Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Marco Sandoval: Stepping Up

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

Even though Marco Sandoval excelled academically throughout high school, he knew he wasn’t suited for a traditional college environment, so as soon as he graduated, he shifted his focus to the HVAC industry. “I was really good at school, but I just couldn’t stand being behind a desk,” he says. “My dad had an HVAC business, so I just said, ‘Why not?’ I jumped in and never left.”

As Marco gained experience, he made it a priority to learn as much as possible from his father and coworkers. “I was always taught that you’re paid based on your knowledge,” he explains. “The more you know, the more value you bring, and the more value you bring, the more you earn.”

Marco unexpectedly stepped into the role of president at Carol Flynn, Inc. after his father, Juan Sandoval, passed away in 2025. With no succession plan in place, he took the initiative to obtain his contractor’s license and keep the company operating. “We weren’t prepared to be without him, but there were mouths to feed and families depending on us, so I hustled really hard,” he recalls. “My sister helped me navigate the transition as well.”

Despite his recent challenges, Marco’s appreciation for HVAC work remains as strong as ever. His interest in building began during childhood, when he spent hours taking apart his LEGO creations and reassembling them in new ways. He found a similar creative outlet in HVAC, which incorporates elements of plumbing, electrical, carpentry and refrigeration. “I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that these different things come together in one trade,” he says. “It really brings comfort to people’s lives.”

Today, Marco focuses on designing heating and cooling solutions that are tailored to each client’s individual needs. Instead of applying the same approach to every home, he asks questions about the occupants’ comfort preferences and recommends equipment accordingly. “Our projects aren’t cookie-cutter,” he affirms. “Everything is customized to the client and their home.”

Marco says one of the most inspiring parts of his job is when he introduces air conditioning to longtime Bay Area residents who have never experienced it in their homes. “I have clients in their 70s and 80s who’ve never had an air conditioner before, so it’s totally magical to them. They tell me they didn’t even know their houses could feel that comfortable!”

Originally from San Mateo, Marco currently lives in Fairfield with his wife, Taylor, and their young son, Matthias. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, fishing, camping, hiking and backpacking with friends in remote areas of the Sierra Nevada. “Life is crazy, so it’s nice to go somewhere without cell service and force yourself to detach from technology,” he says.

When it comes to a guiding philosophy, Marco believes in leading with accountability. “Be honest with people and be honest with yourself,” he offers. “If you mess up, own it. A lot of times, people will respect you more for that.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Do you have any pets?
A: We have a rabbit named Remy. He’s named after the character from “Ratatouille.”

Q: Would you rather be somewhere cold or somewhere hot?
A: Somewhere hot. Some of my best memories are being with my family on a beach.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you visit the past or the future?
A: I’d go back to when I was 10 years old and didn’t know about any of the problems in the world.

Q: What’s your favorite type of music?
A: I listen to everything, so it depends on my mood. Lately, I’ve been listening to slow-paced, low-frequency classical music.