Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1238: The Contractor Who Treats Every Project Like a Client’s Life Savings (Because It Is) w/ Angel Ortiz
What does it mean to build a business with true care and integrity? Angel Ortiz, founder of Zitro Construction Services, joins us to share his incredible journey from helping rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to leading one of the premier construction companies in the region. This episode is a masterclass in turning a crisis into a mission-driven business, honoring a family legacy, and embedding quality into every aspect of your operations. Angel reveals how he navigates difficult client conversations, manages high-stakes projects, and builds long-term relationships with vendors. For any entrepreneur who wants to build a business that not only profits but also makes a tangible, positive impact, this conversation is packed with invaluable lessons on leadership, communication, and personal development.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- How to turn a devastating event or crisis into a purpose-driven business opportunity.
- The power of honoring a family legacy and drawing entrepreneurial lessons from previous generations.
- A "bad news first" communication strategy to build trust and manage client expectations in a high-stakes industry.
- Why building long-term, respectful relationships with vendors is more profitable than constantly seeking new ones.
- How to structure your business around your ideal life, ensuring family and personal goals come first.
- Simple but effective tech solutions (like collaborative Apple Notes) to manage complex projects without expensive software.
- The critical importance of investing in coaching and personal development to overcome business hurdles and guide your growth.
📝 About Angel Ortiz
Angel Ortiz is the founder of Zitro Construction Services, a premier company performing custom remodeling and new construction for residential and commercial clients in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Born and raised in New Orleans, Angel’s entrepreneurial journey was ignited in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where he dedicated himself to rebuilding his community. Inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, an entrepreneur who started his own company in the 1960s, Angel built Zitro on a foundation of integrity, direct communication, and an unwavering commitment to quality. His unique perspective combines hands-on expertise with a deep understanding of the human side of business.
🎯 Angel’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Stay true to your intuition. Learn how to develop it in the silence of your own thoughts, thinking about your life. And if you need help with that, seek it."
📢 Memorable Quotes
- "If you're wrong, admit it. You mess something up, fix it. But so many contractors in our industry give the lot of us a bad name sometimes."
- "I structured my business around [my life goals]… I make sure that family time is the beginning and end of everything every day. And that's the way that I wanted it."
- "I can't stress enough how important it is to have somebody in your coach corner who can give you sound advice."
💡 Actionable Takeaways
- Define your non-negotiable life goals first, then design your business operations to support them.
- Address potential problems and worst-case scenarios with clients upfront to establish transparency and trust from day one.
- Ask your clients their preferred communication style (e.g., email, text, phone calls) and adapt your process to meet them where they are.
🔗 Links & Resources