Brian Sodre: 2024 Latin Times Magazines Lideres Award

Full Name: Brian Sodre

Hispanic Heritage: Peruvian and Uruguayan (But since I was born in Miami, I always joke that I’m 50% Cuban!)

Residence: Fort Myers, FL

Profession: General Contractor, Developer, and Owner of

Miniopolis LLC

LTM: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it.

I am the owner of Miniopolis LLC, a Florida State Licensed General Contractor specializing in affordable housing, tiny home developments, and cutting-edge 3D concrete printing technology. I didn’t enter the construction industry just to build houses—I did it because I saw a critical need for real solutions to Florida’s housing crisis. Families struggle to find quality, affordable homes, and I knew I could make a difference. With my experience, passion for innovation, and problem-solving mindset, I founded Miniopolis—a company dedicated to creating sustainable, smart, cost-effective housing solutions.

Today, we’re doing more than constructing homes; we’re building communities, creating opportunities, and opening doors to homeownership for those who once thought it was out of reach.

LTM: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition?

Innovation. Speed. Affordability.

While many builders remain tied to outdated, costly, and time-consuming construction methods, Miniopolis is redefining the industry with 3D concrete printing and other cutting-edge technologies. Our approach enables us to build faster, stronger, and more affordably than traditional methods, making homeownership more accessible for hardworking families.

But beyond technology, what truly sets me apart is my commitment to people—whether it’s my clients, investors, or team. I don’t just build homes; I build trust, foster relationships, and shape a vision for the future of housing.

LTM: Why do you feel you were nominated?

I believe I was nominated because I’m not just talking about solutions—I’m creating them.

Through Miniopolis, I’m leading the way in sustainable, affordable housing, pioneering projects like Tiny Sea, a 57-home coastal community featuring hurricane-resistant, elevated 3D-printed homes.

But beyond business, my passion lies in giving back. I founded Mother’s Nest, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to helping single mothers secure safe, affordable housing. By partnering with stakeholders and donors, we’re building a future where no mother has to worry about where she and her children will sleep.

This isn’t just my job—it’s my mission.

LTM: During COVID-19, tell us about your biggest challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it.

The construction industry was hit hard during COVID-19—rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, and project delays made it nearly impossible to stay on schedule.

I had two choices: sit back and wait or adapt and overcome. I chose to innovate. I restructured my operations, sourced alternative materials, and embraced new technology like 3D printing to reduce reliance on unpredictable supply chains. As a result, my business didn’t just survive—Miniopolis emerged stronger than ever.

LTM: Tell us about your biggest achievement in business or personal life, and how you

achieved it.

My greatest achievement isn’t just a project—it’s a purpose.

Through Mother’s Nest, I’ve had the honor of helping single mothers find stability, security, and hope through homeownership. There’s no financial success that compares to the feeling of seeing a mother and her children move into a safe, affordable home we built.

From a business standpoint, developing a 3D-printed affordable home model has been a game-changer. This technology allows us to build homes faster, stronger, and at a lower cost, opening the door for thousands of families to achieve homeownership.

I’ve achieved both through relentless persistence, strategic partnerships, and a belief that no challenge is too big if you’re committed to solving it.

LTM: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?

Bigger solutions. Larger-scale impact. Communities are built for people, not just for profit.

I’m currently securing funding for large-scale affordable housing projects across Florida, expanding 3D-printed housing communities, and continuing my work with Mother’s Nest to support more single mothers. Expect to see more sustainable, hurricane-resistant, and cost-effective housing solutions from Minneapolis—because Florida deserves better, and I’m here to build it.

LTM: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?

It means opportunity.

It means having the freedom to build something from nothing—to take an idea and turn it into reality. It means being able to give back to my community, create jobs, and provide homes for families in need.

Being a U.S. citizen is about responsibility—to work hard, innovate, and leave things better than you found them.

LTM: Who is your role model in life and why?

After losing my father at just 10 years old, I didn’t have the luxury of growing up with a single role model. Instead, I was raised by my siblings and my mother, each of whom shaped me in a different way.

• My business role model is my oldest brother, Raul Sodre.

• My personality role model is my brother, Sergio Sodre.

• My education role model is my sister, Sue Sodre.

• My fatherly role model is my brother, Maurice Sodre.

• My workhorse and life role model is my mother, Marielena Sodre.

• My spiritual and life role model is my wife, Lucia Sodre.

Each of them, along with Abel Prieto and Miguel Rodriguez, played an essential role in shaping me into the man I am today.

At a young age, when my father wasn’t there to guide me, I was blessed with a family that refused to let me fall.

LTM: What is the best lesson that you

have learned in leadership and how has it helped your

career?

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking responsibility.

When things go wrong, true leaders don’t point fingers; they find solutions. I’ve faced more challenges in this industry than I can count, but the key has always been to stay persistent, adapt, and lead by example. Because of this mindset, I’ve built a business that people trust, a team that believes in our mission, and a legacy that will last beyond me.

LTM: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?

Without hesitation—my wife’s cooking!

She’s Cuban, and there’s nothing better than coming home

to a plate of vaca frita, arroz blanco, frijoles colorado, and

tostones. No restaurant can compete with that.