Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Gonzales.
Jerry, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in San Marcos, TX. I soon moved to many small towns in Ohio, and back to Texas and repeated that a few times. Growing up, I moved a lot, from small towns in both Ohio and Texas to some rough areas in Houstonat the height of gang violence in the early-mid 90’s. I would change schools yearly, constantly having to adapt and absorb the environment around me. Through this constant change, I had to be a chameleon of sorts and it forced me to listen more and talk less. It taught me to learn the culture around me and to be receptive to things outside of my norm. It made me curious, patient and ultimately great with people. I have always been a musician and performer since the days of mimicking Elvis and Michael Jackson to performing the hippy hippy shake for my sister’s show and tell during early elementary school. I took up the drums at a very early age and eventually joined a band in 1998. From that year on, I played all over Houston, all over Texas and all over the country. I have gained so much personally from the last 22 years of writing, recording and playing shows. It has equipped me with many of the skills that I utilize daily in my efforts to grow this business. From working with a small team with a common goal to designing merchandise, building websites, networking with other professionals such as photographers, artists and dancers, to negotiating money and time slots with club/venue owners and managers, creating a brand getting the word out. I owe a lot to music and the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made along the way. I have learned so much from that grind, that defeat, that desire to be heard.
Losing my father as a young 23 years old also taught me a lot. His impression on me is everlasting and I owe much of my drive to that man. My mother has been the rock my family has always leaned on and I owe her so much. She turns 60 this year and I just want to thank her for all of her support on my journey as a businessman and parent. Taking with me all these life experiences, I have applied everything I am into Stone Mechanical Services.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing a business and long working days in the summer is never smooth but always rewarding. There have been learning curves along the way as new laws and requirements are put in place for our field, the constant change in the technology of equipment we use or install, and of course, competition. But, the way I like to look at it is, each bump in the road or failure is a learning opportunity. You either grow from it or stay the same. The choice is yours.
Please tell us about your business.
Stone began back in 2007 with my uncle Steve Rowe as owner and my two cousins Ben and Joe as HVAC Technician and Mechanical Technician. Steve taught me everything I know about this particular business and has been a great mentor. I wear several hats as Director of Operations, Customer Relations, Sales, Marketing and Accounting. We saw that there was a big need for honest A/C repair is one of the hottest, sweatiest, muggiest cities in the country. We would hear so many stories about A/C repair men ripping people off and selling them crap they don’t need.
We wanted to bring hard work and integrity back into the picture as we know our fellow Houstonians are dependent on air conditioning. It some cases, it’s a matter of health as Houston weather can reach crazy high numbers at the peak of summer. Hard work and integrity has been our motto since day 1. We have grown from 3-4 man staff to have up to 15 employees now, a fleet of trucks and a ton of loyal, happy customers. Being in the great city of Houston, it’s hard not to pick up on that energy that is “hustle”. Hustle town is quite fitting. We take that energy and look to build on it, with our sights set on growing through that same hard work and integrity I mentioned before. As of now, we are primarily servicing commercial properties and new construction buildings and homes but do have plans to expand into residential soon. We started as a small family business, and as we grow each year, that family approach to our customers will always be there, and that’s something I can be proud of, It’s something I can tell my three kids about, and thank my beautiful supporting wife for the encouragement along the way.
Stone Mechanical Services provides many services for our customers such as:
HVAC repair and installation
Building Maintenance
Electrical and Plumbing
Lighting Repair and Installation
Office remodels
Fence/Gate repairs and installations
Door/Glass repair and installations
You name, we can do that! It has been our versatility, our honest work, and communication with customers that sets us apart. I believe I’m an integral part of that equation as I wear many hats, helping the wheels go round, making sure our customers are taken care of.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have many, but id have to say waking up at my grandma Gonzales’s house in Cut n’ Shoot Texas, smelling tortillas and carne guisada and knowing that my chubby self was about to eat a piece of heaven. She’s still one of my favorite persons in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stonemechanical.com
- Phone: 713-653-3159
- Email: jerry@stonemachanical.com
- Instagram: stone_mechanical
- Facebook: facebook.com/stonemechanical
Image Credit:
Photos of just me by: Moskie
Photos of staff and all others: Favian Cortez
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