ideaHUb Innovators Podcast
The ideaHUb Innovators Podcast showcases the stories of thriving minority-owned businesses across Long Island, New York, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to share their journeys, challenges, and successes. Through in-depth conversations, each episode explores the unique experiences of business owners navigating growth, innovation, and scalability from a diverse perspective.
Powered by Hofstra University—Long Island’s largest private university—this podcast fosters meaningful discussions that inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
ideaHUb Innovators Podcast
ideaHUb Innovators Podcast | Nelson Tavares, Watson Stone Inc.
In this episode, we're joined by Nelson Tavares, a powerhouse in both construction and finance. As CEO of Watson Stone Inc. and Tristate Steel Corp, Nelson brings a unique blend of commercial construction expertise and financial acumen, leading multimillion-dollar projects for clients like Delta Airlines, MTA, and the NYC Public Health Lab. With a background in banking and a proven record of scaling businesses, he’s redefining what it means to build—literally and strategically.
Nelson Tavares is a dynamic and results-driven business leader with extensive experience in both steel and stone commercial construction and finance. As the Chief Executive Officer and President of Watson Stone Inc/Tristate Steel Corp, Nelson Tavares has successfully guided the strategic direction of the company, focusing on sustainable growth and high-quality installations for a variety of commercial and industrial projects. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, Nelson Tavares ensures that all projects meet stringent quality standards, timelines, and client specifications while fostering strong relationships with key clients and suppliers.
In addition to leadership in construction, Nelson Tavares was also the Chief Operating Officer and Owner of JS General Contracting. Under its leadership, the firm grew revenue from $100,000 to $1.3 million in just three years. Nelson Tavares developed successful strategies that attracted high-profile contracts with organizations such as the School Construction Authority, MTA, Port Authority, and SKANSKA USA. Notably, his led the successful completion of the Delta Sky Lounge at JFK Airport and collaborated on a $500 million project at the NYC Public Health Lab.
Before venturing into the construction industry, Nelson Tavares gained significant experience in banking, holding roles at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, HSBC Bank USA, and Wells Fargo Financial. He managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, advised high-net-worth clients, and developed expertise in commercial lending.
Nelson Tavares holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Baruch College and is fluent in Spanish. With a proven ability to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency, and build long-lasting relationships, Nelson recently obtained his Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification as a majority business owner to further expand his impact in the industry.
You can connect with him on social media:
INSTAGRAM: @nelz23
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-tavares-finance/
