Behind the Build: Meet the Faces of ECI


At ECI, our projects are more than just structures; they embody the dedication and talent of our team. We believe in building more than just buildings; we create lasting connections that elevate our clients and the neighborhoods we serve. For 26 years, ECI has achieved excellence by delivering professional services that foster strong partnerships within the community. Our core values—teamwork, integrity, transformative solutions, safety, and excellence—guide us in every project and relationship. Join us in celebrating the individuals who embody these principles and drive our success. 


Chris Gutierrez: Overseeing Projects with Commitment

Chris, our Project Superintendent, is at the forefront of our construction efforts in Houston. His role is vital for ensuring projects are completed efficiently and on budget. Chris’s enthusiasm for ECI’s growth and success is evident.

"Everybody's really excited for the year to come on board here in Houston and establish the Houston market," Chris shares. His excitement reflects ECI’s commitment to showcasing our capabilities and delivering outstanding results.

Chris highlights ECI’s family-oriented and faith-based culture, which creates a supportive work environment. “This supportive atmosphere enhances our team's ability to collaborate effectively and achieve exceptional outcomes.”

As a Project Superintendent, Chris manages daily site operations and subcontractor scheduling. His attention to detail is crucial: "I'm in charge of pretty much daily operations for the site. When it comes to subcontractor scheduling, I make sure the projects run on time and on budget," he explains.

Chris values the team-first mentality at ECI, where support and collaboration are key. "ECI is very much a very family company team. Everybody has your back," he notes. This sense of camaraderie ensures that every project exceeds expectations.


Jack Griffith: Building Success Through Teamwork


As Vice President at ECI, Jack Griffith plays a pivotal role in maintaining strong relationships with clients and subcontractors. Their focus on partnership and collaboration is central to our project success.

"We're really focused on what we can do for our clients, what we can do for our subcontractors, and really partner with them to build an excellent build," Jack says. Our team dedication to delivering quality projects underscores ECI’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

The partnership between ECI and our subcontractors is built on teamwork and collaboration. "We really try to put a partnership in front of everything else we do," Jack explains. Building a strong team from the project’s start and maintaining that collaboration throughout ensures success.

When challenges arise, Jack emphasizes the importance of working together to overcome them. "If we run into problems or any kind of roadblocks, it's partnering with them and making them successful along with us," Jack says. This proactive approach helps keep projects moving forward smoothly.

At ECI, our core values guide our actions every day. "We stand strong with our core values, and our core values represent what we do every day," Jack asserts. Team members appreciate the dynamic nature of their role at ECI, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities. "What I like about ECI is, that every day I enjoy coming to work. We have new problems, new projects, new team members, and everything's a new challenge," Jack shares.

Jason Lawder: Guiding Projects with Precision and Safety


Jason Lawder, our General Superintendent, is crucial in scheduling and safety. His expertise ensures our projects run smoothly and adhere to safety standards.

"My job is the lead scheduler," Jason explains. I create all the schedules, help maintain them, and teach all of the superintendents the proper form that we try to use here at ECI for scheduling." His role is essential for keeping projects on track and ensuring efficiency.

Jason oversees daily safety on our job sites and handles pre-bid activities. "I'm also in charge of all the day-to-day safety for the projects," he says. "I’m involved with the pre-bid side of the jobs. I'm going over pre-bid RFPs, and budgeting logistics for each job site." His comprehensive approach ensures safety and efficiency from start to finish.

Jason values the family atmosphere and support at ECI. "I've never had more enjoyment working somewhere before," he shares. His experience spans large and small organizations, and he appreciates the collaborative spirit at ECI. "The family atmosphere, the support and communication between peers at this company, and really the overall attitude of everybody who's at this company with us," he explains.

"We all share the same mindset. We want to be excellent at what we do, and we want to deliver a service to our customers, our clients, and our subcontractors better than anybody else in the industry." This shared commitment to excellence has made his time at ECI one of the best experiences of his career.

Tiffany Winchester: Coordinating Teams with Excellence and Collaboration


Tiffany Winchester, a Project Manager at ECI, excels in orchestrating the resources and teams needed to bring our projects to life. Her role is central to ensuring that design intents are realized and projects are delivered on time.

"As a project manager, you're really here putting all the resources together," Tiffany explains. "It's really all about teamwork. It's really getting the right people and the right materials to make sure that the design intent is brought to fruition for the client."

Tiffany values the collaborative and supportive environment at ECI. "Working at ECI is humbling. It's a wonderful experience. We really foster team collaboration efforts," she says. “It's one of our values. And we couldn't do it without our trade partners, all of our external and internal stakeholders."

She highlights the importance of safety, integrity, and problem-solving in her role. "Safety is a priority. Doing the right thing, being part of a team construct, and being able to problem-solve," Tiffany emphasizes. “It's humbling because it's something bigger than yourself, and you're making an impact in the community."

Tiffany finds fulfillment in seeing the tangible results of her work. "When you drive by it, it's just a little bit of a humbling experience just because you're seeing somebody else's dream come true," she reflects.

United by a Common Philosophy


The stories of our team members offer valuable insights into the dedication and values that drive ECI. Each individual exemplifies our commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. To stay connected and learn more about the people behind ECI, follow us on social media and explore our blog for the latest updates.

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Engen Contracting Inc.

A full-service general contractor specializing in commercial construction, ECI brings a strong reputation for building quality projects that are competitively priced, a commitment to quality craftsmanship, professionalism, and building trusting relationships to every project we undertake.

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11824 Jollyville Road, Suite 202
Austin, Texas 78759

P: 512.342.2774
E: info@eciaustin.com