Spotlight On: Carlos Vazquez
Mez Joseph
Spotlight On is our tradition of interviewing team members to celebrate and get to know them better. Our latest Spotlight On feature is Carlos Vazquez. Carlos joined the Liollio team this year and is a graduate of Bethel College in Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor of Industrial Arts. With a unique background of construction and architectural professional experience, Carlos brings a well-rounded perspective to the Liollio team. He has project expertise spanning a wide range of markets and a proven track record of successfully leading design and construction teams, delivering value, mitigating project risk, and exceeding client goals. We sat down for a Q+A session with our newest Spotlight On feature:
Where did you grow up?
All over – Born in NYC, where I went to elementary school, then moved to Puerto Rico, where I attended middle school, then moved to South Florida, where I attended high school, and then college in Kansas.
Are you married?
Yes, 25+ years to my wife Joanne
Do you have children? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Yes, three: Melissa (granddaughter Mea, 12); Natasha, an elementary school teacher & Brian, a high school teacher (granddaughter Eliana, 12 & grandson Connor, 9); and Antonio (Tony), a Major U.S .Army Foreign Area Officer & Tammie, a college counselor (granddaughter Catherine, 6 & grandson Arthur, 3).
What do you like to do for fun?
Anything outdoors - travel, exploring, boating, design-build, fixing something
Favorite place(s) to go locally?
Beach
Favorite restaurant?
Currently exploring!
Favorite food?
Puerto Rican (Arroz con Pollo, Pasteles), Italian (Pizza, Lasagna), and Low Country Boil
Do you play any instruments?
No, I attempted piano and guitar, but it did not stick. Spanish tradition is the guitar.
What song is at the top of your most played list?
Hotel California by The Eagles, Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, Fly Like an Eagle by the Steve Miller Band, ,and I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing by Aerosmith
Favorite visual artist?
Salvador Dali
Favorite television show?
This Old House
Favorite podcast or blog?
What’s this? HAHAHA!
Favorite movie or genre?
Action/Adventure & Drama
Favorite place you have traveled to and why?
Monterey, CA, Washington D.C., Annapolis, MD, and Anchorage, AK
Favorite style of architecture?
Palladium Architecture (symmetry) refers to a classical architectural style that emerged during the Renaissance in Italy, particularly associated with the work of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio.
What building have you visited that most impressed or inspired you?
Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright - being able to envision design while walking on site, translating it to paper, then building it!
Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?
Driving the Southern U.S. Coast from Padre Island, Texas to Marco Island, Florida - meeting people and sharing foods and spirits with different cultures.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Me (for the money)
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Lion, king of the jungle (hahaha), first grandchild-grandson on fathers’ side, Spanish culture
Are you messy or organized?
More organized
What is your pet peeve?
Picking up after others. Clean up your mess! Don’t expect others to clean up your mess.
Guilty pleasure?
Ice Cream
Tell us a random fact.
Outside linebacker with 4.59 speed
Favorite quote?
“Do you feel lucky Punk?” - A famous line from the 1971 film Dirty Harry, spoken by Clint Eastwood's character, Harry Callahan & "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." - A line from the 1939 film Gone with the Wind starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
The Pope
If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you save?
Family pictures
What three traits characterize you?
Strength, love challenges, respectful, and honest.
What’s your astrological sign?
Leo
What is your personal philosophy?
Always proceed with your best foot forward. Treat all with respect and dignity. Help others when in need.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Spouse and Family
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?
Being a single parent and learning you’re not superman.
What is your superpower?
Faith, belief in oneself, and helping others.
What inspires you most?
Life, adventure, people, and cultures.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
My kids
What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
The people
What does true leadership mean to you?
Leading a group of people to accomplish a goal by Teamwork, mentoring
How do you define success?
My kids and grandkids – Teaching and pushing softly in a positive direction with love. Watching their success, education, and talents as individuals.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I’ve completed several MS150 bike rides. I’m an Executive Member on my Church Board. I managed church food coop distribution. I’ve been involved with numerous volunteer services. I never quit!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be strong and have faith! Take the next step!