In December 2020, as the elevator doors slid open, I was immediately struck by the palpable anxiety emanating from the crowd before me. The evacuation orders were in full swing, and my fellow community members were in a frantic scramble for safety, holding on to the hope that the menacing “Blue Ridge” wildfire wouldn’t take everything they cherished.

A conversation from a few months prior rang in my ears – my insurance broker contacts had asked about this concept of “hardening homes.” They talked about things like ember-resistant vents, setting up gutter guards, and dousing vegetation with fire retardant. It felt alien to me at that moment, so I shrugged it off, thinking it wasn’t up my alley.

But standing amid the unfolding chaos, that past exchange became hauntingly relevant. That sinking feeling, the gnawing uncertainty, is what countless clients have shared with me over the years. As a disaster restoration contractor, I’ve helped thousands rebuild, repair, and deodorize their homes after they’d faced the fiery wrath of wildfires. But this ordeal revealed another truth – prevention was equally, if not more, pivotal than restoration. It was a realization that fuelled a new drive in me.

This epiphany propelled me into a rigorous research journey over a year. I became resolute in my quest to find leading experts in the domain of wildfire prevention and to uncover the latest and most potent protective products available. Through my exploration, it became clear that this “home hardening” realm – protecting homes against wildfire devastation – was a largely uncharted territory. There was a gaping void with minimal competition and a shortage of specialists. Recognizing this opportunity, I founded Allied Disaster Defense. This venture not only became a beacon for my loved ones and acquaintances but also proved invaluable to my broker contacts, enabling them to offer their clientele feasible insurance solutions for those who live in high fire severity zones, also known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

At 24, I started my journey with ServiceMaster, a renowned disaster restoration franchise. My initial role was installing floorcovering for their clients. The sheer volume of tasks coming my way piqued my interest. How did they have such a consistent flow of projects? This intrigue led me to the realm of Insurance Disaster Restoration. Not long after, I was given an opportunity to step into a more direct role with ServiceMaster. I became an estimator, responsible for assessing insurance claim damages and generating repair estimates for issues ranging from water and wind damage to fire-related claims. As I interacted with homeowners, often on the most trying days of their lives due to unforeseen calamities, I found profound meaning in creating connections and providing assistance. I became more than just an estimator; I was the bridge that spanned the gap between distressed homeowners and their insurance companies. One of the most gratifying experiences was aiding Mrs. Garcia. Our journey was deeply personal, from those initial moments of overwhelming uncertainty and distress to the triumphant day she reveled in her beautifully remodeled home. Our bond was so genuine that I was a guest at their family barbecues. The work was more than just transactional—it was about making real, human connections and seeing tangible joy sprout from moments of adversity.

In March 2008, my mother and step-father, having seen my unwavering dedication, took a leap of faith and invested their life savings in our venture. With Victor, my little brother, by my side, we plunged wholeheartedly into the disaster restoration business, burning the midnight oil and sacrificing weekends. By 2010, our relentless efforts bore fruit as we hit a staggering two million dollars in sales. It was an exhilarating period, but I recognized the need to bolster our business knowledge to sustain this growth. This realization led us to a business seminar. Amidst a room buzzing with entrepreneurs, I found myself rushing Victor to the hospital in one gut-wrenching moment. By February 15th, our world crumbled. I stood by helplessly, watching my younger brother take his last breath. His sudden departure, taken by pancreatitis at just 39, left us grappling with grief, questions, and guilt.
After Victor’s passing, our business started to bleed money. Each week, the figures painted a grim picture. Doubts crept in: Could I even steer this ship without Victor? I donned a brave face outwardly, but inwardly, I was shattering. Tears became frequent companions as I moved from one appointment to another, battling frustration, anger, and despair.

Yet, buried deep within me was an ember of determination.
A meeting with Scott, my accountant, was the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. “OP,” he said, studying the numbers, “maybe it’s time to accept that this business won’t survive without Victor. Perhaps you should consider winding it down and advise your employees to seek other opportunities.” His words transported me back to a vulnerable teenage moment, feeling cornered hopeless. But then, my mother’s encouraging words echoed, “Mijo, puedes hacer más con tu vida.”

I drew a line in the sand. “Scott, I just laid my brother to rest. There’s no way I’m letting our dream die too! If Victor were here, he’d tell you the same!”
And so began a decade-long journey of reinvention and resilience. With MY FAITH IN GOD AND mentors guiding me, I embraced change and constantly evolved. Every strategy learned every action taken led to a pivot in our business model. I chose to cater to the elite – celebrities and affluent clients. Today, our business has seen a growth of over 500%. In honor of Victor, I established The Passionate Life Foundation, touching the lives of over 3,000 families.
In the face of adversity, the choice to rise is the most formidable one. A determined mind is an unstoppable force.