Miguel “Michael” Bocanegra, Construction Foreman, Walls Brothers Asphalt
This week, I Build America Ohio is celebrating all of the men and women who make up Ohio’s construction workforce during the first-ever Construction Inclusion Week. The modern construction industry doesn’t look like the construction industry of previous generations. It’s made up of men and women of different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, orientations, and interests. The diversity of our workforce makes us stronger, and understanding the biases we all bring to our daily work is essential for creating an even better future for Ohio’s workforce. All week, I Build America – Ohio will be sharing the stories of various people in our state’s workforce who are working together to build Ohio.
Name: Miguel “Michael” Bocanegra
Company: Walls Brothers Asphalt
Position: Construction Foreman
Years working in Construction: 4 years general construction….27 years asphalt
My definition of diversity in the workplace is a team member’s ability to be proficient in multiple skill sets as it pertains to asphalt construction. Diversity enables us to plug team members into different types of work and still maintain quality workmanship. The number one advantage is the fact that we can give team members day(s) off or a long weekend. It helps keep everyone’s morale up as we make the strong push to finish the season.
Why does workplace diversity and inclusion matter to you?
- Inclusion……the more everyone knows about work schedules, planning, ultimate goals…..the better the outcome of our work, projects and ultimately a successful season .
How can construction benefit from a more diverse workforce?
- Too many advantages to list. I am curious to see the the next generation of the workforce. With 31 years in construction, I’d say I’m an old-school guy. Construction has changed tremendously during my career. The one thing that stays somewhat the same is the number of families in construction. Sons and fathers, brothers, cousins, sisters, nieces and nephews
Think about the future workforce of construction. Who do you think will be involved in it?
- In my extended family there are 9 of us in the road construction industry. The future workforce will be the next family generation to carry on!
