In this podcast episode, Angel Tavera interviews Edwin Tavira of Moss Utilities. Edwin shares his journey, starting as a lube truck assistant in September 2018 while in college. He initially knew nothing about excavation or plumbing but used his curiosity to learn from foremen, gaining a "bigger picture" understanding of the industry, including safety procedures, trenching, and grading.
By December 2019, as he neared graduation, Moss Utilities founder Garrett Moss, who was very involved in all aspects of the business, offered Edwin an interview. This led to his role as an estimating coordinator, where he learned to delegate emails, manage schedules, and understand the intricacies of reading plans and performing take-offs. Edwin realized the critical impact of the estimating department on the company's overall success, describing it as a "domino effect" – if estimating doesn't secure jobs, other departments can't function.
Edwin explains the bid process at Moss Utilities, which begins with the estimating coordinator receiving bid invitations. They prioritize projects and clients through weekly meetings, emphasizing the importance of relationships with general contractors and vendors (for pipe, aggregate, and specialty items). Estimators then use software like "Heavy Bid Access Cloud system" to calculate time and material, considering various factors like depth, existing conditions (water, rock), and city-specific standards across the DFW area. Edwin likens estimating to an "open book test," where all information is available if you know where to look.
He highlights the complexity of projects, noting that smaller, downtown jobs can often be more challenging than larger ones due to congested areas and numerous obstacles. Despite the constant demands, Edwin enjoys the fast-paced environment and appreciates how every department at Moss Utilities works in "union," much like a well-lubricated machine.
Edwin emphasizes that everyone's role at Moss Utilities is vital, fostering a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and their contributions impact hundreds of families. He expresses pride in his work and the company's involvement in significant projects, such as schools across the metroplex.
His words of wisdom to aspiring construction professionals are to "go out there and get it" and "do it." He stresses the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and setting goals. For Edwin, the "win-win" philosophy at Moss Utilities means that successful bids lead to a chain effect of work, allowing everyone, from project managers to field workers, to go home winning and providing for their families.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Edwin Jackson on Construction(00:00:29) - Employee Edwin Moss on Moss Lewtruck(00:02:00) - How a Lube Trick Assistant transitioned to a Truck Driver(00:03:37) - How To Get Your Project Out of the Estimated Department(00:08:18) - What Makes A Contractor Pick the Right Project?(00:12:38) - Polk Construction: Everybody's Job Matters(00:16:16) - Words of Wisdom from Edwin

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