Victor Erazo of Erazo Concrete
In the Fall of 2023, following a twenty-year career working for larger concrete companies, Victor Erazo started Erazo Concrete as an MBE and Section 3 business. Erazo Concrete hit the ground running and almost overnight lined up several projects, including a few for Bald Hill Builders. Recognizing Victor’s ambition and the need for a well-grounded concrete partner, Bald Hill Builders’ VP of Operations, Matt Grosshandler, offered to guide and mentor Victor as he took on this new adventure. Focused on Victor’s success, and drawing from his own business experience, Matt began offering Victor and his team lessons on effective business management.
Knowing how hard it is to combat all the tasks associated with starting a new business, Matt felt compelled to guide Victor to success. In addition to making introductions, Matt also spent several days working with Victor’s team to teach cash flow management, the importance of business economics as well as several other industry specific requirements (like maintaining RFI Logs and the importance of timely and accurate submittals). Says Matt “I feel a responsibility to support new, MBE, and WBE businesses in overcoming challenges and achieving their full potential.” Victor has been a sponge, and you can often see he and Matt collaborating on ways to improve the Erazo – Bald Hill partnership.
Victor makes exceptional efforts to attain the diversity goals on all projects and has achieved the following results on Bald Hill projects:
Victor’s Background
Victor was born in El Salvador in 1990 and moved to the U.S. in 2005 to join his family, who were already living in the Boston area. They lived in Chelsea before relocating to East Boston. Although he didn’t finish high school, Victor earned his GED while working at Valle Concrete during the day and attending night school. He is the only member of his family with a high school diploma.
He began as a laborer at Valle Concrete, where his father was a General Superintendent, and his uncles and older brother also worked. By the age of 18, Victor was the General Foreman. He later joined DAM Concrete, working there from 2010 to 2023, eventually rising to Director of Operations/Estimator/Civil Engineer. His strong work ethic and loyalty have been central to his career.
Victor learned Portuguese in six months to communicate with Portuguese-speaking workers, making him trilingual. This skill has been valuable for translating on-site and assisting Superintendents. He believes that speaking multiple languages is a significant advantage, reflecting the diverse, immigrant-built nature of the country.
Q and A with Victor Erazo:
Q: What is an average day for you, and how do you manage work/life balance?
A: “I start my day at 4:30am in the office. I work at job sites from 5:30 until noon, then return to the office. I put in at least 16 hours daily. My strong work ethic drives me, and I believe it will pay off eventually.”
“My wife Karla, who is from Guatemala, and I have two daughters, ages 6 and 10. My office is just three minutes from home. I pick up the kids at 4pm and return to the office. Karla takes them home after she is done with work.”
Q: What do you want for your daughters in the future?
A: “I want my daughters to succeed and eventually take over the business. They’re currently earning their own money, learning the value of a dollar, and making wise spending decisions, even at their young ages.”
Q: What inspired you to start your own business?
A: “I’ve always wanted to start my own concrete business, as I’ve owned a few businesses in the past. The construction industry needs more minority business owners. Growing up, my father who was a successful dairy farmer and business owner, taught me about work ethic and business. One of my dreams is to buy land, start multiple businesses, and provide housing for employees to ease their rent burdens.”
Q: How do you deal with business challenges?
A: “The key is how you handle challenges. Balance is crucial—if you manage the “weight” well, the day goes smoothly. I see problems as opportunities for solutions. My focus is always on finding solutions and seeing the big picture.”
Q: How are you helping immigrants in the U.S.?
A: “Erazo Concrete supports the Haitian community by providing work opportunities. For example, I hired a Haitian worker who approached me on a job site. He and his wife now work for us. I take pride in helping people achieve the American dream.”
Q: Tell me about your new business in cleaning and dumpsters.
A: “I started K. Erazo General Services Enterprises, where my wife owns 51%, making it MBE and WBE. She manages cleaning jobs, and I calculate pricing based on her reports. Knowing how to price jobs correctly is essential for success.” “I intend to purchase several dumpsters in the near future as I see a need for this type of business in the construction industry.”
Q: How has Matt Grosshandler helped your business?
A: “Matt’s mentorship has been crucial to my success. We meet regularly, and I take detailed notes on his advice. I review my notes regularly. His guidance has helped me make informed decisions and direct my business effectively.”
Q: What are your proudest moments in business?
A: “I felt immense pride completing the BRJP goals workshop, buying my first trucks, and receiving the concrete forms I purchased in Maryland. Each milestone represents progress and achievement.”
Q: How do you excel in BRJP and diversity reporting?
A: “Hard work and focus are key. I ensure my team submits timesheets and required documentation every Monday without fail, even on holidays. I enforce strict adherence to policies to maintain high standards.”
Q: How do you hire so many Boston residents?
A: “With years in the industry, I know nearly every concrete worker in Massachusetts. I use mailboxes for applications at job sites and rely on word of mouth. Bald Hill has also sent me applicants from some of their project sites. I am exploring partnerships with YouthBuild Boston as well. Hiring Boston residents is a priority, provided they are qualified. I also recruit and train female workers for various roles.”
