By Dawn Paul, Associate Editor
An Ironman is widely considered one of the hardest one-day endurance races in the entire world. In order for one to effectively compete in this race, they need motivation, tenacity, focus, and physical and mental strength. No stranger to the Ironman method is Vladimir Naranjo, P.E., owner of PMG Project Management Group, LLC (PMG). Vladimir is a champion when it comes to the Ironman, and the same methods he uses to successfully place in these triathlons, he uses to create success in the construction industry. Vladimir, along with his team at PMG, provide quality program and project management, general construction services, and energy efficiency solutions at a cost effective price within the markets the company serves.
Founded in 2004, PMG is an award-winning company with years of impressive experience. Vladimir, a licensed civil engineer with over 18 years of experience in the United States and abroad, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from “Universidad Nacional” de Colombia and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston. He specializes in program and project management, project controls, code compliance, and project administration.
Under the leadership of Vladimir, PMG was founded on superiority, offering high-quality services to organizations in Houston and the surrounding areas. Serving this city for more than a decade, PMG continues its commitment to being the best civil general contractor and provider of construction management services. PMG has participated in and managed projects worth over $500,000,000.
PMG understands any business is exposed to risks at all times. Some of the challenges the company has faced over the years has been access to resources, such as labor, capital, and regulations. What helps PMG succeed is taking on risks and overcoming the challenges where they appear. Being a project management consulting firm and a contractor gives PMG a differentiator from the competition. Facing challenges with smart solutions has allowed PMG to combine professional services and construction activities, providing continuous professional development, ensuring safety, quality, and integrity in all projects they take on.
It was during one of the most challenging times for PMG that Vladimir learned in order to survive work-related stress and stay mentally and spiritually strong for himself and his family, he had to have a positive outlet. It was in January 2014 when he was motivated by a friend, Cesar Gongora, to sign up and compete in his first Ironman competition. Since then, Vladimir has continued to successfully compete. In fact, he compares the effort necessary to cross the finish line at one of the most difficult athletic competitions on earth to the effort necessary to maintain a business. “Triathlons have taught me that anything is possible with the proper training and preparation. Hard work pays off. The mind and body are directly connected to your will. This attitude to accomplish Ironman goals is used in business at PMG. The PMG team and I work diligently to accomplish our client’s projects, giving us a huge sense of satisfaction, motivating us to continue to strive for greatness,” says Vladimir.
PMG is certified by the City of Houston, METRO, and Port of Houston as a Minority, Disadvantaged, Small Business Enterprise (MDSBE) and a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) by the State of Texas. These certifications give PMG the opportunity to create employment in most of the minority groups when working as a general contractor or subcontractor. PMG is a very strong contributor to the Houston business community and economy, supporting and actively participating on several initiatives, councils, and organizations within the City of Houston. The company takes pride in the fact that it partners to promote small business development and minority participation on private and public projects.
PMG partnerships include:
- City of Houston – Office of Business Opportunity
- Houston Minority Supplier Development Council
- National Association of Minority Contractors
- Associated General Contractors – Houston Chapter
- Skanska – Mentor Protégé Program
PMG honors and awards include:
- 2016 Emerging E 10 Award – Houston Minority Supplier Development Council
- 2013 Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies – Houston Business Journal
- 2013 21st Fastest Growing Business – Initiative for a Competitive Inner City
- 2012 8th Fastest Growing Business – Initiative for a Competitive Inner City
PMG started as a professional consulting firm and over the years it has evolved to become a highly sought-after general contractor and energy solutions company. The company continues to grow, with expertise in a spectrum of areas including construction, construction management, engineering services, and energy solutions. PMG has been a leader in this industry. The company’s clientele is mainly in the public sector. However, in 2009 driven by a growing demand by homeowners and entities to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact, PMG began providing energy efficiency solutions. PMG has evolved to providing general contracting services, while actively performing weatherization measures which included insulation installation, sheetrock, roofing, windows, new HVAC and ductwork, and ultimately civil construction projects including asphalt and concrete paving, emergency standby generators, new lift stations and rehabilitations, special structures, and underground utilities.
Moving forward, PMG’s goals are to continue to serve the Greater Houston construction market and stay consistent as a leader who uses integrity to serve clients in this construction arena. In addition, PMG is continuing to reinvent itself and develop itself as a place to be a retirement choice for its employees.
Vladimir says, “PMG is dependable, resourceful, trusting, and a leader in the area of construction. PMG strives for 100% customer satisfaction at all times and on all projects.” Over the years, PMG has built a stellar reputation, gaining the trust and respect of clients by consistently delivering reliable solutions with integrity and honor. Not only does the company expertly manage time and resources to deliver professional results, but they do it according to the schedule and within budget. The PMG project managers, supervisors, and team members are highly trained and qualified to meet project needs. For more on PMG Project Management Group, LLC, please visit www.PMGunited.com.
