Our Story
Founded in 2019 by brothers Michael and Ben Sambrano, Gracen Engineering & Construction, Inc. brings together complementary skill sets to deliver exceptional commercial construction services across Southwest and Central Texas.
Michael Sambrano, a licensed professional engineer with a strong background in large-scale commercial, federal, and military projects, leads the firm with deep technical construction expertise. Ben Sambrano, who holds a master’s degree in business and brings experience from Austin’s dynamic startup and tech consulting sectors, oversees the company’s financial operations. Together, they combine engineering precision with strategic business insight.
Construction runs deep in the Sambrano family. Michael and Ben were introduced to the industry at a young age through their family’s business, founded in 1971 by their grandfather, the late Humberto "Sam" Sambrano—a respected figure in the regional construction community. Building on that legacy, the brothers launched Gracen with a vision rooted in professionalism, integrity, and high-performance execution. Since its inception, the company has experienced steady growth and early success, a testament to their disciplined approach and deep industry knowledge.
In 2021, Gracen Engineering & Construction was accepted into the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program and will continue in the program through 2030. The firm is an active member of the 8(a) and Government Contractors Association, with Michael serving as the association’s President in 2024.
Further strengthening the team, Michael and Ben’s father, Steven Sambrano, recently joined the firm in an advisory role, bringing decades of firsthand construction experience. A lifelong builder with a portfolio that spans all project types and scales, Steven offers invaluable insights in operations and estimating that benefit both the company and its clients.
With a foundation built on professionalism, energy, education, and experience, Gracen Engineering & Construction is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality results that embody its guiding principle:
"Efficient Engineering – Confident Construction."
Meet the Team
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S. Michael Sambrano, P.E.
Co-Founder, CEO
B.S. Civil Engineering - University of Texas at El Paso - 2011
Registered Professional Engineer - State of Texas
With more than 18 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, Michael Sambrano brings comprehensive leadership to Gracen Engineering & Construction. His deep understanding of every phase of the construction process—from project procurement to final closeout—ensures strategic oversight and consistent execution across all projects.
Michael holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. Over the course of his career, he has undergone extensive training in estimating, developing the advanced skillset required of a seasoned industry estimator.
He has played key roles on a wide range of complex, large-scale projects for high-profile clients, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most notably, Michael spent three years representing USACE during the $1 billion medical campus reconstruction of the William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss—a landmark federal project recognized for its scale and complexity.
Additional major projects under his belt include the Fort Bliss Job Order Contract, Fort Bliss Paving IDIQ, water booster pump stations and storage tanks, and multiple heavy civil site development efforts as part of the BRAC expansion at Biggs Army Airfield—together exceeding $100 million in value.
Beyond federal work, Michael has successfully delivered projects for Fort Bliss MICC, El Paso Community College, Ysleta ISD, the City of El Paso, and a variety of private-sector clients. His broad experience and technical insight are instrumental to Gracen’s ability to deliver high-quality, efficient, and reliable construction services.
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Benjamin Sambrano, MA
Co-Founder, President
B.B.A. International Business - St. Edward’s University - 2013
M.A. International Business - Concordia University - 2015
Ben Sambrano, Co-Founder and President of Gracen Engineering & Construction, brings a rare blend of hands-on construction experience and high-level business expertise to the firm. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the construction industry, Ben's earliest experiences included working as a laborer on projects for UTEP, the City of El Paso, and EPISD—gaining firsthand exposure to both fieldwork and the business operations led by his father and grandfather.
After graduating from Coronado High School, Ben earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from St. Edward’s University in Austin. He continued his academic journey with a Master’s in International Business from Concordia University Irvine, which also led him to teach at the business school of Zhejiang University in Shanghai, China.
Ben launched his professional career in Austin’s dynamic startup and high-tech ecosystem, contributing to the growth and success of several emerging companies—including one that achieved a nine-figure acquisition. As a certified ERP Solution Consultant for Oracle NetSuite, he advised mid-market and enterprise-level organizations nationwide, helping them streamline operations and improve efficiency through smart, strategic implementation of ERP systems.
Today, Ben leverages this broad business acumen and tech-forward mindset to lead Gracen’s finance and accounting functions, ensuring the company remains fiscally strong and strategically positioned for continued growth. His diverse experience and forward-thinking leadership are key drivers behind Gracen Engineering & Construction’s ongoing success and commitment to excellence.
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Steven Sambrano
Advisor - Operations/Estimating
B.S. Civil Engineering - Rice University - 1981
Steve Sambrano brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to Gracen Engineering & Construction, backed by a career spanning over three decades in the commercial construction industry.
As the former president and co-founder of a regional general contracting firm, Steve played a pivotal role in growing the company from a modest operation with two employees and under $2 million in revenue to a thriving enterprise generating over $50 million annually and employing more than 60 professionals. His leadership spanned every facet of the business—from operations and estimating to business development and large-scale project management.
Steve’s comprehensive industry knowledge includes deep familiarity with a wide range of clients and project delivery methods, giving him the flexibility and insight to adapt to the unique demands of each engagement.
For the past 17 years, Steve has worked as a trusted construction management consultant, advising developers, general contractors, and other industry stakeholders. His consulting work blends hands-on construction expertise with high-level advisory support, including deal structuring, contract development, and strategic project planning.
Today, in his advisory role at Gracen, Steve contributes invaluable experience and guidance that strengthens project execution, operational efficiency, and overall client satisfaction.
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Arath Jauregui
Estimator/Project Engineer
B.S. Civil Enginering - University of Texas at El Paso - 2022
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Emmanuel (Manny) Torres
Superintendent
20+ years of construction experience
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Oscar Miramontes
Site Safety Health Officer (SSHO)
