Steve Garcia is the President and CEO of Patriot General Engineering, a position he has held since co-founding the company in 2008 alongside Southern California civil construction industry icon, Frank Passiglia. 

Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Steve served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps for a decade, where he navigated his way up through the enlisted ranks, culminating his career as a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps Force Recon special operations unit. His tenure in the Marine Corps was marked by exceptional leadership and combat prowess, as evidenced by his roles in two combat deployments to Iraq. In these deployments, Steve showcased his leadership acumen as he led his team through the invasion of Baghdad as a Recon Battalion Assistant Team Leader and the grueling Battle of Fallujah as a Team Leader. His experiences in Iraq, where he faced some of the most challenging and complex situations imaginable, instilled in him a profound understanding of the critical components of mission success, including meticulous preparation, rigorous training, and effective communication. Steve’s valor and dedication to duty were recognized with awards such as the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” combat distinguishing device.

With leadership skills forged in the trials of battle, Garcia possesses a Marine’s dedication to team, passion for hard work, and a commitment to duty and service. As such, Garcia has led Patriot General from a humble startup, with just a two-person crew providing erosion control services for San Diego Gas & Electric, into a flourishing, full-service civil construction firm, boasting several hundred employees. Pulling from his years of service to our country, safety has been Garcia’s a paramount concern, and has been ingrained in every aspect of Patriot General’s operations. His steadfast commitment to ensuring the well-being of the workforce and the community has not only fostered a culture of trust and accountability but has also been instrumental in this remarkable success story. Combining knowledge and leadership, with an emphasis on safety, Garcia has propelled Patriot General Engineering to the forefront of the industry, earning the respect and admiration from employees, clients, and the communities we serve.

Beyond his military service and entrepreneurial pursuits, Steve is deeply committed to family and to supporting his fellow service members’ transition back to civilian life. Alongside Patriot General’s Chief Administrative Officer, Ben Garcia, he has co-founded the Patriot Empowerment Institute, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to assisting active duty military personnel in their reintegration into civilian society.

Garcia’s leadership, shaped by his military background and entrepreneurial spirit, continues to drive Patriot General Engineering forward, ensuring its commitment to excellence, safety, and service.