Liseth Velez’s Story

Back in '97,

I was just a 7-year-old, diving headfirst into a whole new world. My family landed in the U.S., chasing the American dream. A new language, new culture, and a new way to say my own name.

Learning English was a challenge I enjoyed. But guess what? I aced the 'TH' sound early on, all thanks to all the practice in saying my own name. Adapting wasn't a choice; it was survival mode. Picture a mini Indiana Jones, finding my groove in this vibrant, different culture. Those early days taught me to roll with the punches, connect with people, and embrace the beauty in our differences. It set the stage for a life of making connections and navigating challenges with a grin.

Fast forward

to 2011, and my patriotic spirit was eager to join the Army. No smooth driving, as an 88M Truck Driver in the height of the war I learned early on the importance of attention to detail as my battle buddies were often targeted by IED attacks overseas. Although my time was short the Army taught me some of the most important lessons of my military career. 

My heart was had always been with the Air Force as I spent Lowell High School years participating in the AF JROTC program , so I decided to switch gears and start a new journey with the Air Force.

In 2012, I joined the U.S. Air National Guard, and those years were a whirlwind adventure. Critical missions, accountability, and pushing boundaries taught me the power of teamwork and collaboration. The military instilled in me dedication, respect for teamwork, and an unyielding belief in unity toward a shared goal.

Now 2018

was when I decided to start my own construction company—because apparently, I needed more chaos in my life. LJV was born, taking risks? I practically invented that.

Before the pandemic hit I left my 9 to 5. No safety net, no unemployment checks—just a wild ride through uncertainty. By early 2023, debts piled up, profitability did not seem to be in the near future.

But here's the punchline—we didn't back down. By the end of 2023, we didn't just hit our revenue goals; we surpassed them. 

Navigating the construction industry isn't just about buildings; it's about people. We were awarded contracts with federal agencies, worked with prestigious institutions like Wellesley College and Harvard Business School.

Success, for me, isn't just about contracts and projects. It's about the people—the team at LJV and the colleagues I support in the industry. I'm all about growth, whether it's through serious talks or just dropping some construction beats only we understand.

So, here's to LJV, the construction company that started with the American dream 🇺🇸