Torrado Construction

by PIDC
October 27, 2022

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PIDC client Torrado Construction is a Hispanic-owned general construction firm specializing in commercial construction, renovations and rehabilitations, concrete, removal services, and painting services. Luis E. Torrado, who established the company in 1995, has devoted his time to working on projects that bring positive change to underserved communities.

Most recently Luis was awarded prime contractor on a Rebuild PHL project for the Glavin Recreation Center, which is expected to be completed by November 2022. The project was supported by a PIDC’s Rebuild Contract Line of Credit (Rebuild CLOC), which provides funds starting at $50,000 to support small, minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses in need of a line of credit to fund contract-related expenses.  

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry faced a number of challenges, including price increases, materials shortage, and workers choosing to stay home. Thankfully, Torrado Construction was able to rebound in 2022 with a projected revenue increase of 20%, a total of 25 employees, and the addition of a new 6,000SF warehouse space.  The Philadelphia Business Journal recently listed Torrado Construction as one of the top minority-owned businesses in the Philadelphia region.

PIDC interviewed Luis on how he got his start in construction and what motivates him to continue building, in more ways than one. Here’s what he had to say.

How did you become interested in the construction field?  

I’ve been building from a very young age. I actually used to be the local handyman, newspaper boy, and lawn cutter where I lived in Oxford Circle. I had the entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age. I always envisioned owning my own company by the age of thirty. I started the company at age 29.

What is the most rewarding part of your job so far? 

Creating jobs and full-time employment. 

You mentioned creating jobs and employment for others is rewarding. What impact do you want your projects to have on the community and residents as well? 

My wish is that the residents and community enjoy all the city’s public spaces. To be honest, the City parks and recreation centers and libraries have been underserved for a very long time, and I am truly honored to be a part of the rebuilding through the Rebuild PHL program.

Can you tell me more about what you’re doing with the Glavin Recreation Center project* using the PIDC contract line of credit? 

Glavin Recreation Center is a total rebuild of the Recreation Center and Playground-Spray Area spaces.

You’ve been doing a tremendous job growing your company and working on impactful projects. Where do you plan to go from here?

[I plan] to expand into general contractor space and continue to provide subcontractor services. 

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Check out our SHOP PHL post featuring Hispanic and/or Latino-owned PIDC client businesses and be sure to support local, diverse businesses, always.

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