There is no clear starting point. Many homeowners are navigating insurance, trying to understand the construction process, and figuring out who they can trust. In the early days after the fires, some were taken advantage of. Others simply felt stuck.
That reality shaped The Center by Lendistry’s Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience.
The program recently graduated 26 contractors. They represent a diverse group of local builders, many of them BIPOC- and women-owned businesses. Each is stepping into this moment with a shared commitment to help their communities recover.
One of the most immediate out comes of the Accelerator was how quickly the cohort came together.
Contractors who may have seen each other as competitors began sharing information, resources, and support. The relationships formed early and have continued beyond the classroom.
“One of the biggest takeaways for me was the power of networking,” said Dan Pryor of Royrp Enterprises LP. “There’s so much talent in this group, and when you bring it all together, it creates a strong workforce.”
That connection matters. Rebuilding at this scale requires coordination. It requires contractors who can work together and rely on one another.
Over six modules, participants covered fire-resistant design, contract management, financial readiness, and business operations. One topic stood out for many participants. They gained a deeper understanding of the people they are working with.
Homeowners are entering this process carrying loss, stress, and uncertainty. Some have never rebuilt a home before. Many are cautious and unsure of who to trust.
“Many of these homeowners have lost everything, sometimes homes that have been in their families for generations,” said Chris Bridgeford, founder of Integrity Custom Built. “Being able to guide them through rebuilding with empathy and clarity is critical.”
The trauma-informed training gave contractors tools to better navigate those conversations. They learned to slow down, listen, and build trust in a way that reflects what homeowners are going through.
That shift is already shaping how participants approach their work.
“My focus now is going back through everything I learned and making sure I can apply it with future clients,” said Endy Segura of Energen Electric. “It’s about being ready, both financially and professionally, to serve homeowners the right way.”
The program also emphasized preparation behind the scenes. Access to capital, understanding costs, and building sustainable business practices all play a role in whether a project succeeds.
“My goal is to become capital ready and bring in new business,” said Michelle M. Burney, founder and principal of LAKAYNAN, a Los Angeles-based design firm. “Just as important is meeting people where they are and building trust.”
For Victor King Jr. of Victor King Construction, the takeaway was simple.
“If I can help even a few families rebuild, that’s what really matters,” he said.
The Contractors Accelerator is supported by Comerica Bank, Columbia Bank, and Invest in Our Future Foundation, with program delivery in partnership with BEACON LA.
Now, with 26 contractors moving forward, the next phase begins.
Some are already taking on rebuild projects. Others are preparing to. All are part of a growing network rooted in the community and committed to doing this work the right way.
We will be sharing more in the months ahead as these contractors put their training into practice and more families take steps toward coming home.
May 5, 2026