Ballast Construction was founded by Edward Portas and Joe Llanes, longtime business partners with a shared vision. They believe that superior customer service and high-quality workmanship are the keys to building beautiful, lasting architecture and strong client relationships. Having collaborated for over a decade, this duo has delivered numerous successful projects by providing a positive, friendly experience for customers.
Ballast Construction’s clients can rely on the experience and expertise of our team to guide them in realizing their dreams. It is our utmost priority that clients can trust and depend on Ballast Construction.
We are committed to building not just structures, but enduring bonds with the people we serve.
"With great teamwork, comes great success!"
our founders
Edward Portas
Edward Portas is President and CEO of Ballast Construction. He is responsible for business development, preconstruction and Construction Management for the Company.
Mr. Portas has more than 16 years of construction management experience and has completed numerous large-scale projects including: heavy highway projects, Class A office buildings, luxury condominiums, retail stores, parking garages, healthcare facilities, international hospitality projects, and entertainment venues.
Since he was a young boy, Edward has had a passion for the construction industry and is actively involved in the South Florida Community and local associations. In 2017, he was named “Rookie Director of the Year” for the Latin Builders Association which is the largest Hispanic trade association in the country and the first business association to form its own Charter School in the USA.
Mr. Portas began his career in construction during his first year of college while pursuing and completing his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree from Florida International University, and is State of Florida Licensed General Contractor CGC#1526204.
Mr. Portas is committed to quality, delivering projects on time, and within budget. He is a strong believer that we are not only building structures but also building relationships.
William Knight
CEO & Founder
Joe Llanes
Vice President and COO
Joe Llanes
Joe Llanes is Vice President and COO of Ballast Construction. He is responsible for the execution of the field operations for the Company.
Mr. Llanes started his career just out of high school working as an apprentice in the construction industry. From there, he grew to be a very successful General Superintendent and worked for 20 years at one of the largest and most reputable construction firms in South Florida. Mr. Llanes now has more than 30 years of construction experience and has completed numerous large-scale projects including: Class A office buildings, luxury condominiums, retail stores, educational facilities, and entertainment venues including a casino and a marquis movie theatre.
Born, raised and working in South Florida throughout his life, Mr. Llanes has contributed to the landscape and skyline of our community by building and renovating several iconic structures in South Florida. His completed works have been featured in local magazines and periodicals, one of which received an “Award of Merit” by the American Institute of Architects. With the mindset of ‘Safety First,’ Mr. Llanes was awarded the prestigious Sunshine State Safety Award in 2013 while working on one of his most challenging projects. This award was especially noteworthy as the project involved working around the clock shifts and successfully finished with no accidents.
Mr. Llanes is committed to quality, delivering projects on time, and within budget. He is known for being firm but fair and has built long lasting relationships with clients, designers, and subcontractors which have been the core of Ballast Constructions success.
Building Lasting Relationships with our Clients
ballast
bal·last / ˈba-ləst
noun
- An attribute that gives stability in character and
morals; something that steadies the mind or
feelings.
- Gravel or coarse stone used to stabilize the bed of
a road or for manufacturing concrete materials.
- Heavy material placed low in the center of a vessel
to ensure stability.
verb
- provide stability
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