“Cell-Crete gives you a lot of opportunities to learn more and gain experience every single day.”

How did you first hear about Cell-Crete and get started in the industry?

I started in construction about 20 years ago, but at the time, I was working for another company that worked on underground areas for railroads and tracks. Eventually, one of my cousins who also works for Cell-Crete told me they needed truck drivers, and I had a clean record with my Class A driver’s license.

What is a typical day like for you on the job?

If I need to drive my equipment, I’ll drive to the yard and try to get there by 5 AM to load the equipment and check on the folders I need for the job. After I put diesel in my equipment, I’ll drive out to the job site. There, I talk with contractors, figure out where to set up, discuss and meet with the laborers, and explain what we’re doing. As soon as we have everything ready, we start pumping. By the end of the day, we wash it out. If I need to leave the equipment at the job site, I’ll make sure everything is locked up, but if we need to bring it back to the yard, I’ll drive it back safely.

What’s one of the best things about working here?

Working for Cell-Crete is very different from other companies. It’s almost the same procedure, but every day is different. We always need to think ahead and figure out different options for the job, so it never gets boring. I get to talk to so many different people and contractors, and we never stay in one place for too long. I like being able to travel to different cities where I get to hear ideas and opinions from other people.

Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on here at Cell-Crete?

For me, all projects are important. Since every day is different, you get to learn more and gain experience. Whether it’s a small or big job, I like working on the projects where we have a chance to get a good amount of production done for the day.

Any advice for someone just starting in this industry? 

My recommendation is that you always need to keep your eyes open. Open your ears and listen to other people because they know things too. If you want to grow, you need to open your mind and try to do your best while considering safety all the time.

How do you define success?

When I complete a job without any problems, learn something new, or have no accidents or injuries, that’s what I view as success. I also feel successful when contractors call the office and have a positive reaction.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I don’t have many hobbies, but I do like being with my family. I like spending time with my wife, two daughters (9 and 12 years), and mother. In my free time, I like to clean the yard or organize the house. I’m usually working all day so I like being with my family when I get home. Sometimes I’ll take my daughters to the park where they like to play sports too.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a very straightforward person. When people say “Felix is hardworking,” they usually mean that I’m a good person because I’m very responsible and like spending time with my family. I like working hard throughout the year so I can take them out of state on a vacation for a few weeks at the very end.

What is the next item on your bucket list? 

I have a lot of goals. Aside from taking time off at the end of the year, I also want to save money so I can give my daughters a good opportunity to go to school and even save up to get a nice place. Another goal is to complete my 25 years in the union to get hours for retirement. Lastly, I want to continue growing within the company so I can eventually become more than just an Operator or Foreman.