As snowstorms batter industrial parks and roofing emergencies hit office towers, property managers often scramble to find reliable contractors while rising maintenance costs erode profitability. RICI Contracting has transformed this chaos into a 24/7 operational fortress. With a diversified, in-house service model, RICI delivers consistent, high-quality support that reduces operational costs and improves overall efficiency, earning the trust of a growing and satisfied client base.
At the core of this success is Alfonso Gurreri, a former lacrosse team captain turned entrepreneur and growing force in the construction and property services industry. His legal training allowed him to understand the fragmentation of the property industry.
“Unplowed lots and unresolved leaks can undermine tenant trust,” he explains. “That’s why we’ve designed our operations to ensure that, when emergencies arise, we’re already on top of it providing proactive, around-the-clock solutions to our customers before the problem even becomes a crisis.”
From Classroom to Construction Sites
Gurreri’s transition from legal industry to construction was not arbitrary. Growing up in his family’s transfer station company, Tor Can Waste Management, he developed an early understanding of service operations. His legal career, though brief, was formative. From 2021 to 2022, he worked at Devry Smith Frank LLP, while articling he deepened his understanding of corporate, real estate, and construction law.
In 2022, while working full-time, he took the leap to launch RICI, and in 2023, he went full-time with the company, dedicating himself entirely to its growth and success. Now, almost three years since its inception, RICI has developed a loyal clientele, a testament to its commitment to exceptional service and growth.
Transitioning from a legal career to owning a contracting firm has been a remarkable journey. Learning to adapt quickly and efficiently has become second nature and has enhanced my problem-solving skills in all areas of life,” he notes. This adaptability proved critical as he pivoted from his early career challenges to founding RICI, where he applied his resilience and learned lessons to drive the company forward.
The construction industry that Gurreri entered is marked by volatility but also opportunity. In February 2024, U.S. construction spending hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2.13 trillion, with private residential construction accounting for $928.9 billion. By July 2024, employment in the sector had grown by 25,000 jobs, reflecting steady demand despite economic headwinds.
Building an Integrated Service Model
RICI Contracting’s integrated service model addresses a critical gap in the property management sector. By bundling asphalt paving, roof service, snow clearing, maintenance, interior construction, and waste management under one roof, RICI simplifies operations for clients.
The company’s responsiveness, in house equipment, and operating a 24-hour dispatch system, positions it to capitalize on these trends. Gurreri’s legal expertise further differentiates RICI, particularly in contract structuring and risk management.
“Problem-solving is at the heart of what we do,” he emphasizes. “My studies in law help me break down tough problems logically. Leadership in business has been a big part of my journey. Adaptability has taught me to be flexible and creative.”
Leveraging Legal Expertise in Construction
Gurreri’s legal background provides RICI with a rare edge. His experience in law informs how the company navigates complex contracts and regulatory requirements, a critical advantage in an industry where 51% of firms anticipate growth rates exceeding 10% in 2024. This expertise is particularly valuable as construction costs rise, with U.S. construction material prices increasing 3.7% annually since 2022.
Domestically, nonresidential construction spending reached $757.5 billion in February 2025, driven by infrastructure investments. Gurreri’s focus on bundled services taps into property managers’ need for efficiency, as signs point to a potential increase in housing development to address ongoing shortages, many construction firms are positioning themselves to ramp up housing starts.
A Diverse Path to Construction Innovation
Alfonso Gurreri’s journey-from philosophy student to law school to construction entrepreneur-highlights the power of cross-disciplinary thinking. RICI’s integrated model, grounded in operational self-sufficiency and legal precision, meets evolving demands in a sector poised for growth.
As construction employment expands and global markets mature, Gurreri’s unconventional strategy offers a blueprint for integrating diverse expertise into competitive advantage.
