Cruz Companies Receives Martin Luther King Jr. Corporate Leadership Award at Roxbury YMCA

Cruz Companies Receives Martin Luther King Jr. Corporate Leadership Award at Roxbury YMCA

(John B. Cruz III, Representative Ayanna Pressley, and YMCA staff present awards)

(John B. Cruz III and wife Barbara Cruz during the opening remarks)

Cruz Companies was awarded the 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King Corporate Leadership Award from the Roxbury YMCA. The award is given to a company in the community who has shown great support to the YMCA Roxbury community.

The YMCA Martin Luther King Breakfast is an annual event to raise funds to support the programs and services the YMCA provides for the children, youth, families, and seniors of the Roxbury community.

John B. Cruz III was accompanied by his wife Barbara and his son Justin Cruz, who is Director of Cruz Management. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley highlighted the importance of the YMCA in the Roxbury community.

The event was attended by other notable members of the community such as Ronald S. Sullivan who provides legal commentary on major national news networks as well as running the Criminal Justice Institute at Harvard Law School.

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz CARES, (Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) is Cruz Companies social responsibility arm, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps the youth of Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. For more information, please contact us at www.CruzCompanies.com

Cruz Management Gathers Roxbury Families to Celebrate The 4th Annual Toy Giveaway

Cruz Management Gathers Roxbury Families to Celebrate The 4th Annual Toy Giveaway

Cruz Management Gathers Roxbury Families to Celebrate The 4th Annual Toy Giveaway

(Cruz Management hosted it’s 4th Annual Toy Giveaway at The Yawkey Boys and Girls Club of Roxbury)

(Over 100 families attended the 4th Annual Toy Giveaway at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club of Roxbury hosted by Cruz Management)

(Welcome remarks by Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management)

Over 100 families attended the Cruz Management‘s 4th Annual Toy Giveaway  at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club of Roxbury. They enjoyed taking pictures with Santa and dancing to holiday songs. This event is open to all children and their families who live in Cruz Management properties.

“The holiday season is the perfect time to count our blessings,” said Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management. “At Cruz Management, we are thankful for the support received from our neighborhoods, families and youth.”

Every child between the ages of 0 to 16 received a gift from Cruz C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Arts, Recreational and Educational Services), which is Cruz Companies’ social responsibility arm, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps Boston’s urban communities.

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz CARES, (Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) is Cruz Companies social responsibility arm, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps the youth of Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. For more information, please contact us at www.CruzCompanies.com

 

Cruz Companies 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Cruz Companies 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Roxbury Community Celebrates Cruz Companies 
33rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony


(Cruz Companies gathers community residents at their 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony)

(Randolph Councilor at Large, Natacha Clerger, singing along community residents at the 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony)

(Community youth singing along to holiday songs at the 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony)

Members of the Roxbury community gathered to celebrate Cruz Companies’ 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cox Building. Residents from the community were singing Christmas songs and spreading holiday cheer.

“What an honor it is to celebrate 33 years of bringing the community together to celebrate our Annual Tree Lighting,” said John B. Cruz, III President and CEO Cruz Companies.. “Our mission at Cruz is to give back to the community in as many ways as possible and we are humbled by the continuous support and participation that we receive from residents and youth for this community tradition.”

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz CARES (Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) is Cruz Companies social responsibility arm, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that helps the youth of Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. For more information, please contact us at www.CruzCompanies.com

 

 

Cruz Management Gives Turkeys To Residents For Thanksgiving Dinner

Cruz Management Gives Turkeys To Residents For Thanksgiving Dinner

Cruz Management Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Cruz Management Director Justin Cruz, 1st Armor Protection Captain Matt Breveleri, and officer pose with some of the turkeys they are giving away to residents

Cruz Management and their security team from 1st Armor Protection organized a Turkey Giveaway for families this week in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Residents from many of the Cruz properties were invited to sign up and receive a free turkey just in time for the holiday.  

“Cruz is committed to community!” said Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management. “We value our families and do what we can to give back. This was a special event for us and the joy and smiles that we saw today are just priceless.”

Along with the Turkey Giveaway, Cruz Management will also provide turkey dinners to senior residents who would otherwise be spending the holiday alone, delivering plates of turkey, greens, cranberry sauce, and more Thanksgiving staples.

All 30 of the large frozen turkeys were given away to local families to cook for their Thanksgiving meal.  

Cruz Companies Recognized at The Alliance for Business Leadership’s 3rd Annual Give Back Awards

Cruz Companies Recognized at The Alliance for Business Leadership’s 3rd Annual Give Back Awards

John and Justin Cruz at Give Back Awards 2018

Cruz Companies was recognized by The Alliance for Business Leadership as “A Company You Should Know” during its 3rd Annual Give Back Awards this week. The  evening of service honored progressive business leaders who are committed to social responsibility and sustainable economic growth.

Cruz Companies President and CEO John B. Cruz III, participated in the event alongside his son, Cruz Management Director, Justin Cruz.

“It is a special honor to receive this recognition,” said John B. Cruz III. “At Cruz, we believe in building sustainable communities through economic development. Our focus has been centered around elevating the communities that we serve and empowering the people who make our company’s mission possible.”

The award program and reception was held at the Giving Factory at Cradles to Crayons, followed by a all-hands-on-deck volunteer project. Participants sorted and quality checked donations of winter clothing and accessories used to create “kid packs” serving thousands of children across the state.  

“The A Company You Should Know Award is given to a business that is deserving of public recognition for their commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement, and for using their role as an employer the to advance causes or issues that create growth and opportunity for all people,” said Jesse Mermell, President of the ABL. “Cruz Companies is an asset to the business community, strategically engaging diverse groups of individuals in their work.”

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz C.A.R.E.S. (Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) was born from the company’s mission of giving back to the community in as many ways as possible. Cruz C.A.R.E.S. is a registered 501c (3) and exists to help Boston’s urban communities and specifically the youth of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. For more information visit: www.cruzcompanies.com

Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury Residents Celebrate Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury Residents Celebrate Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

Cruz Management hosted its Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Back to-School Backpack Giveaway this week for families from the Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury area.

The event included a full day of entertainment, food, and free backpack giveaways and toys for more than 100 students. Cruz Management Director, Justin Cruz led the event with local families to celebrate the start of the new school year.

“Every year we see more families coming out to enjoy our Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Back-to-School celebration” said Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management. “By supporting our community and providing the right tools, we can work together to ensure a brighter future for our youth.”

The Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Back to-School Backpack Giveaway initiative was created under the Cruz C.A.R.E.S. (Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) non-profit initiative, with the intention of supporting Boston youth’s academic development and opportunities.

Cruz C.A.R.E.S. focuses its efforts to help advance Boston’s urban community by providing better economic opportunities for the people in the community. Cruz Companies’ efforts have increased access to affordable housing, better paying jobs available to community residents, employment of minority businesses as subcontractors, as well as the creation of more sustainable communities. Besides the Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Back to-School Backpack Giveaway, Cruz C.A.R.E.S. has also successfully provided various summer camps, after-school programs, ski-trips, bike rides and college scholarships in support of youth.

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz C.A.R.E.S. (Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) was born from the company’s mission of giving back to the community in as many ways as possible. Cruz C.A.R.E.S. is a registered 501c (3) and exists to help Boston’s urban communities and specifically the youth of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. For more information www.cruzcompanies.com

Community Residents Join Cruz Companies at the Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Youth Bike Trip to Martha’s Vineyard

Community Residents Join Cruz Companies at the Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Youth Bike Trip to Martha’s Vineyard

 

The Annual Cruz C.A.R.E.S. Youth Bike Trip, a long-standing community tradition, brought together residents of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan to Martha’s Vineyard for a day of cycling, swimming and sightseeing.

 Cruz C.A.R.E.S., the socially responsible arm of Cruz Companies, was created with the mission of giving back to the community in as many ways as possible. Throughout the years, Cruz C.A.R.E.S. has provided summer camps for youth, offered college scholarships for young promising leaders and sponsored community field trips, such as the Winter Ski Trips to the mountains and the Annual Youth Bike Ride to explore the Island, which for many of the diverse inner-city children, are first-time experiences.

 

 

John B. Cruz Delivers Commencement at Madison Park

John B. Cruz Delivers Commencement at Madison Park

Cruz Companies President and CEO John B. Cruz, III addressed hundreds of graduates at Madison Park Technical Vocational School.

Careers in the building trades can lead to a promising and financially secure future for young graduates.

That was the message of Cruz Companies President and CEO John B. Cruz, III, as he addressed hundreds of graduates at Madison Park Technical Vocational School this June.

The commencement was held at Northeastern University’s Roxbury campus, not far from where Cruz has grown his own company. Originally launched by his father, John “Bertie” Cruz, 70 years ago, today, Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction and real estate development firm in the region.

Cruz said the industry could use more skilled minority workers, like many of the hundreds of graduates assembled.

“I’m fiercely proud of the fact that we’re a third-generation, black-owned firm that my father started 70 years ago,” said Cruz. Under Cruz’s direction, Cruz Companies has achieved a MBE contractor participation rate as high as 82 percent, serving as an industry leader in diversity and inclusion, and recognized by organizations like the NAACP and Lawyers Committee for Economic Justice.

“The problem is, there should be five Cruz Companies here,” added Cruz, urging the graduates to go into the industry and launch careers and businesses of their own.

Learn more at: www.CruzCompanies.com.

Summer stock: Cruz Cos. CEO chose construction over drama, and hasn’t looked back

Summer stock: Cruz Cos. CEO chose construction over drama, and hasn’t looked back

 

John Cruz, CEO of Cruz Construction in Roxbury.

The Boston Business Journal published this article on June 7th, 2018. 

By Robin Washington  – Special to the Journal

John B. Cruz III Timeline

  • 1943: Born, Wareham, Mass.
  • 1964:  Graduates Wentworth Institute of Technology
  • 1970: Marries wife Barbara; takes first vacation
  • 1982: Cruz Management Company is incorporated
  • 2016-18: Receives awards from Boston Branch NAACP, Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights and Justice, Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus and others

Title: President/Owner, Cruz Companies Inc.

Age: 75

Education: Bachelor’s degree in building technology, Wentworth Institute, 1964; Minority Developer’s executive training program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1986

Residence: Jamaica Plain

For many successful entrepreneurs, the path to a lifelong career is often laden with twists and turns. For John B. Cruz III of Roxbury’s Cruz Companies Inc., it was pretty straightforward — except when he told his high school guidance counselor he was thinking of majoring in drama during senior year.

“He pulls out these statistics, and he shows me what someone in the arts makes. I looked at him and said, ‘I don’t want to be poor!’” recalls Cruz, who had been working for his father’s construction company since he was old enough to hold a hammer. The counselor — John D. O’Bryant, later a Boston School Committee member for whom the district’s science and math high school is named — knew that.

“He said, ‘Your father has a business, doesn’t he? Maybe you could help him build the business. You can still do acting in summer stock, and if it really pulls you in, that’s what you could do.’”

Summer stock never called, and Cruz went to work for his dad, John “Bertie” Cruz Jr., who had started a two-man carpentry operation in 1948. The son found his niche on the administrative side. “My father was a lover of dirt and mud. If somebody walked in on the job, they’d ask him who the boss was,” Cruz recalls. “He didn’t like paperwork, so with me he didn’t have to worry about the office, and I didn’t have to worry about working in the field.”

While Roxbury today is one of the region’s hottest housing markets, developers ignored it for much of the second half of the last century, giving Cruz an opportunity. A track record in homebuilding led to a nod in 1980 by what was then the Boston Redevelopment Authority to renovate the Cox Building in John Eliot Square, a then-vacant historic landmark. The mix-use building now houses the company’s headquarters.

Among 1,500 housing units Cruz has developed are the 17-story Council Tower elderly residences and the Orchard Commons and Cass House complexes, all in Roxbury. Most recent is Harvard Commons, a single-family/affordable development at the former Boston State Hospital site that lay fallow since 1979. The company also participated in building the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, the Fortress Building, Boston police headquarters and the One Lincoln Street office tower.

The elder Cruz died in 2008. While his business thrives, it’s not quite at the level his son says it should be.

“On the one hand, I’m fiercely proud of the fact that we’re a third-generation, black-owned firm that my father started 70 years ago,” he says of what’s now three companies — John B. Cruz Construction Co., Cruz Management Co. Inc. and Cruz Development Corp. — doing $15 million, $18 million, and $26 million respectively.

“On the other hand, I’m disappointed that we haven’t gotten to the point that we should have,” he continues, citing Boston’s less-than-embracing reception to black businesses, and not just his own.

“There should be five Cruz Companies here,” he continued. “I’ve been to other cities. Even though they didn’t have sophistication (of Boston), they were doing better.”

Another black developer advised him to look at other markets, leading Cruz to Miami. There, he says, “They didn’t give a darn about race. They just wanted you to use local labor. The minute you did that, you were welcomed.”

The result was Biscayne, a 30-story, mixed-use apartment tower and low-rise complex, designed by Boston architects Stull and Lee.

Warmer climes also offered more leisurely pursuits.

“My father had me convinced that ‘vacation’ was a long weekend. It took all the courage in the world for me to approach him,” Cruz recalls of planning his 1970 honeymoon. Meeting fellow vacationers in Acapulco, he asked: “‘You do this every year?’ I said, ‘I’m going back to tell my father I want a week’s vacation every year!’”

He’s made good on that, taking up scuba diving with his daughter and visiting Italy frequently; for its people, food, wine and history. “Wine is history and geography to me” — an analogy that applies locally: “I enjoy driving through Roxbury and looking at the old structures. When you go to other cities, you realize it’s something that sets our city apart. It’s like drinking a great French Bordeaux compared to an OK California.”

That appreciation for the neighborhood and giving back has not gone unnoticed.

“John not only has worked hard to take care of his family and build a business, he has a concern for the whole community on his agenda,” says Melvin B. Miller, publisher of the Bay State Banner, on whose pages Cruz has appeared often. “He’s tough, honest, stalwart, and I love to say he’s a good friend of mine.”

So with modest successes compared to major developers, did Cruz achieve his high school dream of striking it rich?

“The most important things in life are treasures of the heart: family, friends and loved ones,” he says. “I’ve always been rich right there.”

 

Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus honors John B. Cruz III as one of this year’s Good Guys Awards

Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus honors John B. Cruz III as one of this year’s Good Guys Awards

(From left to right: Gail Jackson-Blount, Board President for the MWPC, John B. Cruz III, President and CEO of Cruz Companies, and Reverend Liz Walker)

The Bay State Banner published this article April 26, 2018, click here to access the article.

The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus announced John B. Cruz III as one of its honorees for this year’s Good Guys Awards. For 17 years, the Caucus has honored outstanding male leaders who have worked in their personal, professional, and civic lives to achieve parity for women.

Cruz, President and CEO of Cruz Companies, leads one of the oldest and largest minority-owned companies in the Northeast. Referred to by his nominator as “a community treasure,” under John Cruz’s direction, the company has been a leader in construction, real estate development, property management, and giving back to the community through its non-profit, Cruz C.A.R.E.S. The firm employs approximately 75 individuals, of which 90 percent are people of color. Cruz Companies’ MBE contractor participation rate is as high as 82 percent, serving as an industry leader in diversity and inclusion; and recognized by organizations like the NAACP and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice.

Headquartered in Roxbury and founded in 1948 by John’s dad, John B. Cruz, Jr., this third-generation, family-owned firm is celebrating its 70th year in business.

“MWPC recognizes that the goal of equal representation for women can only be achieved through the combined efforts of men and women alike. We are honored to celebrate John for his incredible achievements in building communities, diversity & inclusion, and empowering communities across greater Boston,” said MWPC Board President Gail Jackson-Blount. “As the largest minority-owned construction company in the Northeast, Cruz Companies’ commitment to hiring a diverse staff of high-level executives, women in the construction trades, and young people in the field has made it a champion of racial and gender equality in both the economic and social spheres.”

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 6:00PM at the Omni Parker House in Boston.