Isaac’s first performance review at Cruz Companies, a Roxbury-based Real Estate Development and Management firm, couldn’t have gone better: top marks across every category, glowing feedback from supervisors, and validation that he’s found his calling. But his journey to this moment of professional success began with a simple decision—to fully engage with Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston‘s Pathways to Trades program.
“I’ve always wanted to work with my hands… Ever since I was seven, I wanted to invent and build things… Madison Park’s High School’s Building and Property Maintenance trade program gave me the foundation, but the Boys & Girls Club gave me the opportunities to put it into action.”
Those opportunities came through BGCB’s Trades Pathways program, led by Matt “PK” Power-Koch (“PK”), which connects Club teens to real world careers in construction, property management, and the skilled trades. Isaac was a standout participant, showing up for construction career days, touring companies like Suffolk Construction, and attending BGCB’s recent trades career fair at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury.
“When young people participate in the programs offered to them, opportunities open up,” PK said. “Isaac showed interest, showed up, and followed through. That made it easy for me to put his name forward when the right internship came along.”
Meeting the Moment
That opportunity was a summer internship with Cruz Companies, a Boston-based real estate development and property management firm. PK personally vouched for Isaac when recommending him for the role, a strong vote of confidence that Isaac didn’t take lightly.
“I wanted to prove myself,” Isaac said. “PK trusted me, and I wanted to show that I was serious about this.”
It worked.
Isaac quickly became a valued member of the Cruz team as a Maintenance Technician Intern stationed in Roxbury. He’s learned everything from painting and drywall patching to replacing GFI outlets and performing full unit turnovers for incoming residents. He credits his supervisor, Maurice Kyles, for teaching him the ins and outs of the role.
Growth and Validation
Isaac’s growth has not gone unnoticed. In his first performance review, he earned top marks across every category including attendance, initiative, communication, teamwork, problem solving, and technical skills.
For PK, Isaac’s success represents more than just one teen’s win.
“I am only as good as the last young person I refer,” PK said. “Isaac nailed this internship. He represented himself, the Boys & Girls Club, and our partnership with Cruz Companies in the best way possible. He proved me right, and he opened the door for other Club teens to follow in his footsteps.”
A Vocation Found
For Isaac, the experience has done more than teach him technical skills.
“I can see myself doing this for a very long time,” he said. “This internship showed me I am on the right path.”
As BGCB continues expanding its Trades Pathways work, Isaac’s story is a reminder that showing up and engaging fully with the programs offered can lead to real success, new opportunities, and a brighter future.
Learn more about the Trades Pathways program at bgcb.org.
