Field Coordinator David Rocha looks out over downtown Tucson from the Hyatt Regency Tucson Convention Center project, where Sundt is renovating the former Hotel Arizona.
At 17, David Rocha began working at his family’s restaurant, Guadalajara Grill, surrounded by the sounds and aromas of the Tucson favorite. On any given night, he could be found weaving through colorful dining rooms filled with mariachi music, moving among the restaurant’s talented salseras and serving diners sizzling molcajetes in volcanic-rock bowls.
At the time, hospitality was the world he knew. It was familiar, and it was deeply connected to his family.
After several years in the industry, however, David began to realize that the work no longer fit the life he wanted to build for his own family. He was ready to pursue a path of his own.
In 2018, David made the leap and joined Sundt as a laborer in the Concrete Division.
Nearly eight years later, David is a field coordinator with experience across Sundt’s Transportation, Water, Mining and Building groups. With help from Sundt’s tuition reimbursement program, he earned an associate degree in building and construction technologies from Pima Community College and continued his education at Northern Arizona University, where he obtained a degree in construction management. Read more about David’s career transition and the opportunities that have helped shape his path in the construction industry.
What led you to leave your family’s restaurant and start a career at Sundt?
Leaving my family’s restaurant was a difficult decision. But the late nights and lack of a set schedule had become too difficult and just didn’t work for my family anymore.
I had a friend who had been working at Sundt for about two years, and he loved it. He liked the work environment and felt Sundt genuinely took care of its people.
Hearing that from someone already working there really pushed me to apply. Things moved fast after I applied. I remember thinking, “Wow, I guess it’s happening.”
What was it like starting as a laborer?
The work was demanding. I was learning how to pour concrete and build forms, and either working in the Tucson heat or coming in for 2 a.m. pours. During pours, I would leave my house around midnight, work a 10-hour shift and then drive home. It was exhausting, but I learned a lot from those experiences.
I became familiar with different concrete and forming tools, but I also learned important lessons about consistency and responsibility.
I was young at the time, and coming from a family business, I had to adjust to a more structured work environment. The experience taught me how important it is to be on time and dependable and, most importantly, that hard work pays off. Putting in the effort and staying consistent can open opportunities throughout your career.
Why did you decide to return to school and how did Sundt’s tuition reimbursement program help?
After gaining that experience in the field, I knew I had the potential to learn more and advance in the industry.
A project superintendent encouraged me to pursue a degree in construction management and told me about Sundt’s tuition reimbursement program. I enrolled in school and was able to get reimbursed for my tuition payments.
It was a huge help, and I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
How did you transition into the field coordinator role?
After deciding to return to school, I had the opportunity to join Sundt’s University of Arizona Student Success District project. It gave me the chance to experience a different role and take on more responsibility.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the same project manager for about four years, which I’ve really enjoyed. Between my experience in the field at Sundt and going back to school, I’ve been able to continue developing my skills.
As a field coordinator, I help lead morning huddles, make sure trade contractors have their pre-task plans and walk the building to ensure the work is being built according to the plans. On my current project, I’m taking on more of a safety role, focusing on safety paperwork, certifications, safety data sheets and orientations.
The work is still demanding, but my position now challenges me more mentally than physically.
What has been your favorite project?
The University of Arizona Student Success District was probably my favorite. I was part of the team that helped remodel Bear Down Gym, a building with a lot of Tucson history.
There were many elements we needed to preserve and salvage. It was fun to be part of that work and learn something new every day.
Sundt completed the University of Arizona Student Success District in 2021, marking its 58th project on the university’s campus.
What has kept you at Sundt, and what would you say to someone considering construction?
I’ve stayed because Sundt is a good company. I really enjoy being here, and the benefits are great.
Some people may not think construction is a fun career, but it really is. There’s something special about watching a building come together from the ground up, and I want more people, especially young people, to see construction as a career with real opportunities.
My daughter likes to build things, too. She sees me working around the house, puts on my hard hat and says, “I’m like Daddy.” I wish more kids had the chance to see construction that way.
David Rocha shares his love of building with his daughter as they work on a treehouse together.
Every career journey starts somewhere. Start yours at Sundt.