Staff Spotlight: Cris Diaz

Meet Cris Diaz, crew chief and key member of the FOCUS Construction Staking department. From a young age, Cris was driven to pursue a career in the construction industry. Both his older brother, a carpentry contractor, and his grandfather, a construction contractor, influenced his vision. At the age of 22, while working for a builder in Colombia, Cris became the youngest resident engineer to manage the construction of a vehicular bridge.

Growth Mindset and Passion for Work

In his work, Cris adopts a growth mindset and maintains a positive outlook every day. He appreciates the variety of tasks he performs and the often-extreme weather conditions he works in, and is grateful for the lack of monotony in his daily routine. “I have fun. It challenges me to move heavy things while staking in hard ground.” Outside of work, Cris pursues his passion for challenges through activities like soccer, hiking, tennis, and riding motorcycles.

Overcoming Challenges in the Industry

While reflecting on the challenges he has faced in the industry, Cris recalls the language barrier he encountered when he first started at FOCUS. “Starting from scratch in a company, with a language that is not my native language, was definitely difficult. It took me a long time to feel comfortable and to be able to give something back to the people who trained me. I am very grateful for that and to FOCUS for giving me that wonderful experience.”

Leadership and Vision for the Future

Cris is a strong example of leadership, driven by his passion for collaboration and teamwork. When asked about his vision for the future, he said, “I want to be able to lead a department and create a team so successful that other companies or groups want to follow our working model.” Cris’s passion for the AEC industry is inspiring. He adds, “… civil engineering is the foundation of careers that have a great impact on society, seeking benefits in all aspects. I am happy to be part of that community and to be able to impact the world with my knowledge.”