What brought you to Gainesville, Florida?
I moved to Gainesville in 2016 for a job at a cattle ranch, which lasted about six years, operating heavy machinery and overseeing the feeding of livestock. Later, I alternated between farm work and maintenance jobs as a handyman in the area.
How did you choose the businesses you own? What drew you to your profession?
By a twist of fate, I met my current business partner, Neftalí Bernard here in Gainesville and he has been a great support and source of knowledge. He suggested that we develop a project together, and we explored various business options that would allow me to work outside and for us to participate in the community. Following the accelerated construction growth observed in Gainesville in recent years, we decided on Mobiledumps. Now we are able to support commercial or residential customers who are dealing with renovations or decluttering, waste management and disposal of unused items.
How do you balance family and work life?
My family is made up of my wife of 20 years, two children (a 9-year-old named Juan, and Leonardo, who will turn 12 in November), my mother-in-law who also lives with us and is like a mother to me, and our dog Max. When we arrived in Gainesville, we fell in love with the city. I consider it a wonderful place to raise children with a calm, healthy environment. My kids love going to the springs, being in contact with nature, and they adore their school. Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else but here. These are the things you don't know until you experience them, and once you do, you wonder how you ever lived without them.
We are a very close-knit family and enjoy sharing and participating in each other’s activities, thus finding ways to continue to do things together has come naturally. The encouragement from the family has been important to me as they have helped support the business from the beginning with enthusiasm. My wife accompanies me whenever she can, whether for a delivery or to pick up a dumpster. I think we have turned Mobiledumps into our way of life and have integrated it into our routines. Some weekends, my kids and I will wash the dumpsters together which for me is a time for bonding and for them, a wet and fun activity.
Do you have a mentor?
I have always said that my main mentor was my father, who taught me from a young age to work hard, be disciplined, and strive to achieve the goals we set. However, it is fair to say that more recently I must give much-deserved credit to Neftalí, who, in addition to being a great business partner, has been the creative mind behind developing and materializing this venture. He is someone I consider very successful, and together with his wife, Mary, they have provided vital support and guidance for me and my family, for which I will always be grateful.
What is your favorite saying?
I would like to share that one of my favorite things to say each day is the simple phrase, “Good Morning!” It’s a ritual I hold dear as I usually start my day before the sun has even come out. Many of our customers are also early risers, so not only do I get to see the sunrise on most days, but I also get to be part of the first moments of their day.
There’s something special about the act of greeting someone with “Good Morning!” and sharing a smile. It’s amazing how a warm, friendly exchange can be so contagious. This little gesture has a way of setting a positive tone for the entire day, both for me and for those I greet. It’s a small but meaningful way to connect with others and spread a bit of joy.
So, with a heartfelt smile I thank all my neighbors in Gainesville and bid you: Good Morning! Here’s to a day filled with positivity, warmth, and the simple pleasure of sharing a smile.