Who We Are
For over two decades, Aiken Underground delivers reliable dry and wet underground utility solutions with highest quality and safety. We ensure every project meets and exceeds industry standards and regulations. From joint trench to high-voltage systems, Aiken Underground provides a full range of underground infrastructure services. Since 2001, we are trusted by leading contractors and municipalities for our proven reliability and efficiency.
Manuel De Freitas
Manuel was born and raised in Pleasanton, CA. He is married to his lovely wife, Michele, and they have three wonderful young children.
Manuel is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Pipeline. He oversees the entire company including close involvement with the estimating department, materials procurement, pre-construction activities, scheduling, day to day field operations, ensuring safety standards are exceeded on a daily basis, equipment maintenance and procurement, project closeout, customer satisfaction and relationship building. Manuel prides himself on getting the job done faster than any of his competitors while maintaining the highest levels of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction in the industry.
Manuel’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his lovely family, watching football, and believe it or not…. working.
Lisa De Freitas Sundberg
CFO – Aiken Underground & Platinum Pipeline
Lisa was born in Castro Valley, CA and grew up in Pleasanton, CA. She is married to her loving husband, Steve Sundberg. She has two amazing children. Lisa graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accountancy in 1988.
Upon graduating from Sac State, Lisa continued to grow and manage Lisa Dee Corporation while also working for a CPA firm to perfect her accounting skills. She began performing accounting duties at MJB Pipeline in 1990 and quickly became the office manager and controller in 1992. Lisa managed an office/accounting staff of over 10 employees and oversaw the accounting of a $30 million dollar per year construction company, all while continuing to single-handedly manage Lisa Dee Corporation.
Lisa closed Lisa Dee corporation in 2007, when Platinum Pipeline was awarded its first contract, to focus her energy on building Platinum Pipeline with her brother, Manuel de Freitas.
Lisa is the Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer at Platinum Pipeline. She oversees all financial and administrative aspects of the company including the entire office staff, human resources, accounts payable, accounts receivable, contract administration, insurance, surety, and all in-house accounting and financial requirements.
Lisa prides herself in maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction with all of our customers and subcontractors.
Lisa’s favorite pastimes are spending time with family and friends, travel, watching her son play college basketball, and visiting her daughter and new son-in-law on the East Coast. And for fun… she loves accounting work!
Scott E.A. Smith
Vice President of Operations — Platinum Pipeline & Aiken Underground
Scott brings over 18 years of experience in the construction industry, successfully estimating and managing complex utility and infrastructure projects across the United States. A graduate of California State University, Chico, with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Scott worked his way up through various project management and operational roles — including Operations Manager and Director of Business Development — before assuming his current position as Vice President of Operations for both Platinum Pipeline and Aiken Underground.
Scott’s commitment to excellence, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering work ethic make him an invaluable leader within both organizations. He is known for consistently going above and beyond to ensure his teams deliver exceptional results and that clients receive the highest level of service.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time outdoors and camping with his wife, Jessica, and their two daughters. He is actively involved in his community, volunteering and coaching both of his children in soccer and baseball.
Nick Valenzuela
Superintendent – Aiken Underground
Nick Valenzuela has served as the superintendent for Aiken Underground since 2001, bringing leadership, expertise, and steady guidance to every project he oversees. With more than 30 years of experience in underground utility construction, he has built a reputation as a dependable professional who understands the industry from the ground up.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending his time on his horse ranch, and attending rodeos.
Mitchell Aiken
CEO – Aiken Underground & Platinum Pipeline
With over a decade of experience in the dry utilities construction industry, Mitchell has built his career from the ground up through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning. He began as a laborer, gaining valuable hands-on experience and knowledge of underground utility installation and field operations.
Mitchell is an avid outdoorsman who spends his free time riding his mountain bike, hiking, camping, snow skiing, and water sports.
Vincent Pastor
Accounting Manager – Aiken Underground
A Bay Area resident all his life, Vincent began working in the joint trench construction industry in January 2023 as an administrative assistant and quickly advanced to the role of Accounting Manager through self-driven learning and dedication.
Outside of work, Vince enjoys music, hiking, and photography.