Cruz Companies, one of the country’s oldest and largest Black-owned construction, real estate development and management businesses, has been honored as one of the “Brands That Matter” by Fast Company magazine.
The award puts Cruz Companies alongside such renowned companies as General Motors, Intel and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which have also won the honor in the global competition.
Fast Company, a business magazine that focuses on business innovation and design, said it was honoring Cruz Companies because it has “demonstrated committed leadership and a relentless focus on ‘community, quality & integrity’ to overcome local histories of redlining, displacement and disinvestment.”
The magazine said the integrated enterprise of three companies has created “enduring impact through dedication to affordable housing, community service and nurturing ecosystems of BIPOC-owned businesses, including 50-plus suppliers and contractors.”
The Boston-based, family-run Cruz Companies, founded in 1948 by Cape Verdean immigrants, has a new logo, Roxbury headquarters and motto.
“Our new brand image represents the emerging generation of leadership and the sophisticated yet sensitive business processes we’re continually improving to benefit the neighborhoods we champion around the country,” says CEO John B. Cruz III. “While we can never forget where we’ve come from, we are committed to a future of greater equity and opportunity — that’s why (we) chose our brand rallying cry, ‘Pioneering Progress, Empowering Communities.’”
Justin Cruz, a son of the CEO who has been elevated to chief operating officer, said, “After 75 years of growth and hard work, we are delighted to earn this recognition from such disparate and highly respected groups. It is a credit to our team and our time-tested processes for creating attractive, attainable communities that we continue to operate today.”
The third-generation business has three key divisions: The John B. Cruz Construction Company, Cruz Development Corporation and Cruz Management Company Inc.
