The Edge of Integrity: A Grow Story Live with Debbie Rodriguez
In a world of transactional business, how often do you meet a leader who defines their success by their follow-through and the growth of their people? GrowFL invites you to join us for an intimate Grow Story Live! featuring Debbie Rodriguez, the powerhouse Founder and CEO of Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, a 2025 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree.
Debbie launched her company in 2009, at the height of a brutal construction downturn. Since then, she has scaled the business from a five-person team to a multi-scope subcontracting leader with over 72 full-time employees and revenues exceeding $20 million. But the numbers aren’t the whole story. This session is an opportunity to hear from a CEO who has:
- Bet on People: Built a “chosen family” culture where accountability and integrity outweigh technical skill.
- Scaled with Purpose: Expanded into electrical, painting, and door scopes by leveraging internal expertise rather than chasing trends.
- Invested in the Future: Founded iBuild USA to teach trades to underserved populations and reduce recidivism.
- Led with Authenticity: Navigated a male-dominated industry with a “people-first” philosophy that has turned near-losses into profitable triumphs through sheer teamwork.
Debbie’s mantra is simple: “Your word is everything.” This event is designed for second-stage leaders like yourself to step away from the daily grind, connect with peers, and gain fresh perspective on building a resilient, values-driven organization.
The company’s culture is built on the strength of its diversity—boasting a workforce that is 75% minority and 42% female—and a deep-rooted spirit of service through partnerships with organizations like Camp Boggy Creek and Habitat for Humanity. Join us to hear how Debbie’s “people-first” philosophy is shaping the future of the industry.
This exclusive event offers second-stage CEOs and business owners a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, network with peers, and celebrate the achievements of one of Florida’s standout companies. Want to learn more about GrowFL?  Click here.
About GrowFL and the East Central Chapter: The GrowFL East Central Chapter is dedicated to igniting the growth of second-stage companies right here in our community. We do this by directly connecting local CEOs with the critical resources they need to overcome unique challenges and accelerate their business trajectory. At the core of our mission is the GrowFL Trusted Advisor Network, a powerful assembly of leading companies and individuals committed to empowering East Central’s thriving businesses. These expert advisors, recognized leaders in their respective fields, provide invaluable guidance and specialized knowledge, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant East Central business landscape for all.
