[2] He graduated as a lawyer from the University of Medellín and began his political career as a councilor of Bello.

He later became the mayor of the same municipality and worked in the private sector as manager of the football team Atlético Nacional.

[2][3] In 1994, he ran as a candidate for the Departmental Assembly of Antioquia but was kidnapped by the Guerrilla Coordinating Board.

[4] After his release in 1997, he ran for the Governorship of Antioquia for the Colombian Conservative Party, defeating former mayor of Medellín and former governor of Antioquia, Álvaro Villegas Moreno.

[4] After leaving the governorship, Builes has remained active in politics.