Title: Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Company: JLV Construction
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Jose L. Villeda, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at JLV Construction, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Residential Construction.
For over 15 years, Mr. Villeda has distinguished himself as a leading figure in the residential construction sector. As the founder and chief executive officer of JLV Construction in New Orleans, Louisiana, since 2010, he has transformed the company from a modest startup into one of the region’s premier luxury residential construction firms. Under Mr. Villeda’s guidance, JLV Construction has completed more than 500 residential construction and historic renovation projects throughout New Orleans and its metropolitan area. The firm is particularly noted for its expertise in luxury custom homes and award-winning historic renovations, earning a reputation for combining exceptional craftsmanship with disciplined operational excellence.
Mr. Villeda’s commitment to operational excellence and preservation of New Orleans’ architectural heritage has positioned JLV Construction as one of the most respected firms in the region. His approach to leadership centers on planning and implementing long-term strategies, championing the company’s vision and upholding core values. He places significant emphasis on cultivating an outstanding company culture that prioritizes team development, mentorship and continuous learning. Through structured career pathways and intentional leadership development initiatives, Mr. Villeda has fostered an environment where employees are empowered to advance professionally and build meaningful careers.
Mr. Villeda’s professional journey began after immigrating to the United States. Initially unfamiliar with construction, he worked in restaurants before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. After relocating to Texas for a year, he returned to Louisiana, where he was drawn to construction work due to better opportunities for migrants. Witnessing widespread exploitation and poor quality among post-Katrina contractors deeply affected him. Motivated by these experiences, Mr. Villeda resolved to establish a company that would prioritize quality service and genuine care for clients. He transitioned from informal side jobs to founding JLV Construction by obtaining necessary licenses and insurance, formalizing his business operations to undertake larger projects with integrity.
Educated in his home country of Mexico, Mr. Villeda completed coursework in electromechanical engineering at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico), which provided foundational technical knowledge that supports his expertise in residential construction. Despite not completing a formal degree program beyond high school, he credits ongoing self-education through books, seminars and mentorship for equipping him with essential skills for success.
Throughout his career, Mr. Villeda has pursued professional development through certifications that reflect his commitment to excellence. He holds credentials as a certified remodeler from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a certified estimating professional from the National Association of Home Builders, EOS certification through EOS Worldwide, and a residential and commercial building contractor license by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Additionally, Mr. Villeda is an alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
Beyond his own firm, Mr. Villeda is active in industry engagement through active membership in several organizations, including Associated Builders and Contractors, the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, the Louisiana System for Integrated Growth, the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. He is also an affiliate member and sustaining sponsor of AIA New Orleans. Civic responsibility is also integral to Mr. Villeda’s philosophy. He actively supports community organizations as a sponsor of The Children’s Circus Project, the Louisiana Sheriffs Association, the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association Inc., the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana and the Disabled American Veterans National Service Foundation.
Among Mr. Villeda’s most notable achievements has been the recognition of JLV Construction by Biz New Orleans as one of the Best Places to Work in New Orleans for three consecutive years. He considers this honor a testament to his dedication to nurturing talent and supporting his team’s growth. Mr. Villeda believes that a company’s greatest competitive advantage lies in its people and takes pride in seeing their efforts acknowledged by industry publications.
In addition to this recognition, Mr. Villeda’s expertise has been reflected in numerous industry accolades. JLV Construction was recognized with a Remodeling and Design Award from the Louisiana Home Builders Association in 2015, a People’s Choice Award from AIA New Orleans in 2022, a Readers’ Favorites Award from Inside New Orleans Magazine in 2023, a Best of Home Award from New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Magazine in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and, among others, a Best Home Builder Award from New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Magazine in 2024. In 2025, Mr. Villeda was included among the 300 Most Influential People in New Orleans and received awards from the Louisiana Landmarks Society for restoring two historical properties.
Mr. Villeda attributes his achievements to perseverance and a desire to prove that greater success is possible regardless of background or origin. As an immigrant who overcame early challenges, including limited job options and witnessing hardship among vulnerable families, he remains committed to demonstrating that hard work can lead to significant accomplishments. This drive also motivates Mr. Villeda as a Latino leader seeking to inspire others within his community.
Looking ahead, Mr. Villeda aims to expand JLV Construction significantly by growing its market presence within New Orleans and replicating its success in new regions such as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Texas or Florida. His career exemplifies resilience, vision and dedication to both craft and community, qualities that have established him as an expert in residential construction and a respected leader within the business community of New Orleans.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Mr. Villeda:
