Honoring a Mentor: SK’s Anthony Aguilar Pays Tribute

Image by Ummea Habiba Amika at Vecteezy.com

Honoring a Mentor: SK’s Anthony Aguilar Pays Tribute

by Sweiskloss
May 8, 2025

Teaching goes beyond facts and figures, numbers and textbooks. Weather in the classroom or on the job, our teachers, employers and mentors can have a meaningful impact on our outlook that transcends our professions and shapes our humanity. In celebration of teacher appreciation week, SweisKloss’ Anthony Aguilar pays tribute to a professor that inspired him professionally and personally. Anthony might have been one of hundreds of students in Professor Paul Weber’s construction management course at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, nevertheless, he had a profound impact on Anthony. Themes such as “collective,” “community” and “team” were more than just words in his classes, they were guiding principles that have shaped Anthony’s view of construction as a collaborative team effort. Professor Weber taught him how vital it is to “see” every team member, value their contributions and treat everyone, from general contractor to subcontractors to architects, with equal respect. As an assistant project manager at SK, this mindset clearly comes through in Anthony’s courteous interactions and thorough communications both in the office and in the field. “Communication and appreciation are key,” explains Anthony. Anthony was also inspired by Professor Weber’s ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of personal struggles. Once a student at Cal Poly himself, Weber’s perseverance to put himself through college while living in his car and starting a drafting business encouraged Anthony to pursue his own educational aspirations while juggling school with family responsibilities. This resolve is evident in Anthony’s dedication to SK and his own family. This week, we honor all the “Professor Webers” in our lives.