Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Rodriguez.
Hi Gretchen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My path into this industry began in a completely different world ,serving in the U.S. Navy as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
The military shaped the way I understand structure, discipline and accountability. Operating in an environment where precision is non-negotiable taught me to think in systems to see how organization, standards and execution create results at scale. Over time, I became increasingly aware of the companies behind major contracts and procurement decisions. I would often think about what it takes to build a business structured enough to operate at that level.
That curiosity evolved into direction.
Construction stood out to me because it represents something tangible. It takes an idea and turns it into reality. It brings order to chaos. It transforms underdeveloped spaces into structured environments that serve people and communities. The industry reflects expansion, movement and visible impact and that aligned with how I had been trained to think.
In 2022, I launched the company under D’Bonilla Home Renovation, beginning in the residential sector. Those early projects were foundational. Residential remodeling became the proving ground where we refined execution, built dependable crews, managed budgets, developed timelines and established disciplined operational standards. It was where structure met action.
As the business strengthened, so did the vision. Residential work was never the limit it was the base. We began strengthening internal systems, aligning intentionally with trades capable of supporting larger scopes of work and preparing the company for commercial opportunities. That structural evolution led to operating under the name FortKing, reflecting a broader direction and long-term expansion into commercial and government markets.
In 2024, we expanded our services to include exterior surface cleaning and fleet maintenance as complementary offerings that support the properties and projects we manage. These services enhance the value we provide while remaining aligned with our construction foundation.
As part of our continued growth, we secured multiple certifications including DBE, LSBE, JSEB, MBE, WBE and SDVOSB, positioning the company to pursue municipal and government contracting opportunities. In 2025, we were nominated by the FCCHC for Women in Business recognition and invited to participate in the Home and Patio Show, milestones that reflect our growing presence within the industry.
Today, the company is actively positioning for larger commercial contracts and preparing to compete for government opportunities as a direct contractor. The focus is expansion increasing capacity, strengthening infrastructure and building toward multi-state operations.
Yet the driving force has always been expansion. From small projects to larger scopes. From foundational residential work to positioning for commercial and government contracts as a direct contractor. Construction is not only about structures it contributes to economic development, circulates capital and creates jobs. Each phase of growth has been intentional, focused on building capacity, elevating standards and increasing impact.
What began as a vision is now a company in motion growing, creating opportunities and steadily transforming ideas into structured reality.
And we are still building.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road.
Being a woman in an industry historically dominated by men comes with unspoken resistance. There are rooms where people see a woman before they see capability. There are moments where you have to prove what others are assumed to already possess. Earning credibility requires consistency, performance and resilience.
The economic challenges were just as real. No one handed me a blueprint on how to start a business from the ground up. I was raised with an old-school mindset: save every dollar first, then start. That worked in a different time. But when I was preparing to transition out of the military in Florida with a baby and limited time waiting was not an option. I had to make decisions quickly and strategically.
There is no clear manual for this path. Information exists, but it is fragmented. Every entrepreneur is navigating their own terrain, often learning through trial, error and persistence.
Competing with larger, established companies has also been a challenge. They have scale, history and resources. But instead of discouraging me, they sharpened my vision. They are proof of what is possible. They push me to build smarter, structure better and think bigger.
Every obstacle has strengthened the foundation of this company. Not by accident by discipline and persistence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about D’Bonilla Home Renovation LLC, operating as FortKing.?
D’Bonilla Home Renovation LLC, operating as FortKing, is a veteran-owned, bilingual Latino small business specializing in concrete flatwork, including sidewalk construction, site preparation, drywall, interior and exterior painting including parking lot striping, land clearing, pressure washing and fleet washing. Our confidence in the trades we offer comes from the strength of our crew, which includes professionals with hands-on experience working on large-scale industrial and bridge construction projects alongside major contractors such as Sacyr, Archer Western and Superior. We also maintain in-house heavy equipment operation capability, allowing us greater control, efficiency and flexibility on site preparation and land development projects. What differentiates us is the combination of industrial-level exposure, disciplined execution rooted in military leadership, bilingual communication and the agility of a small business that moves decisively while maintaining high standards. We are most proud of the professional background each team member brings experience forged in demanding environments that translates into accountability, safety awareness and performance. Our brand represents reliability, technical competence and structured expansion, backed by real field experience and a team prepared to compete confidently at higher levels.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, we see our company positioned among the most reliable and competitive firms in our trades within the government and commercial sectors. Our goal is to expand beyond Florida into states such as Georgia and Texas, and eventually into Puerto Rico, thereby building a multi-state operational presence while maintaining disciplined standards and high-quality execution. We intend to strengthen our role not only as a prime contractor, but also as a strategic partner capable of delivering concrete, site work, and structural services with consistency and accountability. As we grow, we are committed to creating subcontracting opportunities for emerging small businesses and contributing to the development of Latino entrepreneurs by encouraging structure, compliance, and scalability within their operations. Our long-term vision is not only expansion, but influence building a company that competes at a high level while opening doors for others to enter and succeed in the construction industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dbuilder.us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AgP8HJjt7/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fortking
