Meet the Team

At Shields Residential, every project is a team effort—rooted in skill, trust, and a shared commitment to quality. Meet the people who bring your vision to life with craftsmanship and care.

Owner / Founder

Steven Shields

Shields Residential is built on decades of hands-on experience, personal integrity, and a deep respect for the homes we work in. At the heart of it all is Steve Shields, owner and founder, whose passion for craftsmanship and relationship-first values set the tone for every project.

Surrounding Steve is a trusted team of professionals who bring their expertise—and their pride—to every detail. Together, we’re here to serve your home with the same care we’d give our own.

Production Manager

Nathan Prusso

Following high school, I immediately began working in cabinet installation and then transitioned into custom cabinet building, where I spent approximately eight years. In 2012, Steve Shields and I started a venture together, which provided me with valuable experience on numerous projects before I officially joined Shields Residential as an employee in 2016. My background in carpentry has been incredibly beneficial in my role as a project manager.

Outside of work, I am very passionate about pickleball and play frequently. I am also very grateful for the support I get from my beautiful wife Ruthie and our three wonderful daughters.  I believe in the importance of meticulous work and clear communication to bring our clients’ visions to life.

Lauren Shields

Chief Financial Officer

Lauren serves as our Chief Financial Officer, a role she performs with remarkable brilliance and an innate understanding of complex financial landscapes. Her exceptional skill for numbers and unwavering attention to detail are evident in every aspect of our operations. Lauren has cultivated a strong reputation for quickly paying vendors, a practice that ultimately benefits our customers by ensuring seamless project execution and strong supplier relationships. This meticulous financial tracking, coupled with her diligent management of vendor compliance, directly contributes to our ability to deliver projects efficiently and effectively. Her ability to flawlessly balance these critical responsibilities, all while genuinely loving what she does, is truly inspiring.

Apolinar Bustos

Site Manager

My name is Apolinar Bustos, though most people know me as Poly. I’m a proud single father of two incredible young men, Andrew (21) and Timothy (19), and a grandfather to my 2-month-old grandson, Santiago (Santi).
Family is everything to me, I cherish the time we spend together. We enjoy deep-sea fishing during the summer, camping at Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino, and working on upgrades to our mini trucks.

I’ve been with Shields Residential since day one, and over the past 13+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an amazing team. With more than 21 years of experience in construction, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help create dream homes for our clients.

Andreanna Vargas

Project Planning Manager

Hi there I’m Andreanna! I’m your go-to guide when it comes to selections—I’ll be with you every step of the way, diving into every detail of your project to bring your vision to life. With 21 years of management experience across multiple industries and an MBA from LSUS, I bring a strong foundation of leadership and organization to every renovation. But beyond the spreadsheets and timelines, my heart beats for creativity. I grew up surrounded by art galleries, soaking in color, form, and storytelling, and I’ve always had a deep appreciation for unique local architecture. Construction has always been a dream of mine, and now I get to help others make their dream spaces a reality. Whether it’s choosing the perfect tile or creating the ultimate flow, I’m here to make the process exciting, stress-free, and inspiring. Let’s build something beautiful together!

Christopher Villegas

Superintendent

My name is Christopher Villegas, and I’m a proud single father of two amazing daughters: Aaliyah, 12, and Jayla, 11. They are my greatest inspiration and the reason I strive every day. Watching them play soccer and enjoy time with their friends brings me so much joy. In our free time, we love swimming or playing at the park with their cousins.

I’ve been with Shields Residential for over nine years, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. Every day offers an opportunity to learn something new, and I truly enjoy working with homeowners to help bring their dream homes to life.

Laurie McDaniel

Assistant to Steven Shields

As the Assistant to Steven Shields, the Owner of Shields Residential, Inc. I am often the first point of contact for our clients. I manage initial inquiries, set appointments, and provide comprehensive estimating services. My role ensures smooth and prompt communication, and accurate project costing.

Prior to 2021, I held upper level management positions in the Commercial Real Estate and Hospitality industries.

I live in La Quinta, California and enjoy everything about the desert lifestyle!

Fallon McDaniel

Production Assistant

I graduated from San Diego State University in 2023 with a degree in Anthropology. Before joining Shields Residential as a Production Assistant, I worked as a User Experience Research Intern at an assistive technology company, where I developed a strong interest in accessibility and user-centered design. At Shields, I focus on project coordination, keeping schedules on track, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. I thrive on collaboration and take pride in contributing to our team’s success. Outside of work, I’m a passionate basketball fan who enjoys watching games, following teams, and staying connected to the sport.

Joe Sampson

Architectural and Media Coordinator

I handle most of the architectural concepts and design, putting together detailed construction plans and managing permits with local municipalities. I enjoy blending creativity with technical expertise, making each project unique and exciting.

When I’m not working, I love spending quality time with my family. I stay active through hiking and coaching group fitness, combining my passion for the outdoors with health and wellness. I’m also a big fan of competitive e-sports, enjoying the challenge and excitement of gaming on a professional level.

Calvin Miller

Superintendent

Hello, I am Calvin Miller. I was brought onto the Shields Residential as a superintendent in 2024. I am at the job site everyday overseeing the trades on site and providing feedback to the people in the office. I pride myself on honesty and hard work in the construction field.

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