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Meet Project Coordinator, Rebeca Cruz

Bonick Landscaping’s 2023 Difference Maker

After growing our landscape company for more than forty years, we tend to have a lot of wheels in motion at any given time. The secret to our success is having team members we can count on to communicate, organize, and keep us on track to ensure a seamless process for every project. But not just anyone can fill these shoes. We are beyond grateful to our project coordinator, Rebeca Cruz for her perpetually positive attitude, pristine people skills, and relentless ability to streamline our workflow. Read more about how this gregarious go-getter manages our processes, her family, and her outdoorsy activities without seemingly blinking an eye.

Bonick Landscaping Meet Project Coordinator, Rebeca Cruz

Tell us about what your role as Project Coordinator entails.

At Bonick, a project coordinator facilitates how everything needs to be organized before our project managers can begin a new job. I do everything from ordering materials, communicating with contractors, developing the project timeline, and working with administration and accounting to confirm invoices have been received and paid promptly so each job can continue on track.

What was your background before working at Bonick?

I’ve been at Bonick for about 1 year, and 4 months now. Before that, I received my master’s degree in counseling and also worked as a history teacher for 8th and 9th graders. However, when I moved here from Puerto Rico, there were different requirements for counseling licenses, and I would have had to have more schooling to qualify. So, I applied my love for continual learning and assisted my husband in his construction office.

How does your role at a landscape company differ from other types of project management you’ve done?

The project scope was much different as I previously helped with office management and project coordination for building roads, bridges, etc. This is my first time working for a landscape company, so while I’m learning a lot of new things, in theory, I’m still applying the project skills I already have—just to different types of projects. For instance, now, I’m coordinating all the aspects that go into the timeline of building a pool, when the deck gets installed, etc.

What has the learning process been since starting at the company?

Lisa mentored me when I first started, and I have been teaching myself by exploring the software system. It’s in my nature—it’s what I love to do. Each day I learn something new.

What challenges have you faced since starting at Bonick? What have you had to do to work around them?
At first, starting in a different industry was a challenge. For example, I love plants, but I don’t know the names of all of them. But that’s life. We should be learning new things every day and continuing to grow.

Greatest on the job joys or struggles?
As project coordinator, I enjoy the opportunity to help many people. I assist the project managers and work with the foreman in the field and other employees. I just love being able to help.

I enjoy the struggles, too. If I need to find out what to do or how to do it, there’s a learning opportunity there and I love that challenge.

Describe the corporate culture at Bonick and how you contribute to that in your role.

We have a very welcoming atmosphere in the office. I love what I do now and I even get to apply some of my background because I enjoy working with people.

What do you enjoy most about working at Bonick?
I like how I feel when I come here. Every day is a happy day.

Bonick Landscaping Meet Project Coordinator, Rebeca Cruz

What are your hobbies outside of work?
My family is my first priority in life. I also love outdoor activities— running, hiking, kayaking, biking.Tell us about your family.

I have been with my wonderful husband, Ismael Carrasquillo for twelve years—married for five. have 2 daughters—26 and 22, and they each have two kids. I felt like I was brought into the world to be a mom, but being a grandma is the best. I just love the opportunity to help them become good people. I have four grandkids—two from each daughter. Two of the boys are 2- years old, one girl is 6 months, and one 2-month-old preemie is still in the hospital gaining weight, and he will hopefully be out before Christmas!

Thank you, Rebeca, for all you do and who you are! You’re truly an exceptional asset to our Bonick team!

Bonick Landscaping owes its success to the commitment, creativity, and expertise of our employees. Our staff is our largest asset and our biggest differentiator, and we love taking the time to showcase them.