Mark Grassi thought he was taking a break from college when he took a construction job, but the move turned out to be the start of a new career instead.

Grassi, who owns Grassi and Associates, said he likes the construction business.

“Every job is different. The clients are different, the projects are different, and so it’s never boring.

“We’re really fortunate,” said Grassi. “We build really interesting high-end custom homes and boutique wineries. There’s always a new set of challenges on every project and we get to figure it out and build incredible things.” 

What three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Meriwether Lewis, America’s original adventurer.

Carlo Scarpa, an incredible modernist architect from the 1950s who was way ahead of his time.

Eddy Merckx, arguably the greatest professional cyclist ever (Sorry, Lance Armstrong.)

What job would you like to try/not like to try?

Try: President of the United States. I once thought this was a venerated position that only the best and brightest in our country could aspire to, but I don’t think I could be any worse than who we currently have.

Not try: Being a mom — much too stressful.

What’s the worst job you ever had?

Beekeeper, while going to college in Chico. I got stung a lot.

What is your most treasured possession (besides your family)?

My Inglis custom road bike, I get to ride a piece of art.

Who do you most admire in the business world?

Yvon Chouinard, the founder, and owner of Patagonia. A reluctant businessman, adventurer, and environmentalist, he has operated a highly successful, privately-held company that strives on thinking different and maintains a high level of quality in everything they do.

What’s your favorite morning beverage?

A glass of cranberry juice, followed by a cup of Peet’s coffee, served, black, and thick.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

As my wife succinctly puts it, I am a bit of a “bike geek.”

What is your favorite charity?

We have a close family friend who has a son diagnosed with Freidreich's Ataxia, which causes progressive damage to the nervous system, and we have become deeply involved in his cause.

We also try to support Dick Grace’s ongoing efforts to bring medical services to Nepal and Tibet.

What’s your favorite weekend retreat?

While we enjoy traveling a lot, if it is just for the weekend, my ideal is to stay in the valley, go on a grueling bike ride with my buddies from Azzurro Pizzeria & Enoteca, work in our garden, and finish with a great meal and a bottle of wine on our patio.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Curtis Inglis of Inglis and Retrotec Cycles.

Pete and Nickie Zeller of Pearl Restaurant.

More from Mark Grassi

How many bikes do you have?

Four.

What’s your favorite?

My Ingles.

What is your motto in life?

Live like you mean it.

Which three Web sites do you have bookmarked or visit regularly?

Weather.com, Velonews.com and Wine Spectator.com

What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with?

We built a really unique home for Francis Ford Coppola. The entire house is cast architectural concrete. But I’m not supposed to talk about it.  

What’s your favorite expression or greeting?

Come fare?

What was your first job?

Paper boy for the Rossmoor News in Walnut Creek.

What is one necessary extravagance in your life?

Wine, really good wine.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

While continuing to grow the company, working to maintain integrity, and a high level of quality year in and year out.

To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com