Episode 64 - From Sheep Herding to Carpentry: An Immigrant's Journey

The Andrew Holland Podcast

Jorge Trueba, owner of Valley 48 Carpentry, shares his journey from his parents immigrating to this country to start a new life for themselves to Jorge starting his own carpentry business. He discusses his childhood, his parents' immigration story, and his early experiences in the construction industry. Jorge also talks about his time working for a large organization and the lessons he learned from his mentor. He explains the challenges and surprises he faced in his first year of business and emphasizes the importance of treating people well in the construction industry. In this conversation, Jorge discusses the importance of culture in the construction industry and shares a story about his experience with a values committee. He also talks about the impact of social media on human interaction and the decline of empathy in society. Jorge emphasizes the need to overcome fear and take the leap into entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of communication and owning up to mistakes. He shares his perspective on business partnerships and the traits to look for in a partner. Finally, Jorge discusses the power of positive thinking and planning for success.
Takeaways

• Immigrants can overcome challenges and achieve success through hard work and perseverance.
• Having a mentor can provide valuable guidance and help develop entrepreneurial skills.
• Transitioning from being an employee to starting your own business requires a mindset shift and a willingness to take risks.
• Treating people with respect and providing excellent customer service are crucial for success in the construction industry. Culture plays a crucial role in the construction industry, and companies should prioritize creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
• The rise of social media has led to a decline in empathy and human interaction, which has negative consequences for society.
• The younger generation is prioritizing values and culture over money, forcing companies to adapt and improve their treatment of employees.
• Overcoming fear is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs, and seeking advice and feedback from trusted individuals can help in making the leap.
• Effective communication is key in business, and owning up to mistakes and confronting conflict builds trust and strengthens relationships.
• Choosing the right business partner is important, and a solid foundation of trust, complementary skills, and effective communication is crucial.
• Positive thinking and planning are powerful tools for success, and maintaining a positive mindset can lead to opportunities and growth.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:13 Childhood and Immigration
12:30 Transition to Construction
26:43 Starting Valley 48 Carpentry
28:40 Expectations and Surprises
32:40 Importance of Treating People Well
42:01 The Importance of Culture in the Construction Industry
44:56 The Impact of Social Media on Human Interaction
46:37 The Decline of Empathy and the Rise of Entitlement
50:44 Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
57:24 The Importance of Communication in Business
01:03:35 The Value of Owning Up to Mistakes
01:06:55 The Role of Business Partnerships
01:08:10 Traits to Look for in a Business Partner
01:11:33 The Power of Positive Thinking and Planning
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