We had the good fortune of connecting with Roger Fuentes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roger, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m a second-generation contractor—building has always been in my family. I knew early on that I wanted to be in business, so when the time was right, I started in the trades working alongside my uncle. We were a small crew of four, handling commercial restaurant tenant improvement projects from start to finish—everything from demolition to final paint touch-ups. It was during this time that I gained extensive hands-on construction knowledge.

Eventually, I stepped away to work as a Project Manager for several contractors in Los Angeles. These years gave me invaluable experience and introduced me to incredibly skilled craftsmen. But I also noticed a gap in the level of service being provided. I knew that when the time came, I wanted to build something different—something better.

That vision led to the creation of Alta Vista Master Builders. We are a family-owned business: my brother-in-law, Miguel Serrano, is my business partner, my wife, Irene Fuentes, is our Director of Operations, and I serve as CEO and President. From the beginning, our goal was to create a company that not only excels in construction but also prioritizes strong relationships and integrity in everything we do.

We are a Christian family, and we believe this business belongs to God. We seek His guidance and wisdom in every decision, striving to be honest, transparent, and to do right by our clients—who often become like family. We truly believe that every project is an opportunity to glorify God, so we approach our work as if we are working for Him.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets us apart is that we seek God’s favor in everything we do. We firmly believe that God is the Master Builder, and we are simply vessels doing His work. This perspective gives me peace in all of our business endeavors because I know we are operating according to His will, not our own. I’m excited to see what God has in store for us as we continue to grow. Our goal is to build a business and brand that not only delivers top-tier service but also blesses those in our industry.

As for how I got here, I took business courses, worked hard, and developed the skills necessary to excel in my field. Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, but I hold on to the truth of 2 Timothy 1:7—”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” These words give me resilience when challenges arise.

The journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve made my share of mistakes, some of them costly, but I see those experiences as investments—lessons that help us improve with every project. The key is to keep learning, keep growing, and trust that God is guiding the way.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that we are a Christian-based business, unafraid to share the greatest gift we have—our faith. We strive to be a light in this world, not just by improving homes and buildings but by uplifting people. For us, this is more than just construction—it’s about building relationships, integrity, and faith in action.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable time filled with amazing food, great views, and memorable experiences! Here’s how the week would go:

Breakfast Spots:
More Than Waffles (Encino, CA) – You have to try Ika’s crepes; they’re incredible!
CiCi’s Cafe (Tarzana, CA) – Their steak benedict is next-level.
HoneyBaked Ham (Northridge, CA) – A hidden gem for a delicious, hearty breakfast.
Lunch Spots:
Din Tai Fung (Century City, CA) – The Chicken Xiao Long Bao is fire—a must-try!
Raffi’s Place (Glendale, CA) – If you love Persian food, this is the spot.
Dinner Spots:
Mastro’s Steakhouse – A classic for top-tier steaks and an upscale dining experience.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach (Santa Barbara, CA) – Perfect for a scenic oceanfront dinner. Try to catch the sunset—it’s breathtaking!
Places to Visit:
Hiking & National Parks – Exploring nature is my favorite thing to do, so we’d hit up some incredible trails. Whether it’s Griffith Park for city views or Malibu’s Solstice Canyon for a coastal adventure, hiking would definitely be part of the itinerary.
Beach Day – Venice Beach for the scene, Santa Monica Pier for fun, and Laguna Beach for a more relaxing vibe.
Downtown LA & Hollywood – Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit The Broad Museum, and check out Grand Central Market for some great eats.
Day Trip to Santa Barbara – Great food, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back coastal vibe make it worth the drive.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people to be thankful for—it’s hard to know where to start! First and foremost, all glory goes to my Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything I have is by His grace, and that is the most important thing to acknowledge.

Next, my incredible family. They have been my rock through the good times and the bad. My beautiful mother, who raised me in the ways of the Lord and led me to the greatest mentor of all—Jesus Christ. My stepfather, who worked hard to provide for our family. My brother and sister, who always have my back. My wife, whom God placed in my life—she is truly my greatest blessing. My two boys, Paris and Michael, who are just down-to-earth, good kids—I’m so grateful to be their father.

I also want to recognize my uncles and aunties, who have always supported me. A special shout-out to my uncle, Nick Navasanian, the contractor who gave me my start in this industry. He showed me the ropes and set me on the path that led to where I am today. I am beyond grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey!

Website: https://www.altavistamasterbuilders.com

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