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Paloma Martinez: A Clean Opportunity

By Matt Solis, Editor

Paloma Martinez didn’t have much experience in the commercial cleaning industry when she accepted a position at Cappstone, Inc., but her management skills and adaptability made for a seamless transition. “I got involved in the industry in late 2019,” she remembers. “I used to be an account manager for Enterprise, so I had a bit of experience when it came to cleaning cars, but it was mostly a brand-new field. I just saw the Cappstone position on LinkedIn and decided to go for it—three interviews later and I was part of the team!”

Today, as Cappstone’s VP, Paloma says her favorite part of her job is meeting new people and helping them solve their problems. “Some jobs are big and some are small, but either way, I enjoy the process of assessing the issue, figuring out a solution and watching it come to fruition. It’s a great feeling to see someone happy with the results we’re able to provide.”

Born in Los Angeles to Peruvian parents, Paloma moved to Northern California in 2017 and currently resides in San Francisco, where she appreciates the daily variety that The City by the Bay has to offer. “My favorite part about living here is being able to walk everywhere,” she says. “I live in the Mission District, so there’s always a lot to do. There are tons of mom and pop shops, and I feel like the city is really alive in this area.”

Outside of work, Paloma splits most of her free time between two lifelong passions. “I’ve played soccer my whole life—I started playing club when I was nine years old and I played in college,” she explains. “Recently, I was playing in a rec league, but I ended up breaking my thumb and I haven’t played since. I’ve been thinking about jumping back into it, though. I also like sewing. My grandpa used to be a project manager for a jeans company in L.A., so we’ve always had big sewing machines and tables around the house.”

When she’s not scoring goals or working on sewing patterns, Paloma also likes hiking, taking photos and trying new restaurants in San Francisco, and going on weekend trips to see her family. “Most of my family is still in Southern California, but I go down and visit them pretty often,” she affirms. “I’m really close to my mom, my uncles and my grandparents, so we get together as often as we can, especially for birthdays and holidays. We’ll make a feast of Peruvian food, listen to our favorite music, play board games…it’s a fun vibe.”

In terms of a personal or professional philosophy, Paloma draws upon the timeless wisdom of René Descartes. “I minored in philosophy in college and I’ve always liked the quote, ‘I think, therefore I am,’” she offers. “It’s pretty powerful because it can mean so much. If you’re thinking about something, that means you’re present in the space, and I think that’s awesome.”

When asked the first thing she would do if she retired tomorrow, Paloma says she would start the next chapter of her life with a big vacation. “I would plan a trip to Japan because I’ve wanted to go there since I was in middle school, and I’d like to see Europe as well. I’m not including Machu Picchu in this retirement trip, though, because my mom has been wanting to visit for a long time and I want to go with her.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?

A: Real Madrid is our family team. We have a family rivalry because my grandparents love Barcelona, so when they play each other in El Clásico it’s always exciting.

Q: What’s your favorite band?

A: Nirvana. I think there are lots of messages in Kurt Cobain’s lyrics.

Q: Have you ever read a book more than once?

A: I’ve definitely read all the Harry Potter books more than once. I’m a bit of a fangirl.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: It’s a tossup between Mochica and Starbelly in San Francisco.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

A: I like to make Aguadito, which is a Peruvian chicken soup. It’s basically arroz con pollo in soup form—perfect on a rainy day.