John Honey: A Tangible Transition

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

NOVATO — After more than two decades in the tech industry, John Honey was ready to transition from the virtual world to something more hands-on. “I was in the sales and marketing side of the high-tech field, working for Fortune 500 companies, and eventually I decided to get out and become an independent business owner,” he explains. “While looking for a business to purchase, I came across Bragg Plumbing and Heating, and it seemed like a good fit. Besides having a fair amount of business knowledge, I had done a lot of plumbing work in my home, so the industry wasn’t totally foreign to me. After taking over the company in 2003, I got my licenses in plumbing and HVAC, as well as my general contractor’s license.”

Today, John says he appreciates the palpable nature of his second career. “I like the fact that what I’m doing now is very tangible and hands-on, as opposed to the tech industry, where everything is very abstract. Fixing a problem with a router just isn’t as satisfying as fixing a leaky pipe or a broken faucet. I really enjoy the simplicity of seeing the results of my work and making a concrete difference in someone’s day.”

Raised in Oakland, John now lives in San Rafael with his wife, Jane, where he enjoys the many attributes the Bay Area is known for. “Besides the rich diversity and vibrant culture, the Bay Area is a very economically viable place to own a business. Plus, since I’m an avid tennis player, I appreciate the good weather.”

In regard to his professional career, John espouses the importance of transparency in business. “To me, transparency means being honest about your intentions and doing what you say you’re going to do,” he explains. “We’re very open about how we do things here, so our customers understand up front what to expect, without any misrepresentation.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, John says he’d volunteer his time to be a resource for younger generations. “I’d like to be a mentor to young people and share some of the knowledge I’ve acquired over my 59 years, whether in regard to business or just general life skills. Of course, I’d also spend some more time playing tennis.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Talk radio or music?
A: Music.

Q: Do you have a favorite band or musician?
A: Burt Bacharach.

Q: Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
A: Servino Ristorante in Tiburon.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Edamame beans.

Q: Do you have a favorite newspaper comic strip?
A: Bizarro.

Ron Frediani: Capable Expansion

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

MILLBRAE — As second-generation owner of AWC, Ron Frediani hasn’t just maintained his family’s company—he has also managed to expand upon its capabilities. “My dad and uncle started AWC in 1946 and I started working for them in 1965,” he remembers. “Over time, we’ve branched out from mainly doing window cleaning to providing services like gutter cleaning and power washing. About 12 years ago, we added air duct cleaning to our repertoire. Not only that, the company is now in its third generation with my son, Joe, who will take over when I retire.”

Today, after more than 50 years with the company, Ron says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “For many years, I was out in the field doing the work, so I appreciate the fact that I’m now able to focus solely on dealing with customers. This allows me to put all my energy into making sure we’re providing great service and keeping our customers satisfied.”

A resident of San Mateo County (where he lives with his wife, Carol), Ron spends much of his time outside of work volunteering in his local community. “I’m a longtime Lions Club member, and I previously served as president of our local chapter,” he explains. “I do a lot of community service through the club and help oversee a lot of our projects. One of our big programs right now is providing free eye exams for local children.” When he’s not busy serving his community, Ron likes to relax by watching sports and taking the occasional trip to Hawaii.

In his life and career, Ron espouses the importance of the family dynamic. “We try to treat our customers like we would treat our family and friends,” he affirms. “I think the family dynamic has always been the greatest aspect of our business. Since we’re a family-run business, we get to know our customers and they get to know us.”

When asked what his future retirement will look like, Ron says his life won’t change too much. “I’m the kind of guy who needs to stay busy, so I’ll probably keep doing a lot of the same things I do now. Wherever I am, I like to be active and involved with whatever is going on around me.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played basketball and baseball.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Relax and listen to music.

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: I’m a ’50s guy, so I enjoy Elvis, Little Richard and other artists from that era.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Popcorn.

Juan Sandoval: True Potential

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

SAN MATEO — While he’s found success as the owner of a Bay Area HVAC company, Juan Sandoval may never have reached his true potential if it wasn’t for an insistent employer who pushed him beyond his comfort zone. “I started in this industry back in 1987,” he says. “I had applied for a job as an air duct cleaning technician with a local service company, but the owner wanted to put me in sales. I didn’t feel that I was salesman material, but he insisted, so I decided to give it a shot. As it turned out, I actually did very well at it.” A couple of years later, Juan went to work for another company called Carol Flynn, Inc., where he gradually worked his way up the ladder until he reached the uppermost rung.

Today, as president of Carol Flynn, Juan says his favorite part of his job is the simple satisfaction of improving people’s day-to-day lives. “I enjoy meeting new customers and helping them increase their comfort by providing heating and air conditioning systems that meet their needs.”

Born in Mexico, Juan was brought to the United States at the age of three and grew up in Redwood City. Today, as a resident of Antioch, he expresses his appreciation for life and work in the Bay Area. “I like the diversity we have here, with so many different nationalities in one place,” he affirms. “Also, the weather is great, and there are a lot of good opportunities for aspiring professionals.”

Outside of work, Juan devotes most of his time to being with his family, which consists of his wife, Catalina, their four children and two grandchildren. “I really enjoy my family,” he says. “We have a pool in our backyard, so during the summer our kids and grandkids come over a lot for swimming and barbequing.” Juan has even found a way to turn his favorite hobby of golf into a family activity. “My kids, my wife and I all play golf, so we regularly go out to the course and play together.”

In his life and career, Juan espouses the wisdom of a motto passed down by his grandfather. “My grandfather used to tell me, ‘If you help people get what they need, you’ll always have what you need,’” he recalls. “Over the years, I’ve found that this holds true. More often than not, if you do right by others and project positivity, you’re going to get positivity in return.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Juan says he’d tee off for an extended holiday. “I would probably start by playing a round of golf. Then, I’d go on vacation in Cabo San Lucas and just relax.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas—I like the lights, cheerful atmosphere and family time.

Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A: My children.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Mr. Teriyaki in Burlingame.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “America’s Got Talent.”