Luiz Cardoso: A Select Opportunity
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
HAYWARD — A career setback can be disheartening, but Luiz Cardoso isn’t the type to lose heart easily. Even after being laid off from his long-time position, he kept his head up, and as a result, he was able to spot an even bigger opportunity. “I used to be a manager for Comcast, where I supervised more than 80 employees,” he recounts. “In 2012, the company started downsizing its managers and I was let go. It was a sad day, but with the experience and training I had under my belt, I knew I wouldn’t be out of work for long.”
Unable to find another managerial job that paid as well, Luiz took a job as a paver installer. It was here that he found a new opportunity to apply his skills and experience. “Within six months of working with pavers, I felt confident that I could do a better job than the company I was working for,” he says. “It wasn’t long before I started my own paver company. Within a couple of years, things really started to take off and the business has been growing ever since. It just goes to show that when you work hard and look for the best, good things will come.”
Today, as owner of Select Pavers, Inc., Luiz says his favorite part of his job is instilling confidence in his clients. “I enjoy meeting customers and making them feel confident that we’ll deliver exactly what they’re looking for. For me, that’s the most valuable piece of the puzzle. People want to feel like they can trust their contractors, and we give them the trust they’re looking for.”
A resident of Union City (where he lives with his wife, Gabby, and their two children), Luiz spends his time outside of work on a variety of activities. “I like playing golf on occasion, but for the most part I like doing things with my family,” he details. “We do a lot of traveling, both within the U.S. and internationally. We also enjoy camping, boating and other outdoor activities.”
In his life and career, Luiz espouses the virtues of hard work and focus. “My wife and I both come from families who had no money,” he explains. “The life we live today is a luxury compared to what we had growing up and is the result of a lot of hard work and focus. I always remind my kids not to take it for granted—if they want to succeed in life, they need to stay focused and work to get to the next step. My wife and I stay focused on the business and satisfying our customers so we can get to the next job. That’s what we strive for every day.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Almond bars from Costco.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Asia. I’ve traveled a lot, but I’ve never made it over there.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Get cozy and watch TV.
Q: What’s your favorite type of food?
A: Seafood. I love sushi.
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