the 1990’s in the Technology Industry, working in Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA which taught him invaluable business and management in a "non construction" field. The knowledge acquired while working in the corporate area, is a large part of what allows him to offer a high level of service, communication, and organization in the construction industry. Often times, these skills are what the building industry lacks, most importantly between client and contractor.

In 1998, Mike decided on a career change, he launched himself into the building and remodeling industry. With little experience, he began by practicing on his own projects first… The experience of remodeling homes for resale, and doing the work himself, was done completely out of necessity, however, ended up as the best path he could have chosen. One cannot fully understand the idiosyncrasies of another’s profession, unless you yourself have personally done what you are asking them to do. He also found that when you are spending your own money trying to make the right high impact improvements on a budget, you become sensitive to the costs and benefits related to construction. Not to mention the stress one feels in relation to the expenditure of your hard earned money. Because of his personal experiences Mike can offer clients excellent advice during their project.

Mike became a licensed contractor in 2003 and since then, has gained so much satisfaction building in the community he lives in. A joy of his is driving by a completed project and feeling that it has made this community a little more attractive, a little more interesting, and that another person now has this created, well built space they can enjoy. Solterra has had some incredible clients along the way, and they thank all of you.

Gene Colombini: Director of Construction Operations

Gene has over 40 years of development, commercial construction, and architectural engineering experience in the areas of: financial institutions; corporate headquarters; mid and high-rise offices; historic renovations; mansions, palaces and adjoining facilities including museum quality construction; major hospitality (resort hotels); country clubs; institutional facilities; biotech; control towers (72 world wide); industrial manufacturing and distribution facilities; structural upgrades, tenant improvements, and office construction management. This includes over 43 million square feet of new construction and project totals in excess of $12.5 Billion.

Other direct managerial experiences include numerous Fortune 500 companies for projects which consisted of custom homes, major resort hotels; college/university facilities; public works projects; high technology; corporate campuses; biotech/pharmaceutical facilities; laboratories; research and development projects; data centers; law offices; high-rise structures including parking structures and multiple office and tenant improvement developments.

Gene’s career and education gave him the opportunity to lecture to senior and graduate students in the Department of Engineering at University of California Irvine, where he taught evenings for nine years. Gene was recently appointed on the City of Palm Desert Housing Authority Commission.

Gene is a member of numerous professional organizations such as: The National Society of Professional Engineers (N.S.P.E.), American Society of Engineers & Architects (A.S.E.A.), The Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.), The American Association of Cost Engineers (A.A.C.E.), Construction Management Association of America (C.M.A.A.), American Society of Professional Estimators (A.S.P.E.), American Arbitration Association, (A.A.A.), and American Bar Association - "Dispute Resolution Committee" (A.B.A.).

Jade Santos: Project Manager

Jade was born in Manila, Phillipines and grew up in various locations throughout California. She traveled to Europe after studying Law and Society at Purdue in West Lafayette, IN and is now settled in Palm Springs which she considers her home. Prior to Solterra, she was employed for a timeshare liquidators as a real estate assistant, office manager, and bookkeeper. Jade enjoys the fast paced atmosphere of Solterra along with the individual and team involvement that goes into making the well crafted, fine quality, finished buildings. Her interests include music, environmental issues, and art.

Sean Flannery: Superintendent / General Manager

Sean is a licensed general contractor and real estate agent. He has spent many years running his own construction company in Santa Barbara and building in Palm Springs. Over the years he has dealt with new construction, renovation projects on a variety of scales, and commercial/residential services. This broad spectrum has given him an abundance of acquired skills and overall experience which helps effectively mitigate challenges that may arise. Sean has generously devoted his time and resources volunteering with community outreach programs such as Habitat for Humanity and The United Way. Aside from the industry organizations, Sean is involved with the Clean Creeks Commission. During his leisure, Sean enjoys flipping homes and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking.

Chris Ritter: Superintendent

Chris has gained an abundance of valuable experience in the construction and management industry from his initial employment as an architectural draftsman to currently owning and operating his own construction company while working for Solterra. He is a licensed contractor who is committed to the excellence of design, fine craftsmanship, while building a team of efficient and proffesional, licensed subcontractors. Chris has extensive experience in new and remodeled construction in all aspects of construction including electrical, plumbing, masonry, framing, finish carpentry, and concrete.

Paul d'Entremont: Controller

Paul is originally from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, but has resided and worked in Palm Springs since 1993. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bryant College in Smithfiled, Rhode Island, and has been employed within the Accounting field since then. Paul enjoys Starbucks, politics, and Football.