We recently connected with Hector Ruiz and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hector thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I would start my business at the same moment I did. I began my journey while working for a cabinet construction company in 2012, where I noticed a real need for professional cabinet painting and finishing. That insight motivated me to learn the craft, earn my California Painting and Decorating license in 2015, and launch my first business.

Within a few years, I had a shop, a team of over six employees, and by the end of 2019 I was close to reaching one million dollars in revenue. The pandemic changed everything—I lost the business and went through a difficult period of anxiety and depression. With the support of people around me, I rebuilt myself and chose to return to school to obtain a General Contractor license, which I earned in 2021.

Starting earlier wouldn’t have given me the experience that inspired my idea, and starting later might not have prepared me with the resilience I gained from the challenges I faced. The timing—both the successes and setbacks—shaped who I am as a contractor and entrepreneur today. So no, I wouldn’t change it. Starting when I did was exactly right for my journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

HI, I´m Hector Ruiz, Colombian-Mexican and I am a licensed General Contractor based in Southern California. Writer and a Bachelor degree in Science of Communications. My journey in this industry started years before I ever dreamed of running my own company. I began working for a cabinet construction business in Camarillo CA, and during that time I discovered a major need for high–quality cabinet painting and finishing. That gap inspired me to learn the craft professionally, eventually earning my California license in 2015 and launching my first company specializing in premium cabinet refinishing and restoration.

Over the years, my work expanded beyond cabinetry as clients began trusting me with larger and more complex projects. After the pandemic forced me to start over, I returned to school and earned my General Contractor license in 2021. Since then, I’ve focused on providing full-service residential construction and remodeling—kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, interior/exterior upgrades, and complete home transformations.

What truly sets me apart is my combination of craftsmanship, honesty, and a personal commitment to each project. I don’t just complete construction jobs; I solve problems for families who need reliability, transparency, and high-quality work they can trust. Many homeowners come to me after dealing with contractors who didn’t communicate, didn’t show up, or didn’t deliver what they promised. I’ve built my reputation on doing the opposite. Today, I am proud to have 100% positive feedback across platforms and a loyal client base that continues to grow through referrals.

What I’m most proud of is the resilience behind my journey. I’ve experienced both success and complete loss, and rebuilding my business taught me to appreciate every client, every project, and every opportunity. My brand is built on gratitude, integrity, and the belief that construction work isn’t just about improving homes—it’s about improving the lives of the families who live in them.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is simple: when you work with me, you’re not just hiring a contractor. You’re partnering with someone who will treat your home with respect, communicate every step of the way, and bring passion and precision to every detail. My goal is to deliver not only exceptional results, but also a positive experience from start to finish.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I stay connected with clients through clear, consistent communication before, during, and after every project. Once a job is completed, I follow up to ensure everything meets their expectations and check in periodically to maintain the relationship. I also share updates, project ideas, and helpful tips through social media.

By being reliable, transparent, and genuinely invested in each client’s experience, I’ve built strong trust—and that trust turns into long-term loyalty and referrals.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My biggest advice is to lead by example. Your team will mirror your attitude, your work ethic, and your level of respect for clients. I focus on creating an environment where everyone feels valued, informed, and supported. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and acknowledging good work go a long way.

I also believe in treating people like humans, not just workers—listening to their concerns, giving them opportunities to grow, and making sure they know their contribution matters. When people feel respected and part of something meaningful, morale stays high and the quality of the work reflects it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ruizconstructionprojects.com
• Instagram: ruizconstructionprojects
• Facebook: Ruiz Construction Projects – Previously Ruiz Custom Painting
• Other: Google Business: Ruiz Construction Projects