In 2011, Santiago "Santi" Teniente embarked on a journey that would shape his career. For the past 13 years, he has worked at Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, starting as an apprentice and progressing through the ranks to become a foreman. Over the years, Santi completed a four-year apprenticeship, spent three years as a journeyman, and has been a foreman for the last six years, overseeing projects and ensuring they are done to perfection.
“Sergenian’s is a great company,” Santi said. “Family-owned and operated, and they’ve been a pleasure to work with.”
But life was a bit rocky for Santi before he found his career path. “I was getting in trouble in high school and then started skipping a lot, to the point where I basically dropped out,” he said. It was then that his cousin and uncle, both past participants of Operation Fresh Start (OFS), suggested he give the program a try to get job experience and work on his High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
Santi did just that, joining OFS in 2007, completing two terms with the Pathways (now Legacy) program and becoming part of the first Grad crew (now Build Academy).
OFS Expediter Jeff Reed explained that to be on the first Grad crew, you had to be one of the best participants at the time.
“Santi was the best of the best,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at OFS, Santi said, “OFS taught me all the basics I needed to know. How to read a tape measure, how to do layout—stuff I do every day. They taught me how to operate on a job site and be professional.”
Santi’s supervisor at the time, Tom Stout, left a lasting impact on him. “Tom installed a pretty good work ethic into the whole crew,” Santi recalled. Today, the two still cross paths on job sites.
Recently, Santi gave back to OFS by helping Build Academy participants replace stair treads on a well-worn set of steps—a full-circle moment for him.
Santi’s favorite OFS memory? Hitting the slopes at Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb for skiing and snowboarding. Former Dane County Executive Jonathan Barry used to write grants for OFS and take participants to Tyrol Basin, where he was once a principal owner.
“It was my first time on skis,” Santi said.
Reflecting on many memorable experiences, Santi realized how much OFS had influenced his journey.
“OFS meant a lot to me when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” Santi said. “It kept me out of trouble. Without OFS, there is no way I’d be in the union doing what I’m doing now.”
From troubled high school days to a rewarding career, Santi’s journey shows the power of mentorship, hard work, and second chances.