Maria Torres
Maria (Paula) Torres is a detail-oriented General Contractor and the founder of Measure Twice Construction LLC in West Jordan, Utah. With over six years of experience in construction and renovation, Maria specializes in managing both multifamily and residential renovation projects. She is adept at creating and maintaining detailed project schedules, managing budgets, and ensuring timely completion, using tools like Microsoft Project to streamline operations and optimize team performance. Currently pursuing her PMP certification, she is committed to enhancing her expertise in project management and operational efficiency.
Maria’s path into construction was unconventional. Originally from Colombia, she studied International Relations at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and after moving to the U.S., she began working in a warehouse. When an opportunity arose to manage a 180-unit apartment renovation project, she embraced it despite having no prior construction experience. Through organization, discipline, and consistency, Maria quickly developed her skills, identifying systemic gaps in project management and contractor practices, and turning those insights into a thriving business model.
As a business owner, Maria is passionate about creating a professional, organized, and equitable construction environment. Her company not only focuses on client satisfaction but also ensures that skilled workers are treated fairly and compensated appropriately. She takes pride in representing women immigrants and empowering those who start with limited resources to achieve success through hard work, discipline, and consistency. Maria continues to lead by example, building a construction business that is both scalable and reliable while setting new standards for professionalism in the industry.
• EPA RENOVATOR WORKER INITIAL—ENGLISH
• Pontificia Universidad Javeriana - B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of discipline, structure, and a strong commitment to serving both my clients and my team.
From the beginning, I focused on doing things differently—creating systems, maintaining clear communication, and delivering projects the right way, not just the fast way. That consistency is what built trust with my clients.
I’m also deeply committed to fairness. As a Colombian woman, I’ve seen how often skilled workers—especially in the Latino community—are undervalued. I’ve made it a priority to build a team where people are respected and compensated fairly, because that directly reflects in the quality of work we deliver.
And finally, I’ve been able to grow because I don’t do it alone. Having a strong support system, including my husband as part of the business, has allowed us to build something stable, structured, and focused on long-term growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is that consistency matters more than motivation.
In construction and in business in general there are always challenges, delays, and unexpected problems. If you rely on motivation, you won’t last. But if you build discipline and systems, you can keep moving forward even when things get difficult.
That advice shaped how I run my company today. I focus on structure, planning, and doing things the right way every time, not just when it’s convenient.
Over time, that consistency is what builds trust, reputation, and long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to start before you feel ready and focus on building discipline and consistency early on. Construction is a demanding industry, and you will be tested not just on your knowledge, but on your ability to lead, solve problems, and stay organized under pressure.
Don’t try to compete by doing things cheaper or faster stand out by being more reliable, more structured, and more professional than others. That’s what builds a real reputation.
Also, don’t let the fact that it’s a male-dominated field hold you back. You don’t need permission to be here. If you’re willing to learn, stay consistent, and do things the right way, you can build something solid.
And most importantly, take the risk. A lot of people wait too long for the “perfect moment,” and it never comes.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a business owner has been building visibility and earning trust in a competitive and male-dominated industry.
In construction, there are often assumptions especially as a Latina woman that you may not have the technical knowledge or leadership ability. At the same time, as a growing company, gaining exposure in the market is also a challenge, because people tend to go with what they already know.
Because of that, I’ve had to build my reputation through performance, not words. Delivering projects on time, solving problems, and maintaining strong communication has been key to earning trust with clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value balance, integrity, and empowerment in both work and life. I make time for myself and nature to stay grounded, while at work I prioritize fairness, recognizing my team’s contributions, and leading by example. I want to show women and the Latino community that with discipline and action, you can create opportunities and succeed without waiting for permission.