Ulyses and Judy Villasin are a husband-wife team located in our Las Vegas region. Ulyses (Uly) and Judy are immigrants from the Philippines, having arrived in the United States in 2016 and 2019 respectively. Although it was a 20-year process started by Uly’s parents in 1996 (and Uly had to travel to US first without his family), they decided to make the move for the future of their son.
Uly has 18 years of experience in the construction industry and has been with Raymond for seven years. He is currently a project manager, specializing in preconstruction and prefabrication. Judy has been with Raymond for four years and is the area’s Office Manager.
We sat down with Uly and Judy to learn more about them and their time at Raymond.
What brought you into the construction industry?
Judy: When we arrived in the U.S., my son and I would visit Uly often at the Raymond Office. I was asked if I would like to work at Raymond. I didn’t know if they were serious about hiring me, but they were and a month later, I said I’d give it a shot… And here I am today!
Uly: I am a college graduate with a BS in Architecture and a licensed Architect in the Philippines. Since I was a child, I have had a passion for building houses and have been fascinated by engineering marvels, particularly the Pyramid of Giza. I have always loved construction and marveled at the wonders of ancient construction.
What do you like most about working in construction?
Judy: The fast-paced environment, to juggle and multitask.
Uly: Working on a challenging project.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Uly: I love reviewing what the project looks like and going over the project’s budget.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Uly: Trying to anticipate the constant changes in design and schedule.
What have been the most significant changes that you have seen over your years in the industry?
Uly: Embarking on prefabrication techniques and utilizing the technology as an advantage in the construction industry.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Uly: I wake up at 3 am to go to the gym, check emails, prepare breakfast, get ready, drop off our son at school, then head to the office. After work, I pick up our son, prepare dinner, and we all eat together. I check some emails and write down a to-do list for the next day. We’re all in bed by 7:30 pm!
What has been your favorite project with Raymond and why?
Uly: CIRCA Hotel & Casino is my favorite project due to the challenge of turning it around in 10 months. We delivered the project in eight months using prefabrication technology and techniques.
In-house Building Information Modeling
What is your proudest moment at Raymond?
Uly: As immigrants in this country, both Judy and I were accepted by Raymond and allowed to work at the company.
How would you describe your career progression at Raymond?
Judy: I never thought I would reach my position in such a short span; it showed me how much the company values and acknowledges the skills and abilities I have to offer.
Uly: Well valued, well recognized, and well respected. Raymond has always made me feel valued for my knowledge and capability in advanced construction techniques and technology.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Judy: Never check or compare your plate to someone else’s.
Uly: You can beat smart through hard work.
What advice do you have for prospective Raymond candidates?
Uly: Focus on what you can do, not what others do. Always work hard.
Favorite thing to do?
Uly and Judy: Trail offroad mountain biking.
When you were a kid, what seemed like the best thing about being a grownup?
Uly and Judy: Being able to go places if you wanted to.
What inspires you?
Uly and Judy: Family
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Uly and Judy: Family and our faith.
What is the best place you have traveled to and why?
Uly and Judy: Japan is the place: Japanese culture, food, peaceful place, and respectful people.
What country do you want to visit but haven’t?
Uly and Judy: Vatican City and Israel.
What meal could you eat every day?
Judy: Sushi or any meal that my husband has cooked😊
Uly: Filipino and Japanese food.
How do you balance your career and your family?
Uly and Judy: We would say to enjoy the benefits of two desirable but incompatible things, without sacrificing one for the other.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Judy: A perfect day for me is ending it with a sense of accomplishment and contentment.
Uly: Completing all work tasks for the day and then heading home to see my wife and son.
Three words to describe Raymond:
Uly and Judy: Integrity, Inclusivity, Family