Coastal CEO Breaks Ground—Literally—at Washington Tower Project
In a rare and inspiring moment at Coastal Commercial Painting and Concrete Restoration, our CEO Meli Figueres stepped out of the boardroom and onto the job site, rolling up her sleeves to work alongside our field crew at the Washington Tower project.

Concrete was being poured, and precision was critical. To the surprise of the team, our CEO took control of the stop/start mechanism—an essential task that demands exact timing to ensure smooth workflow and quality. With focus and calm under pressure, she handled the controls flawlessly.
But she didn’t stop there. With a trowel in hand, she joined in the process of leveling the freshly poured concrete—a task often likened to icing a cake, only heavier and far less forgiving. It was a bold move, especially for her first time on a live job site.
For many employees, it was the first time they had seen a CEO—let alone a female CEO—step directly into the work zone and actively contribute to the physical demands of the job. Her presence wasn’t just symbolic; it was hands-on leadership that left a lasting impression.
This moment served as a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action, teamwork, and the willingness to understand the challenges every role entails.
For many, it was the first time seeing a female CEO not just lead from the top—but step right into the grit of the job.
This moment was more than inspiring—it was proof that leadership knows no gender.
Here’s to women taking the leap, owning their power, and redefining what leadership looks like in every industry.
