Meet ALFONSO REI

We recently connected with ALFONSO REI and have shared our conversation below.

Hi ALFONSO, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

I developed my ability to take risks long before I knew what that was. I grew up in Venezuela in a family of builders: I’m the third generation in this trade, and from a young age I understood that every project is a gamble—not just financial, but personal.

The first big risk I took was when I decided to emigrate with my wife to Mexico. We had training, but no support. We only brought with us our skills and the determination not to give up. Starting from scratch in another country forces you to trust yourself even when the environment is uncertain.

In construction, risk is always present: budgets, personnel, weather, delivery times. But I learned that it’s not about avoiding risk, but rather learning to read it, calculate it, and face it with discipline.

Today, as a builder, I continue to make decisions that involve risk: innovating, leading diverse teams, investing in new construction methods, opening opportunities for other migrants. But I no longer see risk as something that holds me back, but as a fertile ground where character grows.

If you want to build something great —be it a building or a life— you have to be willing to take risks. There are no solid structures without strong foundations, and that’s a price not everyone is willing to pay.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Alfonso Rei, and I’m proud to say I’m a third-generation builder in my family. Our story began several decades ago, when my grandfather pioneered what he later continued in Venezuela as an immigrant in Portugal. My father later followed suit in Venezuela, and I was fortunate enough to begin working alongside him before embarking on my own projects in Mexico. Over time, he emigrated to the United States, where he founded REIALCA Construction, and I decided to join him to take this vision to the next level. Today, I am the general manager of the company, with offices at The Gateway, in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

What sets us apart at REIALCA is that we’re not just a construction company: we’re a brand that unites tradition, innovation, and trust. Each project reflects not only design and functionality, but also the passion of three generations who have learned that building means transforming lives.

We’re especially excited about the use of cutting-edge technology in our processes. One of our exclusive tools is the creation of virtual tours with Oculus headsets, which allow our clients to experience their project before it’s built. This immersive experience gives them a clear and timely view of what their finished basement, remodel, or even an entire construction project will look like. This transparency builds trust and eliminates doubt, because the client can literally walk through their project before it even exists.

At REIALCA, every client is part of our family, and every project is treated as if it were our own. Our goal is not only to deliver a finished space, but to ensure that the experience is unique and exciting, with the assurance that you’re working with a team that combines heritage, professionalism, and the latest technologies.

We want to invite you to meet us and discover how we can transform your home, your business, or any project you have in mind. We’re ready to listen to you and show you why our way of building makes a difference in Utah.

At REIALCA Construction, we don’t just build projects; we build trust, a future, and a new way of experiencing spaces.

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?

“If I look back on my career, there are three pillars that have profoundly shaped my path:

Vision and discipline. I’ve always believed that dreaming big is useless if it’s not accompanied by perseverance. Vision has allowed me to imagine what others haven’t yet seen, and discipline has given me the tools to make it a reality. To those just starting out, I would say: never stop aiming high, but back it up with organization, daily effort, and respect for the details.”

Resilience. I don’t dwell on setbacks, I don’t get tired, I always keep going. I’ve learned that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and show what we’re made of. My advice is: understand that failure isn’t the end, but part of the process. The key is to get back up again and again, with more strength and determination.

Innovation. I understood early on that the construction world demands constant evolution. That’s why at REIALCA, we’re committed to technologies like virtual tours with Oculus headsets, which allow clients to experience their project before it even exists. My advice is: don’t be afraid of the new, because innovation not only makes a difference, it also opens doors and builds trust.

In conclusion, combining vision, discipline, resilience, and innovation is what has allowed me to move forward without stopping, grow in different countries, and consolidate REIALCA Construction as a strong and distinct brand in Utah. That’s the message I want to leave: no matter where you come from or how many times you stumble, the important thing is to never stop.”

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me the true value of work, ethics, and family. They’ve always been entrepreneurs, and from a very young age I’ve seen them build stories from nothing, using only their hands and their minds. I’ve seen them fall and rise again without losing their humanity or their values.

I remember an anecdote that profoundly marked my life: many years ago, one weekend, my father withdrew money from an ATM, and the person inserting the bills had made a mistake, giving him bills of a higher denomination than the required amount. The following Monday, without hesitation, he returned to the bank and returned the extra money. The manager told him he had been the only person to do so. That example of honesty taught me that, although no one is perfect, our mistakes can be corrected if we act with integrity and faith in God.

Today, with the love of my wife, I seek to pass on those same values ​​to my son. It’s very important to me to set a good example: to teach him that perseverance, honesty, and dedication build not only projects, but also character and confidence. My parents gave me the tools to be who I am today, and I strive every day to be that same guide and role model for the next generation in my family.

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REIALCA CONSTRUCTION

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