About On The Level
A father-son contractor built on integrity, precision, and 24 years of relentless execution.
Built on Precision.
Driven by Standards.
Founded in 2001 by James Heltsley, On The Level LLC has grown from a single-person operation into a precision-driven commercial contractor serving Southern California for over 24 years. What began as one man's commitment to doing things right has evolved into a family legacy.
Today, as a father-son team, James and Matt Heltsley bring a rare combination of deep industry experience and hands-on accountability to every project. When aerospace companies trust you with their facilities, every detail matters.
We don't chase volume. We pursue excellence. Our clients - including Blue Origin, Motiv Space Systems, and Honeybee Robotics - choose us because we deliver aerospace-grade precision on time and on budget.
CA Licensed Contractor
#1150294
OSHA Certified
Committed to uncompromising workplace safety
Insurance & Bonding
Information available upon request
Project Range
$50K - $10M
Industry Leaders Choose OTL
Blue Origin
65,000 SF Industrial TI
Process cooling, electrical, plumbing, HVAC
Motiv Space Systems
5,000 SF Facility Build-Out
Complete demo, remodel, and custom buildout
Honeybee Robotics
Multiple Projects
Critical equipment installations & structural modifications
Meet the Team
James Heltsley
Co-Owner & President
With over 30 years in commercial construction, James brings unparalleled expertise in project management and client relations. His leadership has been instrumental in building On The Level LLC into one of Southern California's most trusted commercial contractors.
Matt Heltsley
Co-Owner & Operations Director
Matt oversees all construction operations, ensuring every project meets the highest standards for quality and safety. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensures that every project is completed on time and to specification.
Company Values
These aren't wall decorations. They're 24 years of operating standards that our clients can see on every job site. Non-negotiable.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
- Anyone can stop work if conditions are unsafe
- Safety concerns addressed immediately
- Hazards eliminated before production begins
If it can't be done safely, we don't do it.
We Do What We Say
- We honor commitments to clients and partners
- We communicate early when issues arise
- We don't hide mistakes - we fix them
Our word matters.
Quality Over Shortcuts
- We follow plans, specs, and best practices
- We don't cut corners to save time
- We correct deficiencies properly the first time
Our reputation is built on finished work, not excuses.
Ownership Mentality
- Problems are owned, not passed along
- We take responsibility for outcomes
- We think ahead and protect resources
We act like owners because we care about the result.
Respect the Trade
- We respect the experience of the field
- We treat subcontractors as partners
- We maintain professionalism on every jobsite
Respect shows up in how we speak, plan, and work.
Discipline Over Ego
- We walk away from bad projects
- We protect margin, safety, and quality
- Decisions based on facts, not emotion
We would rather grow steadily than recklessly.
These values apply to everyone - ownership, employees, and partners. We hire, promote, and partner based on alignment with these values. When values are violated, we address it directly.
This is how On The Level LLC operates.