Michael Melicia, founder and CEO of Coastal Paving & Excavating Inc. (CPEX), demonstrates his expertise with over 17 successful years in the paving and excavating industry. At just 30, the young visionary leverages his business to emphasize an adamant commitment to community service, distinguished project execution, divergent leadership, and persistent organizational growth.
Having overcome personal adversity, including battles with substance abuse and the absence of strong family role models, Melicia’s journey to success wasn’t straightforward. Yet, these challenges became the fuel for his drive to reshape his future and build a legacy of strength and perseverance.
At 19, Michael held nothing but $500 alongside suitcases of his most prized possessions. He took what little he had and journeyed back to his hometown, where he founded a full-service civil construction, pavement, and utility firm. Utilizing a well-organized financial management system, CPEX continues its development into the leading contractor in Monterey County, California. The company specializes in commercial, municipal, and residential projects.
Melicia’s approach to business is as much about heart as it is about strategy. His decision to bootstrap CPEX came from a deep belief in controlling the destiny of his company. By reinvesting profits and staying focused on sustainable growth, he’s grown the company 300% over seven years, turning a door-to-door startup into an eight-figure revenue generator.
But Melicia’s success doesn’t stop at paving and excavating. He’s expanded into a range of ventures, including franchise ownership and real estate. His franchise, OXI Fresh, specializes in eco-friendly carpet cleaning, while his property management firm, J&M Properties, and personal brand under MILITIA HOLDING LLC have further diversified his business portfolio. Altogether, his ventures generate stable eight-figure revenues annually, with a growing real estate portfolio.
What sets Melicia apart from other contractors is his leadership style. Rooted in empathy and a genuine care for his team, he’s built a culture of camaraderie and support at CPEX. His personal struggles have shaped his approach to leadership, fostering an environment where his 60-plus employees feel like family. This sense of community extends beyond the office walls, with Melicia actively giving back to local charities focused on youth mental health and development.
Understanding the struggles of disadvantaged and at-risk youth, he continues to donate portions of his profits to mental health and youth development charities in the Monterey area.
Melicia’s vision for the future is ambitious. Over the next five years, he plans to scale his businesses to generate nine-figure revenues, all while continuing to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. His message to young business leaders is clear: “Never take no for an answer, never stop learning, and make every experience an opportunity to thrive.”
In reflecting on his journey, Melicia proudly states, “I am a product of my environment, but that doesn’t mean I’m a victim of it.” From overcoming personal struggles to building a multi-million-dollar business empire, his story is one of resilience, leadership, and the unwavering commitment to give back to the community that helped shape him.
