take that leap of faith; it’s worth it
The last time I was truly excited about a new year was 2020, so let’s hope 2026 doesn’t turn out the same way. Despite the difficulties of 2020 for many, I experienced a lot of growth and learning. This year, I want to do something similar: challenge myself to grow and excel in something I’ve never tried before. Writing. My best grade I got was a B-, maybe a B at best. I don’t know why, but the only fond memories I have of writing are from 3rd grade, when I learned about commas, and 4th grade, when I wrote a paper about Florida, its oranges, and Disney World, an ideal combination for a paper. In the rest of my education, I can't recall much, but I always struggled to write a good paper, which led me to care less about excelling and more about just getting by. Now, I want to change that. I want to develop my writing skills. Without homework assignments, the only way to improve is by actually writing. Not writing some long text messages or polished emails, but putting real thought into rough drafts and drafts of drafts. So, unfortunately, I’ll need to give myself some homework. My homework assignment is going to be TITLE OF SERIES. Hopefully, this series will offer insights into the industry from a founder’s perspective.
To add some credibility to my story, I want to share a bit about myself and how I started M5 Services. First, a bit about my motivation. I am a father of 3 beautiful girls and a needy golden retriever. They get me up every morning (literally) and inspire me to bring home the bacon. Not Walmart bacon, but the thick stuff from Costco. I studied construction and business management at Brigham Young University - Idaho, where fortunately, there weren’t many essays. After college, I worked for a general contractor in the Bay Area, but I quickly realized I wanted to be my own boss.
Growing up, I saw my Dad dedicate countless hours, days, weeks, and years into the businesses he was passionate about. He showed me and my four brothers how to be entrepreneurs. Along with watching my Dad, I also saw my three older brothers start their own ventures. Faking it till you make it is in my blood (if you know, you know).
M5’s founding was fueled by determination and a bit of luck. My drive to support my family and see my brothers and father succeed was strong. The luck came when I was in the right place at the right time, but not 100% luck. I was actively seeking opportunities, constantly brainstorming, and implementing new ideas. While working at my previous GC job, there was a client with urgent work orders, and we weren’t prepared to service these requests. In the beginning, I struggled to respond and provide the level of service I wanted to deliver. I knew that an opportunity was starting to develop. I didn’t see it as a problem of just walking away and saying no thank you, but as an opportunity to change and pivot. Everyone requires maintenance, whether it’s a small leak or assets that need to be serviced on a recurring basis. I saw the opportunity to take care of the small, routine maintenance that a big GC doesn’t want to touch, which would turn into the next multi-million-dollar TI. That’s when I decided to partner with the owners of the GC company to create a fast, flexible, and quality service business. We handle those in-between jobs that general contractors often avoid but that cause significant problems for property managers. M5 was born to ease the daily headaches for property and facility managers.
That’s my founder’s story. I was determined to be my own boss and create something meaningful. There was luck involved; I won’t deny that, but I chose to look for opportunity and pursue it. For any future founders out there, don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith; it’s worth it. Trust me.
