Duane Vos: Blind Ambition

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

ROHNERT PARK — When Duane Vos started installing window blinds as a young man, he had no idea it would lead to a full-fledged career. “My dad owned a flooring and decorating store in Parker, Arizona, where they sold window coverings but didn’t install them,” he remembers. “He was also into cars and was paying me to restore a ’59 El Camino in the shop behind the store. One night, his manager told me he’d been installing blinds after work for the last 15 years and asked if I was interested in taking over for him. At $15 per blind, Read more

Francisco Cortes: Always Growing

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

WATSONVILLE — After embarking on a career in landscaping, Francisco Cortes charted a professional path marked by continual growth and development. “Before I got into landscaping, I was working in a warehouse and wanted a job where I could work outside,” he remembers. “A friend suggested becoming a landscaper, and after looking into it, I decided to give it a shot. I really enjoyed landscaping work and decided to take some college courses to learn about landscape design and irrigation. Several years later, I became interested in hardscaping, so I joined the California Landscape Contractors Association so I could learn more about that aspect. Read more

Daniel Gagne: Plumbing Pride

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

NOVATO — When Daniel Gagne began his plumbing career, he had no idea of the level of success he’d one day attain. “My dad was a plumber, so I was introduced to the trade at a very young age,” he recounts. “After high school, I worked for the family business for a while, and after doing some traveling in my 20s, I ended up in Marin County, where I got a job with a local plumbing company. In 1996, my brother and I co-founded our own plumbing business, which focused on new construction and remodeling work in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.”

Three years into their joint venture, Read more

Bo Posey: An Early Fascination

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SONOMA — Even from a young age, Bo Posey seemed destined for a career in the automotive industry. “My dad was a machinist and always did his own car maintenance, so I was introduced to automotive work early on,” he recounts. “I’ve always been fascinated by cars. Even before I started working on real ones, I was fixing remote-controlled cars for kids in my neighborhood.”

As soon as he was of age, Bo dove headfirst into a professional automotive career. “Right out of high school, I began working as a mechanic for a trucking company, maintaining and repairing big rigs. Read more

Agapito Chavez-Reyes: Life on the Roof

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

LIVERMORE — Most people work a few different jobs before discovering their permanent livelihood, but for Agapito Chavez-Reyes, roofing is the only job he’s ever had. “I got into roofing at age 15, right after I first came to the U.S.,” he remembers. “I started out cleaning jobsites and carrying materials for the roofers, and I gradually worked my way up through the ranks. Several years in, while working as an officer for a roofing company, I encountered a situation where we neglected to do something for the client, but since I wasn’t the owner, I didn’t have the power to make it right. Read more

Jeff Kendall: A Customized Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — Since taking his first sales job, Jeff Kendall has spent the subsequent decades customizing his career. “I’ve been doing sales since I graduated college,” he recounts. “I’ve always loved meeting and talking with people, and I appreciate not being stuck in an office all day. After working as a Yellow Pages salesman for a few years, I got a job as a window and siding sales estimator at Sears. It was there that I met Kevin Gundry, who is now co-owner of Custom Exteriors. Later, while working for a Bay Area home exterior company, I got a call from Kevin, Read more

Grayeagle Porter: An Unforeseen Trajectory

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — As a young man, Grayeagle Porter could never have foreseen the unique course his professional path would take. One thing is for sure: he wouldn’t change a thing about it. “I actually began my career in the theater,” he recounts. “I got my degree in dramatic arts and acted professionally for about 10 years. After getting married, I needed higher-paying work, so I got into the hospitality industry and worked in hotels and restaurants. During this time, I was approached by the owner of a window company, who told me I’d be really good at selling windows. Read more

David Lopez: A Grounded Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — After joining the United States Air Force, David Lopez figured he’d spend the rest of his life soaring through the skies. In the end, he found satisfaction in a more grounded career. “Out of high school, I joined the Air Force and served four years as a crew chief on an A-10 Thunderbolt,” he recounts. “After I got out, my plan was to become a pilot for United Airlines. Between moving back to California from my Air Force base in Tucson, I made a friend who was in the construction business. I started working with him and I enjoyed it, Read more

Marc Roos: A Residential Affinity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

When Marc Roos got his first job in the real estate industry, he didn’t know it would be a stepping stone toward a successful long-term career. “I got into real estate by accident, really,” he says. “After college, a friend and I were looking for work, so we went to the campus employment center. One of the job ads was placed by a commercial real estate broker who was looking to drum up sales; we both responded and were hired. From there, my friend went on to pursue a career in commercial real estate, but I was much more interested in the residential side. Read more

Sean Mader: One for All

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN LEANDRO — When asked the secret to his success with Atticare, Sean Mader credits a trifecta of unique talents contributed by the company’s three owners. “Atticare is owned and operated by Zack, Scott and myself—all good friends who served together in the Israeli military,” he explains. “We share a similar perspective on operations and our goals for the company, but each of us brings a unique set of skills to the table. Zack is a natural strategist who makes sure we stay ahead of the competition; Scott specializes in systems and operations; and I focus on marketing, customer service and business relations. Read more