A Legacy of Family and Craftsmanship
Founded in 2000 by John Fitzpatrick and Frank Dolan, Rockaway Construction has grown from a small carpentry venture to a respected specialist in multifamily and commercial construction. Our story is one of family, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship that spans over 25 years.
John Fitzpatrick and Frank Dolan, co-founders of Rockaway Construction
The Early Years
The roots of Rockaway Construction trace back to the late 1970s when Frank Dolan married Helen Fitzpatrick, John's sister, in 1979. This union brought the two families closer, setting the stage for a partnership that would span decades.
In 1982, John Fitzpatrick returned to his birthplace in California, with Frank following suit in 1986. Both men saw the Golden State as a land of opportunity for their growing families. As their children grew up together, the bonds between the Fitzpatricks and Dolans only strengthened.
Building a Foundation
In 1990, John and Frank found themselves working side by side in the carpentry division of Westlake Village Apartments. Their combined skills and work ethic quickly earned them respect among peers and supervisors alike. This experience in multifamily construction laid the groundwork for what was to come—and established the foundation for Rockaway's expertise in complex residential properties.
The Birth of Rockaway Construction
After a decade of honing their craft and building a strong partnership, John and Frank took a leap of faith in 2000. They founded Rockaway Construction, channeling their passion for finish carpentry and expertise into creating a company that would stand for quality and precision.
The early years were challenging, but their complementary skills and unwavering support for each other saw them through. As the company grew, so did their families, with both men taking active roles in their children's lives and in the Pacifica community.
Building Expertise in Multifamily Properties
Over the next two decades, John and Frank led Rockaway Construction to specialize in multifamily construction and maintenance. They became the trusted partner for property managers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, handling everything from tenant turnover renovations to comprehensive property rehabilitation.
Their commitment to working seamlessly in occupied spaces, minimizing disruption to residents, and delivering quality finish carpentry became the hallmarks of the Rockaway approach. The company built its reputation on being reliable, professional, and capable of handling the unique challenges that come with multifamily properties.
Expanding into Commercial Markets
As Rockaway's reputation for precision finish carpentry grew, so did opportunities in the commercial sector. The same skills that made them invaluable for multifamily properties, attention to detail, ability to work in occupied spaces, and expertise in complex coordination, translated perfectly to corporate offices, medical facilities, and other commercial properties.
This natural expansion allowed Rockaway to serve a broader range of clients while maintaining the specialized focus that set them apart from larger, less-focused general contractors.
A New Generation
Takes the Lead
In fall 2023, after more than two decades of building Rockaway Construction into a respected name in Bay Area construction, John Fitzpatrick and Frank Dolan made the decision to retire. The company's leadership transitioned to the next generation, Sheena Fitzpatrick and Sean Farr, who had been integral to Rockaway's operations and growth.
Sheena, John's daughter, had joined the company in 2017, bringing fresh perspective to operations and business development. Sean, with over 25 years of construction experience, had been leading field operations and building the relationships that would define Rockaway's approach to client service.
Continuing the Legacy
Under Sheena and Sean's leadership, Rockaway Construction continues to honor the values that John and Frank established: exceptional craftsmanship, reliable service, and genuine care for clients and community. The company maintains its strong position in multifamily construction while expanding its commercial expertise.
Today, Rockaway specializes in finish carpentry and tenant improvements for both multifamily communities and commercial properties including corporate offices, medical facilities, life sciences, education, retail, and government buildings throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our Founders in Retirement
While John Fitzpatrick and Frank Dolan have stepped away from day-to-day operations, they continue to lead rich and fulfilling lives in retirement. John is enjoying his newfound free time by traveling extensively with his wife, indulging in his passion for playing the guitar, and perfecting his golf swing. He's also become quite the entertainer, often hosting gatherings where he can showcase his love for cooking.
Frank is embracing the great outdoors through hiking and frequent trips to his cabin. He's also staying active by playing soccer and cherishing moments with his grandchildren. Both men's vibrant retirements reflect the passion and zest for life that they brought to Rockaway Construction for over two decades.
Looking Forward
As we continue building on 25+ years of experience, Rockaway Construction remains committed to the core values that have defined us from the beginning: exceptional workmanship, strong relationships, and a commitment to serving our community. Whether working on multifamily properties or commercial spaces, we bring the same attention to detail, reliability, and craftsmanship that John and Frank established as our foundation.
We look forward to continuing to build and grow, both in our projects and in our connections with the people and places we serve.
