Juan Sandoval: True Potential

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

SAN MATEO — While he’s found success as the owner of a Bay Area HVAC company, Juan Sandoval may never have reached his true potential if it wasn’t for an insistent employer who pushed him beyond his comfort zone. “I started in this industry back in 1987,” he says. “I had applied for a job as an air duct cleaning technician with a local service company, but the owner wanted to put me in sales. I didn’t feel that I was salesman material, but he insisted, so I decided to give it a shot. As it turned out, I actually did very well at it.” A couple of years later, Juan went to work for another company called Carol Flynn, Inc., where he gradually worked his way up the ladder until he reached the uppermost rung.

Today, as president of Carol Flynn, Juan says his favorite part of his job is the simple satisfaction of improving people’s day-to-day lives. “I enjoy meeting new customers and helping them increase their comfort by providing heating and air conditioning systems that meet their needs.”

Born in Mexico, Juan was brought to the United States at the age of three and grew up in Redwood City. Today, as a resident of Antioch, he expresses his appreciation for life and work in the Bay Area. “I like the diversity we have here, with so many different nationalities in one place,” he affirms. “Also, the weather is great, and there are a lot of good opportunities for aspiring professionals.”

Outside of work, Juan devotes most of his time to being with his family, which consists of his wife, Catalina, their four children and two grandchildren. “I really enjoy my family,” he says. “We have a pool in our backyard, so during the summer our kids and grandkids come over a lot for swimming and barbequing.” Juan has even found a way to turn his favorite hobby of golf into a family activity. “My kids, my wife and I all play golf, so we regularly go out to the course and play together.”

In his life and career, Juan espouses the wisdom of a motto passed down by his grandfather. “My grandfather used to tell me, ‘If you help people get what they need, you’ll always have what you need,’” he recalls. “Over the years, I’ve found that this holds true. More often than not, if you do right by others and project positivity, you’re going to get positivity in return.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Juan says he’d tee off for an extended holiday. “I would probably start by playing a round of golf. Then, I’d go on vacation in Cabo San Lucas and just relax.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas—I like the lights, cheerful atmosphere and family time.

Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A: My children.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Mr. Teriyaki in Burlingame.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “America’s Got Talent.”