Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Velasquez
Hi Harold, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Harold Velásquez: A Dream Come True
By: Harold Velásquez
I was born in the beautiful city of Cartagena, Colombia, a Caribbean gem full of history, color, and life. However, four and a half years ago, I left that paradise behind, together with my family, in search of something my homeland couldn’t offer: opportunity. With a heart full of hope, I arrived in the United States with my wife and young son, chasing the so-called “American Dream.”
The first steps in this new country were far from easy. My first job was at a tire shop, where I started as a technician assistant, working Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. The work was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. While I toiled endlessly, my two-year-old son spent his days with people we barely knew. That situation weighed heavily on me. Was I sacrificing my family’s well-being for money? Where was I trying to go with all of this?
During one of those reflective moments, my boss gave me an unusual task: to climb onto a 25-foot roof to make some repairs. Even though it wasn’t part of my job description, I agreed. It took me over two weeks to complete the work, and every time I looked down from the roof, I questioned whether I had made the right decision. However, something sparked within me. The danger of the job made me think about the value of this kind of work. From up on that roof, I started to wonder about the roofing business.
A few days later, a friend in California mentioned that he knew someone who worked in roofing. Without hesitation, I reached out and asked for a job. He explained how the business worked, and I knew right away that this was my path.
At first, I was just selling roofing services on commission. On Sundays, with my friend’s borrowed company gear, I would go out looking for clients while still working at the tire shop during the week. Two months went by without making a single sale, but I didn’t give up. Every Sunday, I went out with the conviction that it would be the day I’d finally succeed. And then it happened—after weeks of effort, someone trusted me and my ability to improve their roof. That was a moment I’ll never forget—my first sale.
With that first sale, I didn’t just earn a commission; I gained something far more valuable: confidence. I knew I was on the right path. In the following three months, I made over 20 sales, and I decided to take the leap: I quit my job at the tire shop and focused entirely on roofing sales.
But life has a way of testing us. A conflict with my friend left me without a job for a few weeks. However, when one door closes, another opens. One day, while walking around, I met someone who was looking for roofing salespeople. I took the opportunity without hesitation. I spoke with the owner, and just like that, I joined a new company. That experience turned out to be a real learning ground for me. I learned a lot, and in just one year, I made over 150 sales. I am grateful to God for putting me in the right place at the right time.
With the knowledge and experience I had gained, I decided to take one more step forward: I launched H&J Construction LLC, my own company. We specialize in roofing but also offer residential remodeling services. I knew that in today’s digital world, social media would be a key tool to promote my business. So, I started creating spontaneous videos showing what I do, and I branded myself as “El Chico Roofing.” Today, I have over 5,000 followers on Instagram, and my company’s sales have skyrocketed. I’ve made a name for myself in Houston and the surrounding areas.
The most important thing of all is that I can now spend more time with my family. My son and wife are my driving force, and being able to dedicate time to them is what truly makes me feel like I’m living the American Dream.
I understand the great responsibility I have: with God, my family, and my clients. That’s why I strive every day to do things the right way, with honesty and respect. I firmly believe that the foundation of success lies in these values.
Life lesson: If you believe in something, pursue it relentlessly. Perseverance is the bridge that will lead you to achieve your dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t easy at all. I vividly remember the moment I found myself without a job, and my wife was unemployed as well. Those were the moments when the questions became overwhelming: What am I going to do with my two-year-old son? How will I feed him? What can I possibly do in a country that isn’t even my own?
But sometimes, we believe that difficult moments are only bad, when in reality, they’re the birthplace of something good. It’s in those trying times that we find the push to become better. It’s like a motor that drives us beyond our limits, propelling us to achieve things we never thought possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of H&J Construction LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
H&J Construction LLC was founded with the goal of helping our customers—most of whom are regular people like you and me, who at some point need to remodel their homes. Our main service is roof repair and installation, but we also handle all types of residential remodeling.
What sets us apart from the rest is our human touch. Anyone can master a trade, but not everyone is a good person. We combine quality, guarantees, and exceptional customer care. We involve our clients throughout the process, ensuring they are completely satisfied with the final result. After all, a happy customer is the best business card.
I want the readers to know that if they need an estimate for their roof, I can provide it at no extra cost. I can also offer a free inspection to assess the condition of your roof with no obligation. !Hahaha!.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
If you believe in something, pursue it relentlessly. Perseverance is the bridge that will lead you to achieving your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hyjconstruction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicoroofing?igsh=MTFpbzA3bzN1NDNsdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HyJConstruction?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://hyjconstruction.now.site/home
Image Credits
My Wife
