Painter with a heart

Field superintendent comforts inmates with Good Word

As a field superintendent with Apex National Decorators, Robert Guzman knows everything there is to know about paint, and what it takes to be the best in the business. Now, with seven years under his belt with the commercial painting company, Guzman continues to lead his team towards field excellence both as a leader and a journeyman painter.

And though Guzman’s journey has seen him through both challenges and victories, it’s his unwavering faith that keeps this 40-year-old unbreakable and solid as oak. When you know his story, you'll understand.

Born in Phoenix and raised in San Diego, Guzman’s youth and early adulthood saw him through juvenile detention. He survived being stabbed twice, engaging in gang activity and witnessing of the murder of his friend. This repeating pattern eventually served as a clear confirmation that it was time for a change; Guzman made his way back to his birthplace in 1993.

“Even after I moved back to Arizona, I still kept getting into trouble,” says Guzman. “This is what led me to the Lord…when I felt Him call me I went to His house and have never been the same since.”

And Guzman’s work is one that takes him from supervising in the painting field, to working personally with inmates behind bars.

When he’s not serving as a field superintendent at Apex, Guzman (along with three other men from his Gilbert church, MorningStar Apostolic) journeys into local jails such as Tent City to spread the gospel.

“I came from a lifestyle that was filled with crime. I know what it feels like,” says Guzman. “This is my way of giving back…God has put it into my heart to preach in this way.”

As far as his day job, Guzman looks forward to continuing to grow with Apex.

With more than 10 years of commercial and residential experience, from parking structures to high-end dining venues, Apex is licensed, bonded, insured and listed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

            As a field superintendent, Guzman sets the pace in leading and overseeing many skilled laborers. He started in the field as a drywall and paint laborer.

            “Since his promotion to field superintendent two years ago, Robert has developed into a great leader,” says Marianne Cox, Apex’ Vice President of Operations. “He’s always been a talented painter but there was so much more inside. He brought organization and support to his crew, which grew from five to 30 painters today.”

At the end of the day, Guzman is content with his life and enjoys spending time with his wife Sylvia and their 11-year-old son, Robert Jr.

Guzman feels very confident in the opportunity he’s been given to work in Tent City and gives tribute to his pastor of 12 years, Daniel Lizarraga, who he says encouraged and allowed him to take his work into the jails.

“I’ve had several conversations with Sheriff Joe (Arpaio) and told him we need a revival in the jail system…the inmates in Tent City stay for months, not years,” he says. “I enjoy this because the preaching is fresh, so inmates can take it with them to the streets.”

As far as personal goals, Guzman unfolds his dreams.

“I would like to see inmates serving God and for them to be a testimony of what the gospel can do for others…”

But Guzman’s dreams don’t stop there.

He plans to one day travel to other parts of the world with the gospel; plans are in the works to journey to Africa and India.

Through both his work at APEX and his work bringing the Word, Guzman hopes to leave a lasting impact on others. His inspirational message remains constant.

“Bottom line is that you will need God at some point in your life…I could not have done this without Him.”