Know Your Neighbor: Matthew Gutiérrez
Plumbing contractor loves his work, helping others
Some people may not believe it, but not all individuals like to sit around relaxing during leisure time. Matthew Gutiérrez, for instance, loves to be tinkering with something even in his spare time. “I like to work. I’m a very hands-on person and all my activities allow me to finish whatever I love to do,” said Matthew Gutiérrez during a recent interview.
Gutiérrez, a 1984 Taos High graduate, attended vocational school in El Rito, New Mexico (at that time a branch of Northern New Mexico College). “I went into the study of plumbing, heating and cooling because it interested me,” he said.
Building a company: After school, for three years, he worked for Julio Herrera’s Rio Lucero Plumbing. For two more years, Gutiérrez worked for Bergerson Plumbing. In 1992, he opened his business, MG Mechanical.
MG Mechanical offers a variety of services, running the gamut of what Gutiérrez terms, “almost from A to Z.” Besides plumbing, heating and air conditioning, Gutiérrez’s company works on new construction, remodels, natural and propane gas and domestic water wells. He also offers HVAC maintenance, new installations, septic system and cistern installation and maintenance and irrigation systems such as sprinklers. In addition, MG Mechanical works on roofs and windows. He can also do excavation and road maintenance.
“I enjoy my work,” said Gutiérrez. “I’ve been in this field for almost 30 years. I think it’s best for people to do something they like.”
Gutiérrez also likes to help others through his business. “I sponsor softball and T-ball teams. I also help elders and those in poverty offering them discounts,” Gutiérrez said.
Family: The large Gutiérrez family is close-knit; they see each other almost daily. Matthew’s late mother Dorothy Gutiérrez passed away three years ago. His father Jesús oftentimes shares meals and other activities with the family. Matthew, one of eight children, has three brothers and four sisters: Geneva Mondragón; Pat (Laura Lee) Archuleta; Frank (Kim Graham) Archuleta; Ernestine Lopez; Joseph López; Audrey (Flavio) Abeyta; and Jessica Gutiérrez. The Gutiérrez family also includes many nieces and nephews.
Matthew Gutiérrez also enjoys spending time with two daughters and two grandchildren. Daughter Nicole Martinez raises her sons Jesiah and Isaiah Martínez with whom Grandpa Matt spends as much time as possible. Ashley (Lee) Livings resides in North Dakota.
Gutiérrez was born and raised in Taos. “I’m pretty Catholic. I was an altar boy and I practice my faith. The family gets together at many gatherings, including Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter,” explained Gutiérrez.
Every other year, Gutiérrez visits family members in North Dakota. In the past, he sometimes traveled on his Harley, but since the death of his friend Filbert Vigil in a 2003 motorcycle accident, he doesn’t ride as often. Gutiérrez also travels to Albuquerque a great deal because he owns property in that city.
Spare time: Even though Gutiérrez cooks on occasion, he eats out frequently because of his constant comings and goings through his business. Whether at home or other places, he prefers Italian and Spanish foods. His television series viewing tastes range from “CSI Miami” to “CSI Las Vegas” or westerns. He said he also continually watches the news in order to remain current. He said he has a great affection for the outdoors, and loves hunting, fishing and wood-hauling in Northern New Mexico.
Parting thoughts: Whenever you see Gutiérrez’s truck hauling his machine around town, know that he’s on the way to cleaning out rootwrapped plumbing or to help someone in need. Wherever he’s going or whatever he’s doing, Matthew Gutiérrez likes traveling to and arriving at his destination because he’s on a mission to help others. To reach Gutiérrez, call (575) 7703233. He’s ready to assist those in need, and besides, he loves to work.