Hot Help
So many long hot days-swamp cooler time. I needed to find the man who helped me with other problems in the past.
Demetrio Chavez's Plumbing, Heating and Supply is right on Santa Fe Avenue, filled with an amazing collection of metal parts and 'stuff', in addition to a variety of other services. He has this calm pleasant voice even when dealing with what I'd call a disaster. Of course, he is VERY experienced since he started learning the business when he was 12 yrs. old. His father, Demetrio #1, care from Seboyeta and was remarkably skilled in visualizing and building entire plumbing systems for new homes being constructed during the Boom period, as well as starting his own business when he was in his late 40's, early 50's. He was an inventor in his 'spare time', building an air compressor for his home as well as modifying a truck used for hunting to run on propane or gasoline by a flick of a switch.
Our man, Demetrio #2 [the only boy with three older sisters], started helping in middle school, then halftime by 12th grade with his journeyman's license by 17 yrs. old and contractor's license age 22. [If construction +/or repairs are not made by a licensed contractor, insurance companies often will not pay any subsequent claims.] Although he could have gotten a high paying job at the mines, his father was getting older and he decided to stay and help with the demanding physical work., When his father retired at age 65, and sadly died years later, Demetrio #2 took over the business and had to learn and pass the required business and law exams to handle the payroll, workman's comp, bookkeeping, etc. Now, after 52 years in the business, he still is the handson craftsman, as well as paying yearly fees for being bonded and licensed to handle commercial and regular homes, mobile homes, liability insurance, commercial insurance on his truck, maintenance for his truck and his business building and payroll for employees. His son, Demetrio #3, is also gifted, helping his father since he was nine years. old. There's the recent addition of a lovely young, granddaughter who has the skill of the dynasty.
His advice to anyone with the courage to start a business: 'Count the cost'. It is not a quick easy way to get rich. If you're busy and making a profit, don't spend it on an expensive vacation or toys. Don't just look at the present but consider that It will take about five years of re-investing and building an honest and good quality reputation. Appreciate the personal pride of 'Doing It right the first time.' And valuing being 'blessed' more than being rich.
Today's lesson: Be rich in good work. accumulating... a good foundation for the future.