Long before Ricardo Caballero held a contractor’s license or ran his own company, he learned the value of hard work the old-fashioned way — by showing up early and getting his hands dirty.
Caballero grew up on job sites alongside his father, an independent flooring contractor who believed that work ethic was something you learned by doing. While other kids spent summers at the beach or amusement parks, Caballero spent his days hauling materials, watching installs and absorbing lessons that would shape his future.
“I’ve been around construction my whole life,” Caballero said. “Ever since I was a young kid, all the way through high school. If I had summer break, I was going to work. I was going to go learn.”
That early exposure instilled discipline, resilience and a respect for craftsmanship — values that still guide Caballero today as the owner of CA1 Construction, a full-service construction company serving Long Beach and surrounding communities.
Caballero officially launched CA1 Construction in 2020, but his journey into the trade began long before that. He started in flooring before expanding his skills across multiple trades, eventually pursuing a career in electrical work. He completed a formal apprenticeship and rose through the ranks as a state-certified journeyman electrician, gaining experience on large-scale commercial projects as well as residential homes.
“Growing up through the union, I’ve seen a lot of projects go up — from the bottom to the finish,” he said. “I know what a good product looks like, and I know what to look for.”
Today, CA1 Construction offers a wide range of services, from electrical work and structural upgrades to full kitchen and bathroom remodels. Caballero prides himself on doing things by the book and surrounding himself with skilled, certified professionals.
“My name is everything to me,” he said. “I don’t go out there and do half jobs or cut corners. If we open up a wall and there’s something unexpected, we address it the right way.”
That commitment extends beyond the final result to how a job site is treated day to day. Cleanliness, respect and professionalism are non-negotiable.
“You can do the best job in the world, but if you leave trash everywhere, that’s what people remember,” Caballero said. “This is their house. You have to respect their house.”
Caballero is known for being hands-on, often working alongside his crew and mentoring younger tradespeople. Teaching, he said, is part of the responsibility that comes with experience.
“Especially being a certified electrician, you have the ability to pass that knowledge down,” he said. “I tell younger guys, learn a trade. Take it seriously. There’s value in knowing how to build something with your hands.”
Outside of work, Caballero’s life is equally full. He is an active father, spending much of his free time supporting his 16-year-old daughter, a student-athlete at Los Alamitos High School.
“I’m very active in my children’s lives,” he said. “Between practices, games and school, it keeps me busy — but that’s important to me.”
Faith is another cornerstone of Caballero’s life. He attends Compass Bible Church in Long Beach, where he volunteers regularly and helps with event setup and community activities.
“I serve there,” he said. “Whether it’s morning setup or helping out where needed, I believe in showing up.”
That sense of service also carries into his business relationships. Caballero believes construction is ultimately about trust — listening to clients, being transparent and building long-term relationships rather than chasing quick wins.
“It’s not even about the money for me,” he said. “It’s about the relationship. I want customers to feel like I’m there to serve their needs.”
From those early days on job sites with his father to running his own company, Caballero’s approach has remained consistent: work hard, do it right and take pride in the process.
“All that knowledge from growing up — that’s what got me here,” he said. “It didn’t happen overnight. You just stay patient, stay consistent and keep going.”