Love of Raiders – and safety – brought Cedric Joor to McCarthy

Born in Boston and raised in Los Angeles, Cedric Joor had a different route to the construction industry than most. 

Cedric tried his hand at various jobs, some of which his parents suggested and others on the advice of friends or relatives. He even looked into a construction apprenticeship program while working in a local warehouse. 

“It took me a little bit to find my way,” said Cedric, now a  Project Safety Manager for McCarthy Building Companies. 

But Cedric’s true construction revelation came while reading the newspaper as a 24-year-old in 1993. Nothing would be the same after that. 

“The L.A. Times said Vegas was booming and they had a photo of that big pink dome at Circus Circus,” Cedric explained. “I picked up and left, went there that weekend. I didn’t have any solid things really tying me to LA; I had a job, but not a career — and it looked like a better opportunity in Vegas. That changed my life.” 

In Las Vegas, Cedric connected with the local carpenters’ union and made his way from apprenticeship to journeyman to foreman. 

He immediately realized he had found his true calling — and 34 years later he’s still loving his time in the industry. 

“I liked working with my hands — and what I didn’t like was reporting to the same place for the next 30 years,” he said. “In construction, you’re on a project two or three years, then it’s on to the next one. You’ve got different people and different projects to work with — and that worked a whole lot better for me.” 

How the Raiders Brought Cedric to McCarthy 

The Raiders were on their second stint in Oakland when owner Mark Davis announced plans to move the team to Las Vegas. The result was the award-winning Allegiant Stadium project — a joint venture between Mortenson and McCarthy Building Companies, but also a project that included Cedric while he was working for a trade partner. 

Even as a safety manager at another company, Cedric kept noticing the detailed way McCarthy Building Companies workers and safety professionals approached each day on the jobsite. 

"I had been working on the most rewarding project of my career, but I wanted to come work for McCarthy,” he said. “That was where I wanted to be.” 

Cedric bought Raiders season tickets and even has a commemorative brick with his name on it outside the stadium entrance. He’s a Raiders fan, but also is a huge fan of McCarthy Building Companies. 

Personal and caring approach 

Cedric’s supervisor is Regional Safety Manager Tony Esparza. Tony loves the mindset that Cedric brings to the jobsite every day. 

“Cedric is an all-in team player,” Tony said “His dedication to building relationships with his partners is a top priority — and that’s not just with the staff, but with the craft as well. If he sees someone down, he will take the time to chat with them. 

“I’ve witnessed him drive down to California from Vegas because one of his old craft employees was struggling with mental health. He went to meet with him in person. That type of care is second to none.” 

Tony said that along with safety, the value Cedric brings includes not only decades of experience and knowledge, but an ability to impact those around him. 

“The thing that stands out to me is he is so much about the people,” Tony said. “He loves and cares for them on and off the jobsite. We often can get stuck in the day-to-day work we do and Cedric reminds us all that we are people, and we have loved ones who care about us, and that is why he is in the safety field —  to ensure those on his jobsites go home safe and sound to their loved ones.” 

Cedric — also a regional Mental Health Champion — says it’s just a matter of paying attention to those around you. 

“What we do is not easy, it’s very demanding,” he said. “We go through things in life that can get us off balance sometimes. People need to know it’s OK not to be OK, and that folks around you might be going through some of the same things that you are going through.  

“Don’t give up. Don’t feel you’re alone. Keep pushing forward and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” 

Mental health and wellness have been emotional topics for Cedric dating back to his first year in the construction industry. A journeyman on his crew took his own life, shocking all those around him. 

That pivotal experience has never left Cedric. 

“That troubled me so much and over the years, I’ve tried to make sure I did what I could to reach out to folks and keep checking on them,” Cedric said. “Losing that journeyman made me realize how tight-knit a group we are in construction. When you lose a team member, it really affects you.”