Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vitalie Budaca. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Vitalie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a combination of my past experiences, my family, and my refusal to accept limits. Before my accident, I was a marathoner and a builder—two things that required endurance, patience, and grit. When I became an SCI survivor, those qualities didn’t disappear; they just had to be redirected. My wife and daughter give me purpose, my passion for building keeps me moving forward, and the SCI community reminds me that I’m not alone. I also believe that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about adapting, learning, and proving to yourself that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder of Global Building Company LLC, a Seattle-based construction business specializing in residential and commercial structural framing and remodeling. We don’t just build structures—we create durable, functional spaces that bring our clients’ dream homes to life. Since 2020, we’ve taken pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship with a hands-on approach.
Beyond construction, I’m training for The Great Wall Marathon in 2026. Two years ago, an accident left me with a spinal cord injury, but I refused to let it define me. As a former marathoner, reclaiming that part of myself is about resilience, discipline, and proving that setbacks don’t mean the end of the journey.
Balancing my business and training is tough, but both require perseverance and a mindset of pushing past limits. Through my work and my journey, I hope to inspire others, especially SCI survivors, to keep moving forward and redefine what’s possible.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey are resilience, adaptability, and discipline.
Resilience kept me moving forward after my accident. There were tough days—pain, frustration, and doubt—but I refused to let my circumstances define me. For anyone starting their journey, resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s built by facing challenges head-on and reminding yourself why you keep pushing.
Adaptability helped me shift my mindset and find new ways to keep going. As a builder and former marathoner, my life revolved around movement. When that changed, I had to learn to adjust, to focus on what I could do instead of what I lost. My advice? Stay open to change, be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to take a different path than you originally planned.
Discipline has been the key to both my business and my recovery. Whether it’s running a construction company, training for The Great Wall Marathon, or pushing through rehab, showing up consistently—even on the hard days—makes the difference. If you want to develop discipline, start small. Set daily goals, stick to routines, and commit to progress, not perfection.
No matter where you are in your journey, know that growth comes from persistence. Keep moving forward, even if it’s one step at a time.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations. For my construction business, Global Building Company LLC, I’d love to connect with homeowners, developers, and architects who need expert framing and remodeling services in Seattle.
For my advocacy work as an SCI survivor, I’m looking to collaborate with brands, nonprofits, and individuals who are passionate about raising awareness for spinal cord injuries, adaptive sports, and resilience. Whether it’s sharing stories, creating impactful content, or building a support network for SCI survivors, I’m eager to work with those who align with this mission.
If you’re interested in collaborating—whether in construction or advocacy—you can reach out to me through Instagram or email. Let’s build something meaningful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gbcframing.com
- Instagram: @vitalie90
- Facebook: Vitalie Budaca
Image Credits
Cristina Pretuleac
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