Problem Solving
For Adrian Gonzalez, construction isn’t just about concrete and steel, it’s about solving problems, building partnerships, and shaping communities. As Corporate Strategy Manager for both Jordan Foster Construction and its parent company, Franklin Mountain Construction Holdings (FMCH), Gonzalez has helped steer major infrastructure projects while championing innovation and long-term collaboration.
“I’ve always been drawn to problem solving,” Gonzalez said. “Math and science were my strengths, and construction gave me a way to apply those skills in the real world.”
Gonzalez’s career began in the field as a civil engineer, later expanding into systems engineering in the nuclear industry before returning to construction in 2017. His journey has come full circle from boots-on-the-ground engineering to strategic leadership across multiple companies.
One of Gonzalez’s proudest achievements has been helping Jordan Foster Construction gain control of its equipment division. “When I joined, they were struggling with equipment costs,” he said. “We implemented visual management, telematics, and smarter processes. Now, the division runs cost neutral. We know when to rent, lease or buy, and we’re competitive because of it.”
That kind of operational clarity has been supported by a long-standing partnership with 4Rivers Equipment. “They’re not just a vendor, they really are our working partner,” Gonzalez said. “They’ve helped us in last-minute situations, like supplying equipment from one day to another without notice. They bend over backwards to make it happen.”
More than Just Selling
Gonzalez credits 4Rivers El Paso’s Store Manager Bob Veytia for being more than a salesperson. “He listens to our challenges, helps us select the right equipment, and doesn’t just sell for the sake of selling,” Gonzalez said. “He’s helped us demo new loaders, explore safety features, and even connect us with John Deere engineers to test innovations we helped develop.”
That collaboration led to Gonzalez participating in a customer committee with John Deere, contributing to safety improvements in loader technology. “We tested prototypes with our operators and gave feedback. Those features are now part of the machines in the market,” he said. “That’s something I’m very proud of.”
The partnership between Jordan Foster Construction and 4Rivers runs deep. Jordan Foster actually helped build the El Paso 4Rivers location, including erosion control, earthwork, site concrete, asphalt paving and rock walls. This point of pride ties the companies together through both physical infrastructure and ingrained professionalism.
“Companies that last 100 years have good people and good values,” Gonzalez said, reflecting on 4Rivers’ centennial. “They adapt, they build trust, and they form long-term partnerships that carry them through tough times.”
Gonzalez also sees technology reshaping the industry. “We’ve gone from basic programmable motions to smart equipment that detects people and prompts operators,” he said. “We have real-time productivity data, better environmental performance, and faster decision-making.”
But the biggest challenge, he said, is human capital. “It’s not hard to find equipment. It’s hard to find operators,” Gonzalez said. “We need to invest in trade education and show young people what construction really is. It’s rewarding, it’s innovative, and it’s a future worth building.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Gonzalez believes the key to success is simple: “You must build trust. And 4Rivers has earned ours.”
