I grew up no stranger to hard work living on a farm raising chickens, hogs, turkeys, goats, you name it. Inspiration came from my parents as I watched both of them work various side jobs in addition to their work as janitors to make ends meet. They made certain that my siblings and I had everything we needed. When their working hours lasted long, I took on the responsibilities at home as the oldest child. I looked after my siblings and tended to the animals as best I could.
I started working at the age of 10 with an uncle during the summers and weekends to help pay the bills. I quickly learned the importance and delicacy of customer service at the young age. As I was and am bilingual, I translated for my uncle when necessary. This included everything from basic pricing to lengthy conversations with angry customers. At 14, I began my first job that came with a paycheck, and I have been working ever since. Times were tough, but I stepped up to the plate and developed the strong work ethic that has carried me through life.
I unavoidably grew up at a fast pace and continued that pace into adulthood as I began having kids. I have three children. All girls. To this day, I do not think a bigger nor more rewarding challenge in life exists. I was still young starting out, and it forced me to further challenge my work ethic and push even harder to support my new growing family. I worked excruciatingly long hours in the oil fields to support my wife and daughters. The fluctuation in the industry made for a roller coaster of a livelihood.
In search of more stability, I started my career in Construction Services in 2008 as a crew chief on a utility repair crew. I took numerous classes through Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and received my class C water/wastewater license. This provided me the opportunity to begin operating on water and wastewater projects for both public and private systems. To further my knowledge and grow in my experience, I also took my surface water 1 and 2 and Customer Service Inspector (CSI) classes. Through these classes, I learned proper training on water treatments, filtration principles, water taste and odor considerations and in-depth knowledge of the operations of production.
My dedication to learning and the experience I gain every day from putting curriculum to practice allow me to think ahead and proactively problem-solve on the water and wastewater projects we produce at EHRA Engineering.
I am currently a senior site representative with EHRA and am responsible for a variety of projects ranging in size and complexity. Throughout my career, I have experienced and appreciated challenging projects that have led to exciting outcomes and professional growth. I have worked on bridges, sewer plants, lift stations, water plants and countless water scarcity and drought (WS&D) sections all around the Greater Houston region. There is no greater feeling than to drive around a city or town and see the work you and your organization have built over the years in the place you call home.
I appreciate the opportunity that EHRA and its leadership has given me to advance in my career and the value they put in my work and abilities. I, like many at EHRA, have found a second home in this company. There is a reason the firm’s 85-year-old legacy is integrated with generations of families. The beliefs and core principles are strong pillars within each team member. For this reason, and so many others, I was able to convince my wife to join the firm and share in the experience as well.
I am not one made to stand still. Hard work will always guide me and my passions. However, I have learned the importance of balance to enjoy the life I continue to work hard in creating. I take the time to get to know my colleagues through company outlets like the EHRA bowling league, and I make time for fishing in solitude. When I work and ride freely in my spare time on my Harley Davidson, I take the minute and appreciate the life I have earned and the blessings that I have been granted.
