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Victor Ramirez: Making the Grade

By Julie Deacon, Diamond Certified Research Writer

Growing up in California’s Central Valley, Victor Ramirez spent his formative years surrounded by heavy equipment and the kind of hands-on labor that would eventually become the foundation of his professional life. “I’ve been playing with dirt since I was young,” he laughs. “Growing up in a farming family and being around tractors and grading equipment…it just became second nature.”

When Victor moved to the Bay Area in 2006, he naturally gravitated toward the construction and earthwork industry. He says working in the field came naturally, so he decided to earn his contractor’s license and start laying the groundwork for his own company. “I was already comfortable with the equipment and the work, so it just made sense to keep going in that direction.”

In 2015, Victor founded Earthtek Grading and Paving Inc. with two key goals in mind: control and purpose. “I wanted the opportunity to turn my knowledge into work that makes a difference in people’s lives,” he says. “I love taking something that’s uneven and rough and turning it into something clean and functional. There’s nothing more satisfying than that transformation.”

That mindset has carried into how Victor runs his business today, where accountability and workmanship are central to his approach. “If you’re doing this work, you have to care about the outcome,” he says. “It’s not just about finishing a job—it’s about doing it right so you’re proud of what you built when you look back at it.”

A resident of Santa Clara, Victor says his favorite part of life in the South Bay is the non-stop action. “Life was a little bit slower where I grew up, so it’s exciting to be somewhere that’s so diverse and fast-paced. We have pretty much every type of food and entertainment, so there’s always something to do.”

While work remains a major part of Victor’s life, he stays balanced by prioritizing quality time with his wife, Megan, and their three children, Austin, Aria, and Asher. “We spend a lot of time together,” he affirms. “Whether we’re going to sprint car races or just hanging out at home, they’re the most important part of my life.”

Looking ahead, Victor remains focused on continuing to grow Earthtek Grading and Paving while maintaining the hands-on, quality-driven approach that brought him into the industry in the first place. “I just want to keep building,” he says. “One project at a time, one step at a time. That’s how everything gets done.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d probably keep working in some way, but I’d also spend more time with my family. It would be nice to travel and enjoy life a bit more without the pressure of schedules.

Q: What’s your favorite movie genre?
A: Documentary.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The future. That would be pretty mind-bending.

Q: Would you ever skydive?
A: No way. I like the ground.

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: Something fast, like a Formula One car.