In an industry where women make up just 10% of the workforce, Regla Jimenez is not just surviving—she’s transforming the game.
In the very first episode of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, Patricia interviews Regla, a Cuban immigrant and founder of Kitchen Pro, about her journey from fashion in Shanghai to managing high-rises in Miami, and eventually launching her own remodeling business that puts heart at the center of every project.
💡 A Company Born From Purpose
Kitchen Pro began with one clear idea: the kitchen is more than just a space—it’s the soul of the home. What started as a kitchen-focused business evolved into full-scale residential and commercial remodeling, led by client needs and fueled by Regla’s passion for transformation.
“I wanted to do something beautiful. Beauty makes people happy—and that’s how transformation begins.”
Regla’s mission is both personal and professional: to provide for her daughter, to express her creative vision, and to empower her team to create lasting change in the lives of their clients.
🚧 From Stones in China to High-Rises in Miami
Before launching Kitchen Pro, Regla worked in China, initially in fashion, then pivoted into stonework and construction materials. This exposure to global design and operations gave her a unique advantage. When she arrived in the U.S., she managed over 12 high-rise projects in Miami—rare territory for a woman in construction at the time.
🤝 Relationships Over Transactions
One of the standout themes in Regla’s story is her people-first approach. Her clients often become friends, and her team operates like a family.
“Construction is not just about buildings. It’s about trust, connection, and creating something meaningful together.”
That mindset proved invaluable when the pandemic hit. Through strong relationships and word-of-mouth referrals, Regla was able to secure projects that allowed her company to keep working—safely and steadily—even when the world shut down.
🛠️ Challenges and Solutions
Like many women in construction, Regla has faced skepticism and bias.
“One man asked me, ‘Have you ever done a kitchen before?’ I just smiled and said, ‘About 5,000. Is that enough?’”
Her approach to bias is to educate, engage, and lead with humility. She believes that being prepared and learning continuously is the best way to prove your value and earn respect.
💬 Advice for Women in Construction
Regla is clear: construction needs more women. The industry needs more people in general—but especially those who bring empathy, innovation, and diversity of thought.
Her advice?
- Prepare and learn relentlessly.
- Surround yourself with a strong team.
- Invest in good tools, training, and materials.
- Don’t just work—work with heart.
“You need to earn it. Nothing falls from the sky. But if you love what you do, work won’t feel like work.”
🌱 The Transformation Within
When asked about her biggest transformation, Regla doesn’t mention profit margins or growth numbers. She speaks about learning to listen more, becoming more open-minded, and leading with love.
“The more I listen, the more I grow. That’s been the real transformation.”
📌 Takeaways for the Industry
- Confidence starts with clarity of purpose.
- Women bring essential value to the construction industry.
- Success is built on relationships, humility, and consistency.
- And yes—kitchens matter. A lot.
🎧 Want to hear the full story?
Listen to Regla’s episode on Thriving in Construction, The Podcast (Season 1, Episode 1) on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
👉 Or watch the full episode here: YouTube