What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
That it only provides limited career opportunity. The industry in fact offers a wide range of opportunities and significant vertical and lateral opportunities. I would argue that it also provides the best path for entrepreneurs to go from apprentice to business owner.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Finding good candidates for open positions. The combination of low unemployment and high cost of living in the DC Metro area creates unique challenges to attracting new members to the labor force.
What keeps you up at night?
Not much. Challenges and opportunities will be there in the morning when I wake up. I will be better able to deal with them after a good night's sleep.
What project is your company most proud of?
I can't name just one. All our projects occur within hospitals. Each project has its own challenges and serves unique patient populations. The combination of overcoming said challenges and knowing we are building spaces for clinical teams to deliver lifesaving care is pretty amazing.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
It provides us access to a network of amazing peers and high-quality programs. Both resources help us create a safe and professional environment for our employees.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Fighter pilot.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
My parents emigrated from Uruguay, South America to the US. I didn't learn English until I went to kindergarten.
What do you look forward to each day?
I look forward to accomplishing things. I love the tangible nature of our industry, Whether it’s a large or small task there is a constant sense of accomplishment because you are contributing to the larger project in some way.
What are you like to work for?
Depends on who you ask. I try to be a good leader. I focus on providing my team clear direction, desired outcomes, and the necessary resources.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
Lauriol Plaza - margs, chips and salsa on the roof.
Who would you trade places with for a day?
The President of the United States. I would ride in Marine One and Airforce One and I would read up on all the classified files from the Kennedy assassination to aliens.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Don't have one. More of a reader. Favorite book is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. Didn't realize when I read it in my twenties but part of the reason I loved that book was that the story centered around a stone mason and the construction of a cathedral.
What do you do for fun?
Hang out with my family. Work out. Go out to eat. Fly general aviation.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
Check your ego at the door. Especially as a young man who made too many ego driven decisions.
What book are you currently reading?
The Real Anthony Fauci by RFK Jr.
What was your first job?
Gas station attendant.