05/21/2026
Forty years ago, Mechanical began with a clear vision of being a model of excellence. From a small shop to a full-service union mechanical contractor serving the Bay Area, our growth has always been driven by the people behind the work.
For Steve Benakovich, craftsmanship started early in his father’s shop, J.B. Sheet Metal, to building Paragon alongside John Watson, and continues today at Paragon. Whether in the shop, on a project, or mentoring the next generation, Steve still leads by example. A nationally ranked graduate of the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program, Steve’s passion for learning and hands-on excellence continues to shape Paragon’s culture today. Steve recently shared what craftsmanship means at Paragon:
"Somewhere early on, I developed an eye and a desire to do quality work, do quality things. I remember thinking back to trying to name the company, and Paragon means a model of excellence. I thought "That's perfect", I told John "That's what we want our company to be".
Over the last 40 years, Paragon has grown and evolved, but our values of Safety, Quality, and Commitment remain the same.
Thank you to everyone who has been, and is now, a part of the journey and being a Model of Excellence!