EXCLUSIVE: Hispanic Construction Council's George Carrillo on Why Latinos Hold the Key as Uncertainty Throws Industry Off Balance

George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council (HCC) George Carrillo's personal collection For George Carrillo, construction is not just another industry, it is the backbone of daily life. "Everything that we do — from the houses that we build to the roads, schools, churches — everything is built on construction," said Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council (HCC), to The Latin Times. "And the reality is that Latinos are the dominating force when it comes to the labor force."That reality has guided the council's push over the past year to raise the visibility of Latino workers and business owners in a sector where they play a central role but are often absent from policy conversations.Carrillo said 2025 marked a turning point. The organization released three national studies, expanded its presence in Washington, and was featured in nearly 200 articles. "There has been a lack of representation when it comes to Latinos, especially in the construction industry," he said. "Now that we've stepped into that role, people are directing a lot of their questions toward us."Related Exclusive: Beauty Creations' Esmeralda Hernandez on What It Takes for a Latina Founder to Scale in the Cosmetics Industry Carrillo's path to construction advocacy was unconventional. Before leading HCC, he worked in government, including as director of social determinants of health, and previously served as a U.S. Marine Corps infantryman and sheriff's deputy. He traces his entry into...