A North Tampa native, Fred Lay entered construction driven by necessity and a desire to shape his own future. Raised by a hardworking mother with limited means, he learned to hustle early, fixing bikes and lawn mowers and finding small ways to earn money. At Tampa Bay Tech, he discovered a passion for building and welding through a sheet metal program. As he gained experience in the trades, he saw greater opportunity on the general contracting side. Lacking the capital to become a developer, he focused on mastering the field, eventually co-founding a construction company and later founding Construction Services Inc. (CSI) of Tampa.

My mom was a cigar roller, working long hours and making about ten dollars an hour in today’s money. We didn’t have much—lots of beans and rice—but we never went hungry, and there was always love and support in our family. I know things could have been very different if it weren’t for my mom stepping up and raising me when my birth mother wasn’t able to. She saved me from going to an orphanage, and because of that, I had a chance to build the life I have today.

Some of my fondest childhood memories aren’t about big moments or fancy things—they’re the small, everyday things that meant a lot. When I was 11, I saved enough money from mowing lawns and fixing bikes to take my mom out to a restaurant for the first time. We went for Cuban sandwiches, and she joked about how she wished I hadn’t spent the money because we could have had so many more meals at home. 

When I was growing up, I wanted to be an auto mechanic. I loved cars and couldn’t wait to learn how to work on them. But when I got to school, the auto mechanics class was full, so I ended up in sheet metal class instead. Even though it wasn’t my first choice, I found I was really good at building things. That hands-on experience sparked my interest in construction and set me on the path I’m on today.

One of the most formative experiences I had as a kid was when my mom took me to Mexico to visit my birth family. I was about 12 and going through a tough phase, being rebellious and challenging. Seeing the situation my birth family lived in hit me hard. That wasn’t the life I wanted, and I instantly wanted to go back home. It made me realize just how lucky I was to have the mom who raised me. Her sacrifices saved me from a very different path. That trip was a wake-up call and shaped the way I see my life and the opportunities I have.

My very first job was actually selling items at a circus. It was a wild experience, and I made so much money that, for a moment, I seriously thought about running away with the circus! That job taught me early on how important it is to seize opportunities and hustle hard. It also showed me the value of entrepreneurship, of finding a market, of selling things people want, and of working really hard to make something happen. Those lessons stuck with me and laid the foundation for everything that came after, including my career in construction

My biggest supporter has always been my mom, Daisy. She took me in when I was a baby and gave me a chance at a better life when my birth mom couldn’t. She worked tirelessly as a cigar roller, sacrificing so much to make sure I had food, a bed, and love. Even when I was a handful, she never gave up on me. Beyond her, my wife Laura has been an incredible support. Through all the ups and downs, she’s been by my side, keeping me grounded and encouraging me. And of course, my family and my team at CSI have played important roles in supporting me and the business along the way.

Honestly, I look up to everyone taller than me—that’s my little joke—but on a serious note, I really admire entrepreneurs. I respect how they take an idea or a skill and turn it into a successful business. Watching people build something from scratch, overcome challenges, and keep pushing forward is inspiring. I try to learn from their hustle, vision, and resilience because building a business is never easy. It’s about grit and determination, and those are qualities I strive for every day.

I was born here and grew up in North Tampa. This place shaped me in so many ways. I never left because Tampa Bay is home, and it’s where my story started. Growing up here, I saw firsthand what it means to hustle and make the most of what you have. It’s a community full of hardworking people, and that spirit is something I really connect with. What I love most about the region is its resilience and diversity. Tampa Bay has so much to offer—from vibrant culture to growing business opportunities. I’ve watched it evolve a lot over the years. When I was a kid, parts of the area felt small and overlooked, but now it’s a bustling hub with new industries, developments, and a strong sense of community pride. I’m proud to be part of Tampa Bay’s growth, especially through my work in construction. It’s rewarding to see projects come to life that help shape the city’s future while giving back to the community that gave me so much.

Fred Lay

My business philosophy is rooted in doing things the right way and always giving back. I believe in building a company culture where people have real opportunities to grow and succeed. That means investing in my team—not just expecting results, but supporting them to become their best, even if that means they could eventually become my competitors. I never want to forget what it felt like to sign the back of a check as an employee, so I run CSI with empathy, respect, and fairness. Success doesn’t come from a single big project—it comes from creating an environment where everyone can contribute and feel valued. And because someone once gave me a chance for a better life, I’m committed to paying that forward through giving back to the community.

The last few years have taught me the importance of resilience and staying true to your values, no matter what challenges come your way. Business and life don’t always go as planned. There are ups and downs, unexpected changes, and moments that test your grit. But those times also remind you what really matters: family, your team, and doing the right thing. I’ve learned you have to be adaptable, keep pushing forward, and remember why you started. For me, it’s always been about creating opportunities—not just for myself, but for others—and giving back. The tough times have made me appreciate those things even more.

What I’m most proud of isn’t the projects or the business numbers; it’s the people I’ve had the chance to help along the way. I’m proud of building a company where employees have real opportunities to grow and succeed. Seeing team members get their general contractor licenses or step into leadership roles is a big deal to me. I’m also incredibly proud of my family and how we’ve overcome challenges and built a life full of love, experiences, and support. And honestly, I’m proud that I was able to take a tough start in life, with a 2.3 GPA and all, and turn it into something meaningful. It’s proof that where you begin doesn’t define where you can go.

I never thought I could build a successful business, let alone one that works on billion-dollar projects and generates $80 million in revenue yearly. Growing up with so many challenges, a rough start in school, and limited resources, those kinds of dreams felt out of reach. But I also never thought I could be a role model or a leader who makes a positive difference in people’s lives. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey: knowing I’m not just building buildings, but building opportunities and hope for others. Sometimes the things you never thought you could do turn out to be the things that define you.

A lot of people don’t realize that construction is really about relationships and trust—not just bricks and steel. People often think construction is all about hard labor and machines, but behind every project is a team of people working together, navigating challenges, and making hundreds of decisions every day. Success isn’t just about who works the hardest on the tools—it’s about managing the whole picture: schedules, budgets, teams, and quality. The general contractors and developers you don’t always see are the ones who bring all those pieces together. And giving back is a big part of our industry culture. At CSI, we’ve created programs to support the community and encourage our employees to volunteer. It’s about building more than buildings; it’s about building a better community.

Family is everything to me. Spending quality time with my wife, daughters, and now my grandkids is always a priority. Giving my kids experiences, like traveling and making memories together, has been just as important as providing for them. Racing has been a passion of mine for a long time. I’ve dabbled in the racing business and really enjoy the thrill and challenge that comes with it. It’s not just about speed—it’s about precision, focus, and pushing the limits, which is something I relate to in how I run my business. My love for cars goes beyond racing. I’ve built a custom garage to house my collection because cars are more than a hobby—they’re a big part of who I am. Racing and cars have taught me discipline and perseverance, lessons that have helped shape both my personal life and my career.

My favorite place to travel is always coming back home to Tampa Bay. No matter where I go, there’s something about this place that grounds me—it’s where my story began, and where my family and community are. Traveling is great for broadening your horizons, but coming home is about reconnecting with the people and spirit that made me who I am. I’ve been fortunate to travel with my wife, kids, and grandkids and create lasting memories, which I cherish just as much. But at the end of the day, home is where I find peace, purpose, and pride.

When I tell friends and family outside Tampa Bay about this place, I say it’s a hidden gem—a city with grit and heart. It’s a place where people work hard but also come together like a tight-knit community. You’ve got beautiful beaches and great weather, but it’s more than that. There’s a growing energy here with new businesses, development, and opportunities popping up all the time. Tampa Bay is a place where you can build something from nothing. Just like I did. It’s got that blend of Southern hospitality and hustle that makes it special. If you haven’t been here, you’re missing out on a city that’s on the rise but still feels like home.

The biggest item on my bucket list is to leave a lasting legacy—not just through my business or the buildings we construct, but through the impact I’ve had on people and the community. I want to make sure that what I’ve built continues to grow and that the values I stand for inspire others long after I’m gone. On a personal note, I’ll be racing at Le Mans, France, this summer, which is a dream come true. It’s a huge step for me, combining my passion and determination to push myself in new ways. That experience will be unforgettable and something I’m really looking forward to.

The biggest honor of my life has been adopting my daughter, Daisy, named after the mom who raised me. I was raised by a Daisy, and now I’m raising a Daisy. It feels like the way I’m finally showing my mom the love and respect I didn’t always show her while she was alive. That connection means everything. It’s a tribute to her sacrifices and the chance she gave me at life, and it’s a daily reminder to live with the kind of love and commitment she showed me.

My most surprising hobby is flying a plane. I honestly didn’t think I had the discipline to get my private pilot’s license, but I surprised myself. I soloed after just 10 hours of training and earned my license in four months. Flying taught me focus, patience, and pushing beyond what you think you’re capable of. It’s a skill I’m proud of and something totally different from my day-to-day construction work.

My greatest extravagance is my car collection. I own about 24 cars, and I even built a custom garage to house them. Cars aren’t just a hobby—they’re a passion and a way to unwind. I’m always on the lookout for something unique or special, and sometimes I buy one just because I can’t pass up the opportunity. It’s my way of treating myself after all the hard work.

If I could wake up tomorrow with one quality, it would be the skill to teach people that life is hard enough already, so there’s no reason to make it harder on ourselves. I wish more people could learn not to sweat the small stuff. Life throws enough challenges at us, whether work, family, or unexpected setbacks, and if we can let go of unnecessary stress and focus on the bigger picture, we’d all be better off.

If I could go back and change one thing, it would be how I treated my mom when I was younger. I was a handful, a mischievous kid who gave her plenty of sleepless nights. Looking back, I wish I had been kinder and more appreciative of her sacrifices. She did so much to give me a chance at a better life, and sometimes I took that for granted. That’s something I carry with me every day.

I believe my best qualities are compassion and gratitude. Growing up with challenges taught me to appreciate what I have and to treat others with kindness and understanding. Compassion helps me connect with people, whether it’s my family, my team, or the community, and to lead with empathy. Gratitude keeps me grounded. I never forget the sacrifices my mom made or the opportunities I’ve been given. It reminds me to give back and to approach life and business with humility and respect.

I want my impact to be about more than just buildings and business success. It’s about giving people opportunities—to grow, succeed, and build better lives for themselves and their families. I want to create a company culture where people feel respected, supported, and empowered. I want to give back to the community that gave me a chance. Someone believed in me when I was young and struggling, and I carry that with me every day. Through CSI and our charitable programs, I hope to make a difference in Tampa Bay—helping kids and families in need, supporting causes that matter, and inspiring others to pay it forward. At the end of the day, I want my legacy to be one of hard work, integrity, and generosity, showing that no matter where you start, you can build something meaningful and help others do the same.

My perfect day starts with spending quality time with my family—maybe having breakfast together and just enjoying those moments. Then I’d get to work doing what I love—building and creating, whether at the office or on a project site. In the afternoon, I’d carve out some time for my passion, checking out cars or maybe even doing some racing. Then I’d wind down with good food, laughter, and relaxation with my wife and kids. A perfect day is about balance: hard work, family, and doing the things that bring me joy.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

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