Sam Baca

Sam Baca is Chief Development Officer and Co-Owner of AUI, Inc., New Mexico’s largest multi-disciplined heavy civil contractor. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Sam attended St. Pius X High School and the University of New Mexico, and his deep roots in New Mexico continue to shape both his approach to business and his commitment to the communities the company serves.

AUI’s story began in 1981, when Adam Triolo founded the company and established the culture, values, and foundation for long-term success. In 2013, Sam, along with business partners Darrin Howells and Patrick Shaw, acquired AUI and built upon that foundation. Today, the three owners lead the company as partners, each bringing different strengths and perspectives to the organization. Sam often describes their partnership as a “three-legged stool”—each leg is different, but each is equally important to the strength and stability of the whole.

As Chief Development Officer, Sam leads AUI’s strategic growth, business development, client relationships, and expansion throughout New Mexico and the Southwest. Under the leadership of the three partners, AUI has grown exponentially and now employs more than 400 people. While Sam takes great pride in the company’s growth and accomplishments, he believes AUI’s greatest strength is the people who make it possible. He is particularly passionate about investing in AUI’s employees, creating opportunities for them to grow, and building a company where people can build meaningful careers and take pride in what they accomplish together.

Beyond AUI, Sam is deeply committed to giving back to New Mexico and supporting the industries and communities that have helped shape his career. He currently serves on the board at Capra Bank, where he also serves as Advisory Board Chair. He previously served on the board of Junior Achievement of New Mexico, including as Board Chair, and served as Chair of the New Mexico chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). He has also served on the boards of the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Sophia’s Foundation, including as Board Chair. His leadership and community service have been recognized through honors including Albuquerque Business First’s 40 Under 40 Overall Winner and Junior Achievement’s National Gold Leadership Award.

Much of what guides Sam today was instilled in him by his late mother, who raised him as a single mother until he was 10 years old. She taught him the importance of hard work, staying humble, and never forgetting where you come from—values that continue to influence how he leads, how he treats people, and how he approaches both business and life. Sam credits those early lessons as an important part of the foundation upon which he has built his career.

For Sam, however, the greatest measure of success extends beyond business. His wife, Krista, is his partner, best friend, greatest supporter, and the foundation of his family. Together, they take great pride in their children, Sway, a freshman at Hope Christian High School, and Jacob, a junior pre-med student at Baylor University. Sam considers his family his rock and motivation, and he believes being present for them is one of the most important responsibilities he has.

Sam is deeply humbled to be recognized as the Hispano Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year. He views the honor not simply as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the many people who have helped shape his journey—including his business partners, the more than 400 employees of AUI, his mentors, friends, his late mother, and, most importantly, Krista and his family. For Sam, success is ultimately about people: building something meaningful, creating opportunities for others, giving back to the community, and never forgetting where you came from.