The construction activity in Colombia is divided into two branches: residential/commercial construction, and public/private infrastructure. Companies in the construction sector grow and contract according to the economic cycle. And, because of this, they lose continuity. The dynamic of the construction sector is aligned with the dynamic of the production of cement, the original business unit of JKL. JKL Constructions was established in 1967 when Mr. Hernan Saldarriaga saw a business opportunity in the construction sector with interesting options for firms located in Santander, one of the thirty two Colombian administrative states. For a long time, Mr. Saldarriaga was the only family member who worked in JKL. As assistant to Mr. Saldarriaga, the first position Maria held at JKL, she learned about the operations of business and the industry. In contrast to the construction activity, the cement industry is highly concentrated into three main producers: Holcim, CEMEX, and Argos.