Elias Portillo, project estimator at McKEON.
Elias is one of the newest members of the McKEON team, starting with the company just over a year ago. Estimators are responsible for processing requests from McKEON distributors for quotations on projects that are in accordance with those specifications and requirements. Additionally, project estimators also must have the technical product knowledge to support clients regarding changes they may want to make to a product’s standard design.
“Out of high school, I did two years in trade school,” Elias said. “I went into an electrical company and worked with them for a while. This was during Covid. I wasn’t laid off, but work was very slow.” Afterward, Elias took an internship with a general contractor as a field engineer.
“I absolutely loved it. I fell in love with it,” Elias said. When his internship ended, he returned to school to pursue a career in construction administration before landing at McKEON.
“I took [the project estimator position at McKEON] because I believe it would be very beneficial to me to learn the aspects of estimating, cost, and pricing. It would be very beneficial to my career in construction administration,” Elias said.
Elias joined Michael Caputo in the estimating department. He noted how much he learned from a senior member of the staff. “It’s not easy. You mess up a lot. You make mistakes, but Mike has been very patient with me.” Elias said. “A lot of times, it can be overwhelming, but Michael has always helped me remain calm and levelheaded.”
Like Michael, Elias’ desk is not empty, with framed pictures across the entire right side. Most notably, Elias printed and framed an email he received from Chipotle, congratulating him on being in the “top 4% of Chipotle fans.”
In his free time, Elias plays the drums. Elias grew up around music at his church and started playing for the same church at 14. He soon joined a band and predominantly plays Latin genres but says they will play “everything and anything.”
Recently, Elias spent his time repairing a 1995 Nissan 240SX that he named Sylvia. He rebuilt the brake system and calipers and replaced the entire fuel system.