Interview with Anthony Hernandez: CEO of Constructions Muretaines

Hello, Mr. Hernandez. Would you mind introducing yourself? My name is Anthony Hernandez; I am 33 years old, and I am set to get married in a few weeks—provided the health situation allows us to hold the event! A tennis player for several years, I have a passion for traveling and discovering different corners of the world. I am a trained engineer, and for the past four years, I have been managing our family business, Constructions Muretaines.

What is your professional background?

After earning my high school diploma with a focus on sciences, I entered the intensive preparatory classes for the Grandes Écoles (Maths Sup/Spé). I subsequently attended ICAM, a general engineering school in the Toulouse region. Upon completing my degree, I pursued an additional year of specialized studies in entrepreneurship at TBS. After spending a year as a branch manager for an IT services company, I joined our family business, Constructions Muretaines, in 2012 as a construction manager. I took over as CEO of the company in 2016.

How would you describe your role?

I manage a custom home construction company. This means I run a local SME with 15 employees, delivering approximately 80 custom-built homes per year. Our team consists of architects, engineers, site managers, construction cost estimators, and skilled tradespeople.

Is this the career path you originally envisioned?

I come from a family of entrepreneurs in the construction industry, so I am well aware of both the advantages and the challenges of this field. I hesitated for a long time before diving into this sector, which proves to be incredibly passion-driven yet extremely time-consuming. Consequently, I chose to pursue a broad education to ensure I had the flexibility to steer my professional career in any direction I desired. It was with this full understanding of the landscape that I ultimately decided to commit to this profession.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

The multidisciplinary nature of these roles allows us to cover a wide range of topics. The profession is intellectually captivating; there is never a dull moment, and we continue to learn more every single day. It is also a career that provides opportunities to meet and engage with many key players across the construction industry.

What are your primary responsibilities within the company?

The role of a custom home builder is multidisciplinary, particularly when managing an SME. No two days are ever the same. My responsibilities range from conducting recruitment interviews and meeting with clients to performing technical calculations on-site, conducting quality control inspections, and meeting with tradespeople and suppliers—all while overseeing the management of an SME of 15 employees…

In your opinion, what qualities are required to lead a traditional home construction company?

Persistence. One must not be afraid to roll up their sleeves to achieve their goals. Every day brings new challenges, which, when taken together, might intimidate many, but this is precisely what makes the profession so captivating. From a more practical standpoint, it requires a solid technical foundation paired with exceptional interpersonal skills.

Which leader inspires you or has inspired you?

My father! He entered the construction industry on his own, without any specific degree, at just 20 years old! It was a different era, but through hard work and discipline, he has built a company that has earned a strong local reputation over the years. He is living proof that dedication and commitment lead to great success. I am doing everything in my power to live up to this legacy.

Which degrees or educational backgrounds best prepare you for your profession?

An engineering degree specializing in the construction industry is the ideal career path. I also completed a bachelor’s degree in Bordeaux to train as a site manager for single-family homes. For me, this was the best way to enter the profession. Many other CMI executives come from the finance or banking sectors. They manage their companies much like one would manage a financial product. In my view, that is not the right approach; I prefer focusing on the technical and interpersonal aspects rather than the financial side.

If you had to identify two pros and two cons of your profession, what would they be?

The multidisciplinary nature of the roles and the ongoing relationship management with clients are two of the most rewarding aspects of my work. It is a time-consuming profession that, unfortunately, does not leave me enough time for my extracurricular activities. The administrative burden inherent to managing an SME in France is also a significant drawback.

Tell us about a typical work week?

No two weeks are ever the same! That is exactly what makes my job so rewarding. I meet with my clients, organize working sessions with my site managers, and connect with new suppliers while staying up to date on the latest product innovations.
I meet with Mayors to discuss various projects. I also prepare calculation notes, and so on.

What other career would you have chosen?

Many of my childhood friends are in the medical profession today. They are equally fascinating careers… In another life, perhaps!

What would you have liked to say in response, and why?

To keep going like this! I embarked on a wonderful journey with Constructions Muretaines 7 years ago, and I hope to continue this adventure within the family business for as long as possible!

Information:

Website : https://www.constructions-muretaines.fr/
Telephone : 05 62 23 25 65
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/constructionsmuretaines