John B. “Bertie” Cruz Jr. John B. Cruz, Jr., popularly known as “Bertie,” is a native of Southeastern Massachusetts. Bertie obtained his early education in Wareham, and thereafter pursued carpentry, drafting and engineering at Boston Trade School and Boston Hart Trade School.

Today Bertie is the founder of the oldest, 100-percent minority-owned construction firm in the Commonwealth, and has been a role model and leader in urban communities throughout the Boston area. In addition to offering technical and business expertise in the industry, he has provided numerous opportunities to other minority business owners striving to be successful. In his success, he has remained committed to employing people of color, championing the development of affordable housing in urban areas, and giving back to the community. In 1948, Bertie established the John B. Cruz Construction Company, which was later incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts in 1970. This year marks the 58th year of successful operation for the John B. Cruz Construction Co., Inc., founded with an old-fashioned, classic sense of hard work and commitment to family and the community. The family tradition continues at the Cruz Construction Company, Inc, as Bertie’s son, John B. Cruz III and grandson, Justin Cruz, each work in the family business. John Jr. serves as President and owner of Cruz Construction. For five decades, Bertie and his business have been recognized with numerous civic and industry honors, including awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Urban League, Small Business Association, Minority Business Development Agency, National Association of Home Builders, the Boston Urban Bankers’ Forum and the National Association for Minority Contractors.