Our Team
Steve Benakovich
President & CEO
Steve started Paragon in February of 1986 with colleague and friend, John Watson. Steve and John built Paragon for over 30 years with a focus on quality and commitment. With John’s passing in 2018, Steve continues to drive this vision forward.
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Steve was a nationally ranked graduate of the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program, winning the national competition 3 out of his 4 years of competition. His passion for learning and craftsmanship is at the heart of Paragon and reflects in all aspects of the company. Steve has expertise in business, training, safety, leadership, and all technical aspects of Paragon’s project base.
Over the years, Steve’s expertise in mechanical systems has expanded to include not only mechanical systems but advanced piping systems, plumbing, service, and architectural sheet metal. The proprietary “bottoms up” systems developed at Paragon enable us to design, bid, and execute projects of all types. This approach makes Paragon uniquely qualified to take on even the most unusual projects while still maintaining its competitive advantage on more standard scopes of work.
Steve has also spent much of his career mentoring young craftworkers who share his passion for excellence and was a long-time member of the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Committee.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys restoring old tractors, woodworking, collecting old tools, and spending time with his family.
Richard Pignone
Vice President, Mechanical Systems
Rich is a long-tenured Paragon employee who is responsible for all aspects of mechanical systems, including HVAC (wet & dry), piping (process, cryogenic, vacuum jacketed, etc.), and plumbing (industrial, domestic water, sewer / drainage, fixtures, etc.).
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Rich is a graduate of the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program and started his career at the height of the semiconductor fabrication industry in the Bay Area. Here he experienced first-hand the complexities of the HVAC and piping systems required to handle the unique aspects of high purity environments for wafer fabrication.
His expertise was quickly recognized, and he moved from running work in the fabs to working on designs, bidding, and running jobs for some of the Valley’s most notable companies. His unique ability to understand both HVAC and piping requirements allows him to help customers combine multiple job scopes to a single subcontractor, helping manage costs, schedule, and, most importantly, quality.
When not overseeing the Mechanical Systems group, Rich enjoys restoring and showing his Hot Rods, enjoying the pursuits of an avid outdoorsman, and spending time with his family.
Jason Lujan
Vice President, Architectural Sheet Metal
Jason Lujan has returned to Paragon to succeed Martin Dinning as Vice President, Architectural Sheet Metal. Our ASM division handles everything from standard copings / flashings / roofing to complex panel systems (both metal and composite), custom metal fabrication, and mixed media designs.
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Jason is a graduate of the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program and, as such, understands how metal can be used for both function and as architectural design elements. He also knows the technical requirements of how metal must be fabricated and installed. Jason has worked as an ASM Project Manager with Paragon and within the ASM industry for many years. His experience and expertise enable him to create solutions for complex problems. Even more so, Jason’s established relationships with many of Silicon Valley’s largest contractors make him a great partner to ensure the customer’s visions come to life.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys playing, coaching, and watching sports, in addition to going on adventures with his family!
Mike Orth
CFO
Mike is the newest member of the management joining Paragon in mid-2018 after a 30+ year career working for venture capital backed startups in the medical device field. Although Mike had many direct experiences working in and with the construction industry over the years, he has brought some different perspectives to help round out the management team.
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Mike is responsible for the business activities of the company as well as all administrative functions. Despite these responsibilities, he would much prefer to be working in Paragon’s shop!
Mike has undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Welding Technology from California Polytechnic State University and an MBA from Santa Clara. He holds multiple patents and is a licensed General Contractor.
When not working at Paragon, Mike enjoys working on cars and tractors in his shop, riding dirt and trials bikes, and playing music.
Martin Dinning
Vice President, Architectural Sheet Metal - Emeritus
Martin has been with Paragon from almost its incorporation. He is responsible for Paragon’s Architectural Sheet Metal division which handles everything from standard copings / flashings / roofing to complex panel systems (both metal and synthetic), custom metal fabrication, and mixed media designs.
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Martin is another graduate of the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program and, as such, not only understands how metal can be used for both function and as architectural design elements but also the technical requirements of how it must be fabricated and installed. This expertise has led to many partnerships with customers who have unusual designs that require exceptional quality.
Martin has been a big proponent of new manufacturing techniques to improve project outcomes help customers manage costs. Architectural metal is often one of the more visible aspects of a structure. And as such, design and building systems that will survive the test of time is a primary objective.
Away from work, Martin enjoys traveling the world, molecular gastronomy, and mixology. He is always available to discuss his latest invention or discovery in these areas!