This striking Pacific Palisades redwood and Douglas fir deck not only defies gravity, but provides its owner with a view that is nothing less than spectacular. The process of how this deck evolved, however, is a story unto itself.

First there was the steep incline, then the tree, and then there was the bar mitzvah looming on the horizon. So much to do in such a short time, but that's one of the benefits a homeowner enjoys with Matt Plaskoff Construction. Not just a job done exceedingly well and within the specified budget, but one that rises to challenges, literally in this case, and meets deadlines, especially those as important as a 13-year-old crossing the threshold into manhood.

Normally a 20 by 30 foot deck would require little more than two or three cement footings, some structural members capable of supporting the load, a railing system, some sort of decking material, and about a week to complete. Were it so simple! This deck required three months and the special expertise of MPC's "get-it-done-on-time-even-though-it's-impossible" project manager Eric Burns.

First came the height and overhang of the deck—a 50-foot drop to the side of the hill below. To support the structure, four huge caissons had to be dug by hand. This meant a guy with a small shovel and a five gallon bucket on a rope manually dug two of the 30-inch caisson holes 38 feet deep (can we say claustrophobic?). And if that weren’t enough, two 50-foot, 800-pound steel cages had to be carried and placed by hand before the concrete could be poured.

Concrete for the caissons had to be mixed and pumped from the street into each hole. And to top it off, all of this had to happen through a 6-foot wide gate!

Oh, the tree? Yes, well, the deck had to be constructed in such a way as to preserve an existing cloud-tickling pine tree that now suns its needles through an opening in the new deck. “A minor detail,” Eric said with a chuckle.

When a homeowner is faced with challenges like these, only Matt Plaskoff Construction delivers as promised.

Homeowner Deborah Estrin agrees and wrote Matt an email that included: “The bar mitzvah was incredible. The deck is fabulous. Eric and his folks did an amazing job. I will be sending warm and grateful thoughts your way every time we dance, eat, relax on it.”

Manasse Drywall, Inc.: favored vendor

Taking his cue from his father, a plaster contractor, Tom Manasse has found career satisfaction in the dry-wall contracting business.

“Every job is different; every job is a new challenge,” said the owner of Manasse Drywall, Inc., a 10-year-old firm that employs 15 people. “I take pride in the fact that we can be presented with a unique situation, a difficult project, and every time we are able to find a creative solution that pleases our clients.”

Tom noted that MPC has quite a number of clients in the entertainment industry and as a result, the jobs are always interesting from a “who’s who” point of view.

“Meeting people and building lasting relationships is one of the best aspects of contracting,” Tom said. “I have also enjoyed watching my employees grow as skilled craftsmen; it’s a good feeling to know my company had something to do with their personal successes.”

Matt Plaskoff enjoys working with Tom and his crews also.

“Tom does whatever it takes to get the job done and keep the client happy,” Matt said. “He’s easy to deal with, very honest, has responsible workers, delivers a high quality product with consistent, reasonable pricing. In addition, he shows a genuine concern for MPC.”

Manasse Drywall specializes in commercial metal stud framing, custom homes, dry wall finishing, and interior plaster work. With two locations—an office in Ventura, and a warehouse in Van Nuys—employees have found a home with the firm. Many of the employees have been with Tom for more than five years. And Tom is about to experience further growth: He and his wife, Melissa, are expecting their first child this fall.

“Knowing the baby will be a girl, we’ve picked out the name Olivia,” said the proud daddy-to-be.

MPC team writes Mission Statement

Employees at MPC take pride in their work and in their company. As a way to express the work ethic and principles practiced at MPC, the employees worked together on a mission statement.

Ronald Mulick, estimator, said that the experience of writing the mission statement gave him “a better understanding of what it meant to support and never undermine our fellow employees.” A copy of the statement is featured below.

Our Mission is:

To provide an exceptional remodeling and building experience for our clients. Because their satisfaction is our primary goal, we shall place our clients’ needs above all else as we continually demonstrate that they are important to us, by being there to help and to make their design and construction experience as enjoyable and painless as possible.

We shall do this by:

Please help us welcome our newest employees

Meet James Schumacher...

James majored in architectural drafting at the College of the Canyons and worked for six years in custom cabinetry. He and his wife, Laura, his 3-year-old son, Brandon and his 9-month-old daughter, Alyssa, live in Canyon County. Please help us welcome James as our newest Project Manager.

Meet James Moody...

James attended Mira Mar College as an education major, then gained valuable experience in construction as a contractor’s assistant. His area of expertise includes carpentry, light plumbing and electrical work. He and his wife, Dasha, are the proud parents of a 2-year-old boy, D’Andre. Please welcome James as our Demolition, Site Maintenance and Customer Service Manager.

Matt Plaskoff Construction, Inc. would like to thank the following customers and associates for their continued support. Our business has grown and prospered because of your recommendations. We appreciate it!

Congratulations to the following people who have earned special gifts for their referrals: