Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Lopez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story is simple in the sense that I am an ordinary person with a Chicago upbringing and with an ongoing appetite, always looking for that big meal that would overall satisfy my hunger. My hunger consists of not only a better version of myself but I seek to become the expert in my field and always looking to grow my knowledge and my skills. Mentors and surrounding myself with successful people with the same drive I believe helps me get closer each day.
At the very least, I know that my customers would benefit from this including becoming a better listener and communicator. One of the keys to my current success sits at the core of everything personally and my organization and that is relationships, building them and understanding them; but overall trying to help people is one of the greatest satisfaction. What I have found after 13 years as an entrepreneur is that I am still hungry to perfect my craft personally and as a business owner.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the obstacles I’ve encountered along the way is that I wear many hats as an entrepreneur and like many I try to balance work with life (family and friends). In 2009 I encountered one of my biggest obstacles personally and business-wise, I was working on a project when my mother became ill. This obstacle made it very hard to stay motivated and clear minded as you can never be prepared for this particular life event. I completed the project and was able to take a long period of time off to spend with my mother. I clearly remember her words and example, she told me to take what comes my way good or bad, be headstrong, resilient and move forward no matter the challenges. I still apply that to my everyday tasks and life.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Builders On Demand, Inc story. Tell us more about the business.
My business was born in 2005. Builders on Demand is a General Construction company that caters to an interior and exterior residential/commercial trades. We specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and we are mostly known for our ability to cater to the customer’s needs with our own personal touch.
I am proud of the company because it is self-sustained simply by its reputation and the projects that we have completed. What sets me apart is that I strive to deliver to our customers the best experience possible; in a very stressful trade that can quickly turn into a nightmare, the horror stories of projects and/or people that many hear about, I can confidently say that is not Builders on Demand. I take pride in my work and I even provide you with my personal phone number where the customer can reach me at any given moment because I understand the importance of communicating a great idea that cannot wait and it is my job to seize and capture that so I can put it into motion.
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
One of my childhood memories that stands out to me the most starts on a hot Chicago summer at the age of nine. I remember riding my bicycle in front of my house and only able to ride three houses each way to and from. One of my childhood friends was not able to join me that day because he had a flat tire on his bicycle. I thought I’d help and I wasn’t sure how I would know it at the age of 9 but I flipped his bike and began to try to fix his tire. I then went inside my house to get an air foot pump and the first thing that I smelled walking in was my mother making me and my siblings fresh popcorn. I not only walked out of my house with the air pump in one hand but on my other hand a sandwich bag full of fresh popcorn! I remember my friend asking me if he can have some and he would give me a quarter for it… sold!
That whole summer I ended up selling small bags of popcorn in the neighborhood for $.25. I was able to save 3 jars full of quarters that entire summer and that is where I can remember my earliest desire for entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Buildersondemand.com
- Phone: 773-696-5785
- Email: Info@buildersondemand.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
