6. Side-by-Side: Uniting the Office and the Field, from Plans to Pipe

this episode of the "Too Big to Fail" podcast, we sit down with Ruben Aguilar and Julio Hernandez for an inspiring look at how they helped transform Moss Utilities. You'll hear the remarkable stories of their journeys—Ruben starting as a laborer who climbed the ranks from pipe layer to General Superintendent, and Julio joining the team as a seasoned veteran who had worked his way up from Moss Construction. They share the hard-won lessons that shaped their careers and how their paths converged during one of the company's toughest periods.

This isn't just a story about growth; it's a blueprint for building a unified team. Ruben and Julio take us from a time when the field and office were two separate worlds to a modern, collaborative approach where communication is the foundation of every project. They discuss the critical shift in strategy that brought departments like estimating, project management, and on-site crews together, making a complex job like Project P117 a success. You'll learn how they now prepare for difficult projects by putting the right foremen and superintendents in place and how this relationship-driven approach has become Moss's competitive edge.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership and dedication. Our guests reflect on the importance of learning every part of the business, from running a compactor to leading a full crew. They also share their perspectives on the Moss University program, highlighting its role in preparing the next generation of leaders with a complete understanding of the company.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Steve Nash on Having Moss on the Team
• (00:00:39) - Moss Construction: Growing Up at Moss
• (00:04:16) - Teammates on Becoming Foremen
• (00:07:39) - Moss Utilities Superintendent and Employee Interview
• (00:08:53) - How has the PNBN communication evolved?
• (00:10:55) - Muhammad on PMs and the Moss
• (00:13:40) - MR: Communication on P117
• (00:20:18) - Which city is your favorite city?
• (00:21:36) - How To Pick the Right Superintendent
• (00:23:26) - Moss You: A Personal Experience
• (00:24:41) - Moss Utilities: The Field Experience