Subcontractor Spotlight: IBuilders Corp.
Lakeside Alliance is proud to spotlight Ibuilders Corp., the firm that was awarded the the general trades carpentry package for the Obama Presidential Center project. For this Subcontractor Spotlight, we spoke with IBuilders’ President and Owner, Marco Romero. Read on below!
Q: What led you to pursue the kind of work you’re leading today?
A: I am a carpenter by trade. I started off as an apprentice and, over the years, was a full time carpenter and a full time student at night. I graduated and opened IBuilders in July of 2013. The company has really evolved since then. Having a great team has enabled us to pursue projects like the OPC.
Q: What do you value most in employees and coworkers?
A: Honesty! Honesty is a huge factor. I don’t micromanage. I let my team have the space to grow and learn. I also provide ongoing training resources, so everyone stays sharp and motivated to do their best work.
Q: What excites you the most about being a part of this historic undertaking?
A: This is all in honor of the nation’s first African American President. It’s historic. It’s huge. President Obama is a true icon and passionate leader. His presidency was a turning point in our future and our country’s future. I am most excited by the OPC’s purpose and potential.
Q: What is your greatest hope for the outcome of the OPC?
A: I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico but moved to Chicago’s La Villita, or Little Village, neighborhood when I was seven years old. I hope the OPC is a place that brings Chicagoans together and inspires unity between different people and cultures. I also hope it can contribute to growing the local economy.
Q: What advice would you give to others who are working to break into this industry and build their own business?
A: Never give up. The easiest thing you can do is give up. You have to trust, work hard and believe in yourself. Also, you need to be able to accept help. No one does it alone. Life is beautiful, so enjoy the ride.
Q: Anything else to add?
A: I want to say, to Lakeside Alliance and the Obama Foundation, thank you for giving back and really doing what you said you would. They said they would promote small and minority businesses, and here we are!
“I hope the OPC is a place that brings Chicagoans together and inspires unity between different people and cultures.”