Steven Romero: Determined to Succeed
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
NOVATO — Steven Romero started a contracting firm at an age when most construction professionals are still cutting their teeth. While at times he worried he was in over his head, he stayed the course and was met with success. “I’ve been in construction since I was 18,” he explains. “My dad used to be a contractor, so I started out working for him. In 2010, I started Terranova Construction. I was only 23 at the time, so it was a lot to take on at such a young age. However, I was determined to succeed, so I met the challenges, got the hang of things, and here I am today.”
Today, Steven says his favorite part of his job is transforming his clients’ living spaces. “I enjoy the process of taking each project from start to finish. In particular, I like helping clients create better living spaces. We always do our best to improve upon what they have and deliver a final product they’re excited about.”
A resident of Novato (where he lives with his wife, Odalis), Steven spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “My main hobby is playing music,” he details. “I play electric cello in a local rock band called Karens. We gig in San Francisco pretty regularly and we’re working on recording our first album.” When he’s not playing music, Steven likes being outdoors and, when the opportunity arises, out of the country. “My wife and I enjoy activities like camping, kayaking and biking, as well as traveling. I was born in Costa Rica, so we take regular trips there to visit my family.”
When asked about a professional philosophy, Steven espouses the importance of transparency. “I want to be open and honest with my customers from the very beginning,” he affirms. “I feel like a lot of contractors just want to make money and don’t really invest in the client relationship. As for me, I want to get to know my clients and understand what they’re looking for. Even more important, I want them to trust me to handle their projects. That’s why I make it a point to be transparent with them, earn their trust and deliver on my promises.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Steven says he’d pay an extended visit to his home away from home. “I’d get a one-way ticket to Costa Rica,” he laughs. “I love it there. Even though I’ve spent most of my life in the U.S., Costa Rica just feels like home.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: Real Madrid C.F., the soccer team from Madrid, Spain.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would go to the future. The past is already written, but the future is unknown. I’m really curious to know what the world will be like 100 or more years from now.
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Tea. Peppermint tea is my go-to.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Game of Thrones.”
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Masa’s Sushi in Novato.
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