VMW Spirit Award Winners 3rd Quarter 2026

This award highlights five nominations that best exemplify each of the core values.

Build Trust

Wes Tipton and Pete Schetat (Houston)
The City of Houston East Sunset Heights project is important to the surrounding community and continues to generate interest from nearby residents and business owners. When a palm tree fell onto the outdoor patio of a business across the street from the project, potentially preventing it from opening for the day, Wes and Pete jumped into action. They cut and removed the tree, helping the business reopen its patio. Their willingness to assist a neighbor built trust and strengthened the project team’s relationship with the surrounding community.

 

Be Professional

Raul Lopez (South Texas)
During the critical final stage of the Beeville Elementary School project, Raul stepped in following a former team member’s unexpected departure to help guide the project toward successful completion. He quickly addressed subcontractor and owner concerns, maintained professional communication with School District personnel and board members, and provided weekly project updates that addressed questions and kept stakeholders informed. Raul also ensured billing was submitted on time and worked through outstanding subcontractor issues to keep the team engaged and the project moving forward. His preparation, clear communication and willingness to support the team helped guide the project through a critical stage.

 

Live Teamwork

Tanner Matejka (Houston)
When a team member from another region experienced a family medical emergency that required several relatives to stay near the medical center, Tanner took the opportunity to step in and make their situation a little easier. Without hesitation, he set aside his Friday afternoon plans, purchased groceries and comfort items, and personally delivered them to the hospital. His quick response and thoughtful actions made a real difference to a teammate and their family during a difficult time.

 

Be Passionate

Greg Castaño (Houston)
Greg is a unique project executive in that he possesses operations and IT experience, having years of experience in both. He is consistently looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. He leverages his IT experience to develop innovative solutions for operations, such as utilizing Bluebeam tools, integrating QR codes for easier access to information and enhancing the use of Procore to streamline communication. Greg is always thinking ahead and focused on continuous improvement, ensuring our tools and systems make it easier for our team, subcontractors and clients to access information and collaborate effectively.

 

Think Like an Owner

Charlie Richardson (San Antonio)
While subcontractors were using a vertical lifeline and rope grab system for fall protection, Charlie noticed excessive slack in an employee’s line and immediately stopped the work to address the hazard. When the system would not adjust properly, he put on his own fall protection equipment, went onto the roof and identified that the rope grab had been installed incorrectly. Charlie stayed involved until the system was corrected and verified to be functioning properly, allowing work to resume safely.