When it comes to his profession, Rodrigo “Roger” Rangel likes to let his work do the talking.
“I try to avoid drama. I focus on the work and always try to do it well,” says Rangel, who joined the ABES Contracting team earlier this year as a heavy equipment operator. “It’s been easy because it’s a really good environment at ABES.”
After years working in the construction business in Memphis, Rangel says he was looking for a solid company that was known for having a good work culture and plenty of opportunities for growth. As someone who speaks both English and Spanish, Rangel has served as an operator and translator with various companies over the years. He hopes that his bilingual abilities will allow him to grow in his role with ABES and eventually lead to a foreman position.
“Roger has been a great addition to ABES Contracting,” says Vice President Brad Davis. “He’s experienced and flexible, always willing to help wherever needed. And his ability to communicate with Spanish speaking colleagues is a definite plus.”
President Emmanual Tuombe agrees. “We’re thrilled to see steady growth with ABES Contracting and happy that we can attract skilled operators like Roger to the team. He’s been a great asset, and I hope we can help him grow in his working and leadership skills.”
After joining ABES, Rangel went straight to work on ongoing projects such as the renovations to Big Hill Pond State Park and improvements at the Memphis International Airport for the Terminal Modernization and Seismic Program (TMSP). “I work on other projects as well. Wherever they need me.”
Rangel says he’s been especially pleased with the work culture at ABES Contracting, noting that supervisors “treat you with the respect you deserve. They work with you on everything … They’re good people.” That’s not always the case in all companies, he says. “I really appreciate that.”
When Rangel isn’t working, he spends time with his fiancé, Diem, who is currently in college with hopes of attending either medical school or a pharmacy program. The couple likes to watch movies – she likes horror movies and he does not – and play with their dog Cleo and cat Apollo. He also enjoys gaming in his downtime, and he likes visiting family who still live in Guanajuato, Mexico. Rangel was born in Louisiana but lived in Mexico for a time as a child. “I try to go back and visit every couple of years.,” he says.
Rangel hopes to help ABES Contracting grow by recruiting former co-workers to the team. He’s currently busy making contacts and growing relationships with contractors who he thinks will be a good fit for the company. “I’m just trying to bring the best I’ve worked with over to ABES,” he says. “It’s a good move for them and a good thing for ABES.”
