Respect, Resilience, and Rebar: Fernando Ortiz’s Story

Structure, Support, and Showing Up 

Fernando joined NexGen in September 2023 through a trade partner as a laborer and has steadily worked his way up to his current role as steel superintendent. “I started from the bottom,” he says, “and I was hungry to grow.” That hunger fueled a steady climb from helper to journeyman, foreman, and eventually steel superintendent at NexGen. His story is one of grit, growth, and a deep belief in doing things the right way. 

Fernando starts each day with intention and focus. Before stepping into his role as superintendent, he begins his mornings with 10 to 15 minutes of prayer, a grounding ritual that sets the tone for the day ahead. Once he’s on site, it’s “go mode”—leading morning Plan-of-Day meetings, coordinating safety briefings, and making sure his crews have everything they need to get started. From there, he shifts his focus to paperwork, filling out daily reports, tracking progress, and supporting his teams with drawings, logistics, and troubleshooting. His role spans field and office, requiring constant communication and coordination across departments. 

Despite the demands of managing up to 100 team members across steel and rigging, Fernando makes it a priority to stay present and accessible. He walks the site regularly, checks in with his crews, and asks the simple but powerful question: “What kind of help do you need from me?” His day is a blend of leadership, problem-solving, and support, always with an eye on safety, efficiency, and teamwork. While the structure of his day remains consistent, Fernando knows the importance of flexibility and balance.  

Building from the Ground Up 

Fernando’s career in construction began at the age of 18 with a small self-perform firm starting as a fire watch, keeping a close eye on areas where hot work is being done. Driven by a hunger to grow and a desire to take his future into his own hands, Fernando quickly began learning the ropes of ironwork, gaining experience and building skills quickly. His early ambition led him to challenge the status quo, asking for fair pay based on the work he was doing. That boldness initially caused friction as it was hard to believe the experience Fernando had acquired at such a young age, but it also became the catalyst for his determination to rise through the ranks. A pivotal moment came when a superintendent gave him one month to prove his skills. Naturally, Fernando delivered, earning the journeyman title at just 19 years old, a testament to his work ethic and drive. 

From there, Fernando’s career became a steady climb through different companies and roles. He gained experience in ironwork, rigging, and reading blueprint drawings, eventually stepping into leadership positions as a foreman and general foreman. Each move brought new responsibilities, challenges, and deeper insight into the business side of construction. His time in Columbia, SC, as a superintendent gave him a taste of high-level leadership, but it was his transition to NextGen that marked a turning point. Starting again as a hand, Fernando quickly proved his capabilities and was asked to step into a foreman role within a month. His leadership and technical knowledge stood out, and soon he was promoted to general foreman, managing a crew that grew from 15 to 45 people. 

Fernando’s rise to superintendent was not only a result of his hard work and quick learning, but also the recognition and support of those around him. Engineers and supervisors on site saw Fernando’s potential and advocated for his growth. “It wasn’t just me,” Fernando says. “It was the people around me who helped me get here.” Now overseeing up to 100 team members across steel and rigging, Fernando leads with humility, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility. His journey reflects not just career growth, but a commitment to lifting others up and doing the work with integrity. 

The Kind of Leader You Want to Work With 

Fernando leads with a simple but powerful principle: respect. It’s not just a value he talks about; it’s one he lives by; he even tattooed the word on his arm as a daily reminder. “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” he says—a philosophy that guides every interaction he has with his team. Whether he’s managing 15 or 100 people, Fernando makes space for seriousness and humor, knowing that balance is key to building trust. He’s intentional about being approachable, someone his team can rely on. His leadership style is rooted in humility and service, always asking what his crew needs and how he can help them succeed. 

That mindset extends beyond his immediate team. Fernando encourages open communication and curiosity. He’s quick to remind his crew that seeking help isn’t a weakness; it’s a key to growth. His ability to foster a culture of respect and learning has earned him the trust of his team and the recognition of leadership. Fernando’s approach isn’t just about getting the job done;, it’s about empowering others, creating a positive work environment, and making sure everyone feels valued and supported. 

The Whole Picture 

At the heart of Fernando Ortiz’s work ethic is a deep sense of gratitude for his family, his health, and the opportunities he’s been given. He’s a proud father of two daughters and is getting married this winter. Fernando speaks warmly about the importance of being present for his family, balancing the demands of leadership with time at home. “When I’m at work, I focus on my team. When I’m at home, I focus on my family,” he says. That boundary is intentional, allowing him to show up fully for both. Fernando credits his faith as a guiding force in his life, starting each day with prayer and leaning on God for clarity in tough decisions. “Prayer changes things,” he says. “I always put God first.” 

Outside of construction, Fernando is also a songwriter—a creative outlet that once drew thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify. Though he no longer records, he continues to write and share music with other artists. “I took a year off to chase my dream,” he says, “so I could never say I didn’t try.” That spirit of ambition and authenticity carries through everything he does. Whether he’s leading a crew, writing new music, or spending time with his family, Fernando brings the same warmth, humility, and drive that have defined his journey from the start.