Steve Sandoval is Building the American Dream Through Multi-Family Innovation
Tell us about your business.
Patrium is a construction management company shaping how people live through multi-family innovation. Founded by my brother, Luis, and me, Patrium is focused on building projects that support long-term community growth while addressing Indiana’s housing supply needs. We specialize in large-scale multi-family developments across the state, including projects in East Chicago, downtown Indianapolis, and Jeffersonville. These efforts are critical to expanding access to quality rental housing and strengthening communities across Indiana.
What inspired you to start the business?
My brother has built thousands of apartment units across the United States, while I have spent my career developing and consulting for businesses throughout the Midwest and Southeast. For years, we shared a vision of building something together. Patrium became the realization of that dream.
As Indiana, particularly the nine-county region, experienced a historic surge in demand for quality rental housing, our firm was well positioned to meet that need. That alignment has fueled rapid growth in our multi-family project portfolio and allowed us to expand our footprint across the state.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your journey as a business owner or leader?
Nearly half of all construction workers in the United States are Hispanic or Latino, yet only about 20% hold upper management positions. This disparity highlights gaps in language, culture, and community within the construction industry. One of the overarching goals of Patrium is to help bridge those gaps by promoting leadership pathways and fostering stronger connections across teams and partners.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the challenges and successes of our ancestors that made it possible for us to be part of this great American experiment. We are proud to be Americans, and even more proud to contribute to the nation’s growth by helping build housing that supports families and communities.
How has being part of the Indy Chamber, or the Indianapolis business community more broadly, supported your growth as an entrepreneur/small business?
Patrium’s exponential growth was not accidental. It was guided by strategic development programs provided through the Indy Chamber. Participating in the Enterprise Corps business classes proved transformative as we scaled both our operations and leadership.
The Marketing class helped us better define and shape our ideal client profile, which led to more targeted and profitable project pursuits. The Strategy class challenged our leadership team to address our most significant growth challenges with focus and rigor. Finally, the Leadership class was instrumental in helping us rethink how we organize the company as we continue to expand and add new talent.
Beyond structured programming, the Indy Chamber’s robust calendar of events and specialized professional committees allowed us to efficiently network with construction peers, subcontractors, and developers. As our employee base and project complexity grew, access to reliable, cost-effective services became essential. We value the Indy Chamber’s continued ability to connect us with trusted partners for legal counsel, financing opportunities, and insurance solutions.
The Indy Chamber is a cherished part of our growing professional community. It provides the connections, expertise, and access to capital necessary to support Indiana’s economic growth and address the future of housing development across the state.
What advice would you share with other Hispanic entrepreneurs or small business owners in Indy?
First, a rising tide lifts all boats. We support our peers with bidding, certifications, and business organization because it elevates the entire community. When one business grows stronger, it creates opportunities for others to succeed as well.
Second, lasting businesses are built on the relationships and trust forged between companies. Collaboration and a shared vision are essential for long-term success, year after year. That belief is our “why” as we work together to build opportunity and contribute to the American dream.
