Business owner Miguel Facundo doesn’t work nine-to-five. His 14- to 16-hour workdays come from a hard-working, self-driven energy that has been integral in making the native Houstonian’s ventures so wildly successful.

As owner of Facundo Home Builders, Facundo Cafe and the soon-to-open Facundo Restaurante, the father of three said when it comes to his businesses, he doesn’t cut corners — ever.

“It’s hard to keep a good record,” Facundo said. “But I have. I have never taken the easy route. The hard route has always been the most secure and has always been the best route for me.”

Facundo said when it comes to homes, his are as high quality as his work ethic. “I design, create and shape homes that are unique,” he said. “I sit down with the customers and ask what they want. I design around them.”

Facundo said he does his best to make sure all of the workers who build the homes are actual employees, not contractors.
“We do everything: our own foundation, roofing, siding and even landscaping,” he said, adding the only things that are contracted out are plumbing, electric, heating/air conditioning, granite and tile.

Facundo’s company was recruited to build the home for TLC’s “The Little Couple” reality stars, and he appeared in several episodes. In fact, he received an offer from a network to film a series of his own, but he turned it down.

“I just don’t have time for that kind of thing if I’m going to put my work first,” Facundo said.

In addition to his homebuilding business, he owns a small cafe and will soon open a new restaurant at 3715 Alba Road in the Garden Oaks area.

“We do so much out of a little place,” he said of Cafe Facundo. “People always say they can’t believe the food is so good there.”

Facundo’s newest addition will be a full-service restaurant and bar serving a continental menu from organic ingredients.

Facundo plans to host an organic farmers market in the restaurant’s parking lot. The concept of “real” is important to him.

After all, it’s what made his businesses so successful.

“I figure my houses are completely real,” he said. “My food should be, too.”

ABOUT MIGUEL FACUNDO
AGE: 43
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Owner of Facundo Home Builders and Facundo Cafe
FAST FACT: Facundo’s cafe has been so successful that he is in the process of setting up franchising opportunities.