Ruben Cordova: A Window of Opportunity
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SAN JOSE — When Ruben Cordova started installing windows early in his construction career, he didn’t know he was laying the framework for a much bigger opportunity to come. “I started working construction when I was 18 years old,” he remembers. “The first company I worked for was a general contractor, where I got experience with all aspects of home construction. A year later, I went to work for a window company and was given the opportunity to monitor a crew. In 2001, I moved to San Jose, where I continued to install windows. My customers noticed the level of attention I gave to the job, and some asked me if I did other things. That led to me expanding the scope of my work—I started doing small kitchen and bathroom remodels and continued to grow from there. So, by the time I applied for my license in 2006, I had quite a bit of experience under my belt.”
Today, as owner of Cordova Construction, Ruben says his favorite part of his job is the daily dance of coordinating projects. “I love getting up in the morning, putting together the schedule, picking up materials—just the process of pulling all the details together. Naturally, I like to see the finished product of our work, but there’s something about the preparation stages that I especially enjoy.”
A resident of San Jose, Ruben spends most of his time outside of work with his family. “My wife, Laura, and I have five children, ages two to 23,” he details. “My kids always help me with the business—my younger daughters go with me to do estimates on the weekends, and my son and older daughter work for me in the field and in the office. When we’re not working, we enjoy playing with our cats, eating dinner together and having family karaoke sing-alongs.”
When asked about the prospect of future retirement, Ruben says it’s an unlikely scenario. “I cannot retire. I’ve been doing this my whole life, and I plan to keep doing it for as long as I can.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What kinds of music do you like?
A: I like all kinds of music, but I particularly enjoy live performances. There’s something about the live artistic expression and connection with the audience that can’t be captured in a studio recording.
Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Whenever it doesn’t rain, which is most of the time in California.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy. I’ve always wanted to see the Colosseum and the Tower of Pisa.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect work vehicles. I have a van for painting, a van for stucco, a truck for cement and many more. Everybody tells me I have too many, but I like having a vehicle ready to go for any given type of job.
Q: What’s your favorite type of food?
A: Mexican-style tacos. They’re my weakness!
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