Our Team

Ramón J. de León acquired his Bachelor of Science in Engineering form the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. Having his engineering degree with a concentration in finance and economics provides technical support through a highly structured analysis that directly translates into operational efficiencies during the development, management and construction processes. Currently, Ramón J. de León as Executive Director manages corporate direction and strategy at Custom, facilitating company activities in consulting, sales, marketing, alliances and channels, and support. Since joining Custom, Ramon J. de Leon has worked to share Custom’s resources, vision and tools with customers, partners, shareholders and investors. Ramon J. currently maintains his professional engineer certification in civil engineering by the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR) and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE), and his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification by the Project Management Institute.

Fernando J. de León acquired his Bachelor in Engineering at Villanova University. As a certified professional civil engineer with extensive field experience, Fernando provides Custom a strong advantage with innovative construction techniques. His areas of expertise include highway construction, site and field operations management and inspection services. Fernando currently holds his certifications as an engineer by the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR) and the American Concrete Institute (ACI).

Ramón C. Leon acquired his Bachelor of Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and has since more than forty years in the construction industry. Even in the highly competitive market conditions in the construction industry in Puerto Rico, Mr. de Leon is the manager of several of the most successful projects in the island, including one with an award for Best Resort Type Resort of the year by the National Home Builders Association. His areas of expertise include planning, budgeting and execution of the multiple stages of the construction process. Ramón C. currently holds his certification as an engineer by the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR).

Francisco provides our group with his vast experience in site work, residential and commercial construction. Therefore specializing in additional training in prefabricated concrete and metal structural elements. Currently Francisco is the Chief of Construction for Custom Homes, Inc. in charge of all the field operations within the Company. Also including personnel management and relationship with suppliers. Mr. Sánchez holds an engineering degree from the “Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo” in the Dominican Republic and a masters degree in construction administration; he is also a member of the “Colegio de Ingenieros, Arquitectos y Agrimensores” from Dominican Republic (CODIA).

Mark A. González acquired his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico in 1991. With over 30 years in the construction industry, Mr. González has extensive experience in the planning, development, management and construction of complex residential, institutional, hospitality and commercial projects in Puerto Rico and United States with over $250 MM in successfully completed ventures. Mark currently maintains his professional engineer certification in civil engineering by the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR).

Ricardo graduated with honors from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez in 2003, gaining a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Masters degree in structural engineering. His engineering degree combined with extensive experience in the construction industry. Offering our Group the necessary tools to manage and successfully complete construction projects. Ricardo is the principal project engineer for commercial and residential construction projects. He maintains his professional engineer certification in civil engineering by the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR).

Gilberto Santana acquired his bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences with a major in Industrial Health and Safety from the Central University of Bayamon in 2008. He also completed a Certified Program as Occupational Health and Safety Specialist in the Construction Industry awarded by the Atlantic OSHA Training Center in 2016. He also maintains valid credentials as a Certified Trainer by the Atlantic OSHA Training Center in the Construction Industry and General Industry. With these specialties and more than 20 years of experience in the field, as Safety Manager for Custom Homes, he is developing strategies and protocols that improve performance while maintaining the safety and health of all the members of the company in the different scenarios in which they perform their labors.

Daisy Díaz manages Custom Group’s internal operations, administration, and human resources. She oversees recruitment, logistics projects, and supports organizational needs by developing and engaging human capital. Daisy plays a key role in implementing HR strategies aligned with business objectives, enforcing personnel policies, and maintaining the pay and benefits program. Her expertise in administration and human resources has significantly contributed to Custom Group’s organizational success and operational excellence.

Alexei Hernández leads Custom Group’s HUD housing compliance initiatives, overseeing the implementation and classification of projects based on required works. He ensures compliance for projects needing minimal design to those requiring structural modifications. Alexei has extensive experience with CDBG-DR funded projects, including the Home Repair, Reconstruction, or Relocation Program (R3), aiding those impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. His team was recognized for their reliability in developing program guidelines in line with local and federal regulations.

Carlos Rentas oversees Custom Group’s FEMA PA funded programs for housing and infrastructure projects. With over 22 years of experience in program and project management, public infrastructure, contract management, consulting engineering, procurement, permitting, and real estate development, Carlos ensures compliance while achieving efficient operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master’s degree in Hydrology & Water Resources Science from the University of Arizona.

A Civil Engineer highly experienced in Project Estimating with vast knowledge in Estimating software such as Xactimate and Plan Swift. Mr. Romero has earned broad construction industry experience and dominates the use of industry acceptable tools for the development of Professional Estimates. He seizes all presented opportunities of professional growth and progressive elaboration by working towards meeting all of the milestones and deliverables of every Project or Program he is being assigned to in an efficient and timely manner through his evidently reliable performance and generation of thoroughly bona fide and accurate Estimates.

Our Project Estimator is a Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with over ten (10) years of experience in Project Estimating. Eng. Romero boasts vast high-level experience in estimating software such as Plan Swift and Xactimate for the development of accurate Professional Estimates.

Ms. Nicole Latimer Rivera specializes in legal advisory, compliance, and strategic management within the realm of federal funding and disaster recovery. Her expertise is centered on the legal and operational aspects of managing disaster recovery efforts, ensuring adherence to federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. Nicole provides invaluable legal advice to recovery organizations, manages and litigates FEMA appeals, develops compliance procedures, and oversees the financial aspects of recovery projects.

With a profound blend of legal proficiency, strategic project management, and compliance oversight, Nicole excels in navigating the complexities of federal funding for disaster recovery. Her comprehensive approach ensures that recovery projects meet all legal requirements and are executed efficiently.

Carlos Rodríguez is a passionate and organized Grant Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in accounting, grant management, and project/construction management services. His extensive background has provided him with the ideal preparation to assume a leadership role within Custom Group and its program’s organizational structure.

Carlos excels in coordinating various project teams, ensuring tasks are completed on time, within budget, and in line with quality standards. His strong leadership skills foster a collaborative environment and encourage open communication among team members. He is adept at creating comprehensive project plans that outline goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.

With over 20 years of expertise in grant management, accounting, and project/construction management, Carlos has successfully participated in securing and managing grants for organizations and projects. He is skilled in identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, managing grant budgets, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements for over $250 million in federal funds. His meticulous administration of grants includes ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate financial reporting, effective documentation management, and providing overall programmatic assistance to applicants.

Carlos’s commitment to excellence and his ability to manage complex projects make him a valuable asset to Custom Group, ensuring successful grant management and project execution.

Josué Sánchez is an experienced professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and twenty years of experience in installing, configuring, and supporting interfaces for custom development applications. He has demonstrated expertise in creating and designing interactive Power BI dashboards and reports to visualize complex data sets and deliver actionable insights to business stakeholders. Josué excels at translating business requirements into effective and visually appealing Power BI reports, incorporating advanced data modeling and calculations.

With a wealth of experience and technical skills, Josué is a valuable asset to Custom Group. His extensive knowledge of various systems and his ability to enhance reporting capabilities significantly contribute to the company’s strategic objectives. In his comprehensive role, he ensures that technological solutions are effectively leveraged.

Josué’s problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and technical proficiency in SQL Management Studio, Excel, and Power BI make him an effective team player and a proven leader. His adaptability and excellent communication skills further enhance his fit within the Custom Group team.

Ana Rodríguez is a dynamic compliance officer who excels in operational improvements and policy development. With extensive expertise in staff management procedures and labor regulatory compliance metrics, she is a vital asset to Custom Group. Ana has a robust understanding of Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) auditing processes and compliance management.

In her role, Ana diligently monitors contractor activities and reviews weekly payrolls to ensure adherence to Davis-Bacon Act regulations. She is well-versed in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration requirements, DBRA federal and state regulations, and the various programs managed by Custom Group.

Ana’s commitment to ensuring compliance and her comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks make her an indispensable part of Custom Group’s operations.

Iván Said provides our team with extensive expertise in process audits and quality control significantly bolsters our operational efficiency and commitment to excellence in project, program, and construction management services. Iván conducts meticulous process audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and implements quality control protocols across various projects to maintain a consistent standard of excellence. He collaborates closely with project teams to streamline processes, reducing inefficiencies and optimizing performance. Additionally, Iván develops project controls to monitor progress and manage risks, ensuring timely delivery of services. His role as a liaison between project teams and management allows him to effectively communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Amarilys Meléndez boasts over twenty years of extensive experience in financial planning, risk assessment, governmental accounting, and housing programs like HUD and Tax Credits. Her expertise also extends to multifamily loan closing procedures. As a HUD Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the grant manager, she ensures the effective management and utilization of grant funds, leveraging her exceptional analytical skills, understanding of financial principles, and knowledge of grant regulations.
Amarilys is experienced in monitoring grant budgets and expenditures, collaborating with program managers, evaluating internal controls, and conducting thorough financial analyses to assess grant performance. She has also served as a Financing and Corporate Credits Senior Official, responsible for tax credit underwriting of affordable housing projects and coordinating the issuance of significant documents related to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.
As a senior accountant, Amarilys successfully established the accounting system for HUD programs such as PBCA, Voucher, Moderate, and New Construction Programs. She supervises, coordinates, and administers CDBG accounting operations within General Ledger functions, including invoice review and processing and DRGR drawdowns. Amarilys directs and manages the financial process to ensure accurate recording of accounting journal entries, reporting of receipt and expenditure of grant funds, while maintaining appropriate internal controls and timely input of data into the DRGR and internal grant and financial systems.
Her expertise includes budget preparation, consolidation reports, and risk assessment. Additionally, she has experience in FEMA Grant Management Services, monitoring grant budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and project objectives.
Amarilys Meléndez’s comprehensive knowledge and dedication make her an invaluable asset to Custom Group, ensuring the successful financial management and execution of grant-funded projects.