A Local Builder Making Big Changes in His Community

At 35, Chris Lovi isn’t just another construction manager—he’s someone who turned his own daily struggles into real solutions for others. For years, he spent hours stuck in traffic on Highway 101, frustrated by the slow, outdated roads. Instead of ignoring the problem, he joined Ghilotti Brothers Construction and helped widen a notoriously clogged stretch of the highway between 2015 and 2019. Now, he’s being recognized for more than just his work ethic; he’s making a real difference in the North Bay area. Lovi’s projects aren’t just jobs—they’re personal. Growing up around here, he sees these sites as more than just places to build; they’re opportunities to improve his hometown. One of his biggest wins was the SMART North Petaluma Station, a $35 million project that won an award for its impact on the community. He’s also helped rebuild Coombs Street in Napa and modernize the Sonoma County Airport terminal. Each of these jobs came with tight deadlines, messy surprises, and a lot of moving parts—all while keeping the public informed and happy.What makes Lovi stand out isn’t just his technical skills. He’s a natural communicator, whether he’s talking to city planners, construction crews, or worried neighbors. Take the emergency repairs on Highway 116 after a landslide in Monte Rio—when people were stressed about road closures, Lovi stepped in to keep everyone updated and reassured. His approach wasn’t just about fixing the road; it was about making sure the community felt heard and trusted the process. Being young in a field dominated by experienced professionals isn’t always easy. Lovi admits he sometimes had to prove himself to older colleagues who weren’t used to seeing someone his age in charge. But his fresh perspective—his comfort with new tech and faster ways of working—has also been an asset. He balances that energy with the discipline needed to handle high-pressure situations where mistakes aren’t an option. Outside of work, Lovi keeps things simple: family comes first. As a husband and father of two, he makes sure his job never overshadows what matters most. His secret? Knowing when to push hard at work and when to step back for the people who matter most.