Meet Joe Valdivia, born in Miami Joe moved to Orlando in 1986 and graduated from Dr. Phillips High School then attended Kaiser University.  He has two girls (Ana - 8 and Ema - 5). Joe's first car which was a 1987 Ford Ranger that is still around today, and he used to be a Harley rider and has owned two.  A movie buff, Joe likes to watch Clint Eastwood and John Wayne movies (and what guy doesn't). He also likes to hunt in his spare time.  Joe has been in the construction industry (Safety) for five years; prior to that he was a fireman for 12 years.  When asked what he would do for a living if he could do anything, Joe replied "I've always wanted to be a pilot".  A little known fact is that he is a World War II history buff. Make sure you say "hi" to Joe next time you see him.

In the late 1920's and the 1930's, Ray Stevens designed and built numerous homes in the College Park and Dubsdread areas of Orlando.  Coming from New England, Ray was an avid sailor.  In fact, when work was slow he instructed his carpenters on how to build wooden boats at his carpentry shop. 

As the builder of these fine homes, Ray always left his trademark signature, a sailing ship tile embedded somewhere in  the house.  It might be in the fireplace hearth or mantel, or it might be in the foyer or hallway floor surrounded by random-laid, brightly colored broken tiles (which was another of Ray's trademarks). Tile setting was a specialty of Ray's, who reportedly laid many of those tile floors himself. 

In ancient times, sailing was a lifestyle; sailing fleets were decisive factors in trade and in war.  Exploring not only brought fortune and fame to the sailors, but it was significant in all spheres of life - new markets, new people, new food and other raw materials, and new land. 

This was all driven by one of the greatest qualities of human beings - the desire to expand horizons, to see what lies beyond, to explore, to learn, and to conquer and dominate.  But sailing was also filled with risks.  Many people died or just disappeared.  In this respect, only the bravest men set sail, and only the fittest of them made it safely back home.  However, those risks also offered great rewards to the successful sailor.

Sailing Captains were looked upon as the "wizards" of their day.  With no maps to go by and only stars to guide them, they found their way through the treacherous oceans of the world, using great skill and, sometimes, great luck. 

Today's business leaders exhibit the same leadership qualities as these captains of old.  Ray Stevens was just such a leader and he leaves us a great legacy of that leaderships in

R.C. Stevens Construction.

Upcoming employee events!

Mark it down! July 30th is the date for our company picnic.  We will once again be on the Windermere chain of lakes.  Details will be forthcoming but mark the date down now!