Careers in Construction

Careers in Construction

Careers in Construction Month (CICM) is a nationwide campaign held every October to increase awareness of the many career paths available in the industry, and to inspire the next generation of trade professionals. This initiative aligns with the goals of our purpose statement and core values at Corbins, so we eagerly supported the message throughout the month by featuring select members of our PRIDE, highlighting the unique journeys they have taken to reach their current success. We are happy to share a glimpse into their stories below, and their full features can be found on our Instagram and LinkedIn social media channels.

KEVIN SMITH
FIELD SUPPORT MANAGER

We kicked off Careers in Construction month with none other than our Field Support Manager, Kevin Smith. We’ve been lucky enough to have Kevin as a member of the PRIDE for a total of 11 years now, having first been introduced to him at the start of his career when he entered the industry as an Electrical Worker. After having completed our apprenticeship program, Kevin moved to the field and thus began his track to management. His journey in our industry continues to be a great example of the growth that you can accomplish in your career if you take every opportunity that presents itself.

Kevin states, “I wasn’t sure where this path in construction would take me, but the leaders we have here at Corbins have pushed me to be the best version of myself, and that mentality is something I now share with others. Write down and speak your goals into existence as you continue to take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Keep grinding!

STACIE BRISTOW
STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Stacie Bristow’s first dive into the construction industry was 9 years ago when she applied for a job with us and quickly began assisting our Virtual Design Construction department. Little did she know at the time, an open spot in Accounting some years later would lead her to discovering her true passion.

Stacie’s love for math comes alive in her role as our Staff Accountant, and gives her the variety she craves, whether that be working in AP, AR, month-end close, or handling all of the corporate credit cards. There are always new calculations to be solved, and Stacie is always up for the challenge!

Taking her growth and development to the next level, Stacie recently earned her Accounting degree in 2020. “I’ve had so many cheerleaders along the way thanks to my Corbin’s family. While I pushed myself, I was also pushed by my PRIDE, who encouraged me to work hard as I took full advantage of the tuition reimbursement program offered here,” Stacie explains. “Keep the people that only want the best for you around, and see what becomes of you hitting your goals.”

VINCET MAESTAS
PROJECT ENGINEER

Vincent Maestas’ start in the construction industry began when he was just 16 years old, working in home remodeling as he supported his wife and newborn daughter. When the couple found out they were going to be parents again 5 years later, Vincent decided it was time for a change, and joined the electrical world. With no prior knowledge, Vincent embraced his new roles very quickly, working his way to becoming the Warehouse and Prefabrication Manager. Yet, he still felt something was missing and wanted more fulfillment in his career.

“When I was approached with an opportunity to join the Corbins team I saw a lot of potential, so I took a chance and I have to say, it’s been one of the best decisions I have made,” Vincent shares. “I began as a Prefabrication Foreman and am now a Project Engineer taking on estimating responsibilities as well. With the support of everyone in the PRIDE, especially my patient and supportive team, I learn something new every day. I come in to work ready to utilize all of the tools I am provided to continue to grow.” Vincent’s dedication to his development is inspiring, and we are so glad he joined the PRIDE four years ago. Keep up the great work!

MARIE GUERRERO
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

When Marie Guerrero first joined our PRIDE she was new to the construction industry, and wasn’t sure what working in the trades had in store for her. Fast forward three years to today as our Workforce Development Specialist, Marie has flourished into being a key player in the growth and success of our workforce.

Guerrero states, “I love our core values and have enjoyed our family-oriented environment since attending my first huddle. At Corbins I feel trusted and appreciated for who I am and what I am capable of, and with this company culture, my passion for learning and helping others has come alive. I am able to challenge myself daily while helping others develop their skills in the process.”

The tip Marie lives by is to define your goals so you know exactly what it is you want. She says, “The necessary steps to achieve your goals become more clear, and you know the work you must put in.” This advice along with her positivity is something Marie shares routinely with those she supports in her role.

DAVID BURTON
PROJECT EXECUTIVE

Project Executive, David Burton, says his start in the industry is a bit of a funny story. “I had gone to military school, then college for a few years after with no knowledge of what I wanted to do. When faced with the realization that I needed to either decide on a direction to head in or join the service, I got my hands on a list of the courses offered at Technical Vocational Institute (now known as Central New Mexico Community College). I picked the electrical track strictly based on the amount of money I could make, but I had never done anything in construction before, so it was an absolute wild shot for me,” Dave explains. “2.5 years later I graduated with an Industrial Electrical certification from TVI, and went out and got a job. For the first month or two I would ask myself, ‘What the heck did I get myself into?’, but that quickly passed and I never looked back.”

Dave has been in the trade for 37 years, 11 of them in the field and once promoted as an Estimator thus began 26 years in office roles leading up to his current role as Project Executive. “When you are both supported and challenged at the same time, the sky is the limit.” Dave goes on to say, “I had the skills for where I am today, but I did not know it. One person can’t be everything, but that one person can bring value to a team that no one else can. Corbins figures out what that value is and what it looks like, and then we get after it as a PRIDE.

MATT DORIS
PROJECT ENGINEER

Most of Matt Doris’s weekends as an ambitious 16-year-old were spent stocking and sorting material in the warehouse of an electrical contracting business owned by family. Once he graduated high school, he got started in the field full time, and from ages 19-23 worked in the oilfields of North Dakota before returning to Arizona and diving back into electrical work. He recalls thinking at the time that since he had been a laborer and enjoyed operating equipment, that it would be the ideal path to follow for his career.

“I have been with Corbins since February of 2020 and have been lucky enough to be recognized by my peers for my work ethic and drive. My leaders have taken the time to help guide me and shape my growth as I continue to work toward all of the opportunities there are to advance in this industry,” says Matt. “The best advice I can give anyone is to take your time in learning how to perform at the highest level in the role you are currently in, and the next opportunity will present itself.”Spoken like a true lion. Happy to have you in the PRIDE, Matt!

Thank you to each member of the PRIDE who shared more about their background and lent a few tips for those interested in our industry. We appreciate all you do, and look forward to celebrating whatever else you make of your career in construction!

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