Ryan Diaz: Generational Synergy
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
CONCORD — Despite being a roofer’s son, Ryan Diaz had little interest in nailing shingles or handling hot tar. However, when he applied his administrative proficiency alongside his father’s hands-on experience, it resulted in a potent combination. “My dad founded Bay Valley Contractors in 1989, and I started working with him on jobsites when I was about 12 years old,” he remembers. “However, my strengths were always more on the administrative and management side than in working with my hands. Eventually, I found my abilities could be applied to helping my dad run his business, and we’re still working together today.”
Today, as vice president of Bay Valley Contractors, Inc., Ryan says his favorite part of his job is the encouragement he receives from positive customer feedback. “I love hearing from happy customers. Just the other day, I called a customer to ask about his experience and he said he couldn’t have asked for a better contractor. That’s the kind of feedback that really makes my day.”
A resident of Vallejo, Ryan expresses his appreciation for the character of Bay Area life. “The Bay Area is such a beautiful, diverse place,” he affirms. “I have conference calls with people all over the United States, and I’m often reminded of how lucky I am to live here. It’s easy to take it for granted, but if you take a second to look, you realize how special it is.”
Outside of work, Ryan likes to stay active with activities like swimming and going on walks with his boxer, Max. He also maintains a keen interest in gardening. “My dad built me a huge garden bed, and every spring I’m in there tending to my vegetables.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Ryan espouses the importance of customer satisfaction. “Our customers are the core of our business, so at the end of the day, our job is to keep them happy,” he explains. “Sometimes that means losing some money on a job, but even then, that customer will probably tell their friends how we helped them. In that case, even if we lose money, we win some good word of mouth, which leads to more work in the future.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Ryan says he’d look for a new livelihood. “I really don’t see myself retiring, as in moving to Florida and spending my days sitting in a lawn chair. If I did leave the roofing business, I’d probably just get involved in something else. Maybe I’d start flipping houses or become a property manager. Just something to keep my mind active—after all, if you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: I Love Teriyaki & Sushi in Concord.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: London. I’ve always been fascinated by British culture.
Q: What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child?
A: A Power Ranger. That was the big show when I was growing up.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: Chocolate lava cake a la mode.
