Fernando Sanchez, Principal & Manager, LEAD Engineering Contractors

In an interview with Invest:, Fernando Sanchez, principal and manager at LEAD Engineering Contractors, discussed the company’s strategy to maintain success, its approach to community impact, the challenges and opportunities in Florida’s infrastructure landscape, and the importance of retaining skilled labor to sustain industry leadership.

How has LEAD Engineering Contractors maintained its success while expanding into new markets?

LEAD Engineering has successfully expanded into new markets by staying true to the culture and core values that have defined us over the years. Diversifying into other agencies has been a natural progression, and our extensive experience with FDOT—an organization that operates like a well-oiled machine—has equipped us with the adaptability to meet the unique needs of various municipalities and clients.

Our success is rooted in building strong, lasting relationships—not only with clients but also with employees and stakeholders. We foster an environment of trust and reliability, understanding that success isn’t just measured by revenue but by the impact we leave behind. Whether it’s earning the trust of inspectors or consistently delivering projects ahead of schedule, our focus remains on excellence.

At the core of our operations is integrity. When challenges arise, we take a proactive approach by notifying the client and presenting solutions. This commitment has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner, ensuring that we continue to grow while maintaining the highest standards in every project we undertake.

What are some of LEAD Engineering’s recent achievements, and what sets the company apart?

Over the past year and a half, we’ve tackled a wide range of projects that highlight our expertise. From major transportation infrastructure to utility work, we’ve significantly expanded our portfolio. Notable projects include Hialeah Phase 2 Transfer Station utility infrastructure Project for the Water and Sewer Department,  which is set to begin construction soon, the Port Everglades Bypass Road-Viaduct Project for Broward County and a large site and utility scope for Public Works at the South Dade Transportation Operations Center. Highway and bridge construction remains our specialty, with landmark projects like the MacArthur Causeway and I-95 bridges among our achievements.

Our ability to self-perform critical tasks with our equipment and experienced crews has been key to our success. By controlling timelines and budgets internally, we deliver projects on time and frequently qualify for performance bonuses. These efforts have earned us multiple accolades, including FDOT safety and construction awards and recognition from organizations such as the FTBA, ECA, ASCE and the Cuban American Association of Civil Engineers.

With a dedicated workforce, a fleet of owned equipment, and strong client relationships, we’re well-prepared for the opportunities ahead. It’s an exciting time as we continue to grow and contribute to the industry.

How does LEAD Engineering Contractors position itself as a leader, considering Florida’s unique needs?

Our leadership comes down to one key factor: our people. We’re a team of 69, and about half have been with us for more than four years. In this industry, the biggest challenge isn’t finding projects or funding — it’s labor. Retaining skilled personnel is crucial, and we focus heavily on that.

Protecting our people is at the core of what we do. While anyone can rent machinery or bid on a project, it’s the people who make everything work. Without them, we’re nobody. That’s why we prioritize knowing our employees by name, understanding their needs, and fostering an environment where they feel valued. 

Our leadership style is built on teamwork and collaboration. Mistakes are inevitable, but rather than assigning blame, we prioritize finding solutions together. By preserving our core team and fostering a culture of unity, we remain confident in our ability to take on any project Florida presents.

What is LEAD Engineering’s approach to sustaining its leadership position in the industry?

Our recipe for success is simple: start and finish projects on time, keep our people happy, and ensure we’re making a profit, all while enjoying the process. Building infrastructure isn’t just about money; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels motivated to contribute to a project’s success.

We strive to balance delivering results with maintaining a positive workplace culture. When our team enjoys their work, projects flow more smoothly, and the results speak for themselves. This proven formula ensures that as we continue to invest in our people and foster this culture, we’ll remain well-positioned to lead in the years ahead.

What are the most pressing challenges Florida faces in its transportation and infrastructure landscape?

One of the biggest challenges is transit infrastructure and gaining public acceptance of it. There’s a strong push to expand transit options in counties like Miami-Dade and Broward, with significant investments planned for projects such as the North Corridor, South Corridor, and Beach Corridor and Metrorail expansions. These initiatives aim to alleviate congestion and have proven effective in major cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, where mass transit is widely used.

However, the challenge in the southern United States is cultural. People often prefer the convenience of driving from their home to their destination, parking in a garage, and avoiding the heat and frequent rain. While billions are being invested in transit infrastructure, there’s insufficient focus on connecting it to the homes and daily lives of those who need it.

What opportunities does Florida’s transit movement present, and how should they be addressed?

There are significant opportunities with the billions allocated to transit projects. Counties are designing and planning new transit lines, but the key issue is attracting users to these systems. Many people still need to drive to transit stations because their homes lack reliable bus routes or other connections. This undermines transit’s goal of reducing car dependency.

Parking lots are being built at transit stations to accommodate cars, but the question remains: How do we make the first and last mile easier for users? Until this is addressed, widespread adoption of transit will remain limited.

How does the state balance transit and highway development, and what challenges arise from this approach?

While counties push for transit, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues expanding highways, therefore we have a good balance when it comes to new infrastructure. For instance, in Miami, a new viaduct is being built above SR-836 due to capacity limits. FDOT’s focus on immediate congestion relief doesn’t align with counties’ efforts to promote transit, which is understandable in big cities and metropolitan areas such as Miami.

The lack of coordination between agencies is a major challenge. Ideally, leaders from both sides — transit and highway development — should collaborate to create a balanced plan that serves the public. Without this, we end up with disconnected systems. For example, someone without reliable transit access must still drive to a station, negating transit’s benefits.

It’s vital to move beyond just building infrastructure and ensure these systems are practical and convenient for everyday travelers. Whether it’s a new transit line or a highway expansion, the focus must be on solutions that truly serve the people.

How does LEAD Engineering Contractors ensure its work positively impacts the community?

Our goal is to leave a lasting, positive mark on the communities we serve. While some projects might feel more routine, most are deeply rewarding because they transform spaces and benefit the public. For example, converting neglected areas like vacant lots or dumpsters into parks or plazas where families can gather is especially gratifying.

We also ensure our team understands the purpose behind what they’re building. Whether constructing a bridge to alleviate traffic or developing a transit hub, we communicate how their efforts fit into the bigger picture. Sharing renders and project goals motivates our crews and reinforces the pride we take in our contributions.

What role does infrastructure play in supporting the economy, especially during challenging times?

Infrastructure has always been key to economic stability. Unlike private developments, which often stall during downturns, infrastructure projects are funded by state and federal governments, providing a reliable source of work. During the 2008-2009 recession, private developments halted, but heavy civil infrastructure projects moved forward, thanks to government funding.

Our industry isn’t recession-proof but is more resilient than most. While restaurants and housing developments are first to shut down in tough times, infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, and transit systems continue to receive funding, keeping the economy afloat and laborers employed. With the current push for transit projects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, we expect continued investment in infrastructure in the years ahead.