The Construction Majority: Why Almost 25% of US Construction Business Entrepreneurs are Mexican or of Mexican Origin

In the United States, one cannot ignore the significant presence of Mexicans or those of Mexican origin in the construction business sector. In fact, it is nearly 25% of the construction business entrepreneurs who hail from Mexico or have Mexican ancestry. This phenomenon is not merely coincidental but rooted in various socio-economic and cultural factors, including a passion for craftsmanship, dedication to the profession, and the unique circumstances surrounding entrepreneurship in their home country.

Why Mexicans are at the Top in Construction

One fundamental reason is the exceptional skills and dedication of Mexicans to construction work. This is evident not only in modern construction but also in the ancient arts of building and tile work. For example, the grand pyramids in Mexico showcase the architectural prowess and attention to detail that defines Mexican craftsmanship. This 'DNA' of craftsmanship runs deep and is highly prized in both Mexican and American construction industries. Mexican construction workers are known for their hard work and precision, often outperforming their counterparts with markedly more output and quality.

Entrepreneurship in the U.S. vs Mexico

Another key factor contributing to the high number of Mexican or Mexican-origin entrepreneurs in the U.S. construction sector is the limited economic opportunities available in Mexico. In Mexico, several industries, including construction, are predominantly monopolized by the very wealthy. Consequently, passing down a business from one generation to the next is common, and the unprivileged often cannot afford to own or operate such businesses.

Migration to the United States, which offers a free-enterprise system, becomes an attractive option for the underprivileged. Here, individuals with a desire, drive, and discipline can start their own businesses without significant financial barriers. In the restaurant sector, for instance, approximately one-fourth of establishments are owned by people of Hispanic descent, suggesting a similar opportunity in the construction business as well.

Mexican-Americans: Born and Bred in the U.S.

Many of the construction business owners of Mexican origin in the U.S. are also Mexican-Americans, born and raised in the United States. These individuals often follow in the footsteps of their immigrant parents or siblings, replicating the entrepreneurial spirit that has been passed down through generations. They bring with them a unique blend of cultural heritage and American entrepreneurial values, making them well-suited to succeed in the competitive construction industry.

Challenges and Progression

While the majority of these Mexican or Mexican-origin contractors are undocumented immigrants, their underpaid status by no means defines their success. Despite often working in challenging conditions, these entrepreneurs show resilience and relentless ambition. Their success is marked not only by their business acumen but also by their willingness to labor long hours and deliver outstanding results. It is this hard work and dedication that have allowed them to rise quickly through the ranks and achieve considerable success.

The construction industry is uniquely accessible to those willing to start from the ground up. A mere willingness to work is often all that is required to begin a career. Many immigrants can start with very little, and through hard work, they can advance to the position of business owners.

For the Mexican people in the U.S., the construction sector offers a clear path to the top in a matter of just one generation. This is not to say that they have reached the pinnacle of success; rather, it highlights the rapid ascent many have made. In fact, many find themselves involved in roofing, a testament to the skills and perseverance that define their success in this particular field.

In conclusion, the high number of Mexican or Mexican-origin construction business owners in the U.S. is the result of a convergence of cultural heritage, economic opportunity, and individual drive. Whether they are immigrants or born and raised in the U.S., their contributions to the construction sector are significant and growing.