Ernesto Lopes
PRESIDENT & CEO, RESIA, MIAMI
An engineer with four decades of construction experience, his achievements include developing temporary stadiums and structures for notable events such as the Olympic Games and Formula One Grand Prix races. As co-founder and CEO of RESIA since 2012, Lopes has led a team of 200 working to increase workforce housing accessibility. “We strive to build affordable, dignified homes, revolutionizing a sector once skewed towards high-income residents, thereby uplifting our community’s living standards,” Lopes says.
EDUCATION: University of São Paulo (BS)
IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Addressing Florida’s critical housing affordability crisis would top my agenda. This issue disproportionately affects working middle-class families, many of whom allocate over 50% of their income to housing. My focus would be on developing public policies to alleviate this burden and ensure more accessible housing options for those in need.
READING: I highly recommend Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk for insights into a visionary’s mind and Matthew Desmond’s Evicted, which explores the depth of America’s housing crisis. Both books offer profound perspectives on innovation and societal challenges, enriching my understanding and conversations with colleagues.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: One of the most profound lessons I’ve embraced throughout my life is the importance of integrity and leadership in all aspects of life. No matter the situation, choosing to act rightly, leading by example, nurturing our families with love, and treating everyone with fairness in both personal and professional spaces are crucial.
