Nicholas Jensen – Cello & Maudru Construction Company

At Cello & Maudru Construction Company, every project begins with more than drawings and schedules—it starts with trust. Since founders Kris Cello and Bill Maudru restored Napa’s historic Hess Collection Winery in 1987, their company has become synonymous with craftsmanship, collaboration, and long-term client partnerships. What began as a specialized builder in the heart of California’s wine country has evolved into one of the region’s most respected firms for high-end residential and winery projects.

Project Manager Nick Jensen embodies the firm’s philosophy that successful construction is built on listening as much as leading. Whether he’s managing a multimillion-dollar custom home or overseeing the renovation of a wine processing facility during harvest season, Jensen approaches each project with the same care and accountability that define the company’s ethos.

“We’re not just building structures,” he says. “We’re building trust that lasts long after the job is done.”

That mindset is what sets Cello & Maudru apart. The company doesn’t simply hand over the keys at completion—it stays connected to ensure every detail continues to function flawlessly. It’s an approach that resonates deeply with Jensen, who sees his work not just as project management, but as stewardship of relationships and reputations.

From curiosity to construction

Jensen’s path to construction started with curiosity. As a child, he spent hours with LEGO sets, fascinated by how systems fit together. That instinct carried him to Santa Clara University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering—a family tradition, as both of his parents are alumni. After graduation, he joined Devcon Construction, gaining experience in large-scale commercial projects that honed his technical foundation.

But something was missing.

“I didn’t want to sit at a desk doing calculations all day,” he recalls. “I wanted to see the full picture—to understand how ideas turn into buildings, how people and materials come together.”

That desire led him to Cello & Maudru in 2019 as a project engineer. By 2021, he had advanced to project manager, drawn to the company’s culture of collaboration and its focus on the human side of construction. The work aligned perfectly with his personality: hands-on, inquisitive, and grounded in teamwork.

Managing pressure & precision

His experience at projects like the Donum Estate Winery also reflects how Cello & Maudru blends art and engineering. The Donum project, which included installing large-scale public art pieces—such as the gold-leaf–plated Hyperspace pyramid—required both creativity and technical precision.

“That project was unique,” he recalls. “We didn’t build the artwork itself, but we built everything that made it possible—power, concrete footings, infrastructure. It was a showcase of what collaboration can achieve.”

In addition to the Donum project, one of Jensen’s most challenging projects is the ongoing renovation of Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates’ wine processing facility. This effort demands not only technical skill but precise timing. In the wine industry, harvest season is sacred, a three-month window that determines the year’s output and revenue. Any delay could have catastrophic effects. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and be completed by mid-July 2026.

“There’s absolutely no flexibility in the schedule. You can’t ask the grapes to stop ripening while we finish the project,” Jensen says. “If we’re late, the entire business suffers.”

To meet those stakes, he and his team worked months in advance to secure materials, coordinate vendors, and anticipate potential disruptions. Every decision had to balance efficiency with quality.

The project was a testament to Cello & Maudru’s ability to perform under pressure. The team’s deep understanding of the wine industry—its processes, regulations, and rhythms—was critical to success. Their role went far beyond construction management; it required alignment with production needs and agricultural timelines. The facility had to be ready, functional, and flawless the moment grapes started arriving.

This blend of service, skill, and strategic foresight defines Jensen’s leadership style. He prides himself on being a “jack of all trades,” equally comfortable discussing structural drawings with engineers as he is problem-solving with tradespeople on-site.

This blend of service, skill, and strategic foresight defines Jensen’s leadership style. He sees himself as a “jack of all trades” able to speak the language of engineers when reviewing structural drawings and collaborate just as effectively with subcontractors and artisans in the field. His passion for the project as a whole drives him to understand how every system and assembly comes together, building a broad practical knowledge that supports smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.

The art of the build

Not every project Jensen manages comes with the same challenges as a winery renovation. Some, like Cello & Maudru’s custom home builds, present a different kind of complexity—one rooted in personalization and perfection. Each private residence represents years of planning, emotional investment, and vision from the homeowner. It’s Jensen’s job to translate those aspirations into structures that reflect both individuality and craftsmanship.

Building multimillion-dollar custom homes demands relentless attention to detail. Materials are often bespoke, sourced from specialty suppliers, and schedules can hinge on single shipments. But beyond logistics, there’s the emotional weight of working for private clients.

“These aren’t just projects,” he says. “They’re personal spaces where families will make memories. That means every choice matters.”

That sense of care continues even after construction ends. Cello & Maudru maintains long-term relationships with homeowners, returning to assist with maintenance, adjustments, or expansions. The firm’s commitment to service transforms its role from builder to trusted partner, ensuring peace of mind long after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Leadership in motion

Jensen’s leadership journey has been one of steady growth. Currently managing a small team, he values the incremental learning that comes with managing people whose work he understands intimately.

“It’s been a slow, steady path into leadership,” he says. “And I appreciate that. It’s allowed me to learn, make mistakes, and really develop my own approach.”

He avoids micromanagement, focusing instead on clear communication and shared accountability.

“I make it a point to give my team autonomy while staying available to support them,” Jensen says.

His method mirrors Cello & Maudru’s broader philosophy of empowerment—trusting professionals to do their best work while fostering collaboration at every step. Jensen remembers a quote from General George S. Patton that he came across while reading Disney boss Bob Iger’s autobiography: Don’t tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.

That trust-driven environment fuels motivation and ownership, creating teams that thrive on accountability rather than pressure.

“What matters is that we’re on time and on budget,” Jensen says.

Crafting a legacy of trust

For Jensen, every project—whether a luxury residence, an intricate winery upgrade, or an art installation—is an opportunity to build more than structures. It’s about contributing to a legacy of trust that Cello & Maudru has cultivated over nearly four decades.

“Trust isn’t earned in a single build,” he says. “It’s built through years of consistency, responsiveness, and service.”

That philosophy has made Cello & Maudru one of California’s most respected high-end builders. With a portfolio that spans custom homes, hospitality projects, and winery renovations, the company continues to thrive by treating every client relationship as a partnership. The work may begin with concrete and timber, but it endures through integrity and care.

For Jensen, that’s the essence of why he chose this profession—and this company. Construction, to him, isn’t just a technical pursuit; it’s a craft that combines problem-solving, leadership, and empathy.

“I’ve always been curious about how things work,” he says. “Now, I get to see how everything—people, systems, materials—comes together to create something lasting. That’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.”

Through his leadership and dedication, Jensen continues to strengthen the company’s core belief: that great construction is not just about building right—it’s about building relationships that stand the test of time.