Meet Jacob Harel of 4 Seasons Remodeling & Design, Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Harel.

Hi Jacob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up working in my family’s business, and that’s really where I learned the value of hard work and great customer relationships. My upbringing was hands-on, grounded in responsibility from a young age. Later, I served in the Air Force, which gave me structure, discipline, and a deep respect for teamwork and leadership.

After completing my military service, I decided it was time to see the world. I left home and began traveling—and that journey opened me up to so many different cultures and viewpoints. I spent about three years moving through South and Central America, meeting people from all walks of life. That time was invaluable. It improved my Spanish and English, yes, but more than that, it gave me a broader perspective on life and people. The spirituality I experienced on these journeys was something I didn’t expect. I was simply looking for my next challenge. I wasn’t working during that time; I was living off my savings, exploring and learning.

As I started running out of money I had to consider what was next. Eventually, I decided to head to the United States to pursue my pilot’s license. I ended up in Washington, DC, and after four intense months, I earned my certification. As winter approached, I looked for somewhere warmer—and that’s what brought me to Los Angeles. It’s funny to say, but wanting to escape the cold on the East Coast truly helped shape the next chapter of my life. I arrived in L.A. with barely $5,000 to my name. That had to cover rent, food—everything. I found a small job as a foreman, and it was that opportunity that opened the door to a whole new career.

From there, I pursued an engineering degree and joined a small family-owned contracting firm. I started from the bottom—laborer, supervisor—and learned the trade inside and out. Later, I moved to a company that focused on high-end residential and commercial projects. That’s where I really honed my skills: digging trenches, installing exterior lighting, doing pool construction, and managing every part of a landscaping job.

Eventually, I was promoted to lead the garden maintenance department, and I took that as a cue to enroll in landscape and design school. That move paid off—I became the company’s in-house designer and then head of its residential design and build division.

After all those years learning and growing, I knew it was time to start something of my own. That’s how 4 Seasons Remodeling and Design, Inc. was born.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was moving to a new country where I didn’t speak the language very well. Not knowing being fluent in English made everything more difficult, from simple conversations to finding work.

One of my first jobs in Los Angeles was in telemarketing, looking back, that job ended up being a turning point. This job allowed me to improve my English quickly. I had to talk to strangers all day, ask questions, and listen carefully. My vocabulary expanded, my confidence grew, and I became a much better communicator because of it.

Those first months were tough, being misunderstood, not understanding —but every day was a lesson. And that challenge ultimately became a strength. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of pushing through discomfort to grow.

We’ve been impressed with 4 Seasons Remodeling & Design, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At 4 Seasons Remodeling & Design Inc., we’re all about transforming homes in a way that’s thoughtful, beautiful, and lasting. I started this company with the goal of being a one-stop solution for homeowners—someone they can trust to handle everything from start to finish. We specialize in complete home builds and renovations, including room additions and ADU’s, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, outdoor living spaces, landscaping, and pool design. Whether it’s inside or out, we’ve got it covered.

One of the aspects that sets us apart, is that we don’t just build—we design, plan, and manage every aspect of the project. I bring over 20 years of hands-on experience in construction, design, landscaping, and project management to every job. That means our clients get the benefit of working with someone who’s done the hard labor, understands the details, and has a clear vision for quality and function.

One thing I’m most proud of is our reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service. It is truly a TEAM effort and I am proud that we have built a group of people committed to the same goals. We don’t cut corners. We listen, we plan carefully, and we execute with precision. We make sure that every client feels confident and cared for throughout the entire process, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.

For readers considering a renovation, I want them to know that working with us means getting a full-service experience. We handle everything—from framing and plumbing to electrical work and painting—which streamlines the process and ensures consistency across the project. This method allows us to solve problems faster and provide clients with a superior product.

We’re here to make your life easier, your home more beautiful, and your investment worthwhile. If you can dream it, we can design and build it—with integrity, care, and professionalism.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past 20 years is that running a business, (especially in construction) requires a real TEAM effort. It’s not just about one person’s skills or ideas, it takes everyone working together toward the same goal. Construction projects have so many moving parts, and having a solid team is essential to getting the job done right, on time, and on budget.

With everyone on the team is focused and committed, we can not only meet our clients’ expectations but often exceed them. A strong, well-coordinated team makes all the difference in handling challenges, solving problems quickly, and ensuring the final product is something everyone is proud of. At the end of the day, it’s that teamwork that turns a good project into a great one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://4scd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4seasonsremodeling
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/4scd/4-seasons-remodeling-and-design-inc