Clearheart Construction Company
Since 1984, Clearheart Construction Company has continued to grow as a General Contractor under the direction of Clearheart’s President, Thomas D. Stickles, and the Director of Operations, Dave Santangeli.
With over 35 years of experience specializing in all forms of capital improvement projects, ranging from retail construction at all levels that include ground-up new store construction, and expansions/renovations to open store remodels, exterior building construction, interior build-outs, and fixture Installations.
We pride ourselves in building strong client relationships that focus on our client’s needs, and areas of potential saving and identify pitfalls. Understanding the Client’s job expectations and having good communication is key to running a successful project.
Based in Bethel Connecticut and licensed in many states across the country. You will find that we are extremely detail-oriented and competitive in our bidding, we are hands-on in supervising projects, and we deliver a quality project that is completed on time and within budget!
- Complete professional project management and supervision
- Experienced oversight
- Cost containment
- Project Budgeting
- Municipal permitting, ADA, and code compliance
Quality commercial design, construction, and remodeling services
- Retail stores
- Franchise stores
- Medical and dental offices
- Restaurants
- Schools and universities
- Industrial
David Santangeli – Director of Operations
David has been a project manager/operations manager since 1997.
A construction management major from Central Connecticut State University, Dave grew up in the construction industry as his father, Rocco, and grandfather, Italo, both owned and operated their own masonry companies successfully for many years. It was there that he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and fair business practices.
At Clearheart he has had the privilege of learning from one of the best businessmen and human beings in the retail industry, Tom Stickles. It is with his help and guidance that Dave has been able to learn the right way to run and operate a fast-paced, high pressure retail company. David also greatly values his employees and customers.
David has been married to his loving wife, Natalie, since 1999. They have 4 children: Alyssa, Erica, Nick, and Sara. They are his life and his biggest achievement.
He is a huge Yankee, Steeler, and UConn Husky fan.
Jim Lanouette– Chief Estimator
Jim came to Clearheart after more than 30 years as owner of JJL Electrical Contractors, a company that did both residential and commercial electrical construction throughout the New England States. His construction expertise resulted in contracts with TJ Maxx, Ocean State Job Lot, Harbor Freight, and Big Y Grocery Stores, as well as 18 years as a subcontractor to Clearheart Construction.
Jim is active in his hometown of Deep River and has been a part of several town committees. He is a past member of the town finance committee, as well as past Chief of the Deep River Volunteer Ambulance Corp, and currently serves on its board of directors.
Jim and his wife Kelly live in Deep River with a small menagerie of farm animals; ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, a llama, a pig as well as a couple of cats and two black labs. NOTE: None of these animals are for food… although the eggs don’t count. When not taking care of his feathered and furry tenants, or landscaping around his house, he is most often found touring the US and Canada on his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He has been riding for over 25 years and is an avid enthusiast for the sport.
Sara Williams – Accounting and Office Management
Sara Williams has been an integral part of Clearheart Construction Co., Inc. since 2001. Starting as our receptionist, through hard work, selfless dedication, and overall understanding of the business, Sara has progressed to office manager. She is relied upon heavily every day to maintain the structure necessary to keep the business running smoothly. As an avid dog lover, in her free time she breeds, trains, and competes with her dogs in AKC Rally and Obedience. She is an AKC evaluator and also teaches group classes in Newtown for CTBS. A graduate of New Milford High School, Sara now resides in New Fairfield on Squantz Pond with her dogs and longtime partner, John.
Mike Porco – Project Manager
Michael Porco working as a project manager for Clearheart Construction since 2018. Mike is an extremely versatile manager. He is the point man for Clearheart Construction’s open remodel division. His ability to work through coordination and personnel issues set him apart from most other PM’s in the industry. His talents are not limited to just remodels. Mike has also managed several ground-up projects for Chick-fil-A, Kohls, and Subway’s across the country. Prior to working with Clearheart Construction Mike was part owner/ operator of his own construction company for 20 years with his father. In his spare time Mike owns and operates a very well-known karate school in his hometown, where he also still instructs. He’s a fourth-degree black belt and is on the state karate board of trustees. Mike is an avid sports fan and a diehard Yankees and Jets fan. He’s married with three fantastic kids.
Joseph Merendino – Project Manager
Joe graduated from Maritime College in 2019 with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he began his professional career with two internships with the NYC Department of Sanitation Solid Waste Management Engineering department as an assistant project manager. After completing these two internships with the Engineering division at DSNY, he began working for a Union plumbing/ mechanical firm in Westchester, NY as a Project Engineer and then Project Manager. Joseph is one of our Project Managers at Clearheart Construction working on various large-scale new construction and retail remodel projects.
In his off time, he has continued playing sports after his soccer career at Maritime ended. Currently, he keeps busy when not in the office with men’s league hockey and depending on the season, wakeboarding or snowboarding.
Sam Pruneau – Administrative Assistant
Sam has been an administrative assistant with Clearheart Construction since July 2022. Graduating from Danbury High School in 2013, and since 16, she has held various administrative roles providing support to both customer and internal staff. Prior to coming to Clearheart, Sam worked in the field of animal medicine as a Veterinary Technician which has ultimately sharpened her skill set of multi-tasking, the ability to maintain order in stressful time-sensitive situations, as well as creating excellent communication and people skills.
During her free time, Sam enjoys relaxing at home or hanging out with friends, going to breweries, vineyards, and driving around Connecticut to find the “hidden gems” of the area. In September 2024 she got married to her long-time boyfriend, Bryce, with whom she share’s 3 cats.