Crownhill Builders - Our People

Our Key People

Robert Hoek is President of Crownhill Builders Inc. and was one of the company’s co-founders in 1975. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, Robert continued his education at the University of Tennessee, where he began pursuing a law degree. He also attended San Antonio College, where he completed two years in courses towards an Associates in Home Building. Robert went on to obtain a Texas Real Estate Brokers license in the late 1970’s. Robert also served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant in the early 1970’s.

Robert began his career working as a general contractor for Charles C. Madden and later for Jagger and Associates (Embrey) in the development and construction areas. As the President of Crownhill Builders, Robert “Rob” is responsible for business development, project management and the overall operations of the current business ventures that Crownhill is actively pursuing.

Having over 30 years of experience in the construction business, Robert prides himself on his overwhelming ability to communicate effectively with clients, peers, co-workers and the construction community as a whole. Robert has been dubbed with such organizations as, Texas Association of Builders, the Builders Exchange of Texas Inc., and the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, just to name a few. “I am excited about our people as well as our new prospects. It is truly a joy to come to work”, says Hoek.

“Rob” is married to wife Stacey and has two children, Courtney and Whitney. He enjoys hiking, reading, traveling and yoga.

Renee Fruiht
Director of Operations

Renee Fruiht has been with Crownhill Builders, Inc. since 1996. She comes from an extensive background in the construction industry with over 16 years of experience. She previously worked with various facets of the industry with organizations such as Eilson AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska where she worked exclusively for a framing contractor on the military instillation on projects specific to the military community.

Renee began her career at Crownhill as the Office Manager working her way up to Operations Manager and has since been promoted to Director of Operations in early 2007. As Director of Operations, Renee oversees the entire operations process from administration to estimating and anything directly related to project management. Renee is a vital part of the organization as she acts as the eyes and ears of the company and continues the growth efforts of Crownhill through her sharp business savvy and her keen since for effective negotiation.

“It is truly a great experience to be a part of the growth that Crownhill Builders has had over the years”, says Fruiht. “I am proud of the projects that we have completed and believe that our clients feel the same way”. Fruiht continued by saying, “We have a great team and coming to work is a pleasure”.

Renee enjoys travel, gardening, shopping and jewelry beading. She is also the proud mother of a daughter, Adriana.

Carlos Gonzalez
General Superintendent

Carlos Gonzalez has been with the Crownhill team since December 2004. He comes from generations of construction workers and has been in the business for over 24 years. Carlos is currently in the process of completing an Associates degree from St. Phillips College in construction and is a certified welder. With ten years of concrete experience, six years of flooring experience, three years in the roofing business and five years of electrical experience, Carlos is more than qualified to handle any construction project in his path.

As General Superintendent, Carlos is responsible for multiple tasks (including general management of several superintendents and foreman). From the initial project research, down to the “nuts and bolts” of the job, Carlos is the person who holds it all together. Being previously self employed in the construction business for many years, Carlos is truly a valuable asset to the Crownhill team. Having worked both independently and with different construction organizations, Carlos knows the business inside and out.

“I see the company growing everyday and prospering in many ways”, says Gonzalez. “I look forward to Crownhill Builders Inc. becoming a household name and being recognized in the construction community as the builder of choice”, he continued.

Carlos enjoys hunting, fishing and racquetball. He is the proud father of five children and two grandchildren, Amber Marie and Matthew Xavier.

Karola Orduña
Office Manager

Karola Orduña has been with Crownhill Builders, Inc. since March of 2007. Karola is a Laredo, Texas native and was actively involved in the Laredo building industry 1998.

Karola is well verses in many aspects of construction. This breath of experience has fully prepared her for her role as Office Manager. Karola says, “I can do anything, just tell me what you need.”

Karola is a “friend” to each of our subcontractors and vendors. Her warm smile and hearty laugh are endearing to all.

Elizabeth Swintek
Estimator

Elizabeth Beaumont Swintek has been with Crownhill Builders, Inc. since December 2006. She is a native of Southern Texas. She started off in the construction industry at an early age and quickly realized it was something she wanted to be part of for a long time to come. “To watch the dramatic changes during the process of construction, and then to the growth that occurs in my city as a direct result of what is built, is amazing. To know that I took part is such a rewarding feeling. Its like becoming part of history!” says Swintek.

Elizabeth has a wide range of experience assisting commercial estimating team. She has also worked on high-end residential projects, large commercial buildings, government historical renovations and the mass building of Multi-Family homes on a military base.

As the Estimator at Crownhill Builders, Inc. her responsibilities start from the time CHB takes interest in a project or client, to the day we submit our price. My job is to give a fair price, for the quality work we perform.

Elizabeth is married to husband Kevin, and has plans to expand their family soon. Elizabeth enjoys reading, writing, and being anywhere outdoors.

Henry M. Rodriguez
Superintendent

Henry joined the Crownhill family in July 2006, and has been a valuable asset to the company. Henry’s career in construction began during his childhood with a hammer in his hand working summers and weekends with his father. He attended four years of trade school in commercial and residential construction with the Carpenter Local Union 14 where he earned his certificate as a journeyman in carpentry.

Being in construction all of his life, Henry has extensive knowledge and skills demanded in commercial and residential construction, and demonstrates excellent project superintendent skills. He emphasizes on teamwork because he understands the importance of working together with all those involved in order to avoid any potential roadblocks that can impact the project’s completion. He has been in charge of multi-million dollar projects and has completed them before the projected deadline. Henry takes pride in his work and maintains good work ethics, exhibits strong organizational skills, job integrity, and job safety in all his projects. He has certainly earned the respect and recognition of others in the construction community, including architects, design consultants, subcontractors, owners and co-workers.

“It gives me great satisfaction in seeing my projects transform from nothing to a building that began with just an idea, on to paper, and then brought to life.”

Henry is happily married to his wife, Teresa, and has three grown boys, Henry, Jr., Eric, and John Charles. Henry’s hobbies include restoring his historic home in Floresville, gardening, flea marketing, fishing, enjoying time with family and friends. He is also active at his parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and is a team member of the Men’s Acts Retreats.