Referring and earning: Employee referral program

In this industry, who you work with matters just as much as what you build. That’s why Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) has a long-standing Employee Referral Program: a direct cash reward for employee-owners who bring top-notch talent to our team.

So, how does it work? If an employee-owner refers someone and that person is hired, the referrer gets a cash bonus straight to their pockets. No questions asked. The longer the new employee works for ESS, the more money the person who referred them makes — up to $1,000 after one year of employment! 

As an extra thank-you for strengthening our bench, ESS randomly chooses one employee-owner with a successful referral to get an additional cash bonus. It’s a win-win: Our people find us great candidates, and those folks get to work with teams who truly care about what they’re building. 

A winning choice

We’re excited to announce that this year’s $2,000 cash bonus winner is Laborer Rene Cruz Martinez from Kansas City! We caught up with Rene to hear more about his longtime friend turned teammate, Laborer Ismael Ramirez Martinez, and their experience working on the same crew. 

When asked about his decision to refer Ismael to ESS, Rene said, “The guys I know [who referred someone] get to work with their friends, and it helps the crew. I like working here because they let you grow. The opportunities, the benefits, the friendships; it’s just a good company.”

Bringing familiar faces into the fold is one of the best parts of the Employee Referral Program, and it paid off for Rene and Ismael in a big way. They have known each other for years, and seeing them work side by side on the jobsite is a great example of the kind of teamwork and trust that defines our company culture. 

“We’ve known each other for a long time,” shared Rene. “Our families are close, so he knew me when I was little. I come to ESS and see him working with the crew every day, and it’s really cool.”

At our core, ESS believes in building more than just infrastructure; we build strong relationships, on and off the clock. 

Turning friends into (work) family

With Rene already established on the team, he’s been able to help Ismael acclimate to the crew by offering guidance and encouragement along the way. Their longstanding friendship brings a unique dynamic to the jobsite, one that naturally supports the ESS culture of mentorship and hands-on training. 

“The crew I’m on right now teaches me something new all the time,” said Rene. “I’m a laborer, but they’re giving me a chance to learn how to operate equipment, like the asphalt pavers. They want you to grow.”

When asked what he planned to spend his $2,000 bonus on, Rene simply replied, “My kids and my family.” This prize couldn’t have gone to a better recipient, and we are thrilled to support our ESS family through the referral program. 

Rene and Ismael’s story is an important reminder that some of the strongest additions to our team come from the people who know the company best. Employee-owners, think you know someone who’d be a good fit? Send them our way for the chance to become next year’s Employee Referral Bonus winner! 

Congratulations, Rene, and welcome to the ESS family, Ismael!