Our Journey
Our story begins with a deep respect for the incredible work non-profit organizations do every day to uplift communities, create opportunities, and make the world a better place. Throughout our team’s decades of experience in construction, facilities management, and operations, we’ve seen firsthand how non-profits face unique challenges when it comes to managing projects and stretching every dollar to its fullest potential.
We’ve worked alongside community centers, schools, shelters, and countless organizations that pour their hearts into their missions—often with limited resources and little margin for error. We’ve witnessed projects stalled by unreliable contractors, hidden costs, or lack of transparent guidance, making it even harder for these organizations to focus on what truly matters: serving their communities.
It was this understanding—and our commitment to do something about it—that led to the creation of Penny Builds. We believe non-profits deserve the same level of expertise, honesty, and care that large corporations expect from their construction and facilities partners. Our team came together with one goal: to be the trusted, experienced ally non-profits can rely on to manage projects efficiently, transparently, and with a clear focus on maximizing impact.
Our journey is driven by the idea that when non-profits thrive, entire communities benefit. And for us, there is no greater success than helping organizations achieve their missions while protecting their valuable resources every step of the way.
Looking ahead, our vision is to continue growing Penny Builds into the premier partner for non-profits—championing trust, integrity, and impact—so that together, we can build stronger communities for generations to come.
Sal Chianetta
Director of Project Management
Sal is the Director of Project Management at Penny Builds, bringing over 20 years of experience leading complex projects across a wide range of industries. Known for driving results through strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and efficient execution, Sal has a proven track record of delivering high-impact solutions that align seamlessly with organizational goals.
Sal’s leadership style centers on clear communication, accountability, and building strong teams that get the job done—on time and on budget. His deep understanding of the unique challenges non-profits face ensures that every project is handled with care, transparency, and a focus on maximizing value for our clients.
James Klein
Head of Client Success
James is the Head of Client Success at Penny Builds, bringing over 15 years of expertise in customer service and client success management. James is dedicated to building long-lasting partnerships by putting clients at the heart of everything Penny Builds does.
In his role, James ensures that every client not only meets their goals but exceeds them through personalized support, proactive solutions, and a deep understanding of each organization’s unique needs. He believes that true success is built on trust, open communication, and a shared vision.
James thrives on helping clients succeed—because at Penny Builds, their success is our success.
Pedro L. Valle
Sr. Project Manager
Pedro is a dedicated Project Manager at Penny Builds, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and unwavering commitment to every project he oversees. Pedro proudly served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting at 18 and rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his military career, he completed three combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, managing the logistical needs of up to 200 Marines during complex movements and training exercises.
After transitioning from military service, Pedro applied his organizational and leadership skills to the field of project management within the IT sector. He has successfully managed projects for high-end contracting companies, notably supporting the New York City Hospital System with large-scale Cisco network builds and security firewall implementations.
Pedro’s unique combination of military discipline and technical project expertise makes him an invaluable asset to the Penny Builds team, ensuring every project is executed with precision, efficiency, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results.
Our Team
Michael Lorca
Founder & CEO
Michael is the visionary founder and CEO of Penny Builds, a consulting firm built on the belief that non-profit organizations deserve the same quality, transparency, and expertise as the private sector when it comes to their facilities and construction projects. With over 15 years of experience in facilities management and construction consulting, Michael has seen firsthand the challenges non-profits face—tight budgets, unreliable contractors, and overwhelming project demands.
Motivated by a deep passion for community impact, Michael created Penny Builds to bridge that gap—offering strategic guidance, trustworthy contractor sourcing, and facility optimization that empowers non-profits to focus on what truly matters: their mission. Under Michael’s leadership, Penny Builds isn’t just a consulting firm—it’s a partner in purpose.
Valentina Lorca
Co-Founder & Vice President
Valentina is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Penny Builds, bringing over 15 years of invaluable experience working within the non-profit sector. Throughout her career, Valentina has successfully optimized funding strategies for major projects, led the day-to-day operations of a multi-use community center, and expertly sourced reliable contracts and contractors to see complex capital projects through to completion.
Valentina’s vision and dedication were instrumental in planning and building Penny Builds from the ground up. She knows firsthand the unique challenges non-profits face when it comes to facility management and construction—and she’s committed to making sure every organization has the trusted guidance, transparency, and support they need to complete projects that strengthen their impact. For Valentina, it’s not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about empowering non-profits to serve their communities better than ever before.
Gary Gorske
Chief Construction Officer
Gary is the Chief Construction Officer at Penny Builds, bringing over 45 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. For more than three decades, Gary successfully owned and operated his own construction company, building homes throughout New York and earning a reputation for quality workmanship, integrity, and community trust.
After retiring from his own business, Gary continued to share his knowledge and expertise by helping others grow and thrive in the industry. It was on a construction site that Gary met Michael, who immediately recognized Gary’s immense value as a strategic partner and industry veteran.
Today, Gary plays a pivotal role in guiding Penny Builds’ mission to help non-profits complete their projects with honesty, transparency, and the benefit of decades of proven construction knowledge. His commitment to doing things the right way ensures every project delivers lasting impact for the communities we serve.
Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions.
Transparency: Ensuring openness and clear communication throughout every project.
Collaboration: Building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with clients, contractors, and partners.
Excellence: Striving to deliver exceptional quality and measurable results.
Innovation: Continuously seeking improvements and embracing new technologies and methodologies.
What we stand by
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Integrity
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Transparency
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Collaboration
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Excellence
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Innovation
Why hire a construction consultant company?
Navigating construction and renovation projects can be daunting for non-profits, which often lack dedicated resources or specific industry knowledge. Hiring a specialized consultant like Penny Builds alleviates these burdens, enabling non-profits to focus on their core mission. Our services provide critical benefits such as:
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Cost Efficiency: Expert analysis and negotiations ensure optimal pricing.
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Reduced Risk: Experienced oversight minimizes project risks and ensures regulatory compliance.
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Time Management: Professional management of timelines and milestones ensures projects stay on schedule.
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Quality Assurance: Rigorous quality control maintains high standards throughout the project lifecycle.
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Strategic Guidance: Tailored strategies based on industry best practices and proven methods.