Laborers to Leaders with Sergio Barajas

In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, Michael Krisa invited Sergio Barajas to explore the construction industry's critical labor shortage and how the NHCA is addressing it through education, networking, and business development.

Sergio shares how the alliance grew from zero to 2,500 members across eight markets in just 14 months, with plans to reach 5,000 members in 15 markets by year-end.

The conversation covers the stigmatization of blue-collar work over the past 20 years and how removing shop classes from schools disconnected young people from building trades. With only 1.3-1.4 people entering trades for every five retiring, and over 400,000 unfilled construction jobs nationally, the industry faces an unsustainable gap that the NHCA is working to close.

What we discussed:

The NHCA originated four years ago when Home Depot asked NAHREP to convene Hispanic contractors for a roundtable discussion. Expecting 10-15 attendees, they got 30-40, revealing significant unmet needs in the community. The alliance now operates as a comprehensive ecosystem including architects, engineers, contractors, insurance providers, and suppliers, creating opportunities for members to do business without leaving the network.

Sergio advocates for changing the narrative around trades work, showing it offers faster paths to entrepreneurship than traditional college degrees. Within two years of apprenticeship, someone can start their own company, compared to waiting four to six years for a college degree that might not lead to employment. The alliance operates three academies focused on trade workers, construction management, and community development.

The organization's philosophy centers on "doing well by doing good," fostering a culture where members lead with giving rather than taking. This approach creates real-time business discussions and deals at local chapter meetings, with members immediately connecting on jobs and bids rather than postponing conversations.

NHCA installed its National Board of Directors in June 2025. The Board is focused on identifying and addressing systemic challenges facing Hispanic professionals in the construction industry - particularly in areas like access to capital and underrepresentation in leadership. Although Hispanics make up over 30% of the construction workforce, they hold only 15.72% of management positions.

Upcoming Conference

NHCA is hosting a "Build the Builder" series at AVANCE Global, the nation’s leading convention focused on advancing Latino professional and economic mobility in San Diego, September 18-21, 2024.

The six classes, and other sessions offered over two days will cover topics such as site selection, bidding, project management, blueprint reading, and how to engage with national general contractors.

The goal is helping contractors transition into development and become bigger industry players. The conference expects 5,000-7,000 participants and offers special $99 registration for students and new apprentices.

• Conference Sessions: https://nhca.pro/events/nhca-at-avance/agenda/
• Conference Registration Link: https://web.cvent.com/event/6841a1b5-e363-4dc0-9d8a-d1afd1e094ff/regProcessStep1:73acb36c-020f-4eab-b440-9eee056907db?RefId=NHCA&rt=xLGWjF7T4UeeMzQ3qFB58g

Industry Impact

The alliance addresses both immediate workforce needs and long-term leadership development. By partnering with companies like VDCI to translate training materials into Spanish and connecting members with major projects, the NHCA removes barriers while building capacity. Sergio's approach focuses on meritocracy and business development rather than divisive conversations, asking simply "Can you do the job well?"

The organization seeks diverse sponsors across the construction ecosystem, from safety equipment manufacturers to insurance companies and vehicle dealers. Early sponsors benefit from becoming part of the alliance's DNA as it grows nationally.

About Sergio Barajas

Sergio Barajas is the driving force behind the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA), a trade association launched under NAHREP® to support and elevate Hispanic trade workers and contractors in the U.S. construction industry.

A UCLA graduate and seasoned construction and real estate entrepreneur, Sergio holds certifications in Construction Management and Project Management. He brings deep experience in project oversight and construction financing, using his expertise to break down systemic barriers and create new opportunities for Hispanic contractors nationwide.

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