March 15th is observed as the Ides of March. Whether you remember this date for religious purposes or because you took Latin in high school, it’s a date you can’t seem to forget.
To those of us at INTEC Group, March 15th also happens to mark the beginning of a legend’s journey at our firm. And though this journey started in 1999, many years after the Ides of March, it is just as relevant to our history – the history of INTEC Group.
Jaime Gutierrez joined INTEC on a Monday morning, eager to work alongside his long-time friend, Peter. He came onboard with an already-extensive background in architecture, previously owning his own firm; but he couldn’t wait to join Peter and Peter’s father, Pedro, as a new INTEC Architect. As the newest member of the firm, Jaime spent many late nights at his drafting table, working hard to meet each client deadline. He continued to work hard for many more years, ending his tenure with us on June 27, 2017 on a high-note after 18 years with the company.
Throughout the latter half of his career at INTEC, Jaime worked with many of the young staff members as a mentor, leaving a wake of wisdom in his path. As the go-to-code-guru for many, he was always ready to answer questions (or show you how to find them yourself).
Cheri Sterling, Executive Administrator at INTEC and one of Jaime’s longest-standing co-workers, shared, “We had more lunches together, over the years, than I can count! We would discuss everything from INTEC business to family, faith, and current events. It was wonderful to glean wisdom from someone who had already been where I was headed; raising two boys and juggling a family and career. When we would talk about projects, he would try to explain certain details. I would give him a blank look and he’d break out the napkin to draw me a picture. Countless napkins have been used over the years to give me a visual of the many projects he was involved with during his INTEC career. I should have kept them all! I learned a lot about Jaime during those lunches, about his true character, and how genuine he is at his core. He became more than a co-worker and I’m honored to have him as a friend.”
It’s safe to say, while Jaime is not physically in the office anymore, his spirit continues to shine through in each individual he taught. And while we know he was struggling to figure out what he was going to do with his newly found time, nothing beats being able to figure it out while laying poolside!
So, congrats, Jaime! The man, the myth, the legend…your influence on the firm, and each one of us, will undoubtedly live on for many years to come!
