Michael Ruefle, Jr. is President of Suncrest Homes, founding the company in 1987. He grew up with the influence of his grandfather’s aluminum window and door manufacturing business and became a carpenter before joining the Navy. Upon his return home, Michael graduated from Robert Morris University. Around the same time, he was encouraged by his brother Greg to formally enter the construction business. His first business specialized in remodels and additions, but he always had the desire to build new construction. Michael acknowledges that “the success of Suncrest Homes is built on a foundation of teamwork. Most of our team has been with us from the very beginning.”

Colleen Ruefle-Haley definitely qualifies as a Jill-of-All-Trades. As Vice-President of Suncrest Homes, her primary duties include overseeing jobs, selling homes and handling the day-to-day operations of the company. Colleen learned the business from her father, J. Michael Ruefle, Jr. At  Suncrest, she started as a bookkeeper and never left. Her favorite part about the construction industry is “watching the moving parts come together. I’ve always found it interesting, and I guess you could say it’s in my blood.” She recognizes that she is one of the only women in her field, but she has proven herself to be more than competent time and time again. Colleen thinks of herself as a “people person, just like my dad,” and enjoys skiing, boating, and travelling with her family.

Jamie Donkin has worked as Suncrest Homes’ bookkeeper since 2017. She handles all the billing and reconciles all the statements. Her background in banking has been useful, and she is glad she made a career switch since she prefers a faster pace. Says Jamie, “I love that it’s always busy at work, and that there is always something new to learn.” She is married with three children and loves camping with her family (camper-style!) and taking beach vacations in North Carolina.

Linda Swetof: Began working for Suncrest Homes in the late 90's and after some time away she returned in February 2023. Linda does a “little bit of everything” in the office, but mainly schedules the subcontractors, makes changes to contracts, and communicates with clients. Even after a home’s “closing”, Linda is the person whom clients call with any questions or concerns. Linda learned excellent customer service from working with the public for over 30 years, including working in the medical field for 17 years. Linda comes to work everyday with a enthusiastic attitude. She appreciates that no day is ever the same at work, and she values Suncrest family-oriented work environment. Linda loves spending time with her family and friends. When asked about her favorite activities outside of work, she enthusiastically answered, going to the beach, visiting different wineries, going to the movies and out to dinner with her family.

Tom Haley has been a superintendent with Suncrest for 33 years. He coordinates the jobs and lines up the contractors. Once the blueprints and contracts are submitted, it becomes his respsibility to oversee the full project.  Tom says that his primary goal is to satisfy the customer and he always keeps this goal in his sights.  “It’s been a crazy 33 years, with all the ups and downs of the business.” To stay motivated, Tom says he enjoys the challenge of learning both new products on the market and new ways of doing things. Tom has helped Suncrest adapt air infiltration codes in the last decade, saying, “We’ve learned how to make houses more efficient.”  In his spare time, Tom enjoys trout fishing in both Erie, PA and in local streams. He also likes to ride bikes on the trails and hang out with his wife and two children on the weekends. 

Dave Kozera has been with Suncrest Homes for over 30 years. His official title is construction supervisor/carpenter, but he is also known for his abilities as a “fireman.” Dave’s calm and cool-headed demeanor often resolves issues. He recognizes the team effort that Suncrest makes and he appreciates the fact that everyone knows each other so well--which makes for a good working environment. Dave has worked in construction all his life, beginning in 1976. He says the construction business is “not at all boring,” and he believes that house building is a profession that leaves a legacy: “Our work will be here long after we all go.” Dave has always loved the outdoors and in his time off-work, he can be found playing golf, riding his bike around Oakmont and Verona, and spending time with his wife, kids, and 5 grandchildren.   

Tony Briggs has worked as a carpenter with Suncrest Homes since 1989. Tony is responsible for the finish work of a home. He’s the guy who hangs doors, works on trimwork and stonework and makes the closets. His favorite part of the job? “I like to look back at the end of a project and see the accomplishment.” Tony acknowledges that the Suncrest team works as a tight-knit group: “We all get along so well. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be doing this as long as we have.”  He has two daughters in college and a younger son. On weekends, Tony loves to mountain bike with his son in Frick Park. 

Tom Ruefle Known as “Uncle Tom” to all who work with him, Tom started as a subcontractor but has been with the Suncrest team full time since 1991. Tom wears many hats. He handles the estimates and in the office, and he developed a personalized spreadsheet system for bookkeeping. Tom was always drawn to new home construction. As he says, “I gotta use my hands, so I trained in hand and stair railings. Rail application has become my specialty trade. You need the correct tools and you need to know a good bit about it. It’s intense work.”  Off hours, Tom enjoys trout fishing in Tionesta, PA and loves spending time with his wife and four children, and five grandchildren. 

Mark Ruefle has worked at Suncrest Homes since 2018. His experience in construction started with hanging storm doors as a teenager. As Field Manager, he takes personal pride in his work since Suncrest is his family’s business. His duties range from picking up inventory/supplies to pouring footers and fixing drywall—from caulking and foaming windows to ensuring final cleanup. His 40+ year career in managing furniture companies taught him to pay attention to the details, which is crucial to customer satisfaction. Mark truly enjoys the camaraderie at work: “We have built strong bonds with each other, and I really have fun with the subcontractors. We’re all morning people, we get out there with the radio, we talk about the day’s events, laugh and have fun.”  In terms of pastimes, Mark jokes that after 30 years of casually playing music, he’s an “aspiring guitar player.” He is currently taking lessons and loves his family jam sessions, making music with his cousins whenever he gets the chance.