Meet Edel Ortega | Founder & CEO, Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edel Ortega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process really started with seeing gaps in how projects were being managed and how clients were being treated. I had been in the industry long enough to recognize that many homeowners and developers weren’t just looking for a contractor, they wanted someone who listened, communicated, and delivered with integrity.
I knew I had the skills and the drive to build a company that did things differently. For me, starting my own business was about taking ownership of the quality, the client relationships, and the standards of work. It was a big step, but I believed that if I combined my experience with my vision for better service, I could create something valuable and lasting.
At the core, it was about independence, accountability, and creating a business where I could be proud of every project that carried our name.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is taking a client’s vision and transforming it into something real and lasting. For me, construction is more than just building — it’s about problem-solving, communication, and creating spaces that reflect both quality and trust.
What sets Fierce Construction apart is the combination of technical excellence and a true dedication to the client experience. I was fortunate to be mentored early on in both customer service and jobsite best practices, and those lessons continue to guide how I run my business today.
I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built and the reputation we’re creating, but the journey definitely hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges — and there still are. Each project brings something new to learn and overcome. But that’s part of what excites me: the chance to keep growing, to keep pushing, and to keep raising the bar.
The journey isn’t over for me — I’m still facing challenges, still learning, and still paving the future of Fierce Construction. I want people to know that our brand is about more than construction. It’s about integrity, persistence, and building something that will stand strong for years to come — both in the projects we deliver and in the company we’re building.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want them to get a real taste of what makes South Florida such a great place to live. We’d kick things off with some high-energy fun like go-karting at Piquet Entertainment in Loxahatchee, and maybe squeeze in a round of golf up in Jupiter. During the days, you can’t beat the beach — it’s the perfect way to relax, recharge, and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Evenings would be for good food and drinks, like grabbing a few beers at DAS Biergarten, and then unwinding at one of the cigar lounges in the area. For me, that mix of adventure, relaxation, and great local spots is what makes this area special, and it’s exactly what I’d want to share with anyone visiting

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been fortunate to have some great mentors along the way. Early in my career, I learned a lot about customer service and how to communicate with clients from Michael Jatoft, owner of Dry Concepts. That experience taught me the importance of listening, building trust, and really taking care of people. Later on, Malcom MacIness, the owner of MGM General Contracting, really helped me put it all together by showing me best practices and processes in running a construction business. Between the two of them, I gained the balance of client care and technical excellence that really shaped the way I run my own business today. I’m grateful for their mentorship and the role they played in my journey.

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