A Hispanic Heritage Month Interview with Jorge Escarpita and Luis Puig

Pictured: Jorge Escarpita (left), Luis Puig (right)

Since 1989, National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized from September 15 to October 15, has honored the legacy, culture and contributions of U.S. citizens whose ancestors migrated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America – as well as those who migrated here themselves. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” is a resonate one for two Latino subcontractors working on the Obama Presidential Center project. Jorge Escarpita, founder and president of Escarpita Construction, and Luis Puig, president of ALL Masonry, have conquered barriers and bias in the industry, and won.

Both agree that winning key roles in the creation of such a high-profile, large project is especially meaningful for them and their respective businesses. Escarpita Construction was awarded the drywall package for the museum, forum, library and parking garage, and ALL Masonry completed the stone mockup work for the letters that will be sculpted into the building’s façade. So, when we asked, Escarpita and Puig were thrilled to share their personal journeys and motivations for venturing into the industry, and how it feels to reach this apex in their careers.

Q: What led you to pursue the kind of work you’re leading today?

Escarpita: I’m a first-generation immigrant from Durango, Mexico, who grew up in the West Humboldt Park and Portage Park neighborhoods. After high school, I entered trade school and worked as a carpenter on some of the largest projects across Chicagoland. After earning my BA, going to graduate school at North Park University and working as a senior project manager in Las Vegas, I returned to Chicago where I founded Escarpita in 2007 with the goal of building large and complex projects.

Puig: Growing up in Chicago, I witnessed firsthand how construction could transform communities and the lives of people living in those communities. My father, Luis Puig Sr., founded ALL Construction Group in 1959. I got my start at the business as a bricklayer to learn it from the ground up. Now serving as president, I’m proud to build upon the foundation laid by my father, make my own mark on the industry, and continue enhancing the capabilities of the company.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that minority-owned contractors face?

Escarpita: Being pigeonholed as a minority and overcoming the perceived risk just for being a minority. My advice to other Hispanic- and minority-owned firms is to perform extraordinarily on your current opportunities to squash the doubters and continually advocate for acceptance in non-mandated minority projects. We must bring to light both open and hidden prejudices.

Puig: In general, we have a harder time securing large projects because of negative stereotypes. My advice to fellow minority-owned contractors is to let the quality of your work speak for itself and find your niche. Also, make connections so you can help lift others who may find themselves in a similar situation.

Q: What does it mean to you personally to participate in this project and what does it mean for your business?

Escarpita: Growing up and doing business in Chicago has given me the unique experience of seeing multiple facets of the city and shown me how beneficial this project can be for businesses and the community. We’re excited to be a part of this iconic project and hope that our passion for building Chicago is evident and only further solidifies our reputation in the industry. It is a great legacy to be a part of.

Puig: Personally, I get to be a part of history and work on a project that upholds the legacy of one of our nation’s greatest presidents. For the business, it’s another meaningful opportunity to create steady employment over the next couple of years.

Q: What sets your business apart?

Escarpita: We ​​focus on large, complex and logistically challenging projects. The larger and more complex, the better. To keep my team motivated, I like to expose them to the behind the scenes of how a company works, help them see the bigger picture, and inspire creativity that impacts the entire company and our ability to overcome challenges.

Puig: We produce a lot of our own products that end up being installed, so we’re very self-sufficient. We’ve also built a solid reputation over the years and are proud to have a very diverse workforce.

Q: What advice would you give to others who are working to break into this industry and build their own business?

Puig: Be prepared to work from dark to dark. It takes a lot of hours and innovation. You have to keep thinking ahead of the curve, ahead of the economy and ahead of new methods. That will keep you successful. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.

Q: What is your greatest hope for the outcome of the OPC?

Escarpita: That all phases of the project – from design, to construction, to usage — are done better than an average project; that it stands as a testament to the visionaries who conceived and executed it; and that it raises the bar for how a project is done.

Q: What are the keys to success in your industry?

Puig: I think success comes back to a solid track record, good quality product, and being able to deliver a project that is top-quality, safe, and cost-effective.