Polo Vasquez
Utility Foreman
Polo Vasquez’s journey in construction began with the inspiring early morning routines of his father and uncles. The detailed plans and accomplishments shared during their 4 AM discussions instilled a passion in Polo from a young age. Growing up, he knew he wanted to create his own stories in the construction industry, just like his family did.
Leading with Experience and Dedication
A Legacy of Excellence and Commitment
Polo Vasquez’s journey, rooted in family tradition and driven by passion, exemplifies the dedication and skill required to succeed in the construction industry. His experiences, from overcoming challenging projects to maintaining a balance between work and personal life, highlight his commitment to excellence. At RW Jones Heavy Construction, Polo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and continuous learning. His leadership and expertise contribute significantly to the company’s success, ensuring that each project is completed with the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Foreman Interview
Polo Vasquez - Utility Foreman
What sparked your interest in construction and led you to pursue it as a career?
My family is what sparked an interest in construction. My dad and uncles would be up and ready by 4 AM planning out their day. I don’t know why but listening to them make their plans and talk about their accomplishments was comforting. I cannot explain it, but I knew from a young age that is what I wanted to do. The stories of their work experiences were amazing, and I knew I had to create my own just like they did.
Can you share a memorable experience from your early days in the construction industry?
The first time I worked on a moisture conditioning project. Operating a 6×6 off road in and out of the soon-to-be pad site was one of the most fun things that I have done. It felt like I was mudding in a big monster truck.
How do you balance the physical demands of your job with your personal life and hobbies?
I set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Every day after 5:30 pm, I dedicate my time to my family. They are the main reason I get up to do the job I love.
Have you ever had a funny or unexpected moment on a construction site that you can share?
It would have to be in my early years. I was instructed to clear a piece of land with a track loader. I had moved them but not necessarily performed any task. I was somewhat scared of failing. At that moment, it was either sink or swim, and I had to get the job done. Around 4 o’clock, my boss showed up and asked me why I finished everything so quickly. I was honest with him and mentioned it was my first time in a track loader and felt that if I didn’t do the work properly, I could have gotten fired. He looked at me and laughed and said that he budgeted that task for a week and did not know what I was going to clear for the next few days.
What's the most challenging project you've worked on, and how did you overcome obstacles?
That would have to be in Addison, TX. We were doing some utility improvements. We had to upgrade the old 6-inch clay sewer line to an 8-inch HDPE line. In the process, we had to set up a temporary bypass system so that a section of the line could be relined instead of replacing it. The section of the line that needed to be relined had too much flow. After careful planning, we created a temporary manhole and bypassed that section of line to two other manholes 2000 feet away. It was somewhat impressive to perform that work on one of the busiest streets in Dallas, TX.
Do you have any role models or mentors in the construction industry? If so, how have they influenced your career?
My father is my role model. There is nothing that he cannot do on a piece of equipment. Watching him work is like gazing at a piece of art. He is brilliant. He tried to steer me away from the industry, saying that it was hard work and that he wanted something better for me. He does not know that his work ethic and sheer determination to make my siblings and me successful in life is what drove me to be like him. I figure if I can be half the man that he is, my family will be in great shape.
If you could build anything in the world, what would it be and why?
I would want to build a bridge over water. I have not had the pleasure to perform that task. I have seen how it is done and find the building of the piers underwater is amazing. I hope one day I can get to work on a project like that.
How do you stay updated on new construction techniques, materials, and technologies?
Although it may not be ideal, YouTube has been a great tool to see what the industry is coming out with. One example that I can think of is in-place pipe bursting. Contractors can take a new pipe, burst the old pipe, and set a new line without having to open cut the earth.
Can you share a project that you're particularly proud of and explain why it stands out to you?
I would have to turn to the Addison Lake Forest project. That project was full of obstacles. The main one was finishing the water line before winter. We had an above-ground temporary waterline supplying water to all the residents. We had to finish the water improvements before Christmas or big freeze. We got it done in time without issues.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in construction?
Listen, Learn, and Execute. It is physically hard work, but doing those three things will give you the best feeling of accomplishment. It will make you feel great and highly rewarded.