Ray Gonzalez found his path in construction by embracing hands-on learning both in the classroom and on the job site. A Liberal, Kansas native, Ray is studying construction science and management at Kansas State University while interning with Hutton Construction. With a growing passion for concrete work and a goal of becoming a superintendent, Ray is building both his career and his hometown, one project at a time.
Ray Gonzalez is from Liberal, Kansas, and now works for Hutton Construction. His interest in the field began in high school, driven by a simple realization: he loved being outdoors and didn’t want to sit behind a desk all day. Construction offered the balance he was looking for, giving him the chance to work both outside on the job site and inside when needed, which made it the right fit for him.
Ray didn’t fully decide on his path until toward the end of high school, when he began researching potential fields of study. That research led him to construction, and he’s now studying construction science and management at Kansas State University. He speaks highly of the program, praising the supportive teachers and the range of opportunities available to students. His internship with Hutton is going well, and he hopes to join the company full-time after graduating.
Since starting in the industry, Ray has discovered a particular love for concrete work, drawn to the fast pace and teamwork it requires once the pour begins. He’s also learned practical, hands-on skills along the way, including how to operate a skid steer during his first internship, something he didn’t know how to do before college. He credits supportive supervisors for helping him learn by encouraging him to slow down and take his time.
Looking ahead, Ray sees himself becoming a superintendent within five to ten years, running his own projects and building strong relationships with his coworkers and company. He’s especially motivated by the opportunity to stay close to home in Liberal, where he sees ongoing growth and new construction happening regularly. Ray also points to being bilingual as a valuable asset in the industry, helping him connect with and support Spanish-speaking coworkers on the job site. His advice to both students and parents considering construction is straightforward: give it a try, since the industry offers strong growth, good money, and plenty of opportunity.
