45 Years of
A Legacy of excellence, Growth, and Lasting Impact
On August 25, 1980, Pat McCarthy laid the foundation for what would become McCarthy Companies. What started as a small house painting business in Ventura County quickly grew into a trusted full-service residential construction company, known for historic renovations and small apartment communities. Now, 45 years later, the company has built more than 5,000 residences nationwide, creating homes, strengthening neighborhoods, and carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship and community.
Discover the impact of our multi-generational company and explore our rich history below.
A Vision Takes Root
- At just 17 years old, Pat McCarthy began painting houses to put himself through college. His younger brother, Frank, helped with jobs during weekends, summers, and school breaks.
- By 1978, the brothers formalized their partnership, creating McCarthy Painting. Pat earned his General Contractor’s License, expanding services from small remodels to full construction projects.
From Painting to Construction
- With a small loan and a big vision, McCarthy Construction was founded in 1980 to build lasting projects rooted in quality and integrity.
- Growth accelerated between 1983–1985 with the hiring of additional employees and a focus on remodels, historic renovations, tenant improvements, and commercial projects.
- By the late 1980s, the company’s portfolio expanded to include single-family and multifamily housing.
Growth & Reputation
- McCarthy became known throughout Ventura County as a builder synonymous with quality, trust, and community impact.
- Work expanded to institutional modernizations, bank facilities, commercial buildings, and earthquake rehabilitations.
- The company entered real estate development, working on neighborhoods such as Borchard Groves, Saticoy Highlands Estates, Chapel Lane Homes, and Heritage Park Villas.
- In 1999, Pat and Frank amicably parted ways to pursue independent ventures, with Pat forming Pat McCarthy Construction, Inc.
A New Generation & Rebranding
- In 2007, Sarah McCarthy joined the company, bringing creativity, marketing expertise, and a forward-thinking perspective that positioned the firm for long-term growth.
- By 2009, the company rebranded as McCarthy Companies, reflecting broader capabilities and expanded services across construction and development.
Partnerships, Multifamily Growth & Leadership Expansion
- This decade marked the start of McCarthy’s growth in the multifamily and affordable housing markets, with more than 15 multifamily communities built. Included were the company's first two public-private partnership affordable housing developments:
- Paseo Nuevo (72 units) with the Oxnard Housing Authority
- Castillo del Sol Apartments (40 units) with Ventura Housing (then known as the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura.)
- In 2011, a pivotal partnership began when Tony Koeijmans hired McCarthy Companies for the Riverpark Promenade Project, sparking a long-term collaboration and friendship.
- Pete McCarthy joined in 2013, strengthening estimating, purchasing, and project management, and eventually leading daily operations.
- In 2016, Tony officially joined as Partner and COO, adding operational excellence to the leadership team.
- After 37 years in Oxnard, the company relocated its headquarters to downtown Ventura in 2017.
- By 2019, Sarah and Pete became partners, solidifying a balanced leadership team with marketing vision, operational strength, and construction expertise.
Scale, Impact & Legacy
- McCarthy Companies grew into a premier multifamily developer, builder, and construction manager, delivering:
- Nearly 5,000 homes built or managed
- Over $1B in construction management services
- A pipeline spanning California, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, and Florida
- In 2022, following the passing of founder Pat McCarthy, Tony assumed the role of CEO, with Pete as COO and Sarah as CCO, carrying forward Pat’s vision with renewed leadership.
- In 2023, McCarthy partnered with Alex Russell to launch Homes & Hope, expanding its affordable housing impact across the region.
45 Years Strong
McCarthy Companies stands as a leading multifamily developer and builder, with a current pipeline of 1,200+ homes in preconstruction, one-third of which are affordable. Backed by a dedicated team of 40 employees, the company’s mission remains unchanged . . . To cultivate exceptional people and inspiring leaders, delivering every project with outstanding quality and platinum-level service.