Meet the Incoming Chair

Michele Daugherty, President & CEO interviewed Carlos Velasco, Vice-President of Construction, Florida, incoming 2023 Central Florida ABC Board of Directors Chair.

How did you get your start?

After graduation from college in 2000 I moved to Orlando, FL where Acousti Engineering gave me the opportunity to start working for them in the field as an apprentice. I had no previous construction experience but was willing to learn any trade and the company was willing to provide the training required to become a journeyman. I had the opportunity to work in metal framing, drywall, and ceilings. After a few years in the field, I realized I wanted to grow so I joined the apprenticeship program. There, I was also educated on blueprint reading and estimating while maintaining my full-time job in the field. Shortly after, I joined the office team where I was able to work in multiple departments and be promoted to my current position.

Give me one word that describes you the best. Determined.

What are your goals?

My goals are to serve others, on a personal and a professional level; I have always enjoyed helping others, it has been part of my life since I was a kid. Another goal is to see my children grow older and be their support for as long as I can do it! Also, to successfully fulfill the role as the chairman of the board for 2023.

What are your three biggest accomplishments?

1. Becoming a husband and father and seeing how the hard work and dedication has reflected on my children’s personalities and success.

2. I came as an immigrant to this Country, so I am very proud of becoming a US Citizen and contributing as a member of our community.

3. Becoming a leader in my organization and knowing that I am appreciated and respected among our employees, family, and friends.

What’s been your most meaningful project?

Very difficult question as I feel each job I have completed, had its own challenges and rewards simultaneously. If I had to pick one, I would say the FAMU College of Law Downtown Orlando, it was my first big job as a rookie project manager where I had to prove myself. It was a complicated job for me however, despite its challenges, it was completed successfully.

Who is a person that you considered a role model early in your life? How and why does this person impact your life? My work ethic comes from my father, so he was and will always be my role model. Thanks to his wisdom and fatherhood, he made me who I am today by teaching that hard work pays off, not to take anything for granted and to be respectful to others no matter what. My father’s goal was to raise me as a good faithful, hardworking, and educated person, and I feel he accomplished that and more.

What do you hope to achieve in 2023 as ABC Central Florida Chair?

As the 2023 Chair I want to deliver a clear message to our members and future members of what ABC stands for, our core values and mission. I would like to see our training programs grow and provide more opportunities for our members to develop their employees with our guidance. Finally, additional committee involvement across the board. I would like to team up with other ABC Chapters to improve their performances as well as mimic and learn from them to increase our membership and become Top Performing Chapter overall.

Tell me about yourself.

I was born and raised in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and grew up in a family of six. I went to a Catholic school in my hometown, then I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration back in June of 2000. My father was an entrepreneur and while attending college I worked for him. I worked in the field for three years at Acousti until I was given the opportunity to move to the office. After a few years working as project manager, branch manager and regional manager, I was promoted to VP of construction for region #3 in 2022. I have a beautiful wife and two teenage children in their junior and senior years at Bishop Moore. I enjoy playing golf, traveling, and riding motorcycles.

What are the most important decisions that you face daily as a leader in your organization?

Our employees are an essential part of our daily operations, so we must make sure they have the resources they need to succeed. It is important not only to know their needs when executing a project but also to listen to their problems, concerns, and ideas; it is part of the daily interaction. Keeping them motivated and appreciated is paramount for us.

What is most important to you and your organization – mission, vision, or core values? Why?

Our employees! We love what we do and the people we do it with. They are the core of what we do, without them we could not fulfill our obligations and commitment to become the number one interior specialty contractor in the Southeast. Thanks to their skill set we can achieve the highest standard of installation. In addition, our clients, our goal is to build a lasting relationship with each of them. We take pride in our longstanding relationships that have been built by exceeding expectations with first class workmanship and quality construction materials which brings repetitive business. Without our customers, we would be incapable of accomplishing our dreams.

What advice would you give a new employee going into a leadership position for the first time?

Listen, ask and communicate.

What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess?

A good leader should be able to listen to others and understand their challenges, concerns, and ideas. A leader should create opportunities for others to grow and provide the tools and resources they need to become great leaders.

What are your favorite questions to ask those you lead?

How can I help? What do you need? What’s the problem? What solutions can you offer to correct the problem?

What are the keys to developing the next generation of leaders in your world?

Provide the proper and adequate training, getting them to engage in the decision-making process, encouraging them to create positive change and listening to their ideas.

What questions are you asking yourself lately?

Am I being a role model for my family? Are our employees happy? What can I do better as a person, so I provide a positive impact to the people that surround me?

What’s your best business advice?

Deliver results by keeping your word and communicate openly to deliver the service you promised.

Family – What do you do to keep your family priority #1?

Our jobs demand many hours of work and dedication, long days and sometimes weekends, while being responsible and keeping business running, I strive to keep a balance between family and work. I make sure to answer their calls and spend time with them whenever we can. I try not to bring my work concerns home and instead ask about how they feel, what is bothering them, and to the best of my capability, provide helpful advice when needed. Spending time outside work with them traveling, playing sports, or enjoying outdoor activities that bring us together as a family.

What do you do to take care of your employees?

We offer training, which provides an opportunity to grow financially and professionally. We care for our employees and what they represent to us; this is a business driven by relationships and most importantly our field employees that perform the work, without them we could not complete so many successful projects in the last 76 years. We want to make sure they feel at home, acknowledged, and appreciated.