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Meet Julio Sarmiento of Columbus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Sarmiento

Hi Julio, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Julio Sarmiento, I’m 39 years old, and I was born and raised in Ecuador. Ten years ago, I made the life-changing decision to move to the United States, driven by the desire to create something meaningful and build a better future. From the moment I arrived, I was determined to work hard and save enough money to pursue my goals, even though I wasn’t initially sure what direction I would take.

Before coming to the U.S., I had the opportunity to live in Germany, where I was studying Maschinenbau (Mechanical Engineering) at Leibniz University Hannover, focusing on big machines. I was in my final year, on the verge of graduation, when life took an unexpected turn, forcing me to return to Ecuador. Not being able to complete my degree was a tough blow, as it felt like an important milestone had slipped away. But, despite that disappointment, I stayed committed to working hard and remained open to whatever new opportunities would come my way. Seven years ago, I found myself working in construction for a company. With no prior experience in the field, I was starting from scratch, learning everything I could from more experienced colleagues. I quickly realized that I wanted more than just a job—I wanted to create a company that could provide work for others and make an impact. With the incredible support of my family, especially my in-laws, I founded Julio’s Construction Workers. Our first project was a real test. It took us an entire month to complete, and although we didn’t make any profits, it was an invaluable learning experience. Back then, I had just three workers, who were and still are close friends. Today, we’ve grown into a team of 10, taking on both small and large projects across Ohio.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the first and biggest obstacles we faced was gaining clients’ trust. Since we were new to the construction field, people didn’t know who we were or if we could deliver the quality they expected. We had to prove ourselves on every project. It was crucial for me that we not only met but exceeded the expectations of our clients. Over time, we built a reputation by treating each project with care, making sure both individual clients and the companies we worked for were completely satisfied with our work. Language was also a challenge. My first language is Spanish, followed by English and German. At first, it was complicated to navigate conversations and contracts in English, especially while learning the construction trade. But over time, I became more comfortable communicating and building relationships with clients and companies alike. Managing finances early on was another hurdle. We didn’t always make a profit, and that was tough, especially as we took on larger projects for companies. However, I knew that the experience we gained and the satisfaction of our clients and the companies we worked for would pay off in the long run. Even today, as we’ve grown into a team of 10, challenges still arise. Whether it’s managing multiple projects, finding the right workers, or dealing with the ups and downs of the industry, there’s always something. But with each challenge, we’ve grown stronger and more capable of delivering the best results for both individual clients and the companies we work with.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Julio’s Construction Workers provides a comprehensive range of construction services across Ohio. We handle everything from siding and framing to roofing, renovation, window installation, repairs, and metal framing. What sets us apart is our commitment to treating every project with the same level of care and dedication, regardless of its size or scope. Before starting any job, I always take the time to explain the vision of our small company to my workers. We don’t see each project as just another job; instead, we approach every task with the goal of delivering top-notch work. If a client has an idea, we support it 100% and suggest details that can make a real difference. We ensure that even the smallest aspects are completed to the highest standard, and we make sure that the client loves the end result. What makes me happiest at the end of the day is receiving phone calls or texts from clients and company owners telling me that the crew did a fantastic job. Our dedication to delivering exceptional results and the positive feedback we receive are what drive us. Knowing that we’ve met or exceeded our client’s expectations is incredibly rewarding and reaffirms our commitment to quality and excellence in every project we undertake.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself not just providing work for a crew of 10 but expanding opportunities for the Hispanic community. Many hardworking individuals in our community are eager to put in the effort required to succeed, and I want to create more job opportunities for them. This is a core part of my vision for the future—helping people build fulfilling careers and contributing to the growth of our community. At the same time, I envision myself continuing to work hands-on with my team rather than just managing from an office. I can’t picture myself merely occupying a chair and giving orders. Instead, I want to be out there, side by side with my workers, ensuring that every detail is taken care of and every project is completed to the highest standard. My goal is to lead by example, demonstrating the same dedication and commitment that I expect from my team. This approach not only helps maintain the quality of our work but also fosters a strong, cohesive team spirit that drives our success.

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