Walter Rivera

Walter Rivera’s journey with William A. Hazel began at the age of 18, and over the past 31 years, he has experienced the company’s unwavering support and commitment to employee growth. Starting out under the mentorship of a foreman who taught him everything—including English—Walter’s career trajectory has been shaped by both the stability of the company and the guidance of his colleagues.

After 20 years of learning under the same foreman, he stepped into the role of foreman himself, a career milestone he is incredibly proud of. Throughout his tenure, Walter has always appreciated how the company treats its employees like family, creating a motivating environment where teamwork and collaboration are highly valued.

His success is a reflection of the encouragement he’s received from those around him, and he credits his growth—both professionally and personally—to the strong support system at William A. Hazel. 

Having spent over three decades with the company, Walter emphasizes the importance of safety and teamwork, especially for those just starting their careers. The stability and longevity of William A. Hazel stand out to him as defining features, and he believes the company’s culture fosters respect, development, and collaboration.

Walter’s experience as a foreman has given him the opportunity to mentor others, passing on the knowledge he has gained throughout the years. He takes great pride in continuing the legacy of Mr. Bill Hazel, ensuring that the company’s core values remain alive in everyday operations. Walter’s career at William A. Hazel has been incredibly rewarding, and he wholeheartedly recommends the company to others for its strong culture, commitment to employees, and opportunities for growth. 

Jason Bettis began his career at William A. Hazel shortly after high school, following in the footsteps of his family members who were already part of the company—and still are today. Over the past 13 years, Jason has steadily grown within the organization, starting as a Volvo driver and working his way up to operating a wide range of heavy equipment, including dozers, rollers, excavators, and more. With a strong commitment to learning and versatility, he’s become a key member of the earthwork team, always ready to take on new challenges wherever he’s needed.

Jason attributes much of his professional development to the company’s supportive environment and the mentorship he’s received along the way. He finds motivation in the people he works with and values the sense of camaraderie that comes from being surrounded by a dedicated, hard-working team. 

What Jason enjoys most about William A. Hazel is the culture of mutual respect and the feeling of being part of a second family. He takes pride in helping new hires grow—just as others once helped him—and emphasizes the importance of paying attention, learning from seasoned operators, and focusing on the details. For Jason, the company stands out for its commitment to quality and the legacy of care established by Mr. Bill Hazel, which he sees continued in how employees are supported today.

As an excavator operator, Jason appreciates the variety in his work and the opportunities for ongoing growth. He strongly recommends William A. Hazel to others, not only for its stability and career development but also for its family-like atmosphere and the chance to be part of something meaningful.