Manager Profile: Miguel Garces - Sit Down with CEPRA

Ever wanted to learn more about the amazing people who make our operations work so well? This month, we sat down with one of our team members, Miguel Garces, as he explains his role in the company, what a day in the life is like, and the future for CEPRA Landscape as he sees it.

 

Name: Miguel Garces   
Title: Director of Safety

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what it is you do.
My official job title is Director of Safety. My duties include presenting weekly safety meetings at all our maintenance and construction branches. I also perform on-site safety inspections of our crews and the properties they are servicing. I am a Certified Pest Control Operator, a Green Industries-Best Management Practices Instructor and a Qualified Compliance Inspector of Storm Water and Preparer of Stormwater Pollution Plans. These certifications allow me to provide in-house training, which keeps our team in compliance with and updated on current regulations. I also collaborate with my CEPRA team members to provide training to Property Managers, CAMs, and Board Members. I am fluent in both Spanish and English. By understanding both Spanish and American cultures, I assist with fostering better communication amongst our CEPRA team members and work together with managers on handling an employee's concern.

2. What does your role mean to you?
I love working with people, and I am honored to be trusted with their wellbeing. What better job to have than to make sure our employees return home safely to their families? I want the employees to work safely because they believe it is what is best for them, not because they are being told to do it.

3. How do you typically engage with the crews?
Our 'Tailgate Topics' are usually PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations. I frequently try to incorporate games and prizes, to keep it entertaining. While I'm out with crews, I will observe them at work, provide feedback and explain why working safely is important. This ensures that the team understands that it is in their best interest to follow our safety protocols.

4. What constitutes a great safety program? What metrics do you look to uphold?
A great safety program is one that employees want to follow because they believe in the benefits to themselves and the company. My goal is to instill the culture of safety to our team members so that it becomes routine. We are currently developing an internal safety metric that encourages a branch to stay safe, and rewarding safe practices at our yearly safety party.

5. Can you go more into detail about the Safety Day Party?
The Safety Day Party is our yearly celebration where we recognize our employee's commitment to safety. The event includes great food, prizes, entertainment, and a company gift.

6. What are some of your goals for 2021?

1. Create a Safety Committee and grow the safety team.
2. Develop a safety survey to receive feedback from the employees so that we are always improving our safety program.
3. Set a quarterly safety inspection with the Branch Managers.

7. What makes CEPRA Landscape stand out from other landscape companies to you?
That your voice is heard, and your ideas are taken into consideration.

Conclusion

Thank you, Miguel, for sitting down with us and giving us a look at your unique role! We look forward to continuing growing our culture of safety as we grow in our industry.