LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jinesh Mehta, PE, CWI, PCI III
Jinesh Mehta brings 22 years of engineering expertise to Grit Force in quality assurance, inspection, materials engineering and testing services for bridges, roadways, and other infrastructure projects. As a California PE, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, and PCI Level III Inspector, with over dozen years of contract management experience for $50+ Million projects, Jinesh consistently delivers contracts within budget.
With unmatched experience alternative delivery projects across California, Jinesh's expertise in design-build processes saved Caltrans approximately $100M through successful DRB claim defense. His national leadership includes chairing the AWS B1 Method of Inspection Committee and voting membership on multiple industry councils. He holds an MS in Construction Materials from Purdue University and focuses on mentorship, team building, and creating exceptional taxpayer value.
Outside of work, Jinesh enjoys opportunity to travel to new places and get away from hustle and bustle and enjoy serenity of national parks.
Don Adams, PE
Don Adams brings nearly 20 years of civil engineering expertise to Grit Force. Throughout his career Don has worked in various roles on major infrastructure projects across the West Coast and was a national account manager for several client’s infrastructure programs. His experiences allow him to bring practical solutions to complex issues and technical challenges. Don is also recognized for his leadership and communication styles and works with clients and contractors to set clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
He holds an MS in Civil Engineering from University of Nevada, Reno, and a BS from Cal Poly Pomona. As a dual-licensed PE (CA, NV) and PCI Level II Technician/Inspector, Don’s current area of expertise include material engineering, construction quality control / quality assurance (QC/QA), construction inspection, and construction management. His experience with material engineering spans concrete, steel, coatings, soils, and asphalt materials.
Outside of work, Don is an outdoor enthusiast and regularly pursues new skills and experiences. He is a PADI Divemaster, licensed sailboat captain, ski patroller, and national parks junior ranger.
Michael Foerder, ASNT NDT III, CWI (FCM), NDT II PCI Level II
Michael Foerder brings 32 years of materials management and quality assurance expertise to Grit Force, with over 25 years of specialized METS experience. As a nationally recognized NDT Level III who previously served as Caltrans Level III, Michael is trusted by Caltrans staff for all committee and code-related issues.
With comprehensive certifications in ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic, and penetrant testing methods, Michael has provided QA oversight at major fabrication facilities throughout the United States and internationally. He pioneered advanced NDT methods including Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for bridge components and implemented ISO 9001-2015 for NDT programs.
Michael excels as a mentor for steel and concrete source inspectors, using his straightforward approach to solve complex issues while maintaining schedule and cost without sacrificing quality. His experience spans bridges, seismic retrofits, and emergency repairs across California and Nevada. (Motorcycle Enthusiast)
Ben Elias, PE
Ben Elias brings 14+ years of engineering expertise to Grit Force, with specialized experience as a METS Representative and AWS Certified Welding Inspector. His California PE license and comprehensive knowledge of Caltrans QC/QA procedures, AWS standards, and construction codes ensure exceptional technical oversight across infrastructure projects.
With expertise in structural materials, quality assurance, and ISO 9001 implementation, Ben fosters collaborative relationships with agencies and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
Ben holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara. (Rail Road)
Grace Sarmiento
Grace Sarmiento brings 27+ years of administrative, project, and contract management expertise to Grit Force, specializing in labor compliance for federal and state contracts. Her experience supporting high-profile clients includes Caltrans, BART, and federal agencies.
With proven skills managing multi-million-dollar budgets, Grace has overseen federal and state-funded infrastructure projects valued at $10M+ annually and coordinated construction project start-ups across six western states. As a Labor Compliance Officer, she ensured adherence to prevailing wage laws and EEO regulations for public projects worth over $30M.
Grace's strong communication skills and attention to detail enable effective interaction with all stakeholders while maintaining organized project management. She holds a Computer Science background and Project Management Certificate from California State University East Bay.
When not at work, Grace love spending quality time with family. She also enjoys traveling, reading books, doing volunteer works, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring different cuisines.
Culture
Life at GritForce
At GritForce, we're more than just a team—we're a family. Whether it's a sunny picnic, a holiday gathering, or a spontaneous celebration, we cherish moments that bring us together. These snapshots capture the camaraderie and joy that define our workplace. Here's to the memories we've made and the many more to come!