We recently connected with Marisol Arboleda-Diaz and have shared our conversation below.

Marisol , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

My husband and I have successfully grown Gables Construction Group into one of South Florida’s leading construction firms. We decided to work together to create something meaningful. Gables Construction Group has evolved into a full-service construction firm in South Florida, with a focus on luxury commercial and residential development.

Gables Construction Group has a senior management team with more than 35 years of total construction management expertise when customers, architects, and designers are looking for competent, honest, and high-quality service for their most ambitious projects. We are proud of our hands-on approach and exceptional communication, which are essential for extraordinary real estate ventures, as are vision, discipline, and results. With this in mind, Gables Construction Group (GCG) has assembled an incredible team of specialists dedicated to exceeding industry standards and expectations while providing dependable service.

We definitely had some growing pains during the growth phase, as do many new businesses. Finding skilled workers to keep up with the constant workload due to a shrinking workforce and a lack of subcontractors remains a challenge in our industry. There are still delays in obtaining permits and other industry constraints, so it is still, in my opinion, a work in progress.

During COVID, direct effects ranged from a slowdown in available goods and labor to project suspensions and, in some cases, terminations. Construction activities were subject to change depending on whether a project was deemed essential business. As a result, in the face of a new environment, our company needed to address both short-term and long-term business challenges, as well as formulate project-by-project solutions.

The material/supply chains were one of the major areas of disruption. Almost three years later, we are still feeling the aftereffects of material delays and shortages. When faced with impacts regarding the availability of supplies and materials, contractors, and subcontractors, we did our best to request that suppliers provide delivery updates on a weekly basis, and even more frequently when possible.

In this industry, we are constantly developing short and long-term strategies for success and survival. If we want to succeed, we don’t go out and find our competitors and devise ways to outwit them. We simply put in more effort and let our reputation speak for itself. This assurance stems from the fact that we have many satisfied customers and have been in business for a long time. We constantly assess the market, prioritize our clients’ needs, and look for new ways to expand our business.

Word of mouth has proven to be the most effective method of spreading information about our company. Customers who are pleased with their service are more likely to recommend it to others in their social circles.

As a working couple, it’s critical to strike a healthy balance between your professional and personal lives. If you want your marriage and your business to succeed, you must establish and follow a set of ground rules.

When starting a business with your spouse, you should be prepared for the inevitable ups and downs that come with the territory. Long-term success can be achieved through teamwork both inside and outside of the workplace, as well as dedication to the process. We knew from the start that in order for us to co-manage a successful business, we needed to establish some ground rules. As a couple, we’ve established eight ground rules to help us maintain a healthy balance between our work and personal lives.

By no means has it always been easy. We made sacrifices, worked hard, and devoted time to leave a legacy. I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to maintain a positive attitude because it will lead to positive results. Maintain your focus and see things through to completion.

Marisol , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Marisol Arboleda-Diaz is the Vice President at GCG. Marisol is a well-known figure in the construction sector in South Florida, thanks to her service to the community, her significant professional experience, and her commitment to growing GCG. At United Homes, Marisol was in charge of directing the successful mass manufacturing of very large home developments with numerous unique factors before joining Gables Construction Group. As Vice President of GCG, Marisol draws on her experience developing approximately 3,000 houses a year to guarantee that every project she manages is of the highest quality and meets the needs of its customers.

During her time on the Miami-Dade County Development Process Advisory Committee (DPAC) from 2006 to 2007, she advised the Mayor and Miami-Dade County Commissioners on matters impacting the building industry, while reporting to the County Manager’s office. The Coral Gables Junior Woman’s Club and the Coral Gables Crime Watch Committee have both had Marisol as a director and board member. She is a member of the Builders Association of South Florida and the National Home Builders Association, a state-certified roofing contractor. Since 2013, she has worked for GCG.

Aside from her role as a director at Latin Builders Association (LBA), Marisol has also served as a member of its Board of Directors and received its Director of the Year Award, the first woman to earn it. While serving on the LBA’s executive board, she served as vice president for seven years and served as chairperson of the committees in charge of events, membership, and education.

In addition to her current board positions, Marisol is excited about a new opportunity as a Board member for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami. Her goal is to continue to help this organization fulfill its mission of assisting deserving low-income families with an opportunity to become homeowners.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Located in the heart of Coral Gables, the Gables Construction Group is a family-owned and operated business with a long history rooted in tradition, family, and trust. After meeting at a networking event in the Bahamas several years ago, Albert and Marisol had no idea that their casual encounter would lead to a successful construction company, strong marriage, and a beautiful family years later.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Working with my husband is enjoyable. It has always been a source of comfort, but it has become even more since we experienced the pandemic. COVID claimed the lives of two members of my family, my uncle and first cousin with whom I grew up. While I was dealing with my loss and caring for my family, the construction business experienced a major shift. When construction shortages occurred, we had to assist our staff (as well as ourselves) in adjusting to the new situation. In order to keep up with demand, we must now plan our orders months in advance and hope that the materials arrive on time.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.gablesconstructiongroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gablesconstructiongroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gablesconstructiongroup/