Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Quero.
Joe, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in the Philippines and was immigrated to the United States as an infant. I grew up in a very poor and dangerous neighborhood located in Southeast San Diego. My father did his best to provide for our family of nine, but we were constantly struggling to make ends meet. I remember looking for creative ways to earn money that can help support my family.
For example, I would mow lawns or buy packs of candy and sell it at school for a higher price to my classmates. By the time I was 14, I got my first job in the school cafeteria and haven’t stopped working ever since. At 18, I was married to the love of my life, Christina Quero. Not long after, she was expecting our first daughter. Ten years later, we find ourselves with three precious daughters.
From the beginning, I have vowed to build a legacy for my children so they wouldn’t have to struggle as I had did growing up. My wife and I have always had an entrepreneur mindset. Before Absolute Duct & Chimney Cleaning, Inc, it took starting and failing nine businesses to finally find one that worked for us.
We tried everything from selling life insurance to cleaning pools and marketing several beauty and health products, etc. These businesses lasted for a while, but never took off like we had hoped. Thankfully, because of our failures, we were able to glean from past mistakes which lead to the birth of this company.
After working several years as a lead technician for an Air Duct, Dryer Vent, and Chimney Cleaning company, I strongly believed that it was time to branch off and start Absolute Duct & Chimney Cleaning. This was a huge leap of faith for my wife and I, but we’re so glad we pushed forward despite how scary it initially was for us.
In a span of three years since we first launched, we have earned over 300 + five-star reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook combined from our loyal clients. Our small, but growing team of five proudly serves all of San Diego County with a high standard of ethics and professionalism.
As a company, we aim to improve daily and find more ways to serve as an influential role within their community. Our motto for everything that we do is “Serving you with Excellence!”
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride, but with each bump in the road, we’ve gained greater endurance. Initially, my wife was very reluctant to start Absolute Duct & Chimney Cleaning. There were a lot of unknown factors that came with this new journey, and it’s not easy to take risks when you have children to provide for.
Christina had to borrow my faith for a while, and I’m so grateful she still supported me regardless of her fears. The first year and a half, we ran the business in our small 800 sq. Ft. home. She answered phones while homeschooling our two girls and caring for our newborn baby. It was very difficult to juggle the stresses of a business along with the dynamic of a home. I promised I would get her help, and the next year we did just that.
After hiring a manager, office staff, and field technicians, we also managed to move into our first office space in the heart of downtown El Cajon. I would say the biggest challenge is to not stay comfortable because, with comfort, there’s no stretch or growth. There’s always room to improve, not just for ourselves, but to help others along the way in their journey as well.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are family owned and operated company that specializes in Commercial & Residential Air Duct Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Chimney Cleaning, and Bathroom Exhaust Cleaning.
We’re most proud of our 300+ 5 star rating across the board on every platform combined, Yelp, Google, and Facebook. Our motto, “Serving you with Excellence!” sets us apart because we live by it and our customer reviews reflect that!
What were you like growing up?
I loved to travel to my Grandma’s house in France, she would pay for my siblings and I to go visit there. It was always so much fun and an escape from the craziness of home. I was in ROTC and did very well in school.
Was very playful, but also reserved at times, I often was bullied for being very skinny and wearing the same clothes. My family was poor and we couldn’t afford much. I enjoyed going to church, that’s actually where I met my wife, Christina.
Pricing:
- $310 base price for Air Duct & Furnace Cleaning (Includes 1 furnace + 6 ducts). $35 per duct after 6.
- $150 Chimney Cleaning & Inspection (Combined).
- $99 Chimney Inspection
- $145 Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Trip charges may apply depending on location.
Contact Info:
- Address: 314 S. Magnolia Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020
- Website: www.absoluteductandchimney.com
- Phone: (619) 328-9733
- Email: absolutedcc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @absolutedcc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/absoluteductandchimneycleaning
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/absolute-duct-and-chimney-cleaning-el-cajon
Image Credit:
Housecall Pro, Chris Alonso
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
