Diego Otero is a civil engineer project manager who is currently working with OP Builders LLC in Florida. While content with his current position and place in the world, Otero’s journey has seen him traverse the globe. Born in Colombia, he studied engineering there, building the cornerstone of his future career. To continue his education, Otero attended business school in Australia where he gained his project management certificate.
Today he sits down and talks to us about the different rules and regulations of building in different countries. Otero digs into some of the projects and unique circumstances that led to them. While his journey may have been long, he feels settled now, enjoying the years of hard work and overseeing the construction of beautiful homes.
If we have it correct, you grew up in Colombia, Studied in Australia, and are now in the US, can you talk a little about your journey?
Diego Otero: I think that my journey has been one mainly of personal growth. The ability to live in different situations opens your mind up to new perspectives and helps you better understand how the world works. While I have learned many things such as Engineering, it is just math which remains the same no matter the language. However, I have been able to take a little knowledge from each stage of my professional career and that is the foundation for which I base my work on. Traveling has helped me with management especially as I have been able to see so many unique points of view it keeps me open to suggestions.
Experience is a precious treasure that I now make available to all those around me.
It seems like your professional work is restricted to Colombia and the US. Can you discuss the different codes and restrictions you have encountered in each country?
Surprisingly the building codes are basically the same! The codes in Colombia are based on the American ones so I have been able to use that to my advantage in obtaining my general contracting license in Florida.
Can you name some places people should visit in Colombia?
This is a tough question, because Colombia is so diverse in its geography that it means there is so much to do. There is a little something for everyone from beaches, to rainforests, and snow capped mountains to deserts you can see everything in Colombia. My biggest recommendation is to explore and get out of the big cities such as the capital city of Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin or Santa Marta.
What do you recommend instead?
Places like El Tuparro National Nature Park. Located in the state of Vichada, this Nature park is both vast and unspoiled. Another incredible water experience is the Gorgona Islands, these unspoiled natural paradises provide a beautiful balance of nature and tranquility. I have a special love for Villa de Leyva, a tourist site that is a Colombian National Heritage Town. It is so unique and must be visited by all tourists who come to my home country.
What was the culture like in Australia and how did you adapt to it?
The Australian lifestyle is very carefree with a “no worries” vibe to it. While most people might consider this “laid-back” I feel as if that couldn’t be further from the truth. They are hard working people who have a strong sense of equality and friendship. This leads them to be very respectful, calm, and friendly with an incredible respect for their land. They take preservation of their natural lands seriously, and invoke large fines for littering and damage to these lands. I found Aussies to be very respectful and welcoming as long as you respected their culture. I spent a lot of time learning about Australian history and culture to immerse myself even further, but also help improve my communication with different communities.
Do you think it is easier to undertake large projects within the US or in Colombia and why?
This question is tough, as I am still somewhat an “outsider” to the US system as I have been in the process of securing my visa. It really comes down to the financial aspects of it all. In Colombia, having a good credit record makes it easier to acquire a loan to finance projects. In my specific case, in the states, companies must grow and establish themselves on their own before applying for credit, which is a much more difficult process.
Have you travelled around the US and if so are there any places that stand out?
I have traveled to several cities in the US and each one has its charm. The 2 major cities in California stand out, San Francisco for its charming Victorian architecture, and Los Angeles’ stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels featured modern and luxurious architecture which I loved. New York, how can you miss out on the “Big Apple” with its incredible skyscrapers and Philadelphia for its incredible history, and both for their great running! The nation’s capital of Washington D.C. is beautiful too, with its dedication to nature and greenery. That’s not even to mention the smaller cities which I have enjoyed visiting like St. Augustine, a small town in Florida that I could go to every Christmas.
Where else have you visited and do you have a favorite country or city or building or piece of construction (ala the Hoover Dam) that blows you away?
Thanks for making this question so easy for me! In April 2021 I visited the Hoover Dam, and while I don’t post much on Instagram, I had to post a picture of the Hoover Dam. It is truly a marvel of modern engineering and architecture that can’t be missed and is an inspiration for me.
How would you like to make your impact on the United States landscape?
I would like to help contribute to the economic growth and innovation in this country. Helping to drive technological advances and creating more jobs. I have a wide range of knowledge and experience which I believe I can bring to the workforce here that can be very beneficial. I hope to grow within my industry and with the country, keeping the United States at the forefront of technological advancements in my industry.
And finally, I think it’s important in a country like the United States, to add aspects of my culture. One of the best things about the US is that it is a melting pot that includes everyone in harmony. The fusing of different cultures helps to promote creativity and encourages tolerance in people. I hope to be included in this beautiful tapestry of a country, and to pay it back with years of hard work.
