Notes from 'The Mexican Carpenter'
At age 14, David Parraguirre left his home in Veracruz, Mexico for a life and career in the United States.
Parraguirre would go on to sharpen his home builder and remodeling skills in the Washington, D.C. market.
Today, Parraguirre is the founder and owner of Pro Builder Solutions: a custom home building and remodeling company servicing areas of Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Virginia.
But in social media circles, Parraguirre is known as “The Mexican Carpenter.”
With Hispanic Heritage Month underway through Oct. 15, HBSDealer talked to Parraguirre about his experience in the industry and what he’s seeing on jobsites.
“I work in the residential field, doing both new builds and renovations,” Parraguirre told HBSDealer. “Generally, my work is split 50-50 between repair and remodel versus home building.”
From exterior renovation projects, to additions to kitchen remodels, Parraguirre has seen it all. He says the market has been steady for the past several years, especially in his markets where there is high demand.
“However, price increases and inflation are showing their effect with consumers being more cautious in how they spend their money,” Parraguirre notes.
As the Mexican Carpenter’s career has grown, there have been obstacles to overcome, however.
“Around 10 years ago, I think people used to think less about the quality of work Latinos would do and we often weren’t taken as seriously,” he says. “There was more discrimination and a bigger language barrier.”
But today he sees more Latinos obtaining leadership positions in the field. “And we've become more competitive in the market.”
Pro Builder Solutions consists of a five-man crew. And that’s the way Parraguirre prefers iit. “Right now, I like the idea of a small crew as it’s much more intimate and I can still be hands-on and ensure things are done properly.”
When it comes to materials for his jobs, Parraguirre says he prefers to primarily shop at his local lumberyards whether it's a new build or renovation.
Social media has served as the company’s main marketing tool. “I use my social platforms to educate the Latino community and showcase the projects I’m working on or have completed,” Parraguirre says.
Along with attending trade shows in order to network and build connections with others in the field and different suppliers, the pro says he also enjoys working closely with industry brands. This includes a partnership with LP Building Solutions.
According to Parraguirre, LP is not only one of the manufacturers of his preferred, premium building solutions, but the company has also helped him expand his audience on social media.
Along with his own website, Mexicancarpenter.com, the builder maintains a presence on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
He also reaches out to his local community leaders and associations in order to help my business and advocate for the Latino community.
“My advice to other Latino builders would be to find your niche,” Parraguirre says. “Figure out what you love to do and are really good at and specialize. This allows you to put systems in place that help you to grow as a company and become an expert in the field.”
Additional advice from Parraguirre is for members of the industry to continue learning and remain open to asking questions.
“Reach out to local leaders in your community and expand your network,” Parraguirre says. “Let’s empower each other rather than seeing each other as competition. Finally, and most importantly, pass your experience and your knowledge onto the younger generation.”
