Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gilbert
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am an individual who has had to overcome struggle and adversity in life to formulate a successful career and owning my own business. Growing up, I struggled. I barely made it through school. I had to repeat the seventh grade made trips in and out of juvenile detention and was labeled as at risk from the age of 12. With the help of many, I have been able to grow up and get two associates degrees a bachelors and a masters work for a very good Engineering and Construction Firm as well as own my own business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Many times growing up I wished that the path was smooth. Now as an adult, I am glad I had to grow up facing adversity and challenges. I have seen people I grew up with who had the path paved for them by their helicopter parents climb up real fast then kind of plateau out. I am constantly on the upward trajectory. I am always hungry. Wanting to accomplish more, do more, have more and always able to deepen my impact on helping my community and others.
I know what it is like to have to do without, to scrap and hustle for everything you have. I spent many days of my life looking in the couch cushions on under the seat of the truck for spare change I may have missed to get enough for a few gallons of gas to get me where I needed to go. I have always kept the underdog mentality and have never forgotten where I came from. Some people see me and see and say things such as polished, educated, articulate, well-spoken etc and while some of these things may be true. I will never forget the hard times, the struggle, the keeping my head down and grinding that’s why I always make it a point to give someone a hand up to help them out. Sometimes all people such as myself needs is an opportunity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my professional career I work for an Engineering and Construction Firm. I started in construction at a young age and from the start I was assigned to a crew to pick up trash, empty trash cans, distribute water and general labor activities.
I then was able to get into more of a craft helper role before I was able to get into a journeyman role then more into supervisory and management roles. I worked all the way through college. Work all day then night school at night at a community college and finding whatever work I could while at the university level.
The first time I got to fly on a plane as part of my work duties I thought “Wow! I am being paid to fly across the country, that is a long way from those bus rides in and out of the plant” I remember where I came from and the struggle that ensures when working in the craft and I think about it everyday to be grateful and thankful of what I have been given and the opportunities I have. I have been fortunate to work in various roles within the construction industry and accumulate not only invaluable relationships and live experiences but also I have accumulated some awards on an individual basis as well as some awarded to companies I worked for where my work contributed to the success such as ABC Safety Training Evaluation Process Award for a Quality Safety Program, ABC National Safety Excellence Award (Pinnacle), ABC National Safety Award Winner Nominee, Construction User’s Round Table (CURT) National Safety Award, OSHA VPP Star VPP Site, Houston Business Roundtable Gold Excellence Safety Award, Excellence in Safety Award Engineering and News Record, Contractor Merit Award from the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
The knowledge I was able to gain has allowed me some other unique opportunities to serve such as: Being an NCCER Subject Matter Expert, CDC- National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Construction Sector Council Board Member, NIOSH- Safety and Health Occupational Study Section Member, SHSU Department of Engineering Technology Health, Safety and Industrial Management Advisory Board. As well as many industry certifications.
Some of my greatest personal achievements and awards include the following:
Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, National Dean’s List, Dean’s List (Brazosport College), Eagle Scout- Scouts BSA, Nominated for Distinguished Student Award (Brazosport College), 2019 Man of The Year West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, The Facts Newspaper Leaders Under 40 in Brazoria County, The Facts Newspaper Unsung Heros, Brazoria County Citizen of The Year Nominee.
What separates me from others is my ability to adapt and overcome. I know what grace and humility is. I think that I have an edge of starting from the most very bottom entry level career and not only working my way up in the industry but also to acquire a graduate level education in the meantime.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Some things that I would like others to know about me is that I take a lot of great pride in philanthropy. I give quite a bit and also volunteer my time as a member of several boards as well as multiple community service initiatives.
Over the years I have received my awards and and other forms of recognition such as being named an Admiral in The Texas Navy by Governor Greg Abbott, Proclaimed a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear, , I was also Proclaimed an Arkansas Traveler by Governor Asa Hutchinson, Commendations from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, United States Representative Randy Weber and from United States Senator Ted Cruz.
Image Credits
Images by Ryan Gilbert and Erica Gilbert
