Executive Team
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Jose Ortega, Chief Executive Officer As founder and CEO of CDC Builders, Jose provides strategic oversight and day-to-day executive leadership of all its divisions. His ability to translate a vision into reality has led CDC to its position as one of South Florida’s most respected construction firms. By the time he founded CDC in 1992, he had developed more than 600 residential units and a medical office building. Jose’s commitment to customer service and legendary quality have resulted in a portfolio of prestigious projects including the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation in Miami, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, a historic hotel renovation in South Beach, and lavish custom homes throughout the region. A Key Biscayne resident since 1960, Jose is active with the Key Biscayne Zorc Committee and Key Biscayne Yacht Club. |
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Michael Ortega, President Michael is responsible for CDC Builders’ overall performance of the company from business development to marketing to financial operations. He places special emphasis on safety and quality control. Since joining the company in 1998, Michael has led CDC to tremendous growth in size and profitability. He launched the construction of multifamily projects in Bay Harbor Islands and Miami Beach, completed eight exceptional custom homes in Coral Gables, and directed renovations at some of South Florida’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. Michael’s participation in a national peer group gives him valuable access to cutting-edge strategies and best practices in the construction industry and in the marketplace. A certified general contractor in the state of Florida, Michael holds a BA in finance from Florida State University. He is an active board member of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. |
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Ward Farren, Vice President Ward has 26 years of construction experience and a reputation for making sure his teams achieve superb quality and functionality while respecting schedules, budgets, and South Florida’s rigorous code requirements. With the firm since its inception in 1992, Ward assumed responsibility for CDC Homes in 2008. In this capacity he oversees all aspects of construction planning, estimating, strategies, procurement and execution for new custom homes, as well as renovations and interior build-outs for condominiums and single-family residences. Ward is certified general contractor in the state of Florida, and has been active with the Builders Association of South Florida and the National Association of Home Builders. |
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Rick Ake, Vice President Rick oversees all CDC’s commercial and multifamily projects. These range from new construction of hotels, offices and museums to renovations and interior build-outs for retail and hospitality clients. Highly respected by the subcontractors, designers, and engineers with whom he collaborates, Rick has more than 28 years’ experience in the industry. Owners and workers appreciate the clean, safe environments that characterize his job sites. When he joined CDC in 1994, Rick had served as superintendent and project manager for a wide range of jobs including government, educational, medical, industrial and high-rise projects. He is an active member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of South Florida chapter. |
