Building the future of Miami-Dade County

Sometimes, you answer a call that brings you to the right place. Thirty-five years ago, Juan Bergouignan applied for a draftsman position at Public Works, not realizing Miami-Dade County would become his home. In this place, his passion for fixing and building things thrives. 

From Public Works, he soon moved to the Seaport and was steadily promoted through different positions while continuing his formal education and acquiring several certifications and licenses. Today, he is a Construction Manager 2 at the Port of Miami, where he has seen incredible growth and innovation take shape.

"My passion for building things started as a young man," he said. "My uncle opened a plastering business when he came from Cuba. He would bring me along to translate because he didn't speak much English. I would work with him on different jobs and really enjoyed fixing and building things."

Through the years, Bergouignan has been a part of some exciting projects, including the construction of Wharfs 4 and 5, the redevelopment of Lummus Island and Cruise Terminals F and G, the installation of gantry cranes and a new rail system and more.

"The work has always been challenging. Some with unexpected requirements," Bergouignan explained. "I had to go out at sea on the dredgers to inspect operations and the disposal area at Virginia Key. I supervised the civil work of heavy equipment operators using dredged material to raise the elevation of the cargo area. This required working 'til 2 a.m. some days to receive lime rock at night."

"We constructed a new seawall for larger ships that transit through the newly expanded Panama Canal to service Miami. At that time, the only other Port on the East Coast was New York," he added. "Thankfully, our cargo operations kept us economically afloat during the pandemic."

Cruise Terminal B is impressive and illuminated as you drive across the McArthur Causeway to South Beach, the new mega cruise terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line. Bergouignan said this is also one of his favorite projects.

"Currently, I'm working as a team member on the Shore Power Terminal Project. This power source will eliminate the operation of cruise ship generators that pollute the atmosphere while they are at the Port."  

Bergouignan has high praise for his coworkers, managers and leadership. "So many have helped me be mentors throughout the years. The Port and its people are dedicated and always bring their best. Fortunately, I've learned so much and earned their support and respect."

"I'm grateful and rewarded to see the results of our work at the Port," he added. "To see people using the amenities we have developed is incredibly satisfying."

Off the job, Bergouignan brings his passion to building his garden. He also plans to build a home in Key Largo so he can fish and free dive. His girlfriend is from Mexico, so he has been traveling there more recently. At home, he has a grown son and daughter. Together, they spend quality time with his 87-year-old mother, who enjoys cooking for them all.