Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan D’Cruz.
Hi Morgan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in the construction industry working for my father, Rick, who is a residential contractor in San Diego as well. Within two years, I progressed from doing job site clean up, ordering materials and being my dad’s assistant to being his project manager. In that role, I learned to read blueprints, estimate projects, manage subcontractors and handle client relations. In October of 2017, I obtained my general contractors license through the CSLB. Early in 2018, I became a contractor for Lowe’s specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels in the Orange County area. While completing projects in Orange County, I started receiving referrals and completing larger projects such as whole home remodels and small additions in San Diego. For about three years, I commuted to San Diego weekly to manage projects in the area while living in Huntington Beach. In September of 2021, I began my first ADU (accessory dwelling unit) project for an investment firm based in San Diego. Since then, I have started five additional ADUs throughout San Diego County and have projects scheduled through the summer. Considering the volume of work I now have in San Diego, my family decided to relocate to Carmel Valley to be closer to my work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In general, the construction industry can be a rocky road. There are ebbs and flows in business volume and so many components to projects that it is difficult to know everything. One of the biggest struggles I have faced is keeping business consistent, especially juggling work between two counties. There have been times where I have been so busy that I’ve had a hard time managing the work and others where I was so slow I would do as much as the physical work as I could on my own. Having a supportive husband and a father with industry experience has helped me weather these tough times and persevere.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cultivate Construction. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cultivate Construction is a 100% women-owned and managed business. We specialize in ADU construction, large remodels and additions but also complete kitchen and bathroom remodels. Our competitive edge is our ability to get projects completed on schedule and our attention to detail. Our completion time is faster than competitors without sacrificing quality. I am extremely proud to be one of the few female contractors in San Diego and that Cultivate Construction offers quality of service equivalent or superior to competitors. An offering that helps us stand out from other contractors is consulting in the planning phases of a new construction project. Having a contractor involved from the first thought of a new construction project helps the process run smoothly before the building process even begins. We assist in design, permitting and communication with architects and engineers to make sure that our client’s dreams are brought to fruition.
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my two year old daughter. Seeing her experience life is the most amazing gift and one that changes everyday. She makes everything feel fun and exciting- I’ve never gotten so much enjoyment out of watching the trash truck come. I feel so lucky to have a career that allows me to spend so much time with her and for me to be able to bring her to work on occasion.
Contact Info:
- Email: cultivateconstructioninc@gmail.com
- Website: www.cultivateconstructioninc.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cultivate-construction-newport-beach-2
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/cultivate-construction-pfvwus-pf~380247520
Image Credits:
Alan Smith, Nate Becker
