In this episode of "Top Big to Fail," Moss Utilities Safety Manager Angel Tavera sits down with his employee, Jesus Torres, for a conversation about building a strong safety culture. They share a remarkable, parallel journey from their early days in construction to becoming key leaders at Moss Utilities. This episode is a testament to the power of mentorship, shared experience, and a company that truly invests in its people. Angel and Jesus highlight the unique culture at Moss Utilities, where an employee-first approach is at the core of everything they do—from hosting pickleball tournaments to the company's unwavering commitment to safety, no matter the cost.

In this episode of "Too Big To Fail," host Angel Tavern sits down with Moss Utilities' Matthew Castillo, offering listeners a candid look at his remarkable journey. Matthew shares how he transitioned from the fast-paced world of dispatching flowers for a small company to managing the massive fleet of heavy machinery for Moss Utilities. He opens up about the personal battles that defined his past, including his struggles with depression and a significant alcohol addiction.

Matthew’s story is one of profound change, highlighting how the supportive, family-like culture at Moss Utilities was instrumental in his recovery. He recounts the pivotal moment he went "cold turkey" and the challenging week he spent in the hospital, a wake-up call that put his life on a new trajectory.

Now two years sober, Matthew speaks with immense pride about his role in the company. He details the complexities of his job, from coordinating the right machines for the right jobs to handling high-pressure "911" calls that demand immediate action. His work is far more than logistics; it's a critical function that ensures the safety of his team and the success of every project. Matthew emphasizes the company's "family first" motto, underscoring his commitment to getting his drivers home safely and on time, allowing them to enjoy their lives outside of work.

The episode also delves into the operational side of the transportation department, revealing the intricate dance of working with superintendents, managing vendors, and maintaining a high level of efficiency that is vital to the company's reputation. Matthew’s story is a powerful testament to personal resilience, the importance of a strong workplace culture, and the critical, often unseen, work that keeps a company like Moss Utilities running.

this episode of the "Too Big to Fail" podcast, we sit down with Ruben Aguilar and Julio Hernandez for an inspiring look at how they helped transform Moss Utilities. You'll hear the remarkable stories of their journeys—Ruben starting as a laborer who climbed the ranks from pipe layer to General Superintendent, and Julio joining the team as a seasoned veteran who had worked his way up from Moss Construction. They share the hard-won lessons that shaped their careers and how their paths converged during one of the company's toughest periods.

This isn't just a story about growth; it's a blueprint for building a unified team. Ruben and Julio take us from a time when the field and office were two separate worlds to a modern, collaborative approach where communication is the foundation of every project. They discuss the critical shift in strategy that brought departments like estimating, project management, and on-site crews together, making a complex job like Project P117 a success. You'll learn how they now prepare for difficult projects by putting the right foremen and superintendents in place and how this relationship-driven approach has become Moss's competitive edge.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership and dedication. Our guests reflect on the importance of learning every part of the business, from running a compactor to leading a full crew. They also share their perspectives on the Moss University program, highlighting its role in preparing the next generation of leaders with a complete understanding of the company.

In this episode of "Too Big to Fail," we're joined by Project Executive Matt Senter, who shares his powerful journey from a family steeped in Chicago's construction world to his impactful rise in Dallas. He gives us an uncensored look at his career, detailing how he navigated the immense challenges of the post-COVID supply chain and made a courageous "leap of faith" to join Moss.

Matt explains why transparency and accountability are non-negotiable, and how they fuel a "one big team" culture where everyone, from estimators to field crews, is set up for success. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, covering the ripple effect of good mentorship, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the powerful insight that sometimes, you just have to "be ready to grind."

This episode of Too Big To Fail features brothers Cristian and Jesus Hernandez, who share their remarkable journey from warehouse workers to key leaders at Moss Utilities. Their story is a testament to dedication, continuous learning, and the power of seizing opportunities. The brothers recount their humble beginnings at Moss. Cristian, who started as a laborer seven and a half years ago, transitioned from a warehouse job with no prior construction experience. He quickly learned the ropes, from reading plans and shooting grade to operating heavy machinery, eventually becoming a foreman in just six months. His dedication to learning the terminology and hands-on skills was crucial.

Jesus followed in his brother's footsteps, initially joining the same crew as a driver. He also came from a warehouse background, valuing the responsibility he gained there. Despite the initial challenges of a new industry and working outdoors, both brothers emphasized the importance of communication and building trust within their crews. They highlight how being bilingual helped bridge communication gaps and how leading by example, especially in hands-on work, motivated their crews. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of their promotions. Cristian quickly rose to General Superintendent, managing multiple crews and navigating complex projects in demanding areas in North Texas. He discusses the crucial role of building relationships with general contractors and city inspectors, understanding that good communication is vital for project success. Jesus, similarly, became a foreman and then a superintendent in a short span, emphasizing the need to trust the process and continually learn.

A significant theme throughout the episode is the influence of leadership, particularly the relentless "push" from their mentor, Parker Thane. Both brothers view this mentorship as a positive force that challenged them to become the best versions of themselves, instilling a mindset of never saying no to a challenge and always putting in extra effort.

They also touch upon the broader impact of their work, recognizing that installing underground utilities is fundamental to daily life, from turning on a faucet to powering schools and businesses. The episode concludes with their advice to field workers: always give 100%, view every task as a learning opportunity, and understand that hard work will lead to advancement.

This episode of "Too Big to Fail" features John, the Chief Estimator at Moss Utilities, who shares his journey and highlights the critical role of his team.

John recounts his upbringing in Wylie and Farmersville, and his six years at Texas Tech, where he earned a degree in University Studies. He reflects on early jobs at Market Street and Chick-fil-A, which taught him the importance of hard work and self-motivation.

At Moss Utilities, John started as one of the first receptionists. Through his dedication to learning and asking questions, he rapidly advanced, becoming the first estimating coordinator, then an estimator, lead estimator, and eventually Chief Estimator. He emphasizes that proactive learning and being present were key to his growth.

The core of the discussion centers on the estimating team's vital role in securing projects for Moss Utilities. John explains that his department is the initial point for all new work, responsible for bidding on billions of dollars in projects to meet revenue goals. He stresses the importance of building strong relationships with clients, fostering true partnerships built on trust and open communication. These relationships allow for flexibility and collaboration, even when difficulties arise.

John also discusses the internal collaboration among all departments—estimating, project management, and operations—which ensures successful project execution. He expresses immense pride in his team and the "beautiful burden" of knowing their work directly supports 400 families within Moss Utilities. He acknowledges that the demanding work of the estimating team, often performed late into the night, may go unnoticed by others in the field. However, this effort is driven by a deep commitment to creating opportunities for everyone at the company.

The episode concludes with a powerful message about the collective effort that defines Moss Utilities. Every role, from the estimators behind their desks to the crews operating the distinctive "big blue machines" in the field, is essential to the company's success and its ability to provide for its employees.

In this podcast episode, Angel Tavera interviews Edwin Tavira of Moss Utilities. Edwin shares his journey, starting as a lube truck assistant in September 2018 while in college. He initially knew nothing about excavation or plumbing but used his curiosity to learn from foremen, gaining a "bigger picture" understanding of the industry, including safety procedures, trenching, and grading.

By December 2019, as he neared graduation, Moss Utilities founder Garrett Moss, who was very involved in all aspects of the business, offered Edwin an interview. This led to his role as an estimating coordinator, where he learned to delegate emails, manage schedules, and understand the intricacies of reading plans and performing take-offs. Edwin realized the critical impact of the estimating department on the company's overall success, describing it as a "domino effect" – if estimating doesn't secure jobs, other departments can't function.

Edwin explains the bid process at Moss Utilities, which begins with the estimating coordinator receiving bid invitations. They prioritize projects and clients through weekly meetings, emphasizing the importance of relationships with general contractors and vendors (for pipe, aggregate, and specialty items). Estimators then use software like "Heavy Bid Access Cloud system" to calculate time and material, considering various factors like depth, existing conditions (water, rock), and city-specific standards across the DFW area. Edwin likens estimating to an "open book test," where all information is available if you know where to look.

He highlights the complexity of projects, noting that smaller, downtown jobs can often be more challenging than larger ones due to congested areas and numerous obstacles. Despite the constant demands, Edwin enjoys the fast-paced environment and appreciates how every department at Moss Utilities works in "union," much like a well-lubricated machine.

Edwin emphasizes that everyone's role at Moss Utilities is vital, fostering a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and their contributions impact hundreds of families. He expresses pride in his work and the company's involvement in significant projects, such as schools across the metroplex.

His words of wisdom to aspiring construction professionals are to "go out there and get it" and "do it." He stresses the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and setting goals. For Edwin, the "win-win" philosophy at Moss Utilities means that successful bids lead to a chain effect of work, allowing everyone, from project managers to field workers, to go home winning and providing for their families.

Welcome to the debut of "Too Big to Fail," Moss Utilities' official podcast. Host Angel Tavera, our Safety Manager, sits down with CEO Garrett Moss to unveil the purpose of this podcast and the meaning behind its name.

Garrett explains the title, "Too Big to Fail," embodies a core company conviction: our mission to uplift our teams and communities is simply too grand, too significant, to ever falter. It's a creed that underscores our unwavering commitment to triumph over adversity. The podcast itself is dedicated to our people, reflecting a "go big or go home" mentality.

The primary purpose of the podcast, as Garrett outlines, is to dramatically improve communication with our frontline field teams. While our office culture thrives, there's a deep-seated yearning to bridge the chasm, to truly connect with those who tirelessly forge our success in the field. This podcast becomes that vital conduit—a platform to share their stories, illuminate company milestones, and cultivate an undeniable sense of belonging, ensuring no one feels isolated but rather an integral thread in the tapestry of Moss Utilities.

Beyond communication, Garrett also touches on Moss Utilities' commitment to growth—not just in financials, but in continuous improvement and people development. This creates significant advancement opportunities, a key differentiator.

Garrett shares his personal journey, detailing how he started Moss Utilities from the ground up, learning from family struggles during the 2008 recession. He candidly discusses early challenges, including rapid growth and financial strain, and how relationships and loyalty with vendors and dedicated team members like Kelly and Parker were crucial for survival.

Angel Tavera concludes with a powerful message for our field teams: Moss Utilities is where careers are built. We're committed to investing in individual growth and fostering genuine belonging. Our field teams are the "real MVPs"—the backbone of our success. The ultimate aspiration is a profitable company that fiercely champions its extraordinary people.

Coming Soon! We're officially launching our company-wide podcast, and we're calling it "Too Big to Fail." ️

We initially wanted it to be just internal but decided it was too good not to share. The name isn't just a catchy title it's a statement. It embodies our unwavering commitment to building a better future. This isn't just for every single member of our team it's also for the communities we proudly serve. This isn't just about business it's about making a lasting impact.

We're pulling back the curtain giving you an inside look at what makes us tick. We'll be sitting down with some of the best from all corners of our organization. This includes hearing stories from the field from field superintendents and foremen. To our "glue guys" in project management who fit in last-second change orders to take-offs while keeping all of our jobs on track all in a day's work. We'll talk to our estimators who grind out bids to make deadlines while building relationships throughout the real estate value chain. This podcast will showcase our proven process "The Moss Way."

Get ready because "Too Big to Fail" will be hitting the airwaves very soon! You'll be able to tune in on YouTube Apple Podcasts and Spotify.