Diverse Partner Spotlight: Trinidad Construction

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (recognized Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) Nicor Gas is celebrating the honor, heritage and contributions made by members of the Hispanic community. This month Nicor Gas would like to spotlight one of our Diverse Business Partners, Trinidad Construction.

The owner of Trinidad Construction, Brian Ortiz, is a Hispanic American who grew up in the construction industry. His great-grandfather, Trinidad Ortiz and grandfather migrated to the United States from Mexico and started a mechanical service company on Chicago's Southeast side.

Later, his father, a union pipefitter, started his own mechanical contracting business, which secured work for some of Chicago's most high-profile projects in the 1980s and 1990s. Consistent with his family's entrepreneurial spirit, Brian Ortiz also started his own business – Trinidad Construction.

The company

Trinidad Construction is a full-service general contracting and construction management firm. With people, safety and diversity at their core, Trinidad specializes in the execution of complex projects including building renovation, new building development and new addition buildouts. Some examples of their work include the remodel of the 3^rd floor at Nicor Gas’ headquarters in Naperville, Illinois and its adjacent Technical Training Center in Naperville, as well as the new regional office in DeKalb, lllinois.

As a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Trinidad has a firm understanding of the importance of creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds and communities. Trinidad’s model is “Good People, Who Care.” Their workforce of highly skilled union carpenters, laborers, cement masons, and brick layers coupled with their project management team of construction managers and engineers, allows them to provide quality work and the ability to self-perform large portions of the scope on every job.    

“Being diverse in the construction industry allows us to bring a team of people that have a unique and fresh approach to every opportunity. As a diverse business, we are heavily invested in creating opportunities for diverse businesses and individuals on every project,” said Brian Ortiz, founder and president of Trinidad Construction.

The history

Trinidad Construction and Nicor Gas’ relationship began in 2011 at an outreach event to find contractors for a small industrial project in Nicor Gas’ underground storage fields. Trinidad was new to the utility industry and at that time had only completed a few projects in this specialized field. Nicor Gas was able to give Trinidad their first of many “first” opportunities. This project led to three years of partnerships between the two companies, with Trinidad executing numerous industrial projects, in hyper-sensitive areas with incredible safety measures in place. Sharing in Nicor Gas’ values of Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Total Commitment and Superior Performance, Trinidad quickly became a Master Service Contractor for Nicor Gas.

In 10 years, Trinidad has remained incident free on all projects completed.

The growth

To date, Trinidad has received over $50 million dollars in contracted business partner spend from Nicor Gas.  This partnership has allowed Trinidad to significantly grow its workforce. Their commitment to bringing diversity into our company and industry has had an invaluable impact on the lives of their team.

“Individuals that once worked as laborers and carpenters are now serving in management roles within our business.  They are providing a better life for their family, as a direct result of their professional development on Nicor Gas’ projects”, Ortiz said. “Trinidad's relationship with Nicor Gas is more than a contractor/owner engagement – this is a true partnership. Nicor gave us our first opportunity...which has allowed our team to learn and grow along the way. You guys are the best!”