4: From Laborers to Leaders – The Hernandez Brothers' Journey

This episode of Too Big To Fail features brothers Cristian and Jesus Hernandez, who share their remarkable journey from warehouse workers to key leaders at Moss Utilities. Their story is a testament to dedication, continuous learning, and the power of seizing opportunities. The brothers recount their humble beginnings at Moss. Cristian, who started as a laborer seven and a half years ago, transitioned from a warehouse job with no prior construction experience. He quickly learned the ropes, from reading plans and shooting grade to operating heavy machinery, eventually becoming a foreman in just six months. His dedication to learning the terminology and hands-on skills was crucial.

Jesus followed in his brother's footsteps, initially joining the same crew as a driver. He also came from a warehouse background, valuing the responsibility he gained there. Despite the initial challenges of a new industry and working outdoors, both brothers emphasized the importance of communication and building trust within their crews. They highlight how being bilingual helped bridge communication gaps and how leading by example, especially in hands-on work, motivated their crews. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of their promotions. Cristian quickly rose to General Superintendent, managing multiple crews and navigating complex projects in demanding areas in North Texas. He discusses the crucial role of building relationships with general contractors and city inspectors, understanding that good communication is vital for project success. Jesus, similarly, became a foreman and then a superintendent in a short span, emphasizing the need to trust the process and continually learn.

A significant theme throughout the episode is the influence of leadership, particularly the relentless "push" from their mentor, Parker Thane. Both brothers view this mentorship as a positive force that challenged them to become the best versions of themselves, instilling a mindset of never saying no to a challenge and always putting in extra effort.

They also touch upon the broader impact of their work, recognizing that installing underground utilities is fundamental to daily life, from turning on a faucet to powering schools and businesses. The episode concludes with their advice to field workers: always give 100%, view every task as a learning opportunity, and understand that hard work will lead to advancement.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Give it Your All
• (00:00:36) - Moss Construction: Christian and Jesus
• (00:04:02) - Wheels on a Machine
• (00:05:55) - What Would You Say is the Most Difficult Part of Working On
• (00:10:07) - Punch Crew foreman on Hard Hat
• (00:12:51) - Moss Football Club's Culture
• (00:13:54) - Moss Factory's culture
• (00:15:06) - Brandon Boyd on His First Project as a Foreman
• (00:19:46) - How to Get the Most Out of Your Employees
• (00:20:07) - Past Foreman Parker Jones on His Role
• (00:23:39) - Garrett on Superintendents' Challenges
• (00:25:07) - Superintendent on Becoming a Foreman in Dallas
• (00:28:46) - How to manage a GC's project
• (00:31:40) - Projects Supervisor on a Big Project
• (00:36:21) - GMCs on the Wet Utilities
• (00:40:56) - Moss Utilities: An Impact
• (00:45:00) - Dempsey on His Career
• (00:46:01) - Moss Legends on the Field