Chris Martinez
President, Central Electric
San Antonio
What was your first job in the construction industry?
Growing up in a family business was definitely the first. What I mean by that is, whenever I could join Dad on the weekend at the shop, I was working. I recall him having me copy a 1,000-page spec book. I’m not sure why, but back then you did as you were told.
Another fond memory is of being assigned to sweep the parking lot. Unfortunately, it was off a four-lane street, so the little asphalt rocks never quit coming. I think that was my dad’s way of keeping me out of trouble or mischievousness.
You and your brother are second-generation owners of Central Electric. How do you honor your father’s legacy as founder while also taking the company in your own direction?
Our father taught us the meaning of some very basic core values and Christian beliefs: Honesty is the best policy. Don’t ever lie, cheat or steal.
And, when you bid a project, don’t shop around people. You commit to the people that got you to the dance. I still use some of those lines today!
What would you choose as your last meal?
For me, it is more about who’s around the dinner table. Breaking bread and sharing moments of laughter are keys to happiness. If I had to choose—steak dinner with some good wine.
Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on?
Believe it or not, my fondest memories of a good project are the relationships and bonds that are made at difficult times. Jobs that go easy are not always memorable; it’s the tough ones that require courage and fortitude that are memorable.
How is your company addressing construction’s skilled-labor shortage?
I’m a big believer that there is no perfect answer for this. Rather, it is a series of steps and multiple actions that would address this issue. I get excited when our team wants to go and participate at their kids’ career day to talk about what the industry holds and opportunities that are out there.
You have to engage, put yourself out there and be proud of the association that we represent to share the good news of the construction industry.
What’s your favorite quote?
I have several. One that comes to mind is “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Another is “Don’t confuse movement with progress.” And “Dreams without goals are just dreams.”
How do you keep your people inspired and motivated?
I’m an optimist. I believe that people want to do good things, people want to come to work and achieve success, and we need to figure out how to help people in our industry figure out how to reach those milestones.
