Family built, client driven
The Citadel Partners Team is a family-owned business, strengthened by the mentorship and legacy of their father, Pete Cruz. “With his decades of experience and guidance, we’ve grown to truly love and thrive in this traditionally male-dominated industry.”
As his daughters, they’ve embraced construction not just as a career path, but as a passion — one that allows them to bring a unique perspective, dedication, and heart to every project.
“We believe that women in construction bring a valuable balance of vision, detail, and strength. At the end of the day, we’re proud to support our dad, each other, and our clients, building spaces and relationships that last.”
ENGLISH/ SPANISH SPEAKING SUPPORT
At Citadel Partners LLC, we are proud to have bilingual support on our team. Our Project Manager and VP of Operations, Mariah and Lisa Cruz, are fluent in both Spanish and English and are ready to assist with your next commercial build-out.
Whether you're coordinating with subcontractors, reviewing plans, or navigating approvals, they are here to ensure clear communication and efficient project execution every step of the way.
Let us help bring your vision to life—with expertise and clarity in two languages.
Pete
With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, our Principal and Founder, Pete Cruz, brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication to every project. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Pete honorably served his country for six years before earning his business degree from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, NY.
For the past decade, he has focused his expertise on the dental, medical, and commercial sectors—bringing precision, reliability, and a deep understanding of industry-specific needs to every build.
Lisa
Lisa pursued her studies and graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology. As VP of Operations, she is devoted to managing all aspects of our day-to-day builds. She recently started her journey at EXIT Realty Island Elite and she is providing excellent customer service and commitment in NYC as our Licensed Real Estate Agent.
“My time at Citadel Partners LLC has taught me valuable lessons about the construction industry, teamwork, and the importance of adaptability, especially during challenging times like a pandemic. It's a path that has been deeply influenced by my father, who wears many hats—he's the principal general contractor, the CEO of Citadel Partners LLC, and, most importantly, my mentor.
I've been able to see the impact of our projects firsthand, from small renovations to large-scale commercial constructions. Being part of a family business has made me realize that the relationships we build with our clients and colleagues are just as important as the buildings we create.
Through our work, l've developed a passion for project management and problem-solving. Each day presents new challenges, but having the support of my family and our dedicated team makes it all worthwhile.”
Mariah
Mariah L. Cruz joined our team shortly after the 2020 pandemic and has been an invaluable asset ever since. A 2016 graduate of St. Paul’s School of Nursing in Staten Island, NY, Mariah brings both dedication and precision to every aspect of her role.
As our Project Administrator and Manager, she ensures that all licensing, documentation, and compliance for our trade professionals are meticulously maintained. Mariah plays a key role in coordinating inspections, maintaining clear communication with our valued clients and subcontractors, and keeping projects running smoothly behind the scenes.
Karla
With a background of 6+ years in contemporary modern, antique and abstract interior design, Karla leads with passion for thinking outside of the box and having a meticulous eye for detail. She the pursued her studies and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelors Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandise, and Design.
Whether you're selecting must-have finishes or exploring cost-effective alternatives, Karla ensures every choice reflects a balance of quality, function, and style—so you get exactly what you need, when you need it, without compromise.
Our dedicated procurement team takes the guesswork out of sourcing. We manage the budgetary planning and acquisition of all materials within your project timeline—so you get exactly what you need, when you need it.