Team

The HPS Plumbing Services Team

Scott DenHerder

President and CEO

Scott DenHerder

President and CEO

Scott currently serves as the President and CEO, steering the company’s vision and strategic direction while providing financial oversight and driving operational excellence. With a wealth of experience since joining HPS Mechanical in 2003, he has held various roles, showcasing his commitment and adaptability. As a third-generation owner, Scott has successfully navigated field operations and progressed into diverse responsibilities, contributing to the company’s growth. His expertise spans design-build and plan-spec projects across retail, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, and the Department of Defense. Notable projects in Scott’s portfolio include the LA Metro Bus Maintenance Facility, Stratalaunch Hangar, Wonderful College Prep Academy, and Winfield Well Water Supply and Treatment Facility. Recently, he has spearheaded the plumbing and utilities for the new $750 million South Airfield Project at China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, Cerro Coso Gym Renovations, and Thermal Dynamics Testing Facility. Beyond his corporate leadership, Scott has actively engaged with industry organizations, serving as the past president and executive member of the Kern County Builders Exchange, the past trustee and chair of the Construction Contractors’ Alliance, and a past board member of the Greenhorn Mountain Veterans Association. Outside the professional realm, Scott finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and children outdoors, whether on the ranch, at rodeos, or exploring new destinations through travel.

Les DenHerder

Executive Chairman

Les DenHerder

Executive Chairman

Les, the Executive Chairman of HPS, is a second-generation owner who purchased the company from his father in 1976. Under his leadership, HPS has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its services into new construction, pipeline, sewer, engineering, and plumbing design in Southern California. The company’s exponential growth is evidenced by a staggering 3,400 percent increase since 1976. Les holds a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University and, in 1978, earned certification in plumbing engineering from the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. His educational background reflects his commitment to excellence in both business and technical aspects. Beyond his role at HPS, Les has been active in various professional affiliations. He served as the President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) in 2007–2008 and contributed to the industry’s development as a member from 1992–1993. Additionally, he has played a vital role in the Kern County’s builders exchange, serving as its past president. With a legacy marked by transformative leadership and a passion for advancing the field, Les DenHerder continues to shape the success and growth of HPS.

Jamie Ramos

Chief Administrative Officer

Jamie Ramos

Chief Administrative Officer

Jamie is a seasoned professional with 21 years of experience at HPS, currently holding the title of Chief Administrative Officer. Jamie embarked on this journey in 2003, starting as a receptionist, and demonstrated exceptional eagerness to excel. Over the years, she navigated through diverse roles within the company, including payroll, labor compliance, executive assistant, and HR manager. Throughout her career, Jamie has exhibited relentless commitment to personal and professional growth, showcasing a remarkable ability to climb the organizational ladder. As the overseer of administrative staff across departments, Jamie also manages human resources, labor compliance, and safety. Her responsibility extends to implementing corporate policies and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Beyond the professional realm, Jamie takes immense pride in being a mother and a working businesswoman. Her family, consisting of a loving husband and two beautiful children, remains a cornerstone in her life. Jamie is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management and an active participant in the HPS Leadership group. When not immersed in professional endeavors, Jamie finds joy in camping with her family, UTV riding, exploring new destinations through travel, and enjoying some retail therapy.

Sammy Crow

Director of Operations, Southern California

Sammy Crow

Director of Operations, Southern California

Sammy is a dedicated professional hailing from San Diego who currently serves as the Director of Operations for HPS in Southern California. With a background in education and holding both a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a master’s in education, Sammy’s career took an unexpected yet successful turn. Starting as a dispatcher for a plumbing company, Sammy swiftly climbed the ranks, showcasing versatility as a purchasing administrator, project assistant, and project engineer. Since joining HPS in 2017, Sammy has significantly contributed to various projects, managing a spectrum from private ventures to state, federal, and military initiatives. Notable accomplishments include overseeing projects like the P855 Basic Training Command for Naval Special Warfare ($3.5 million), the VA San Diego CLC SCI ($12.6 million), and the Manchester Navy Office Building ($3.5 million). Passionate about professional development, Sammy actively engages with the ABC San Diego Young Professional Committee and Membership Committee. Outside of the professional realm, Sammy finds joy in family, particularly her son and her feline companion. Sammy indulges her free time in hobbies such as reading and enjoying crime shows.

Renee Martin

Controller

Renee Martin

Controller

Renee is a seasoned professional in the construction accounting industry and boasts a remarkable decade-long tenure with HPS. Originally from Iowa, she relocated to Tehachapi, Ca., where she graduated before settling in Bakersfield in 2001. Renee, a proud mother of four, embarked on her career journey in 1999. Her history with HPS began in 2013, when she assumed the role of accounts payable administrator. Demonstrating dedication and expertise, she earned a well-deserved promotion to controller in 2020. Beyond her financial prowess, Renee finds solace in reading and engaging in puzzles.

Gabriel Hernandez

Director of New Construction, Central California

Gabriel Hernandez

Director of New Construction, Central California

Gabriel boasts a decade-long tenure with the company. Raised in Arvin, California, Gabriel earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from California State University, Fresno. With over 18 years in the construction industry, he joined HPS Mechanical, Inc. in 2013 as a project engineer, swiftly ascending to project manager within five years. Currently, as director of new construction, Gabriel plays a key role in shaping HPS’s future, collaborating with the board of directors and executive management to formulate long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies. His notable projects include Foothill High School Modernization ($2.1 million), Edwards Air Force Base ($3.1 million), and Kings County Juvenile Center Remodel ($1.2 million). Gabriel actively engages with the PHCC Education Foundation courses and the Kern County Builders Exchange. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in sports, exploring new places, and cherishing moments with his three children.

Saba Atai

Director of New Construction, Southern California

Saba Atai

Director of New Construction, Southern California

Saba is a seasoned professional with over seven years of project management experience and a solid background in finance. An alumna of SDSU, Saba has been with HPS since 2022, starting as a project manager, and has successfully managed a variety of projects ranging from lab spaces, schools, restaurants, malls, amusement parks, and detention facilities. Notable among his achievements are the completion of the George Bailey Detention Facility ($2.9 million), Carlsbad Valley Middle School ($2.4 million), and UCSD Hubbs Hall ($1 million). Beyond his professional pursuits, Saba enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and golfing, showcasing a well-rounded personality.

Doug DeGroot

General Superintendent, Central California

Doug DeGroot

General Superintendent, Central California

Doug is a seasoned professional in the construction industry and has dedicated 36 years of his career to HPS Mechanical, leaving an incredible mark. Born and raised in Iowa, Doug’s introduction to the plumbing trade began at the age of 15, working alongside his father in their family plumbing company. After completing high school, Doug pursued his passion for plumbing by attending a technical college. In 1981, he made a pivotal move to Bakersfield, California, marking the beginning of his association with HPS. Doug’s journey within the company commenced in 1988 as a service plumber, demonstrating his hands-on expertise. As the years unfolded, Doug’s capabilities became increasingly evident, prompting a shift in new construction in 1991. His dedication and leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and by the turn of the millennium, Doug ascended to the role of general superintendent in 2000. Throughout his career, Doug has played a pivotal role in several noteworthy projects, including the construction of the Corcoran Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Prison, Liberty High School, and the Naval Base Graving Docks in San Diego. These accomplishments underscore his proficiency and contribution to significant infrastructural developments. An active PHCC apprentice instructor at Potterville College emphasizes his commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in the field. Away from construction sites and classrooms, Doug finds solace in his hobbies. Golf and motorcycle riding provide a balance to his life.

Joe Ahrens

General Superintendent, Southern California

Joe Ahrens

General Superintendent, Southern California

Joe brought over 11 years of expertise to HPS. As a third-generation San Diego native, he immersed himself in the plumbing industry, completing his apprenticeship at ABC San Diego in 2007. Joe’s ambition led him to join HPS, where the company’s unwavering support has propelled his career to new heights over the last decade. As a field superintendent, he has successfully helped complete many projects, such as SDSU Gateway Steam and Chilled Water and Branch Replacement, Repair Mess Hall Building at Camp Pendleton and CSU San Diego, Steam Utility Infrastructure Repairs. Jos is actively involved in ABC San Diego as a committee chair member and mentors through ABS SoCal. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys traveling with his wife, indulging in exquisite cuisine, and pursuing his passion for fishing.

Jay Buenviaje

Project Manager

Jay Buenviaje

Project Manager

Jay is a seasoned project manager with 28 years at HPS and boasts a rich background in civil engineering, having graduated from the Philippines. His journey at HPS began as an estimator, clinching notable projects like Corcoran II Prison and the Western Range Operations Center. Transitioning to project management, Jay successfully led projects such as PTO X004 Repairs to Boiler Plant 4 ($4.1 million), Cal Poly SATRC ($9 million), and NAWS China Lake ($17.4 million), to name a few. With a family deeply rooted in engineering, his wife is a chemical and mechanical engineer, his sons excel in urban planning design and mechanical engineering, and one son is an English major. Jay is surrounded by a legacy of expertise. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in exploring foreign destinations, indulging in TV show marathons, and engaging in sports like golf and pickleball.

Shannon Wentworth

Project Manager

Shannon Wentworth

Project Manager

Shannon is a seasoned project manager at HPS with over 35 years of experience in the plumbing industry. With a remarkable 25+ years at HPS, Shannon’s journey began in 1990 as a helper and progressed through roles such as plumber, foreman, and superintendent. In 2009, Shannon rejoined HPS as a project manager, specializing in large tilt-up warehouse design builds, lift stations, and medical gas projects. Notable achievements include overseeing projects like the Ace hardware distribution center in Visalia ($2.8 million), Fresno Lift stations 1.,13, & 14 ($1.4 million), and the Amazon distribution center in Fresno ($1.7 million). Beyond the professional realm, Shannon finds passion in amateur drag racing and secured the 2008 March Meet victory in the hotrod division.

Justin Meyer

Project Manager

Justin Meyer

Project Manager

Justin is a dedicated project manager with a wealth of experience at HPS Mechanical, boasting an impressive five-year tenure with the company. Raised in East Bakersfield, Justin’s educational journey led him from Foothill High School to Texas Tech University, where he pursued petroleum engineering and showcased his passion for hockey. Later, he completed his academic pursuits at CSUB, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on petroleum engineering. Justin’s professional trajectory took an agricultural detour for six seasons before joining HPS in 2018 as a project engineer. Over the years, his commitment and expertise shone through, resulting in promotions to junior project manager in 2021 and, ultimately, to the esteemed position of project manager in 2023. Justin’s notable projects include Parlier HS Medical Pathway CTE ($1.4 million), Relocation of Stockpile Relocate Buildings and New Shade Structures for UCSD ($715k), and Support Services Village ($427k), which underscore his impact in the field. Beyond his professional endeavors, Justin finds joy in sports, coaching, golfing, and cherishing moments with his family.

Than Phaypaseuth

Assistant Project Manager

Than Phaypaseuth

Assistant Project Manager

Than is a seasoned professional boasting over 15 years of dedicated service with HPS and an extensive 20+ years in the construction industry. Raised in Arvin, CA, he pursued his passion by studying construction management at Fresno State University. Than’s remarkable career trajectory saw him rise from a project engineer to his current role as a Assistant Project Manager. His invaluable contributions are evident in successfully steering notable projects such as the Rosamond WWTP ($10.8 million) and Bakersfield College Gymnasium and Field House ($1 million). His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and proficiency in managing complex construction endeavors.

Everett DeLisser

Assistant Project Manager

Everett DeLisser

Assistant Project Manager

Marc is a seasoned professional with 26 years of dedicated service who currently holds the title of General Manager at Victory Circle. Throughout his extensive tenure, Marc has worn various hats, from being a proficient self-welder and fabricator to serving as an outside consultant for the HPS Leadership team. His journey with HPS is marked by innovation, notably as the inventor of the ML2000 cast iron pipe cutter, a groundbreaking contribution to HPS’s prefab capabilities. Marc’s impact extends across diverse metalwork projects, showcasing his involvement in nearly every job. Beyond the professional realm, Mark finds solace and passion in a range of hobbies. From tearing up dirt trails on a dirt bike to casting lines for fishing, staying active with workouts, and relishing anything outdoors.

Lacey Elliott

Project Manager

Lacey Elliott

Project Manager

Tony began his career in the construction industry in 1999, working for several general contractors before transitioning into the plumbing trade full-time in 2002. Over the years, he gained extensive hands-on experience in the industry and in 2017, took the next step in his career by becoming a licensed contractor in the State of California.

Tony went on to own and operate a small plumbing company, an experience that gave him a new perspective on the trade and allowed him to develop valuable skills in both the field and business side of the industry. In 2020, Tony joined HPS Mechanical, bringing more than two decades of construction and plumbing experience to the company. Today, as Prefabrication Manager, he oversees HPS’s prefabrication operations and helps ensure work is organized, efficient and produced to the quality standards expected in the field.

Outside of work, Tony enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with his kids, golfing and fishing on the weekends.