Meet The Crew
Thank you for your interest in Shafer Construction LLC. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your project.
As one of the top construction companies in the Lehigh Valley, our goal is to work on one project at a time and then move on to the next. Because of this, our schedule is usually booked full. Ninety-five percent of our work is customer referral and word-of-mouth because we do not advertise.
While working on your home construction projects, we do our best to make the impact on your life as easy as possible. Noise, dirt, security, appearance, and parking are some of the issues taken into consideration.
I personally work on the job most of the time with my crew of experienced construction contractors as a residential construction project manager, ensuring every project is done right. All subcontractors we use have been doing work with us for many years and know their trade well. Take a look at some of the people you will see when we are working on your home. These guys are more than just co-workers. Many are close friends, whom I’ve known for years. I trust, and care about them. They also do some amazing work, these guys make me look good. The residential construction projects they’ve worked on show the quality craftsmanship they are capable of.
Team Members
Bill Shafer
Check out the company history page for some background on me. When you contact Shafer Construction LLC, I am the person you will talk to and meet. I come to your home, discuss your plans with you, and determine what we can do to make your project happen. After that meeting, I will prepare a written proposal and make buildable drawings with a fixed price for you. Once I receive your signed contract, I order the materials and schedule the job. I physically work on the job. I might not work on your job everyday, or all day, but I’m there. Just because you don’t see me banging nails or laying tile, I’m still working for you. The lumber doesn’t magically appear out of nowhere, and the roofer just doesn’t happen to show up when we cut a hole in the roof. The logistics of a construction business are a full-time job.
In my spare time, I sit on the Board of Directors, of the Lehigh Valley Builders Association.
I’m also on the Buildings and Grounds Committee for Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites. We restore and maintain 20 properties in Historic Bethlehem.
When Michelle and I go on vacation, the work still follows us. We take architectural tours and explore the historical city centers of the areas we visit. We always look for new ideas to incorporate into our projects.
Michelle Shafer
My wife Michelle gets to drive the new Jeep, while I drive around in an old truck! She runs our office and manages our rental properties. I’ll call, email or text her to pick up and deliver odds and ends to the job. She will also research specifications and email them to me on the job if we need additional information. She is responsible for this website, Facebook posts, and the social media. Most of the pictures here are from her I phone. When I do get to drive the Jeep, it is to meet with customers, run around doing estimates, or driving to work when the guys are using the Shafer truck. The Truck is like a giant toolbox, sometimes we let it on the job, and use the Jeep.
Jerry Oliver
Almost 30 years ago, I met Jerry while we worked for a now-defunct homebuilder. Since then, we both started our own businesses. Jerry started Oliver Building & Contracting, and I started Shafer Construction LLC. We have been working with each other for decades. After being together this long, we don’t even have to speak to get things done. We both know what the other is thinking. If you see Jerry, ask him when the band is getting back together.
Mark DeLorenzo
Mark started with us around 1998 or 99 it’s so long ago we cant remember! He is knowledgeable in all phases of construction and can handle any situation that pops up during a project. I wish all the guys I worked with were as reliable and dependable as him. Sometimes (OK a lot) we run off and let Mark on the job by himself, so if there is only one person working on the job, its probably Mark!
Jake Strawn
I met Jake 20 years ago when we renovated the Keystone Pub. He’s been my plumber ever since. From digging new sewer mains to hooking up 16 body jets in your new shower, he does it all. While talking to my grandfather, I found out Jake’s grandfather did work for my great-grandfather. It’s a small world! Every now and then we have to call him when a pipe turns up out of nowhere, and he’s there in a flash. He usually shows up in his work truck, but you may see him in his Cobra, or on a Harley!