The people who plan, manage, and build our projects are all experts in their field, and an integral part of our company’s success. Jorge Barrera is a project manager currently building a new mid-rise apartment complex in Houston, TX. Here’s eight questions to get to know him.
1. What’s your current day-to-day look like?
As the onsite project manager, my day–to–day focus goes towards planning ahead and working on the top priorities each day alongside the project superintendent. Those priorities usually involve having crucial conversations with trade partners about our critical path tasks or any challenges they’re experiencing.
2. What’s the one lesson you’ve learned in this industry that’s stuck with you?
Run towards the problems that keep you from being successful and solve them. Don’t hide from them. Prioritize the issue, but don’t let it linger.
3. Describe the last challenge/problem you solved on the job.
COVID-19 comes to mind almost immediately because the situation changes day by day. We have had the risk of having multiple material deliveries arrive late due to the pandemic, but our team communicated the issues with our client and trade partners and developed a plan to minimize the impact by finding alternate vendors and placing orders well before the required delivery dates to avoid delays.
4. How did you get started in the industry?
I’ve always had an interest in building things at home. What started as building dog houses, sheds, rooster cages, and self-performing minor home improvements, has evolved into building multi-million-dollar projects with one of the most respected and admired companies in the city where I was born and raised.
5. What’s your most memorable project?
My first project fresh out of college, One Lake’s Edge. I learned and grew in such a short amount of time because I was surrounded by a team of skilled builders who coached and mentored me.
6. What’s the best part of your job?
Working with a team and helping others learn and grow within their roles. I enjoy seeing everyone do their part for the overall success of a project.
7. What’s your favorite band or song?
I’m a fan of all music. I couldn’t pick just one. I do like to listen to a lot of the Mexican Spanish music originating from where my family is from.
8. What’s your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating college and getting an internship are two of my proudest moments. It’s because of those accomplishments I’m able to be where I am today.
