We are pleased to introduce the newest member of our Atlanta Design & Build team, Miguel Solis. Miguel joined us in January 2017 and is highly experienced in the construction industry. Originally from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Miguel now makes his home in Decatur. “Georgia is a great place to live. I love it here!” exclaimed Miguel.
While a young man living in the Virgin Islands, Miguel attended vocational school and then in 1977 he became a member of the U.S. Army National Guard for 11 years. He was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO where he was trained as a construction utility worker. During this time he completed a wide variety of construction projects.
In 1988, Miguel resigned from the Army National Guard and returned to the Virgin Islands. At first he worked with local contractors who were building houses. Later he did construction utility work at an oil refinery for two years. “That place was at one time the second largest oil refinery in the United States,” noted Miguel. “But unfortunately the business slowed down and all the workers were laid off.” Today the refinery is officially closed.
Miguel decided to move to Miami, Florida, where he ended up living from 2002-2015. Some friends in Decatur requested he come and work for them so he moved to GA. Eventually, that business also slowed down. Miguel sent out resumes to see what work positions might be available that fit his expertise. He was excited when Express Employment Professionals recommended an opening with Atlanta Design & Build and arranged an interview.
Miguel Joins the Atlanta Design & Build Team as a Carpenter
“During the interview, the Atlanta Design & Build staff was exceptional,” states Miguel. “They explained very clearly their expectations, and everything sounded highly professional. As they explained all the details to me, I realized their company attitude is one of encouragement, whether you are their clients or team members. ADB is made up of very good people to work for and they are respectful of everyone.”
Miguel works as a Carpenter for our ADB team. His specialties are framing, building decks and screened porches, plus tiling in bathrooms and kitchens. ADB provided Miguel with his very first screened porch project. “It was a challenge to me since it was vital that I get the screening nice and tight without any wrinkles,” Miguel remarked. “But now that I’m experienced with screened porches, the process is a breeze.”
He also mentions that his work responsibilities involve job safety, watching out for his co-workers, being careful of his surroundings, and protecting clients’ property. Believe it or not, some of the remodeling work he really enjoys is demolition, cleaning up debris, and preparing the job site for reconstruction. “ADB knows I’m capable and handy,” said Miguel. “I may not be the fastest worker, but I always work hard to get the job completed to the best of my ability and to their satisfaction—which is very important.”
Outside of work, Miguel’s favorite activities are getting together with family and friends at home for a barbecue cookout, watching sports on television, and playing dominos. Playing dominos has gotten to be a very popular game with his family, and they play every weekend. He also enjoys going fishing whenever he gets a chance, and he absolutely loves the beach! “I just like to relax and enjoy being with my family.”