By Ana María Ramos
Photo: Fidel Pérez
His family legacy permeates the conversation from beginning to end, and the weight of his upbringing shines through in every expression. He considers himself privileged to have grown up in an environment where integrity prevailed, yet one filled with love and unity. He cherishes his fondest childhood memories from the warm atmosphere he created with his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, always sharing in what he calls "a real family.".
With two surnames that have left their mark on the national territory, Alejandro Fondeur Mera is one of the leaders of the new generation of the Heart City, a Dominican who defines himself as hardworking, entrepreneurial, who seeks to develop as a professional and businessman, but above all, he cares about the future of his city and the country, with full confidence that things can improve.
Born into a wealthy family, he was taught from a young age how to earn money. When he was just ten years old, his father, Ricardo Fondeur, would take him to the company during the summer. He remembers his first job washing truck pistons, earning RD$500.
Civil engineering runs in his veins. His grandfathers, two prominent construction professionals, Carlos Sully Fondeur (Don Chiche) and José Rafael Mera, whose company “Mera Muñoz y Fondeur” has the reputation of having built important infrastructure works throughout the country, from 1980 to 2000, is a pioneer in the development of urbanizations in the Cibao: Jardines del Sur and Jardines del Ozama represent a small sample of a wide repertoire.
Bearing the surname of a prestigious company with more than 65 years in the market facilitates opportunities, but Alejandro has had to prove that he can be a key player in keeping the third generation of the company afloat, aware that 70% do not survive beyond the first generation.
He was recently appointed Executive Vice President of two of the brand's business divisions, convinced that the footwear he has to fill is enormous, although he prefers to imprint his own stamp, without neglecting the values and teachings of his ancestors.
He began his career with an internship in one of the purchasing departments, then became a resident construction engineer, a budget and real estate analyst, and finally, vice president of business. His passion for real estate development led him to the United States to pursue a master's degree in that field.
He has a clear vision that the key to success lies in consistently doing small things well every day. He is an executive who prioritizes what matters, works well in a team, is highly organized, and focuses on results and profitability.
APROCOVICI
For Alejandro Fondeur Mera, Santiago represents his passion. Since last year, he has served as president of APROCOVICI, the Association of Housing Developers and Builders of Cibao, recognizing the crucial role developers play in promoting sustainable development, considering environmental factors, and striving to make his home region a better place.
He expects happiness from life, because it should be the guiding principle of every human being. For him, it's family, spending time with his wife Vanessa Warden, traveling, and continuing to emulate what he saw from a young age: “I saw my parents, my grandparents, and my uncles work for this city. I care about Santiago even though I don't get paid.”.
Interview originally published in El Inmobiliario print edition (3rd edition).
