Hector and Jose: Commercial Restoration Contractors Are Transforming San Francisco

In the commercial restoration business, superintendents are on the front line. For Hector Florean and Jose Barreras, the role involves not just leading their teams at a variety of work sites but ensuring the best results in the specialized field of historic building preservation and rehabilitation. They work tirelessly to ensure Rainbow’s clients see their visions realized on a timely schedule with premium quality results. But they also have something else that drives them to excel, learn, and grow: family.

The Journey to Becoming Commercial Restoration Contractors in San Francisco

Hector arrived in America in 1991 and worked in the restaurant business and at a tow truck company before joining Rainbow in 2002. Jose came on board as an apprentice in 2004 at the age of 18. Both men worked their way up through hard work, gaining invaluable skills and in-depth knowledge as they went.

For Hector, this journey began at an early age:

My dad taught me how to fix things for myself. Knowing how to approach things put me on a path to work with my hands and abilities. I arrived in America with the goal of succeeding and working hard to get there. My early years in this country were shaped by the people I was working for, wanting to do a good job for them, and learning all I could from them.

Jose’s trajectory was born of the purpose he found in work as a young apprentice. “The reward of spending the time is seeing what your hands can create,” he says. 

Today, Hector and Jose share their innate drive toward success with their teams at Rainbow—and Rainbow has become more than a workplace. As Hector explains, “Rainbow truly feels like a second family.”

Hector and Jose’s History 

Hector and Jose can still remember their first projects with Rainbow. For Hector, it was the Cathedral Hill Plaza, and he can still feel the energy and activity of that very first day. “It was my first time on a swing stage, 17 stories up!” he says as he thinks back to the very beginning of his adventure.

Jose also thinks of his first project fondly. It was a brick and terracotta restoration at 315 California and the first time he had ever done restoration work. But it was another terracotta project—the Elks Club San Francisco—that would mark a major turning point in his career.

“I progressed in that job starting as part of the crew but was given the opportunity to run the project and close it out,” he says, “It was my first time running a project of that size. The work and position—where I progressed to being a foreman—made it challenging and equally rewarding.” Today, the Elks Club is still the project of which he is most proud.

For Hector, on the other hand, it is hard to decide which single project is the most memorable. After all, he has been involved in some of the most impressive commercial restorations in the San Francisco Bay Area for years. But Pier 2, home of the San Francisco Art Institute, stands out. 

“There’s a lot of history there,” he explains. “To see its condition at the beginning and how bad it was and to be able to see the end result, bringing something back to life—it felt like a huge accomplishment!”

Preserving and Transforming Architecture in the Bay Area

Hector and Jose would undoubtedly thrive anywhere, but the San Francisco Bay Area holds a special place in their hearts.

Although Jose grew up in Los Angeles, he realized early on that the Bay Area presented opportunities he could not have found anywhere else. “I have been exposed to a very special segment of work within construction,” he says. “The kind of work I have been able to be a part of keeps me engaged and fulfilled in my career.” Hector agrees; while he’s lived in a number of different places, the Bay Area is where he truly feels at home. 

Now, these men are part of preserving and redefining the architectural landscape of San Francisco. Their work includes commercial, landmark, and historic restoration projects, such as 

• 100 Bush
• Maritime Plaza
• 180 Townsend
• Smith Plaza
• 801 Market
• The Transamerica Pyramid
• Key Building at 1100 Broadway
• 111 Sutter 

Hector and Jose acknowledge one of the greatest aspects of their job as commercial restoration contractors in San Francisco is witnessing the beauty of their accomplishments in their daily lives. As Hector puts it:

Driving downtown San Francisco and being able to see my work—our work—as you pass building after building [is one of the greatest joys]. I’m sure I drive my family crazy by constantly pointing and saying, ‘I worked there!’ ‘We did that!’ ‘I’ve been up there!’”

For Jose, this broad reach across the Bay Area is energizing. “Knowing how the jobs intertwine and talk to each other is key to understanding how to lead the team to the best of my ability.”

Living Our Core Values

Hector and Jose are so important to Rainbow not only because of their practical skills but because they embody Rainbow’s values. 

For Hector, the most important of these are treating everyone with respect and making it happen. “Clients come to us and count on us to make it happen,” Hector explains. “Making it happen is what is now a part of our reputation—one that we are proud to have.”

Meanwhile, Jose emphasizes safety:

This is important to me, as I feel a huge responsibility in my role of sending the crew off to work. Having been out there for many many years myself this is particularly important. Having our crew know they are the most valuable part of Rainbow and will be treated as such.

Ultimately, Jose notes, all of Rainbow’s core values go “hand-in-hand to make sure that the superintendents, entire crew, and Rainbow as a whole deliver [excellent results] and [nurture] long-term relationships in the Bay Area.” 

The Rainbow Family

Over nearly 20 years, Hector and Jose have embraced their evolving roles, moving from apprentices to foremen to superintendents. 

“Rainbow was my first construction co. after signing up for the apprenticeship program at age 18. It was also my last!” Jose says. “Becoming a superintendent and working up to this position has brought my career a full circle.” 

For Hector, Rainbow has become a true part of his family. He now thinks of his life in two parts: his family at home and his family at work, both of which are equally important. “I take both with me.” 

Rainbow is grateful to have Hector and Jose on our team and as a part of our family. Hector and Jose, you’ve been an integral part of our success, and we look forward to many more years together!

Rainbow has the experience and expertise needed to make your Bay Area building commercial or historic restoration projects a success. Reach out to the Rainbow team today.