RPM Employee Spotlight: Brian Lopez
Brian Lopez, Superintendent of Maintenance for Real Estate and Property Management (RPM), stands out for his leadership and dedication. Brian has over two years of service at UTSA, with the last year and a half serving in his current role.
Born in New York, Brian’s journey took a defining turn at the age of four when his family relocated to San Antonio. There, he laid the foundation for a strong career by enrolling in trade school through the local plumber’s union, all while earning associate degrees in speech and communication, construction supervision, and industrial training. Currently, Brian is continuing his educational journey by pursuing a bachelor's degree in communication, further expanding his knowledge and opening new doors for leadership opportunities.
Today, Brian oversees a team across two distinct trades, ensuring that everything from clogged toilets to critical system failures is handled. “Every day is different,” he shared. “One moment I’m in meetings or answering emails, and the next I’m in the field helping my team.” From air handling units to major motors and pumps, Brian has seen and fixed it all.
But what truly sets Brian apart is his people-first mindset. He thrives in the field, soaking up the Texas sun and engaging with students, faculty and staff. His leadership style is collaborative, often jumping in on the front lines when needed.
One of Brian’s biggest goals has been boosting team morale. “It’s important for everyone to feel valued,” he said. Last Thanksgiving, RPM hosted the first Wrench Turners Luncheon, where they held a barbecue to bring everyone together.
Some of Brian’s most memorable challenges have taken place in UTSA’s older buildings, where time and wear lead to complex maintenance issues. He recalls a particularly intense project involving a burst six-inch main line, which caused water damage. “It was tough, but my team pulled together and made it happen,” he said.
Brian Lopez is more than a superintendent—he’s a leader, a problem solver and team developer. Real Estate and Property Management is lucky to have him, and we can’t wait to see all he accomplishes.