SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

¡Feliz mes de la herencia hispana! In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting some of the Hispanic employees who make Superior Construction great.

Julian Rozo, VP of Southeast Operations

How long have you been at Superior Construction? 

I’ve been with Superior for 23 years.

What was your job title when you began, and what is your current job title? Tell us about your history with the company. 

I joined Superior in 2000 after interviewing with former CEO Tom Largura and former Chief FInancial Officer Richard Ayers. At the time, I’d interviewed with several construction companies but was having a hard time finding work because I needed a company to sponsor my U.S. Visa. Tom and Richard were open-minded and took a chance on me.

I started as a project coordinator and was assigned my first project: State Road 21 Blanding Boulevard over the Cedar River. I’ve held other positions since then, as the company transitioned into other areas and became a major key player within the industry, including Northeast Florida Division Manager and Florida Operations Manager. In January of 2022, I was appointed Vice President of Southeast Operations.

What made you want to pursue a career in construction?

I grew up in the construction industry and was always very interested in the process and logistics behind complex projects. I was especially interested initially in hydroelectric, tunnels and subsequently in bridges. I obtained a Civil Engineering degree from Universidad Santo Tomás in Bogotá, Colombia, which allowed me to work in an engineering firm. However, I quickly realized that the path I wanted to follow was in construction to learn what it takes to build significant projects.

What is your favorite thing about working for Superior? 

There are several, but I’d say the commitment and motivation from most people I work with constantly drive me to work as hard as them, if not harder. Construction can be very challenging and often presents us with various complex issues. Still, tackling these problems alongside a talented group of people motivates me to find solutions and ideas that sometimes are out of the ordinary.

Is the construction industry typically inclusive, or have you found it difficult for Latinos and other minorities to advance to key leadership roles? 

I genuinely believe that in construction, as with any other field, the limitations are within you. As long as you work hard, like what you do, and respect people around you, opportunities will come, and it will be up to you to take them and do the best you can. 

How does it feel to be able to represent Latinos in the construction industry, especially as one in a management position? 

I feel very fortunate. My background allows me to connect to the Latino community easily and to help and learn in any way possible. Sometimes, I meet workers in the field who remind me of when I started with Superior, so it helps a lot to communicate, understand and motivate them. 

I’m very grateful for how Superior supported me and significantly influenced the trajectory of my career. If I can do that for someone else, regardless of where they come from, I would be very happy to do so.

What would you say stands out to you about Superior’s culture? 

Its family-oriented approach. Most importantly, I’ve been with the company for 23 years and have seen many changes since I started. Despite all of them and the company’s growth, its family values remain the same. Leadership has always protected this culture and understands its importance in the company’s success. It’s incumbent upon us to continue fostering a positive work environment for future generations.

What project are you most proud of? Is there one in particular that stands out? 

All of them! Every project teaches and shows you something different, regardless of scope, size, or location. However, if I must pick, I have a special place for the JTB Interchange at I-295 and the corridor of what used to be called the 9A (now the section along 295 between Beach Boulevard and JTB). These were successful complex projects right here in Jacksonville. We worked with a very talented group of people and built good relationships with the owner and CEI. I gained a lot of good experience during my years on those projects.

Where are you from? Tell me about your country of origin, languages spoken and family.

I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and speak Spanish fluently. I lived in England for two years and moved to Florida in 2000, when I joined Superior. The company gave me an opportunity and sponsored me with a work visa for nearly seven years, after which I became a permanent resident in 2007 and an American citizen in 2012. 

I’ve been married for 30 years and am a proud dad of two children, Dani and Lucas, who are currently attending college. Looking back through the years, I can say that my family’s success today is a result of that opportunity Superior gave us 23 years ago.  

What’s your advice for young Latinos considering a career in the construction industry?

The sky is the limit. Be passionate about your career and what you do. Respect others working around you because the people you build relationships with in your early days will likely cross your path later in your career. Most importantly, remain calm and work steadily. Construction will throw anything and everything at you, but at the end of the day, perseverance will enable you to succeed no matter what challenge you face.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work? I love running; it’s how I clear my head. I’ve run almost 25 marathons to date and look forward to more!