The April Face of Ensemble is our Lead Building Engineer (Long Beach), Richard Cortez.

When did you join Ensemble and what do you do?

I began working for Ensemble in April 2007. At the time Ensemble had acquired two properties in downtown Long Beach and I was hired to be the on-site engineer for both. I’m currently the lead engineer for Ensemble’s portfolio in Southern California.

What do you like most about working at Ensemble?

I’ve enjoyed working for Ensemble over the last 11 years. Ensemble provides opportunity and the potential to grow within the company. It’s also a great environment in Long Beach with the Ensemble Investments and Solutions at the 444 Ocean office.

Why or how did you get into your current line of work?

I was a two sport athlete at New Mexico Highlands University – Football and Golf. After my first year of college I had my first child, so I needed to shorten my college aspirations and get to work. I began my career in construction and for many years built homes and commercial properties. The recession of the early 90s forced me to go back to school and finish my technical/ general education and that provided me a pathway to Engineering.

Where did you grow up and what was your first job?

I grew up in El Paso, Texas. I had many jobs as a kid – one was washing cars for 25 cents and the other was working at Kentucky Fried Chicken – we were paid with buckets of fried chicken to clean the restaurant.

What do you do for fun after work?

After work I spend time with my family and we have a blast on weekends – biking, playing golf, swimming and going to the gym. I also enjoy working on my investment properties to increase their value.

What is your favorite or most memorable vacation spot?

My most enjoyable vacation was to Chichen Itza in the Yucatán, visiting the Mayan ruins and walking up the pyramids with a six pack of Corona.