Above: Cele Fernandez, owner of Competa Properties & Cele Fernandez Construction and Services
What is your full name?
My full name is Celedonio Fernandez García
How old are you?
I am 30 years old
Where were you born?
I was born in Competa
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food is any kind of meat.
What is your favourite country visited?
Spain and Dominican Republic for relaxation, but Spain to live.
What are you hobbies?
My hobby is horse-riding.
Where did you go to school?
I went to school in Competa then Malaga
What was your first job?
I was first a painter and then I worked in construction for other people.
When did you start your own business?
I started my own business in 1998 in a small office opposite the school in Competa with 3 people in total (including me). The business is still what I do now, pools, renovations, new builds, cleaning and painting but when I started I had less clients.
When did you move to your current office on avda. Sayalonga?
In 1999 I moved here but the whole building wasn't finished until 2005 when Eli, my wife and I moved in to the top part of the building which is my home. We have twins a boy and a girl (they are 2 years old).
When did you then expand the building to accommodate an Estate Agents?
I was helping the Spanish to sell their properties before the office opened but officially the office was finished in August 2004.
Do you think construction is slowing down?
Yes I think it is, it is a bit more difficult, now we need more time to obtain the correct permissions and licenses, but it is not impossible.
Who are your clients?
I have all nationalities as clients, people know I am reliable and they have confidence in me.
You have recently opened another office in Competa, in the village and another in Sedella what is next for you?
I will be opening my launderette soon however, I am waiting to have the correct amount of electricity coming into the building to power the large machines. I am also working with my brother Sergio and two Danish partners in a separate business “Vistas de Andalucia” which is an urban building development company. We have three projects 2 for Cómpeta and 1 for Canillas de Albaida. One in Cómpeta for 29 apartments and the one in Canillas de Albaida for 50 apartments.
What changes would you like the new Mayor to make in Competa?
I want the mayor to work strong and hard for everybody in the village like the last mayor.
Even if this mean making planning permission even harder to obtain?
I want the best for the community
You employ a lot of your family in your business does that work well for you?
I have 44 employees currently who work everyday and yes some of these are family. I know that sometimes I am not easy to work for. I have a lot on my mind and a lot of work to accomplish. The workers know when we are working they must do their job, but when their work is finished they can talk to me about everything. Employing family members is very good for me, as I know that they will do their best to ensure the success of my business. Also, I have a beautiful, patient and understanding wife who continues to help me as she always has.
You work very hard when do you relax?
Saturday afternoon and Sunday I am a very different person I am happy and I smile and laugh with my friends. On Sundays I get up even earlier and take my horses in the mountains.
With all this work where do you see yourself in the future?
I want to work very, very hard for the next ten to fifteen years and then retire or just work less. Maybe, I would like to sell my company to my workers and family and perhaps continue working but with less responsibility..
