Yehudi Gaffen

Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen and his wife came to San Diego from Cape Town, South Africa, to pursue their dreams.  As Gaf worked for a local construction firm, he realized a niche in the market – the need for a seasoned third-party to represent project owners during the construction process.  In 1987, Gaf left his safe and well-paying job and started Gafcon, Inc.  Gaf now stands as the CEO of Gafcon, Inc., a successful construction consulting firm with offices in San Diego, Irvine, Los Angeles and Oregon.

Traditionally, the role of owner representative was filled by the architect, so early on Gaf had the challenge of convincing architects, contractors, owners and others how this new position could better serve all parties. Many saw Gaf’s role as a threat to the status quo, since his oversight would result in lower profit margins and higher expectations. Despite an active campaign by local contractors who refused to bid on any Gafcon project, Gaf persevered. 

Today, Gaf’s success in managing over $15 billion in construction is a product of his ability to build and uphold long-term, successful client relationships.  Three signature projects Gafcon is currently working on include the $1-billion Orange County Great Park on the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine; the $1-billion redevelopment plan of the Jordan Downs housing project in Watts; and the $1.2-billion construction bond program for the San Diego Community College District.

Gaf has repeatedly identified underserved markets and developed Gafcon into a boutique construction-related service provider that offers over 30 construction-related services. Gaf developed two groundbreaking service offerings launched this year: Gafcon Green and Gafcon Building Information Modeling (BIM).

In 2003, Gafcon integrated an information management system that completely revolutionized the company’s operations.  The product, known as Microsoft SharePoint, had such a profound effect on productivity internally and externally, that Gafcon’s IT department was spun-off to form another highly successful company, SharePoint360. The company caught the attention of Microsoft, which recently conducted a detailed case study outlining Gafcon’s success.

Gaf has a lifetime pattern of giving his time, talent and resources back to the community. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations and charities.  For 14 years, he served on the board of San Diego Hebrew Homes for the Elderly, as well as on the boards of the UCSD Cancer Center, San Diego Taxpayers Association, Jewish Federation of San Diego and The Japanese Friendship Garden, among others.

Gaf and his staff have long supported San Diego Habitat for Humanity and its Women Build program, and have participated in several Habitat Build Day events.  Gaf also developed a mentoring program with Pro Kids Golf Academy, which provides a safe and fun environment where underserved kids can learn the game of golf and develop values and life skills.

His leadership has fostered a culture of giving among his employees, which has resulted in the creation the volunteer group, Gafcontributions, which has supported such organizations as Home of Guiding Hands, Mama’s Kitchen and Monarch School.