Name: Connie Ruiz
Title: AR Administrator
Hire Date: January 2006
Where are you from?
I was born in Santa Cruz, growing up in the Aptos & Watsonville area. My parents moved to the valley my senior year in high school (It was devastating…what are all these cows and no beach?) I met my husband here and we settled in the small town of Gustine.
What do you do at work?
I work in the accounting department as the Accounts Receivable and Contract Administrator but I wear many hats… and I love that challenge.
What did you do before working at Huff Construction?
I worked in the accounting department for a residential contractor. And before that, I was the office manager for a building materials/lumber yard. But my first job was as a cashier at a TA truck stop working my way up to join their accounting team.
How did you get your start at Huff Construction?
I saw a “Help Wanted” ad in the Modesto Bee. I wasn’t looking for a job, as I was already employed but not very satisfied, and I thought, why not? So I applied and I was called in for an interview and hired a few days later as the Subcontract AP admin. After my first year, I then took on a different role as the AR admin. Through all my years here, I have “played” in AR, AP, payroll, and even answered the phone a few times (the hardest role).
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
Huff has a great team that I love working with. Everyone has an upbeat and get ‘er done attitude!
How does Huff support you as an employee?
Brad and Gary are “real people”… I don’t know how else to better explain it and I’m thankful for that.
What has been your proudest moment at Huff?
I don’t think I have a “proudest moment” but I do feel gratification when customers and others recognize my professionalism and commitment to Huff. I even had a customer’s lender go out of his way to say good things about me to our controller at the time. Oh yea, and I’ve even received goodies from subcontractors. That’s always a good way to get in my head, with treats.
What’s it like as a woman to work in a male-dominated profession?
I don’t know any different. I’ve always worked in places where it has been predominantly men. I’ve generally felt respected and valued for my contributions to any company.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I enjoy outdoorsy things… BBQ, swimming, glamping, being at the beach or a lake with my family, and of course, being a MeMa!
Who or what inspires you?
My children inspire me… they never stop amazing me. I like to hope I had something to do with that but even so, I never get tired of watching them grow into incredible, kind, compassionate, contributing adults. Reminding me to be the same.
Where is your favorite place to eat?
I’m always up for a good, authentic Mexican restaurant that serves a great Michelada! El Jardin in Turlock is one of my faves.
Any random facts you could share with us?
Something pretty random, it always amazed my husband that I could rap the entire “Rapper’s Delight” song.
