Jaime Gonzalez

President El Paso Association of Builders

Running a small business in the construction industry is a rewarding endeavor , but like in any business , it comes with its unique set of challenges . Unlike larger companies , small businesses often lack the resources to weather prolonged periods of downtime , making it crucial to establish strategies that keep the work coming in steadily . Throughout my career , I have worked with large production homebuilders , and now , as a small business owner , I can tell you firsthand that there is a big difference in the way these two types of companies operate . Even

though both produce the same product , new homes , the way we react to challenges and opportunities are very different . Think of it this way : one of the companies I worked for could be compared to a naval aircraft carrier . Today , I ’ m on a jet ski . They both float , they both travel on water , but the experience is very different . A jet ski is a lot of fun , it ’ s nimble , fastpaced , and can navigate through tight spots . But if you ’ re not careful , you can get thrown off in the blink of an eye . On the other hand , the aircraft carrier is big and slow , it requires a lot of space to maneuver and a

large crew to operate it . Yet , it ’ s also steady , can weather large storms , and , because of its towering height , can see further into the horizon . As small business owners , our resilience and adaptability are what set us apart . Achieving a consistent workload is not easy , but it ’ s essential for the growth and sustainability of our businesses . By diversifying services , building strong relationships , and investing in marketing and networking , we can create a stable foundation that will support our businesses year-round .