• Posted: September 28, 2026
• better construction, Construction Technology, GZ Communications, Luis Rivas, Member Feature

For Luis Rivas, co-founder of GZ Communications, building a successful business has been shaped by hard work, family, continuous learning, and the opportunities he found within Chicago’s union electrical industry.

Originally from Spain, Rivas has worked in the electrical and communications industry for more than 25 years. After studying audiovisual arts, he began his career in communications at 22, making custom cable connectors for television mobile trucks. In 2017, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, an important step that helped give him the knowledge and confidence to eventually start GZ Communications with his wife in 2018.

Today, GZ Communications is part of Powering Chicago’s network of Chicago electrical contractors, providing audiovisual and communications expertise for projects throughout the region.

As Powering Chicago celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Rivas’ story reflects the role hard work, family, and opportunity have played in building GZ Communications.

Building GZ Communications Through Experience and Expertise

Rivas serves as General Foreman at GZ Communications, overseeing projects and crews and helping ensure each project is completed safely, professionally and according to customer expectations.

GZ Communications is an audiovisual contractor specializing in AV installations and videoconferencing systems. Its capabilities include videoconferencing rooms, video walls, speakers, sound masking and other audiovisual systems. Rivas explained during his interview that videoconferencing is a particular specialty, helping companies connect employees and operations in Chicago with locations around the world.

GZ works with customers throughout the project process, including bidding, manpower planning, and providing the skilled workforce needed to complete installations.

“What sets us apart is our experience and our commitment to getting the job done right. I personally oversee our projects, so we stay involved and accountable from start to finish,” Rivas said.

The company’s experience includes educational facilities, government projects, and City of Chicago projects. For Rivas, working on facilities that serve local communities carries an added level of responsibility.

“The government and city projects are some of the ones we’re most proud of because there’s a high level of responsibility that comes with that work. Knowing that the systems we install are being used in facilities that serve our communities means a lot to us,” Rivas said.

One project Rivas particularly remembers is GZ Communications’ work for United Airlines at Willis Tower. During his interview, Rivas explained that GZ completed work across United’s floors, including monitors connecting operations with airports throughout the United States. He described it as the company’s largest project at the time and an accomplishment that continues to make him proud.

How Union Training Supports Quality and Growth

Continuous education has been central to Rivas’ career and GZ Communications’ growth.

As audiovisual, communications, and electrical technologies evolve, maintaining technical expertise requires professionals to continually develop their skills. Rivas sees access to union training as an important resource for both GZ Communications employees and the customers they serve.

“We’re very proud to be a union contractor. For us, being union is about more than just the work – it’s about creating opportunities for people and their families to build a better future,” Rivas said.

That commitment to opportunity is supported by continued education.

“One of the things I value most about the union is that you never stop learning. There are always courses and training available where you can develop new skills and keep up with changes in the industry. That training helps us provide skilled, knowledgeable people on our projects and maintain a high standard of work. We’re proud to be part of that,” Rivas said.

During his interview, Rivas shared a recent example of how that training can translate into new capabilities. After a member of the GZ Communications team completed fire alarm certification training, the company was able to pursue fire alarm projects. For GZ, continued education can help individual employees build their expertise while allowing the company to expand the work it can pursue.

Rivas believes customers ultimately benefit from that investment in training.

“Being a union contractor helps us deliver the level of quality our customers expect. Through the training and courses available to us, our people are constantly learning and improving their skills,” Rivas said. “That keeps us at the top of our industry and allows us to bring that knowledge, professionalism, and quality directly to our clients. When our clients succeed, we feel like we succeed with them.”

Creating Careers and Opportunities Through the Powering Chicago Network

For GZ Communications, being part of Powering Chicago has also supported workforce development and the company’s growth.

Rivas points to apprenticeship as an important resource for bringing people into the electrical industry and giving them an opportunity to develop their skills.

“One of the biggest benefits of being part of Powering Chicago is the apprenticeship program. It gives us the opportunity to bring in good people who are looking for a chance to build a career in the industry,” Rivas said.

For Rivas, the goal extends beyond meeting workforce needs for an individual project.

“We believe in giving people that opportunity, helping them learn, and watching them grow. When we bring an apprentice onto our team and they’re a good fit, our goal is not just to have them for one project – we want to keep them with GZ for the long term. We want them to grow with us and hopefully build their career with us,” Rivas said.

Relationships within the broader Powering Chicago network have also played a role in the company’s development. Rivas explained during his interview that when GZ Communications was getting started, industry connections helped the company meet people, build relationships, and find opportunities to pursue work.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Through Hard Work and Opportunity

For Rivas, Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the values and experiences that have shaped his career and his family’s business.

“My Hispanic heritage means a lot to me. My family came to this country looking for better opportunities, and we came here ready to work hard. Hard work and providing a better future for our families are values that we carry with us every day,” Rivas said.

Building GZ Communications into a company trusted to contribute to major projects has made that journey especially meaningful.

“For me, being Hispanic and now having our own company working on major projects for the City of Chicago and large companies is something that really fulfills us and makes our family proud. As immigrants, we understand what it means to start with an opportunity and build from there,” Rivas said.

Rivas also wants GZ Communications’ success to demonstrate what is possible for others.

“I’m proud of where we come from, and I want GZ Communications to represent the Hispanic community at the highest level possible and show what we can accomplish when we’re given an opportunity,” Rivas said.

Family, Pride and the Values Behind GZ Communications

The values Rivas associates with his heritage have also influenced how he approaches leadership, and the company culture he and his wife have built.

“One of the main values I was raised with is to always do a good job and take pride in what you do. That’s something I bring to GZ every day. We want to do the best job we can, not only because it represents us, but because our clients are trusting us to deliver for them,” Rivas said.

Family is equally important to GZ Communications.

“But family is number one for us. GZ was founded by my wife and me, and we try to bring that same family mentality into the company. We don’t want our employees to feel like they’re just workers – we want them to feel like they’re part of the GZ family. We want to see them grow, succeed, and build a good future for their own families too,” Rivas said.

That sense of connection also extends across GZ Communications’ workforce. During his interview, Rivas described a team made up of employees from different backgrounds and spoke about how those different experiences contribute to the company culture. He also discussed the network he has built with other Latino subcontractors and the willingness he has experienced among professionals to support one another and create opportunities.

Building Hispanic Representation in the Electrical Industry

As GZ Communications continues to grow, Rivas recognizes the importance of showing younger Hispanic professionals what is possible within the electrical industry.

“Hispanic representation is important because our young people need to see that these opportunities are possible for them. They need to see people from our community building successful careers, becoming leaders, and owning companies,” Rivas said.

His advice to young Hispanic professionals considering a career in the trades reflects the principles that have guided his own career.

“To young Hispanic people considering the trades, I would tell them: keep working hard toward your dreams and never get discouraged. Have faith in God, believe in yourself, and don’t give up,” Rivas said.

He also encourages young people pursuing apprenticeship opportunities to remain persistent.

“If you’re trying to get accepted into an apprenticeship and you don’t make it the first time, keep trying. Sometimes all you need is that one opportunity. Once you get it, work hard, keep learning, and make the most of it,” Rivas said.

During his interview, Rivas summarized his approach with three principles: patience, hard work and faith. He spoke about the potential for young professionals who commit to their development to progress from learning the trade to becoming leaders within the industry.

Looking Ahead for GZ Communications

Rivas has ambitious plans for the next chapter of GZ Communications.

The company currently works with two of the country’s largest audiovisual integrators, Diversified and Forte AV. Rivas said those relationships have expanded as the companies have entrusted GZ Communications with additional projects and responsibilities.

“Our goal is to continue growing alongside them and our other clients. We would like to double our manpower, take on more and larger projects, and create more opportunities for people to build careers with us,” Rivas said.

During his interview, Rivas also discussed GZ Communications’ interest in expanding its government work while continuing to grow its relationships with the audiovisual integrators it already serves.

As GZ Communications grows, maintaining the principles behind the business remains a priority.

“But as we grow, it’s very important that we never lose the values GZ was built on – family, hard work, quality, and taking pride in every job we do. We want GZ to become bigger, but we always want it to feel like GZ,” Rivas said.

For Powering Chicago, contractors like GZ Communications demonstrate how Chicago’s union electrical industry can create opportunities for skilled professionals to build careers, grow businesses and become leaders in the communities they serve.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Powering Chicago is proud to recognize Luis Rivas and GZ Communications for their commitment to quality, continuous learning, and creating opportunities for the next generation of electrical industry professionals.

Find a qualified Chicago electrical contractor for your next project using Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool.