Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. Many leave the comfort of a steady paycheck to
embark on a risky journey, but only a select few make it to the other side. The climb is
steep, and the challenges are relentless. Yet, for those with the resilience, discipline,
and vision to persevere, success is inevitable.
Oscar Morejon, founder and owner of John Bell Construction, is a testament to that. A
rising public figure in Miami’s business community, he is known for his leadership skills
and rapid success. His story is one of grit, determination, and faith- values that have
propelled him from a teenager with a pressure washer to a respected industry leader.
The Making of an Entrepreneur
Born and raised in Miami, Morejon’s journey began at just 15 years old. When he asked
his father for a car, his father promised him a Ferrari. Instead, the next day,
he gave him a pressure cleaner and encouraged him to start a business. It wasn’t the
most conventional way to provide a Ferrari, but it was a lesson in self-reliance that
shaped Oscar’s future.
For five years, he built a successful small business, gaining first hand experience in
what it takes to run an operation. Upon graduating Miami Dade College, he
attended Florida International University (FIU) and secured an internship with Suffolk
Construction. He quickly realized that to move up in the company, he needed a
bachelor’s degree. Determined to fast-track his success, he requested to accelerate his
academic program. After initial resistance from administration, his request was granted,
and he completed the program with straight As, graduating months ahead of
schedule.
Morejon’s discipline was evident, and his passion for construction deepened. Inspired
by his father, who often worked on home improvement projects, he saw the potential to
build something bigger.
The Leap of Faith
Before launching John Bell Construction, Morejon and his wife spent three months in
prayer, seeking guidance. Some of the confirmations he felt he received from God were
that certain people on the path were agreeable with his ideas and extremely aligned
with supporting him. He had only $2,000 to his name, no roadmap, and no investors. He
took the state exam to become a general contractor, only to be told he failed. He resigned from his current role and was prepared to retake the exam but it was not necessary. Later, he learned that he had actually passed the first time, but a grading machine malfunction led to an incorrect result.
In April 2016, Morejon made the bold decision to resign from Suffolk without a backup
plan. With limited funds, he took a practical approach: he bought a plain white button-
down shirt from Bass Pro Shops and had the company name and logo stitched
on at a mall kiosk. He had no website, no business cards, and no employees, but he
had one essential tool- his drive.
The next day, he went door to door in Miami Lakes, FL, introducing himself as a general
contractor. His first gig was a small plastering job, but it was enough to get started. He
hired his first employee and kept knocking on doors, steadily growing his business.
Building John Bell Construction
The company name, John Bell, comes from the latter part of Morejon’s last name and
part of his wife’s first name, Isabell- a symbol of their shared vision.
Morejon scaled his business with no loans, no outside investors, and pure grit. He and
his wife lived in a modest 500-square-foot apartment, choosing to sacrifice comfort to
fund their dream.
As the company grew, Morejon realized he needed a business partner. His best friend,
Albert Faz, an accountant and recent real estate investor, became the perfect
complement. Faz helped structure the financial side of the company, integrating
systems like QuickBooks to manage payroll and expenses. Together, they built a
powerhouse.
Initially, John Bell Construction focused on residential projects, but today, the company
operates in three key sectors: private, government, and healthcare.
A Lesson in Leadership and Growth
Success can be a double-edged sword. It builds confidence, but if mismanaged, it can
lead to a loss of perspective and purpose. For Morejon, one of his greatest challenges
came not from external business struggles, but from within his own leadership
approach.
At one point, I created a bad culture, and people stopped wanting to come to work,
Morejon stated. The consequences were severe- he lost 95% of his employees. But
rather than deflect blame, he took full responsibility.
This period of evaluation became one of the most pivotal in his career. He developed a
greater sense of self-awareness, recognizing that leadership is not just about results,
it’s about how you inspire and engage the people around you. He adjusted his
communication style, focused on listening to his team’s needs, and became intentional
about fostering a healthier, more positive work environment.
His efforts paid off. By prioritizing employee happiness, fair compensation, and a culture
of challenge and growth, Morejon was able to rebuild the foundation of his company.
The transformation was so impactful that John Bell Construction was recently
awarded Best Place to Work by the South Florida Business Journal.
Reflecting on his journey, Morejon shares a key insight:
The journey will make you become someone you initially not. You have to be
constantly evolving. You must be incredibly mature in decision-making.
This wisdom has not only shaped his company but has reinforced his personal
philosophy. As a man of Christian values, Morejon believes in using his success to
inspire others. His decisions are guided by faith, family, loyalty, honor, and respect
principles that are deeply embedded in both his business and The John Bell
Foundation.
Through philanthropy, mentorship, and leadership, he continues to exemplify excellence
not just in construction but in life itself.
A Legacy in the Making
At just 35 years old, Oscar Morejon has become a respected leader, a devoted husband
and father, and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. His story is proof that success
is about unwavering commitment, resilience, and faith.
As Marcus Aurelius once said, “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars and see
yourself running with them.” Morejon is not just running with the stars- he’s building
something that will last for generations.
