When you meet Jose R. Mas, you quickly understand he’s not the kind of CEO who inherited a family business and coasted along. Yes, he grew up around the world of construction; his father, Jorge Mas Canosa, was the visionary who founded MasTec, but Jose has spent his career shaping that foundation into something far bigger, more diverse, and more influential than even the family could have imagined.
Today, Jose R. Mas is the Chief Executive Officer of MasTec, Inc., one of North America’s largest infrastructure construction companies. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, MasTec employs more than 35,000 people across over 840 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under Jose’s leadership, the company’s annual revenue has soared from about $930 million in 2007 to an expected $12.4 billion in 2024.
In 2018, MasTec earned a place on the Fortune 500, a milestone that reflected the scale of its growth and the reach of its services.
But the story of Jose Mas is more than just numbers. It’s a mix of grit, vision, and deep ties to his community.
From the Field to the Boardroom
Jose didn’t simply walk into a corner office. His journey inside MasTec began at the ground level, literally. In the early 1990s, he worked in the field, learning the practical side of the business, understanding the people who built the projects, and gaining respect for the crews who faced the challenges of infrastructure work every day.
This hands-on experience shaped his leadership style: approachable, grounded, and focused on building a company culture where employees feel valued.
By April 2007, Jose had become CEO. He was just 35 years old, taking over during a time when the company was primarily known for telecommunications work. Rather than stay comfortable, he expanded MasTec’s focus, moving into renewable energy, oil and gas, power transmission, and heavy civil construction. That decision transformed MasTec into a diversified infrastructure giant, capable of taking on some of the largest and most complex projects in North America.
A Family Legacy with a Modern Touch
The Mas family’s history is deeply tied to Miami’s Cuban-American community. His father, Jorge Mas Canosa, was not only a successful businessman but also a prominent figure in Cuban exile politics. Growing up, Jose was surrounded by the values of hard work, determination, and community service, principles that still guide him today.
Along with his brother Jorge Mas, Jose is part of a new generation of leaders carrying that legacy forward. Both brothers have stepped into high-profile roles beyond MasTec, including co-ownership of Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club they launched alongside global icon David Beckham.
Soccer, Stadiums, and the Miami Dream
Inter Miami CF isn’t just another sports investment for Jose Mas; it’s part of his vision for Miami as a global city. He’s heavily involved in Miami Freedom Park, a $1 billion-plus project that includes a new soccer stadium, a 56-acre public park, and mixed-use spaces that will become a vibrant part of the city. For Jose, it’s not only about building a winning team on the pitch but also creating a landmark that will serve Miami residents for decades.
Education and Civic Leadership
Jose is a proud graduate of the University of Miami, where he earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and his MBA. His connection to the university remains strong; he serves as a Trustee on the University’s Executive Board and supports initiatives like the Mas Family Scholarships, which provide opportunities for students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for Helmerich & Payne, Inc., a leading energy drilling and services company. His broad involvement in business, education, and civic projects reflects a belief that leadership isn’t confined to a single role or industry.
Recognition and Awards
The business world has taken notice of Jose’s impact. He has been honored as Ernst & Young’s National Entrepreneur of the Year and named one of the Ultimate CEOs by the South Florida Business Journal. These awards recognize not just his success in growing MasTec, but also his ability to inspire teams and navigate industries undergoing rapid change.
Staying True to His Roots
Despite overseeing a multibillion-dollar company, Jose Mas remains deeply connected to his roots. He speaks often about the importance of hard work, the value of family, and the responsibility of giving back. Those values are reflected in how MasTec supports its employees, invests in communities, and undertakes projects with lasting impact, such as building renewable energy infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and helping cities grow.
In interviews, Jose’s style is straightforward and unpretentious. He talks about challenges as openly as he talks about successes, and he’s quick to credit the people around him, whether it’s the crews in the field, the management team, or his business partners. It’s a leadership style that feels genuine, a quality that’s increasingly rare in corporate America.
A Vision for the Future
Jose Mas’s career is still in full stride, and if the past is any indication, the next decade will be just as dynamic. With MasTec continuing to expand into new sectors and Inter Miami CF growing its presence in MLS, Jose is at the center of some of the most ambitious projects in both infrastructure and sports.
Yet, for all the large-scale ventures and headline-making deals, his approach remains personal. Whether it’s walking to a job site, negotiating a complex acquisition, or meeting with community leaders, Jose operates with the same focus: build things that last, make an impact, and never lose sight of where you came from.
In the end, Jose R. Mas isn’t just building roads, power lines, or stadiums; he’s building legacies. And if his track record is any guide, those legacies will stand for a long time.
