In 2010, Gerardo (Lalo) Lopez began his career with Sundt as a carpenter. He journeyed out of an apprenticeship program to take the next step in his career. Throughout his 14-plus years with the company, Lalo advanced to foreman, field superintendent and now, he’s a project superintendent for Sundt’s Concrete Division. Since his first Sundt project, the Val Vista Water Treatment Plant in Mesa, Arizona, Lalo has gained experience on solar, mining, senior living and university housing projects.
We were lucky enough to catch Lalo Lopez for a chat between projects. Having just completed the concrete scope of Cal Poly Humboldt’s 964-bed student housing project, he’s getting ready to begin work on the Sequoia Student Housing project for California State University Fullerton. This six-story, 155,000-square-foot facility will be Lalo’s third student housing project in California.
Now that you’ve been in the role for a while, what do you believe makes a good superintendent?
The number one trait is being an advocate for your team in the field. Identify with them, get to know them and listen—especially when they might have safety concerns or need new equipment. It helps to be someone who came up through the trades, or someone who has taken the time to understand the trades.
We heard that you have a team who follows you from project to project. What’s your leadership style?
Generally, I just take care of the tradesmen and women I work with. I create relationships with them so they feel comfortable telling me their needs, and I try my best to help them. One aspect of being a leader that’s critical to me is that I take the time to teach the guys how to do things the “Sundt way.”
“I want to help my team progress to the next stage of their careers—bettering their skills is the first step in that journey.”
—Lalo Lopez, Project Superintendent
What project are you most proud of during your time with Sundt?
Definitely Cal Poly Humboldt Student Housing, the project I just finished. It was a challenge because of the remote location and unpredictable weather, but that’s why it’s my proudest accomplishment. We overcame a lot of challenges, and we became a close-knit team that delivered a quality product despite the obstacles.
What has kept you working with Sundt?
Sundt takes care of their people with good benefits and opportunity. I rarely have a lapse between projects, which has created job security for me and my family. Most importantly, the people and the culture will keep me here. I preach to my teams in the field that they can build a solid career with Sundt.
What advice would you give to those just entering the field?
I try to share with them how much I enjoy building. When I have apprentices working with me, I remind them that it’s satisfying because you’ll always be able to see the results of your hard work. It helps them stay motivated when challenges arise. We get to drive by with our families and tell them “we built that.”
Inspired by Lalo’s story? Check out our openings.