Manuel Bonilla

Manuel Bonilla, 29 years With W.B. Hopke, from Laborer to Superintendent

When it comes to exemplary dedication to a company, strong traditional values, and love of family, look no further than Manuel Bonilla. Mr. Bonilla has worked for W.B. Hopke for more than 29 years. He started in early 1993 as a laborer and worked his way up through the ranks to superintendent.

Mr. Bonilla listed every position he has earned while working for Hopke. “When I came to Hopke I was a laborer, then I was promoted to tailman, then pipe layer, then loader operator, then backhoe operator, then punch out crew foreman, then full crewman and finally superintendent,” said Mr. Bonilla. “I am proud of my accomplishments and very thankful for the opportunity to move up in the company. It was one of the reasons I joined Hopke in the first place. I was told there’s always room for advancement.”

Mr. Bonilla credits his rise in position at Hopke to his foreman Chuck Johnson and to Frank Hopke as both encouraged him to keep growing with the company and striving for success.

Interestingly, Manuel’s son Richie, who was born 14 days after Manuel started with Hopke, is now 29 years old and has worked for Hopke for five years as a loader operator.

Manuel, who immigrated from El Salvador in 1988, told his son from day one on the job, “You must keep learning to move up. Learn and like what you do. Be responsible, watch what is going on, keep your eyes open, be careful, and always be honest.” This advice has resonated with his son and today both father and son give their all to Hopke.

Much has changed since he began working with Hopke, but moving up and learning each area of the business helped Mr. Bonilla get to where he is today. When he arrived in 1993, Hopke had 7 crews, and now they have 20. His job has changed too. He has much more responsibility. Apart from overseeing his foreman, and 4 to 5 six-man crews, he must ensure his guys have everything they need to keep their projects moving. This includes gravel, concrete orders, pipe and fittings, scheduling, reviewing drawings, contacting Miss Utility, consulting, and seeking permits and right of ways, just to name a few. His goal with every project is to limit any complaints and to minimize the punch lists. He tries to make sure that very little is left over on each project.

Mr. Bonilla has six children, two boys and four girls from two marriages. He played soccer from the time he was 11 years old until he was 36 years old. These days he spends most his free time with his children. His youngest loves going to the park. So does his German Shepherd dog, Buddy.

Manuel is looking forward to one day retiring, but said, “Chuck Johnson, my old boss, jokes with me all the time and says I won’t be able to retire for 12 more years until my 6-year-old daughter graduates from high school. Chuck is probably right!”

Special thanks to Manuel Bonilla for his years of service to W.B. Hopke. We appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Contact W.B. Hopke about a career in utility installation and site work at 703-971-0404 or info@wbhopke.com.