In a field long defined by concrete, steel, and tradition, Debbie Rodriguez has carved out something far more enduring: a legacy rooted in people. As the CEO of Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC, she is not only reshaping how projects are built but also redefining how people in the construction industry are valued, respected, and empowered. Her journey from staffing to construction leadership reflects determination, resilience, and a philosophy that puts people at the center of progress.
A Path Built on Purpose
Debbie’s introduction to construction came in an unconventional way—through staffing. In 2008, she co-founded Quality Labor Management (QLM), a skilled staffing company that supported industries like construction, logistics, and manufacturing. While working closely with construction workers, she noticed a troubling trend: too many of them were not treated with the respect they deserved.
That realization struck a chord. For Debbie, staying silent was never an option. Instead, she decided to build something different—a company that valued relationships as much as results. This decision gave rise to Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC, a firm designed to be people-first in every sense.
But Debbie’s story is about more than business—it’s about resilience, faith, and defying the odds. In February 2008, she was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident. Doctors told her family that her chances of survival were slim, and even if she made it through, paralysis was almost certain. Yet Debbie refused to let that prognosis define her. In the months that followed, she chose not to dwell on fear or self-pity. Instead, she saw the accident as a turning point—a chance to re-evaluate her life and her purpose.
With determination, grit, and an unshakable spirit, Debbie made a full recovery—defying every expectation. From that moment forward, she committed herself to making a difference in the lives of others. Helping others isn’t just part of her work—it’s her passion, her calling, and something she lives out every single day.
“Construction wasn’t just about building projects,” she reflects. “It was about building people, giving them opportunities to grow, and creating a culture where they could thrive.”
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
The construction industry has long been considered a male-dominated space, rooted in tradition and slow to change. But leaders like Debbie Rodriguez are proving that the future of the industry looks very different. As CEO of CEP and co-founder of QLM and iBuild Central Florida, she has created an ecosystem that not only adapts to change—but drives it.
Her values—safety, accountability, commitment, integrity, and passion—became her compass. She chose to lead with respect and humanity, reminding people that “we all put on our pants the same way.” That people-first mindset has fueled her leadership across all three companies, positioning them as catalysts for lasting change.
QLM connects people with opportunities, iBuild develops their skills, and CEP provides a platform for them to grow and influence others. Together, they create a full-circle system: finding talent, training it, and empowering it to make an impact.
Embracing Change in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
The construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation. With new technologies, digital tools, and sustainability practices becoming the norm, adaptation is no longer optional—it is essential.
At CEP, adaptation begins with people. Debbie believes the best way to prepare for change is to invest in training and development. Whether mastering new technologies, adopting safer methods, or embracing sustainability, her focus is on equipping the workforce with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
She envisioned iBuild in 2015 as a way to connect education with industry, and by 2016, the nonprofit became a reality. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone of workforce development in Central Florida, preparing students with hands-on experiences, exposure to technology, and pathways to meaningful careers.
“Innovation and sustainability matter,” Debbie notes, “but it’s people who bring those changes to life. When you build a culture that values learning and accountability, you are not just responding to change—you are leading it.”
Supporting Women and Underrepresented Groups
For Debbie Rodriguez, inclusivity is more than a principle—it is a practice. She has long championed women and underrepresented groups in construction, recognizing that diversity strengthens both companies and communities.
At CEP, respect and support are foundational. Women are given opportunities to grow and lead, breaking barriers in what has traditionally been a male-dominated space. For underemployed, economically disadvantaged, justice-involved individuals, or those learning English, the company offers mentorship, training, and encouragement to help them build futures with dignity and hope.
She also partners with organizations such as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida to ensure diverse voices and talents are represented across the industry.
Through iBuild, students from all backgrounds gain skills and confidence, discovering opportunities they may never have imagined.
Preparing for the Future of Construction
Looking ahead, Debbie sees three major trends shaping the construction industry over the next five years:
- Workforce Development – As older generations retire, the need for skilled new workers will intensify.
- Technology and Automation – From digital project management to advanced tools, technology will continue to change how projects are executed.
- Sustainability – Clients and communities will increasingly expect greener, more energy-conscious building practices.
CEP is preparing by doubling down on people-first strategies: training and development, safety and sustainability, and building a pipeline of future talent through iBuild.
Impactful Initiatives and Workforce Development
Among the many initiatives Debbie has championed, iBuild Central Florida stands out as one of her proudest achievements. Envisioned in 2015 and launched in 2016, the program was created to address the skilled labor shortage. It has since grown into a coalition of more than 400 partners. Together, they introduce thousands of students to construction careers, provide pre-apprenticeship opportunities, and train adults—including those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds—for direct entry into jobs.
At CEP, Debbie also looks within her current staff to train and promote talent, ensuring long-term growth and opportunity.
By focusing on respect, opportunity, and growth, she is not just solving a labor problem—she is helping shape a sustainable and inclusive workforce for the future.
Lessons in Leadership
When asked about the most defining lesson of her career, Debbie is quick to answer: the power of putting people first.
She learned early that true success does not come solely from contracts or projects. Instead, it comes from creating a culture where employees feel respected, supported, and empowered. By guiding people, helping them overcome challenges, and investing in their growth, everything else naturally falls into place.
Debbie measures success in only one way—through changing people’s lives for the better. She works tirelessly to ensure that all her employees have been positively impacted, and she does not want anything to be about her—except that she is thankful to have the opportunity to give a hand up to so many.
Advice for Women Aspiring to Lead
Debbie’s advice to women aspiring to leadership roles in construction—or any traditionally male-dominated industry—is simple yet profound: trust yourself and never give away your power.
Challenges will always exist, but they only become barriers if you allow them to. “Don’t let anyone define your worth or limit your potential,” she advises. Instead, lead with integrity, humility, and passion. Stay true to your values, and surround yourself with people who believe in you and lift you higher.
Most importantly, remember that leadership is not about titles—it is about actions. By investing in people and treating them with respect, women leaders can open doors for others. Debbie’s own journey is proof of that truth.
Building People, Building Futures
Debbie Rodriguez’s story is a testament to the fact that the most enduring structures in construction are not made of steel or concrete—they are made of people. Through her leadership at CEP and her dedication to iBuild Central Florida, she has redefined what it means to build.
By putting people first, breaking barriers, and championing inclusivity, she is shaping a future where construction is not just about projects but about possibilities. For Debbie, every challenge is an opportunity to build someone up, and every success is measured not in square footage but in lives transformed.
As the industry continues to evolve, her vision remains steady: build people, and you build the future.