Faces of Flatiron: Mike Ruiz

What’s the best part about your job?

I enjoy helping people out.

Why were you interested in working for Flatiron?

I did not like the direction my previous employer was going. I heard there was a position available at Flatiron in Colorado. I met with the Director of Safety and the Area Operations Manager for the Central Division and based on those conversations decided to submit my application for the position.

What keeps you here after all these years?

Flatiron is a great company. I love the people I work with, and I have great people above me. Everybody is easy-going. It is a great atmosphere.

How has Flatiron helped your career develop?

I came from a vertical construction background. Going to horizontal construction was a completely different animal, so they have helped me learn a whole new side of construction. Bridges, rivers, and roads offer completely new challenges.

What are 3 words that best describe working at Flatiron?

Great
Trustworthy
Understanding

What is your proudest moment at Flatiron?

We won a safety award from the CCA (Colorado Contractor’s Association) for having a low incident rate. It was awarded for overall performance and not for specific job. It was a nice recognition.

What has been your favorite project at Flatiron?

It is hard for me to pick just one because I am really over all of the jobs.

From your perspective, what differentiates Flatiron from our competitors?

Flatiron places a lot of value on each and every one of our employees. We focus on training. We have a great atmosphere. I have not worked in heavy civil construction for long, but from what I have heard from other people, the amount of training time we put into our employees is pretty unique. Our people also value the safety program. We are helping our people by looking out for their best interests, and that is not always the case at other companies.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I have four children – all girls. I attend sporting events with them. I coach basketball and soccer. We like to go boating and camping. I also like to play golf with my buddies and go fishing.