Sam Jimenez is an immigrant’s son. His father and uncle both came to this country with the perspective that hard work is the solution. Sam’s family started with manual labor jobs and learned the trades. Now, between his brothers and cousins, they own six to seven plumbing companies.
Sam learned the plumbing trade early and went to work for his uncle after high school, but at twenty-two decided to join the military. He went on to be a Green Beret. Years and several tours later, Sam picked up where he left off, this time as a co-owner of his uncle’s company,
. Since then, his uncle has retired, and Sam has full ownership of the company.
“There were things I had to do; there was a personality I had to forge, and a person I had to become to put myself in a position where someone would say, ‘That’s the guy I believe in,’” Sam explained about his path to business ownership and earning his uncle’s respect.
Sam talked to JC about how many of the things he learned in the military have translated well into running a business, such as how to hold team members accountable; how to inspire the team by hiring from within; and how to manage time efficiently.
But one of the most important lessons Sam learned in the military that applies particularly well to the current situation, is the ability to fail and keep going. “Failure-based learning is the best teacher,” Sam said. Listen to the podcast to hear how Sam is using his varied experiences to guide his team and his company through the COVID-19 crisis.
