Picture this: an eight-year-old kid on construction sites, already reading blueprints like other kids read comic books. That’s how Adrian Avila’s story begins, learning from his uncle who took him everywhere and taught him the fundamentals that would shape his entire career.
Fast forward to today, and Adrian runs AVICA Construction and Development, averaging over 800 doors a year across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. But the most compelling part of his journey happened when he was 29 and faced what he calls a “death experience” that forced him to completely rethink how he ran his business.
“I was always a team player, but you’re not being a team player today, like you have to be able to pull yourself away from the business so that it can grow.”
In this episode of Builder’s Straight Talk, host Michael Krisa digs into the pivotal moments that transformed Adrian from someone working in his business to someone working on it. The conversation explores the transition from being mentored by his uncle to eventually branching out on his own, and the systems thinking that allowed him to scale without being trapped by the day-to-day operations.
Adrian shares his approach to hiring based on three key qualities, his philosophy on delegation, and how he built processes that let his company run even when he steps away. They discuss diversification strategies including fire-resistant construction materials, preparing for economic storms, and Adrian’s predictions about the future of building technology.
“The issue at hand is everybody’s just looking at that dollar sign. What’s it going to cost me? To bring on this employee that’s going to help save you need time and a headache, right? And instead of looking at it, well, how much is that key player I’m going to bring into the company?”
The episode touches on personal growth through morning routines, the role of spirituality in business leadership, and Adrian’s community work through the National Hispanic Construction Alliance. Michael and Adrian explore mentorship, both receiving it and giving it, and how the construction industry is evolving with new technologies and building methods.
“I can give you all the resources. I can give you all the books to read. I can give you all the tips and tricks. But if you can’t go out there in the field and implement what you’ve learned, you’re going to stay stagnant. You’re not going to grow.”
They also cover Adrian’s coaching practice, his podcast “One Stud at a Time,” and his philanthropic work building homes for families in need. The conversation reveals how personal challenges can become catalysts for business transformation and why letting go might be the key to scaling any construction company.
“I feel right now that if you’re a very stressful person, don’t take on more than what you can handle. And so you learn how to manage your stress and you’re able to… I tell people to leave the bullshit at the door, right? We do take some of our stuff back home with us. And I feel like when people are bringing their work home, lasting out at family, or things like that, you’re not ready to level up, you gotta do some internal work at that point.”
Adrian C. Avila
Founder & President, AVICA Construction & Development, Inc.
Adrian brings over two decades of construction industry experience to his role leading AVICA Construction & Development. His journey began at eight years old when his uncle mentored him on reading blueprints and understanding construction fundamentals. By 18, he was managing projects hands-on, building the foundation for his career.
Before launching AVICA, Adrian held leadership positions with prestigious construction firms, where he developed his collaborative approach to managing large-scale projects while balancing deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. His philosophy centers on putting people first while ensuring every project meets high standards.
Beyond construction, Adrian is deeply involved in community service. He partners with nonprofit organizations including Prosperity Homes and McKinley Children’s Center, using his expertise to support families in need. He has also contributed to recovery efforts for victims of the Altadena and Palisades fires, offering construction solutions and community advocacy.
As President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA), Adrian leads initiatives empowering Latino contractors and developing the next generation of industry leaders. He also serves on the Board of Directors for both the La Verne Chamber of Commerce, where he chairs the Economic Development Committee, and the Azusa Chamber of Commerce, leading the Business and Community Advancement Committee.
Adrian founded Anubis Tranquillum, a business and life coaching practice focused on helping individuals unlock their potential through transformational mindset work and practical growth strategies. He hosts the podcast “One Stud at a Time,” featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, and innovators sharing real stories and hard-won lessons from business and leadership.
Website: https://linktr.ee/AVICAandANUBIS
Podcast: “One Stud at a Time”: https://www.youtube.com/@OneStudAtATimePodcast/videos
Avica Construction: https://www.avicaconstruction.com
Follow Builder Straight Talk:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkrisa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuilderStraightTalk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builderstraighttalk
- Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuilderStraightTalk
0 Comments