We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luis Prieto a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Luis with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Back in the days when “I’m bored” slipped out of my young mouth, little did I know it would become the catalyst for a chore-filled adventure, transforming me into the work virtuoso I am today. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for turning my childhood ennui into a masterclass in productivity!
But beyond the chores, my parents were the unsung heroes of my work ethic tale. From the sun-kissed watermelon fields of Santa Maria, California, to the grapevines of Modesto, and the cherry-laden plains of Yakima, Washington – their journey reads like an agricultural odyssey. A pitstop in Nebraska had them at the Iowa Beef Processors (IBP), and the final destination? Dalton, GA, where they danced with Shaw, Mohawk, and now, the world of Engineered Flooring.
During my Dalton High School days, I played dual roles – student by day, lumberjack’s assistant by weekend. Early mornings after Friday night football were dedicated to rolling stumps and hauling branches, a workout routine that put my football escapades to shame.
The hardworking spirit of my parents became the invisible ink writing my success story. I proudly became the first in my family to don the graduation cap, earning a BBA from Georgia Southern University and an MBA from Webster University. A detour into the US Army saw me don the officer’s cap for seven years, including a tour in the rugged terrains of Afghanistan.
Leadership roles at Mars-Wrigley, Shaw Industries, Mohawk, and my current venture with Tarkett – it’s been a rollercoaster of professional conquests. Oh, and did I mention I moonlight as the chief of Cavalry Junk Removal LLC? Because who needs spare time anyway?
Now, in the seasoned chapter of my career, the addiction to work is real. Thankfully, my wonderful wife and kids play the crucial roles of the work-life balance referees, ensuring I don’t plunge too deep into the abyss of overworking. Here’s to family – the ultimate anchors in this whirlwind of a workaholic journey!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In the dynamic realm of business, my unwavering focus is set on cultivating the flourishing empire of the Cavalry Junk Removal Brand, a venture undertaken alongside my esteemed brother, Juan Prieto – a distinguished 7-year Army veteran. The seeds of our enterprise were sown in the scorching summer of 2021, armed with nothing more than a pickup truck and a modest trailer, as we boldly embarked on the mission of providing top-notch junk removal services.
Our journey has been nothing short of meteoric, as we swiftly expanded our arsenal to encompass the formidable forces of demolition and dumpster rentals. Yet, like any tale of triumph, ours faced a formidable winter adversary – a simultaneous onslaught of vehicle breakdowns in the twilight of 2023 and the dawn of 2024, casting a shadow on our rapid growth. Undoubtedly, this winter has emerged as the crucible of challenges for our small business.
However, adversity has merely fueled our determination. The beacon of our ‘never accept defeat’ attitude guides us through the storm, and amidst the breakdowns, we find the fuel to forge ahead. The silver lining in this frosty narrative lies in the continuous influx of new customers, providing a glimmer of hope as we diligently work towards emerging from the depths by the close of 2024.
Versatility has become our secret weapon, with the strategic addition of services offering a multifaceted approach to the battlefield. The core of our success lies in the pledge to not just meet but exceed customer expectations, a truth evident in the glowing testimonies etched in our Google Reviews.
As we step into the unfolding chapters of 2024, our battle plan crystallizes around a relentless pursuit of improvement in services and the commitment to deliver enhanced value to our existing clientele. The Cavalry is gearing up for a triumphant surge, armed not only with resilience and determination but also with an unwavering dedication to surpassing expectations. Onward, with the wind of progress at our backs!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In the tapestry of my journey, the threads of stubbornness, work ethic, and resilience have woven the fabric of my success. Early on, the chorus of naysayers reached a crescendo when recruiters dismissed my military aspirations, citing shoulder surgeries as an insurmountable obstacle. Simultaneously, the academic path seemed barricaded, with predictions that I wasn’t smart enough for college. Undeterred, I defied the odds, emerging from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a commission in the Army as a Second Lieutenant.
Despite moments of doubt and the echo of naysayers, I persevered. When the path seemed uncertain, I embraced the philosophy of falling forward – picking myself up, dusting off setbacks, and relentlessly pursuing my goals.
A significant chapter unfolded in 2020 when critics labeled me a stubborn old man for departing a lucrative salaried position to carve my own path with Cavalry Junk Removal. Against the tide of skepticism, I followed my heart, and the results speak for themselves. As the adversity pendulum swings over Cavalry, akin to the US Flag on our right shoulder, we persist in moving forward.
This journey is a testament to the strength forged in stubborn determination, the relentless grind of a robust work ethic, and the resilience that rebounds higher after each setback. In the face of adversity, I stand unwavering, a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels me forward – a force that refuses to bow to the discordant voices of doubt and instead dances to the rhythm of my own journey. Onward we march, the flag of the Cavalry unfurling in the winds of triumph.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki stands as a cornerstone in shaping my evolution as a business owner. This transformative journey highlighted the intricate challenge of shifting from an employee mindset to that of a business owner – a transition fraught with the weight of conditioning. While the road to a business owner mindset remains a work in progress, the strides I’ve made are noteworthy. Kiyosaki’s wisdom illuminated the path to embrace risks and view failures not as stumbling blocks but stepping stones to growth. The revelation that it’s acceptable to venture into the unknown, unbridled by the fear of failure, has been a game-changer.
Moreover, the book instilled the crucial lesson of minding my own business, essentially fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. This shift in perspective has empowered me to proactively tackle customer challenges and explore innovative streams of income. Rich Dad Poor Dad serves not just as a guide but as a compass, steering me toward a mindset that transcends boundaries, unlocking the potential for continuous growth and adaptability in the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cavalryjr.com
- Instagram: luis.prieto.14606
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CptLous
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cavalry-junk-removal/
- Twitter: @luisPri28980578
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cavalry-junk-removal-dalton
