Answer extracted from the ConPulse - The Construction Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
What core values does Aurel champion at Granite?
Granite operates on five core values, and Aurel specifically emphasizes safety, excellence, and inclusivity. He deeply values the hardworking, highly knowledgeable team that Granite has assembled, and he recognizes that working with large public and private projects demands whatever time and effort the job requires—not a rigid nine-to-five mindset.
Building a team-first culture in large-scale construction
At Granite, a large general contractor, Aurel has found an environment where every team member brings exceptional expertise and dedication. This wasn't by accident—it reflects a deliberate commitment to hiring and retaining skilled professionals who understand the complexity of managing large public and private projects.
The work itself demands flexibility and commitment beyond standard working hours. Aurel recognizes that the nature of construction timelines means teams must adapt and deliver, regardless of whether it fits a conventional schedule. This is particularly true when managing multiple concurrent projects or facing tight contractual deadlines—as he observed during his experience on various estimating and project management roles.
Why safety and excellence matter most
Among Granite's five core values, safety stands out as a non-negotiable foundation. In an industry where even small oversights can lead to serious consequences, Aurel's emphasis on this principle reflects both professional responsibility and genuine care for his team. Excellence follows naturally—because the work is too important, too visible, and often too consequential to accept anything less.
Inclusivity rounds out his stated priorities, ensuring that diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthen the organization. This mirrors Aurel's own career trajectory: someone who started from the ground up, worked through various roles from landscaping to estimating to project management, and brings that lived experience to how Granite builds its culture.
"Don't do it for the money. The money will be there, believe me, because it's a difficult industry, but do it because you're passionate, but do most things in life because you're passionate and you will, your life will improve tremendously."
Aurel — Project Engineer at Granite. Aurel completed high school and worked for a landscaper to learn the value of hard work before pursuing higher education. He attended community college through a joint program with Cuyamaca College, then transferred to San Diego State University where he specialized in civil engineering. He worked as an estimator for a midsize general contractor specializing in concrete paving in San Diego for approximately one and a half years, then transitioned to an estimator and project manager role at a demolition contractor before joining Granite.
The way Aurel describes Granite's values—and his own relationship to them—reveals something deeper about how the episode explores the human side of construction careers. It's not just about operations or metrics; it's about building an organization where people want to show up because they believe in the mission and respect their colleagues.
See also
How did Aurel's experience in demolition construction differ from his previous estimating role?
As an estimator and project manager for a midsize demolition contractor, Aurel had to learn about heavy equipment, access requirements, and what types of materials could be recovered and recycled.
What did Aurel learn during his estimating role at the concrete paving contractor?
Aurel spent a year and a half behind a computer looking at plans and specs, which taught him theory. However, he realized that until you are building it, you don't truly understand the practical challenges.
What was Aurel's early career experience and how did it shape his approach to construction?
Aurel's father sent him to work for a landscaper after high school to learn the value of hard work. He dug holes without gloves, causing his hands to bleed, which taught him resilience and the work ethic guiding his career.
Key takeaways
- Granite's five core values include safety, excellence, and inclusivity—three principles Aurel champions.
- The quality of a team matters as much as strategy; Aurel values knowledgeable, hardworking professionals.
- Large public and private projects require commitment beyond standard working hours—flexibility is essential.
- Passion and purpose drive long-term success in construction more than financial incentives alone.