Today we’d like to introduce you to Henry Gonzalez.
Henry, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The journey to running my own business took place around March of 2019. I moved back home with my parents Luis and MJ and I began working with them at LA Home Solutions doing handyman repairs all the way to full home remodels. Being a part of the whole process from design, demolition, and seeing the end result was amazing. It was during this time that my curiosity for building began. One afternoon I walked into the garage and saw that Luis had some material laid out for a barn door that he planned on building for a customer. As I stood there looking at the material, I thought to myself, “I think I can do that.” Without having any experience in building a barn door I asked Luis if I could tackle on this job and to my surprise, he said yes. I had no idea where to start but I figured it shouldn’t be so hard to build a door.
Man was I wrong! So many mistakes later I completed the door. The pressure didn’t sink in until it was time to deliver and install the door. Again, I had no clue what I was doing but I had to suck it up and not let the client see that I was nervous. After everything was all set and done the client commented on how much they loved it. I was not expecting that feedback at all but at the same time, it felt good to hear that they liked it. To have someone appreciate what I created felt good and that’s when I realized I wanted to get better and continue to specialize in building barn doors. I would go on to build more barn doors for my parent’s clients and this allowed me to practice and get better with each build. It wouldn’t be until some months later that I worked up the nerve to start HG Barn Doors.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
HG Barn Doors wasn’t an overnight decision. I figured that having my parents tell me when they needed a barn door built was safe. I was comfortable knowing that I would have work coming in. The thought of having my own business was terrifying and I didn’t think I was capable enough. Although I had many people pushing me and telling me that my doors were beautiful, I constantly saw the imperfections. The anxiety I had every time pushed me away and I was on and off with business. Finally, I decided that I needed to stop being so scared and use all the life lessons I’ve learned to be on my own. It’s still a journey, but I’m glad I made the decision to start HG Barn Doors.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
HG Barn Doors started out specializing in custom barn doors, but as of recent we have been trying to see how we can take it further. When the opportunity came to build a wooden kennel I tried to see how I could set it apart from all the others out there. I figured why not add our signature barn doors to the kennel and make it unique. The client loved it and we have since then started creating pet kennels with barn doors. I let my clients have creative freedom and we do our best to bring their vision to life. It’s really important for me to be honest and genuine with my clients. I work hard to make sure they get what they requested. Seeing them smile when they see the end result is what keeps me going. I think it’s super important for anyone who wants to start their own business to be yourself and be honest with people.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Everyone on the LA Home Solutions team deserves credit. Honestly, without them, there wouldn’t be an HG Barn Doors today. I have many stories I wish I could share on how each member of the team has helped me but this particular one taught me how to be better and more confident. I asked a member of the team Martin, if he could help me install a door because I didn’t feel confident enough to do it alone. Whenever we pulled up to the client’s house, my heart began to race and I remember telling him, “Man, I’m nervous. I gotta get it together before I go in.” He laughs and says, “Bro, why are you nervous? This is so easy! You have to be confident.” I still was nervous but for the next hour, I watched him install the door by himself. Little did he know he inspired me that day. He not only saved me from creating a huge mess but he also inspired me. The confidence he carried as he worked motivated me to stop being so hard on myself. I’m blessed that my parents Luis and MJ allowed me to be a part of the LA Home Solutions team, I was able to learn tremendously from each individual in the team and to them, I want to say thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hgbarndoors.com/
- Phone: 281-746-4308
- Email: hgbarndoors@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hgbarndoors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hgbarndoors/
Image Credit:
Jennifer Quiroz
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