Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Cervantes.
Hi Kevin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador and immigrated to The Bronx with my single mother and younger brother when I was a child. From an early age, I took on the role of provider and protector, especially as our family grew to include three younger brothers. I was seen as the one most likely to “make it out”—a label that came with both pressure and pride. That early sense of responsibility shaped my identity and ambition.
Growing up in New York City, I juggled school, housing instability, and multiple jobs—everything from painting public schools to weekend construction work, while also competing in national robotics programs. Even with scholarships and financial aid, I worked four jobs through college just to stay afloat and send money home. I’m a proud alumnus of Binghamton University and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). That program gave me my first real shot—one I’ve never taken for granted. At a moment when similar initiatives are being dismantled across the country, I can’t overstate how vital programs like EOP are—they’re lifelines for students whose talent deserves a fair shot, not a political target.
When I caught COVID in 2020, alone in my Miami apartment, everything stopped. The work status, the lifestyle, the comfort—it all lost its meaning. That silence forced me to look inward. I realized I’d been chasing someone else’s version of success, not my own.
After recovering, I walked away from the safety net and into something unknown—a raw, early-stage startup in New York. That leap helped me realize: I didn’t just want to join a vision—I wanted to build one.
I was drawn to entrepreneurship out of necessity and vision. I no longer fit the mold of the traditional working professional. I wanted to build something that felt meaningful and allowed me to provide for my family while creating opportunities for others. Construction may seem like an unlikely path, but I saw the gaps—outdated systems, housing shortages, and a generational labor decline—and I knew there was room to innovate and lead.
I transitioned slowly, working full-time consulting remotely while apprenticing under mentors in the construction space. I stayed curious, asked a lot of questions, and proved myself by delivering results. Eventually, I earned the trust to manage larger scopes and knew I was ready to go all in.
Starting the business was far from glamorous. I bootstrapped everything—funding early projects with my own savings, betting on myself. I sacrificed time with family and friends, and like many trying to build something from nothing, burned the candle at both ends. But I kept going.
There have been powerful mentors and partners along the way. I’m especially grateful to Ryan Dobson (Total Solutions Contractors) for opening the door to commercial construction and helping me build the foundation I needed to grow, to Jay Reynolds (WolfCreek Consulting) for helping me understand the value of government and institutional certifications like SBE and MBE., and to Chima Joseph (Brisa Builders), who helped me gain insight into the community development space in New York City—broadening my perspective on what it means to build not just projects, but lasting impact. I’m also forever grateful to my late younger brother Eduardo. He believed in every crazy idea I ever had and was the first person I brought into the business. Losing him to a rare heart condition at the end of last year left a mark that will never fade. His memory drives me every day, and I carry that spirit forward—for his daughter, and for my own daughter who’s soon to arrive.
Today, I run KC Construction & Development Group—a general contracting firm managing residential, commercial, and public sector projects. We stand on integrity, transparency, and exceeding expectations. We serve homeowners, public agencies, and small businesses alike, and we’re focused on inclusive growth and building wealth in our communities.
These days, I’m juggling a lot—projects, family, mentorship—but I’ve found a rhythm that works. My wife Stephanie and I are preparing to welcome our first child, and this moment has reminded me of the values that led me here: flexibility, intention, and purpose.
Next up? We’re expanding into civic construction, pursuing SHIP housing programs, and building a team hungry for impact. My dream is to help reshape what legacy looks like for immigrant families—one where owning a business, giving back, and uplifting others is not only possible, but expected.
To anyone walking a similar path: Work hard—it’s one thing you can control. Stay humble—ask questions and seek wisdom. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you grow. And don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
You are your greatest asset. Build something worthy of your sacrifice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not even close. Like most early-stage entrepreneurs, the road has been filled with detours, delays, and decisions that weighed heavy. But what’s mattered most is staying the course. I didn’t quit. That decision—to keep going—has shaped everything since. Every challenge has sharpened my focus, strengthened my leadership, and reinforced why I’m doing this in the first place. That’s what sets you apart—staying in it long enough to grow into the person you’re becoming.
One of the earliest lessons I had to learn is this: the biggest business you’re ever going to manage is your life. And that means learning to protect your peace, your energy, and your purpose. I’ve turned down partnerships and equity offers that didn’t align with my values. I’ve walked away from deals that looked good on paper but didn’t feel right in my gut. Building something real often means making unpopular decisions—and trusting your intuition when there’s no roadmap.
I launched this business fully bootstrapped—no investors, no safety net, just grit and savings. Construction is not a forgiving industry to enter without capital, but I believed in what I was building. Every mobilization came out of pocket. And when mistakes happened (because they do), there was no one to bail me out. But I took ownership, kept learning, and kept betting on myself.
Over time, I learned to see failure differently—not as a weakness, but as a teacher. The best teacher in life is experience. None of us truly know who we are until we fall short, until something doesn’t go our way, until we face something we weren’t prepared for. And in those moments, you have to ask yourself: Who do I want to define me? Someone else—or me?
Losing my younger brother Eduardo was, without question, the deepest cut of all. He wasn’t just my brother—he was my right hand. The first person I called when something exciting happened. The first person I envisioned beside me, growing this business into everything we dreamed it could be. He believed in all of it—before there was anything to believe in. And when I started to bring him into the business, it wasn’t just to give him a role. It was to share the journey. The dream wasn’t supposed to happen without him in it.
His passing, from a rare genetic heart condition, hit me like a collapse beneath my feet. And being self-employed, I didn’t have the luxury of taking time off. I had to finance his burial through the very dream I had hoped we’d build together. And then, somehow, I had to keep showing up to that dream—without him in it. At times, it felt meaningless. The sense of purpose, the shared tradition, the excitement of a win—it all felt muted. I didn’t know who to call anymore when something good happened. I wondered, What’s the point, if I can’t share it with him?
But I kept going — for the conversations that lit me up, the dreams that kept us up, and the future we imagined. Every win now carries both joy and weight because I know who’s missing. One of the hardest moments this year was landing an opportunity as a development consultant on a mixed-use affordable housing project—right in the Bronx, on the Grand Concourse, where we grew up. That same neighborhood where we once spent nights in the NYC Temporary Housing (PATH) program, at the homes of immigrant friends of the family, and navigating the challenges of the New York City public school system—systems most kids never even have to think about.
And now, here I was—on the other side of the table, helping bring positive change to that same community. It should’ve been one of those moments where I’d call him right away, where we’d sit in awe together like, “Look how far we’ve come.” But he wasn’t there to call. And that silence cut deeper than any setback ever could.
I hope my niece grows up knowing that her father’s presence still echoes in the work we do. He helped shape this dream, and I carry a piece of that forward every day. I hope to pass on not just stories, but opportunities that reflect the legacy his presence helped build.
Now, with my own daughter soon arriving, everything feels more real. I’m not just building a business—I’m building a life that reflects what matters.
We’ve been impressed with KC Construction & Development Group Inc, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
KC Construction & Development Group Inc. is a Florida-based general contracting firm committed to delivering high-quality residential, commercial, and public-sector projects with integrity, precision, and purpose. We specialize in ground-up construction, large-scale remodels, and civic work—with a growing focus on affordable housing, sustainable design, and inclusive development.
What sets us apart isn’t just the work—it’s why we do it. We’re a minority-owned, mission-driven company led by an immigrant entrepreneur who’s walked the road from vision to execution.
Every project is guided by transparency, technical excellence, and a commitment to exceeding expectations. Whether we’re helping a homeowner bring their dream to life or partnering with local governments to serve the public, we lead with care and respect for the communities we serve.
KC is proudly certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) in Florida—positioning us to take on meaningful civic work while creating opportunities for subcontractors and small business partners.
We’re a multilingual team fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows us to communicate effectively with a broader range of clients, subcontractors, and communities—ensuring nothing gets lost in translation and everyone feels seen and heard.
We take pride in the trust we’ve built—leading complex projects, supporting the next generation, and showing up when it matters most. Our growing portfolio includes everything from oceanfront properties and major additions to public infrastructure and large-scale demolition. We combine technology, automation, and AI with hands-on, old-school grit. It’s that mix—innovation with hustle—that allows us to scale smart and deliver with real impact.
We see ourselves as more than builders. We’re people with vision, mentors with purpose, and operators with grit. Our goal? To create spaces that matter—and legacies that last.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about South Florida is the energy—it’s a region full of culture, ambition, and movement. You feel the grind here, but you also feel the possibility. I’ve had the privilege of building in neighborhoods where community still means something, and where clients are genuinely passionate about shaping their spaces.
As a builder, there’s something incredible about being able to create lasting impact in a place that blends opportunity with diversity. From homeowners pursuing their dream remodel to public projects that serve entire communities—there’s no shortage of meaningful work.
What I like least is that too often, competent minority-owned businesses still get left out of the room when major projects and contracts are on the table. There’s also a rising cost of living that’s making it harder for the average person to stay rooted here—especially in the neighborhoods they grew up in. And the permitting and approval processes, while improving, can still be a heavy lift for both homeowners and small GCs. There’s still a long way to go in making the process more transparent and equitable, both for clients and small business owners like me. But I’m committed to being part of that progress—one project, one conversation, one step at a time.
To the women who made this journey possible—
Silvia Orellana and Carmen Macias, my mother and grandmother, who gave us everything that mattered: love, sacrifice, and belief.
And to Teresa Leon and Elena Catucuamba, for opening their hearts and homes when we needed it most.
To my wife, Stephanie Cervantes—your faith, grace, and presence have been a reflection of God’s love in my life. Thank you for walking beside me in purpose and promise.
And above all, Gloria a Dios, whose hand has been on every step of the journey, even when we couldn’t see it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kcconstructiongroup.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-cervantes-63215633/
