10CornerstoneSummer2026 agchouston.org S P O T L I G H T O N A N A G C H O U S T O N S T A N D O U T MEET A MEMBER What lessons have stayed with you the most over your past 30 years in the construction industry? This is a relationship-driven business. Projects come and go, but your reputation stays with you. Early on, I was taught the importance of doing what you say you’re going to do, treating people fairly and approaching every situation with integrity. I also learned hard lessons about risk management and the importance of surrounding yourself with dependable partners. Most people in this industry genuinely want to help if they can, espe- cially when there’s a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Construction is ultimately a team sport, and no one succeeds alone. Who were some of your biggest influ- ences or mentors when you were first starting out? My father was my biggest influence early on. He set the standard for work ethic, discipline, accountability and how to treat people. One thing he always said was, “A large part of success is based upon how bad you want it, how hard you’re willing to work for it, and whether you are willing to work harder than the next person.” My paternal grandfather, Jesus, also had a meaningful influence. Hard work, perseverance and pride in what you do were very much part of our family culture. I’m also grateful to have spent the past three decades building The Gonzalez Group alongside my brother and business partner, Michael. Working together has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and I’m fortunate that we continue to share the same values and vision for our company. What was your first AGC Houston event, and why did you join? My father was involved with AGC long before I was, so the organization was always on my radar. Around 2015, I became more personally engaged, and what drew me in was realizing that AGC was much more than an industry associ- ation — it was a network of people genu- inely invested in each other’s success and in the health of the construction industry as a whole. What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration, the opportunity to learn from others and the shared commitment to improving the industry. Can you share a story about a time you benefited from AGC Houston? Years ago, our company bid a project and came in significantly lower than the competition. Even after reviewing our estimate, we couldn’t identify anything obviously wrong. I reached out to a fellow AGC member, and we talked through our approaches at a high level. That conversation ultimately gave us confidence that our number was sound. That experience reinforced some- thing I’ve come to believe strongly: Our industry is filled with genuinely good people. Yes, we compete, but that spirit of collaboration is one of the things I value most about AGC and our industry as a whole. How has the industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted? The industry has changed significantly. Technology, project delivery methods, client expectations, workforce dynam- ics and risk management have all evolved considerably. Safety has also come a long way, and COVID accelerated changes in how we communicate, collaborate and manage projects. At the same time, the fundamentals haven’t changed. You still have to build quality projects, manage risk, maintain strong relationships and deliver on your commitments. Adapting means being open to change while staying grounded in those core principles. What advice would you give to the next generation entering the con- struction industry? Be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to start at the ground level. This is an industry where experience matters. One piece of advice I’d give is to always ask the next follow-up question until you fully understand the subject you’re trying to learn. I’d also emphasize the importance of relationships and reputation. How you treat people and how you carry yourself will have a lasting impact on your career. Tony Gonzalez Co-Founder of The Gonzalez Group
