In the cold storage construction industry where time is money and your reputation must be earned, SubZero Constructors is a proven partner in understanding client needs and delivering on our word.
Founded in 1997 on the principles of sound construction, exceptional customer service, financial responsibility and personnel management, we are a structurally dynamic organization dedicated to outperforming our competition and exceeding the expectations of the cold storage industry. Most importantly, we are here to help our clients succeed.
As an employee-owned company, each member of our team is empowered and vested in the success of our clients. We commit 100% to each detail, big and small. We dismiss the idea of cutting corners and we aim to provide the best for our clients in every aspect. We pledge to complete your job safely, efficiently, on-time and within budget. SubZero is your partner from concept to completion.
Our Mission
We build up the industry’s most passionate and knowledgeable workforce, who consistently build out well-designed cold storage construction projects.
About Us
Leadership
TIM NGUYEN
President
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Tim’s role as President is responsible for the overall strategic vision, planning, and management of the company’s business operations. His 30 years of industry experience in sales, project management, and construction enables oversight with professional technical insight for day-to-day business decisions. He has managed multi-million dollar capital design-build projects for Fortune 500 food companies nationwide.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Masters of Business Administration from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
- Former Chairman and Executive Board Member of the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA)
- Loves spending time with family, especially his 2 grandchildren
- Passionate about traveling, nature, and the ocean
ERIC DAHL
Project Manager – Thermal Division Manager
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In his role as Project Manager at SubZero, Eric practices a highly collaborative and consensus-building leadership style that inspires all team members to constantly deliver SubZero’s mission. He has over thirty years of experience in the cold storage industry including thermal contracting as well as insulated metal panel manufacturing. Eric continues to estimate and manage thermal projects as well as oversee staff training/development and hiring and recruiting programs.
- California State University of Fullerton – BA in Advertising
- Enjoys the ocean
- Passionate about spending time in Hawaii with family (especially when it is coupled with job meetings)
- Married with three kids
JAMES CHAO
Project Manager – Refrigeration Division Manager
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James is responsible for operations of the Refrigeration Division. He began his career in 1991 and continues to design, estimate and build refrigeration projects for long-time clients nationwide.
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo – BSME
- Passionate about art, the ocean and open roads
- Proud father of two
LARRY GILLILAND, P.E.
Vice President of Engineering
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Larry directs engineering activities and reviews all refrigeration designs for SubZero while also estimating and managing refrigeration projects. He has worked in both the A & E professional services and contracting sides of the cold storage industry since beginning his career in 1992. He served on the International Association of Ammonia Refrigeration Piping Committee during the development of the Piping Handbook from 1995-2010, including as Chair from 2008-2010.
- University of Connecticut – BSME
- Licensed Professional Engineer (multiple states)
- Passionate about traveling, teaching and martial arts
- Proud husband and father of two
DEBBIE ORTEGA
Controller
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Debbie manages all Accounting and HR functions and is a part of the executive team responsible for the company’s overall growth and financial health. She has over 30 years of accounting, customer service and management experience. She is an active member of the Construction Financial Management Association and the ESOP Association.
- Cal State Long Beach – Business and Finance
- Loves family, books, camping and laughing
- Proud mom and wife with a really cool day job
SCOTT DEVINE, CHST
Vice President of Field Operations/Safety
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Scott is responsible for the safety of all SubZero team members as well as risk management. His duties include development and implementation of safety operational procedures, site specific safety plans, safety education, training and enforcement as well as regulatory compliance with governmental agencies. Scott has over 35 years of financial, risk management and safety construction industry experience.
- University of La Verne – BA in Business Administration
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals – Construction Health & Safety Technician
- UC San Diego – OSHA Institute
- Columbia Southern University – Occupational Safety & Health
- Licensed OSHA Outreach Instructor
- Father of one who enjoys time on the water
MIKE WILSON
Vice President – Thermal Division (East Coast)
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Mike’s oversees all aspects of project development for SubZero Constructors. From business development, design, estimating and project management thru final project close-out his hands-on approach coupled with commitment to total customer satisfaction has been the key to his success. Mr. Wilson has over 30 years of experience in both the cold storage and commercial/industrial markets. Through his decades-long work experience, Mike has developed the trust and confidence of clients, vendors and fellow employee-owners at SubZero.
- Loves spending time with three beautiful grandchildren
- Hobbies include boating & fishing
Leadership
ERIC DAHL
President
[expand title=”+ more” swaptitle=”– less” expanded=”true”]
In his role as President of SubZero, Eric practices a highly collaborative and consensus-building leadership style that inspires all team members to constantly deliver SubZero’s mission. He has over thirty years of experience in the cold storage industry including thermal contracting as well as insulated metal panel manufacturing. Eric continues to estimate and manage thermal projects as well as oversee staff training/development and hiring and recruiting programs.
- California State University of Fullerton – BA in Advertising
- Enjoys the ocean
- Passionate about spending time in Hawaii with family (especially when it is coupled with job meetings)
- Married with three kids
[/expand]
JAMES CHAO
Vice President of Refrigeration
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James is responsible for overall operations of the Refrigeration Division. He began his career in 1991 and continues to design, estimate and build refrigeration projects for long-time clients nationwide.
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo – BSME
- Passionate about art, the ocean and open roads
- Proud father of two
[/expand]
LARRY GILLILAND, P.E.
Vice President of Engineering
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Larry directs engineering activities and reviews all refrigeration designs for SubZero while also estimating and managing refrigeration projects. He has worked in both the A & E professional services and contracting sides of the cold storage industry since beginning his career in 1992. He served on the International Association of Ammonia Refrigeration Piping Committee during the development of the Piping Handbook from 1995-2010, including as Chair from 2008-2010.
- University of Connecticut – BSME
- Licensed Professional Engineer (multiple states)
- Passionate about traveling, teaching and martial arts
- Proud husband and father of two
[/expand]
DEBBIE ORTEGA
Controller
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Debbie manages all Accounting and HR functions and is a part of the executive team responsible for the company’s overall growth and financial health. She has over 30 years of accounting, customer service and management experience. She is an active member of the Construction Financial Management Association and the ESOP Association.
- Cal State Long Beach – Business and Finance
- Loves family, books, camping and laughing
- Proud mom and wife with a really cool day job
[/expand]
SCOTT DEVINE, CHST
Director of Safety
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Scott is responsible for the safety of all SubZero team members as well as risk management. His duties include development and implementation of safety operational procedures, site specific safety plans, safety education, training and enforcement as well as regulatory compliance with governmental agencies. Scott has over 35 years of financial, risk management and safety construction industry experience.
- University of La Verne – BA in Business Administration
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals – Construction Health & Safety Technician
- UC San Diego – OSHA Institute
- Columbia Southern University – Occupational Safety & Health
- Licensed OSHA Outreach Instructor
- Father of one who enjoys time on the water
[/expand]
MIKE WILSON
Vice President, Thermal
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Mike oversees all aspects of project development for SubZero Constructors. From business development, design, estimating and project management thru final project close-out his hands-on approach coupled with commitment to total customer satisfaction has been the key to his success. Mr. Wilson has over 30 years of experience in both the cold storage and commercial/industrial markets. Through his decades-long work experience, Mike has developed the trust and confidence of clients, vendors and fellow employee-owners at SubZero.
- Loves spending time with three beautiful grandchildren
[/expand]
Years in Business
Projects Completed
Number of Panels
Installed
Refrigeration Compressor
Horsepower Installed
Our History
1997
SubZero Constructors founded by Dean Soll
1999
Atlanta office added
2000
Refrigeration division added, reinforcing SubZero as a full-service cold storage subcontractor
2008
Jacksonville office added
2009
Honolulu office added
2014
Portland office added
2015
Conversion to employee ownership
Our Future
Dean Soll founded SubZero Constructors in 1997 and currently serves on the SubZero Board of Directors. He began his career in the cold storage industry in 1990 and served as the International Association of Cold Storage Construction President from 1995 – 1997.
