John B. Cruz III
President and CEO
Cruz Companies
John B. Cruz III began his involvement and interest in the construction industry as a youth working summers and weekends in the construction business for his father John “Bertie” Cruz, the owner of a carpentry sub-contracting firm he founded in 1948. After graduating from Wentworth Institute, John started his career in the company as superintendent and estimator. As the company grew and became primarily a general contracting firm, John became president and general manager. Under his leadership the company grew, diversified and expanded into real estate development and property management, developing mainly low and moderate-income housing developments. Now, Cruz Construction is one of the leading minority-owned construction firms in the nation. Under John’s leadership, Cruz Companies, which also include Cruz Development Corporation and Cruz Management Company, have built a reputation of excellence in their field, producing landmark projects like The Fortress building and The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. Cruz recently developed and is in the process of building out The Residences at Harvard Commons, a 54-unit, market-rate, single-family home subdivision in Dorchester. Through the work of his companies, John Cruz is committed to increasing affordable housing opportunities, providing good jobs to area residents and hiring other minority businesses. In addition to Wentworth, John attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Minority Developer’s Executive Training Program. John served as past president of the Cape Verdean American Business Organization (CVAB), the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and the Contractors Association of Boston (CAB). He also currently serves as a Board member of the Bridgewater State University Foundation and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) – Massachusetts Chapter.