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Ismael Perez: All in the Family

By Matt Solis, Editor

Long before Ismael Perez officially entered the construction trade, he spent many weekends and summers learning the basics from his uncles and cousins. “I’ve had family in construction my whole life, so even before I graduated high school, I was out there working with them,” he affirms. “After high school, I got a job with a siding and window company, and the owner really inspired me to get my contractor’s license and start my own business. I ended up joining the union and earning multiple certifications, and once I felt I had the right leadership experience, I established Prime Level Construction in 2023.”

For Ismael, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the satisfaction on his clients’ faces when a project is complete. “I love making people happy,” he says. “At the end of the job, when everybody is smiling and giving me the thumbs up, it’s a really good feeling to walk away and think, ‘Hey, I did that.’”

A lifelong resident of Santa Rosa, Ismael says his favorite parts of life in the North Bay are the weather and the community. “I love this city, so it’s a privilege to be a part of making it better by building and improving homes for my neighbors.”

As a single father of two young children and the owner of a construction firm, Ismael admits his free time is scarce, but he still makes a point to connect with his family whenever possible. “I don’t even have time to watch movies, so I watch what my kids want to watch and go where they want to go,” he laughs. “But we have a nice routine of doing homework together, playing board games and going to church three times a week. I’m also a bit of a gym rat, so I try to squeeze in a workout every day. That’s basically my only hobby.”

When asked what his life might look like if he retired tomorrow, Ismael says his first move would be an adventurous one. “I would travel to different countries with my kids. They’re my inspirations, so I want to show them everything the world has to offer.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person. I have a pocket bully—it’s like a mini pit bull.

Q: What was your first pet?
A: A pit bull named Tyson.

Q: What’s your favorite board game?
A: Monopoly.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy. I would love to try their food.