About Me

 

I'm good with my hands. I understand the trades, technology, and health better than average, but I am no expert. I'm just the type you may have known that was curious about everything and smart about a lot of things. Annoying maybe, but helpful nonetheless.

 

I am mostly self-taught, take pride in my work, a bit OCD and definitely a perfectionist. My background includes:  retail, real estate, finance, international business, web design, IT, electronics, entrepreneurship, home improvement, fitness, and wellness coaching.

 

Keep reading below to learn more about my three common pseudonyms, my personal life, and my inspiration for starting this business.

1.

 

DIY Nerd

 

I've always been good with my hands and enjoyed learning to do things myself. From working on cars to fixing things around the house. If it breaks or needs maintenance, I can usually figure out how to repair or maintain it on my own. I work on all but the very complicated stuff.

 

I have over 21 years experience working in the home improvement business. I've learned from and worked with masters of their trades from electricians and plumbers, to builders, gardeners, and pest control pros. I have used that knowledge to successfully perform many projects around the house, as well as help others with their DIY projects and repairs.

 

I frequently follow experts online, always trying to hone my skills, get tips and learn new techniques to better perform my work.

2.

 

Tech Geek

 

I've been fascinated with technology as far back as grade school. From computer repair to electronics use and function. If it's tech related, I can usually figure it out. Installing, troubleshooting, operating,

maintenance, repair, upgrades, instruction, and research are my focus.

 

If I'm an expert in anything, it's technology. I've worked with it in some form since graduating from tech college in '94. Background includes:  tech support, pc repair, maintenance, systems admin, technical report writing, web design, and sales. I'm proficient on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and other platforms and devices.

 

I love learning about developments and advances in technology, and am both excited and cautious about what the future holds.

3.

 

Health Nut

 

It's been quite a learning experience to reach the level of understanding that I have today. If it's about health, nutrition, exercise and inner calm, I'm usually able to figure out what does and doesn't work to achieve, maintain and optimize overall health and wellness.

 

In high school, I became vegetarian. This was not easy, but I'm glad it happened early on, as it changed my life forever. I have been researching health and wellness ever since. Although mostly self-taught, I have earned skills, state and nationally accredited certifications in nutritional analysis, herbalism and personal training respectively. I've used my knowledge to positively affect the well-being of many folks over the years.

 

I take this subject seriously, and have never stopped learning. I continue to be a wellness coach to friends and family to this day.

Personal

 

Everyone has their story. This is a brief summary of mine. My name is Gabriel González. I was born in Houston and raised in the suburbs. I grew up with a younger brother, many cousins and a few dogs. I was super involved growing up. From the scouts to karate to church youth groups and summer camps. I was in school band and church choir. I was on the Spanish team and a member of DECA and JROTC. I have had three fathers in my life and have lived with or near my parents for most of it. I moved one time after college, but my most significant move came in 2019 when I, my mother and step-father decided to sell our houses and move to San Antonio.

 

I'm a highly independent person. Never married and have no children. My friends are few, but the best. I love exploring and spending time alone. I read, research, work on projects and try to stay productive. I love movies and good TV. I appreciate art and history of all kinds. I am fortunate to have had a good, steady job for over 20 years. I've gained valuable experience and knowledge. I am happy to have spent a couple of good years living with and getting to know my step-father, Ron, before his passing in 2021. I'm now equally grateful to share a home with and care for my mother in her retirement while we explore and enjoy this beautiful area we now call home.

Inspiration

 

My family has always been my biggest inspiration. From my mother to my father to my grandparents and the many other family members that have graced my life. Their individual perspectives, drive, determination, and failures have been a great influence. They taught me to be kind, generous, honest and hardworking. My faith (or pursuit thereof) has also played a significant role. I learned to appreciate the little things, be thankful for what I have, and be empathetic to those who have not. As for this business. Well, shortly after moving into our new house and doing a few projects with my step-father Ron, we talked about doing these same projects for others in the neighborhood someday. Sadly, he didn't live long enough to see it happen, but his memory will always be with me in every job that I do.

Life Lessons

 

It's common to name family as inspiration in one's life. And for me, for the reasons stated earlier, my family was. But I've found that life is more than the sum of the influence from your immediate family. It's about those significant people you meet along the way and the experiences you have with them or because of them. And, it's also about all the hardship and pain you go through and how you bounce back from it that defines who or what you become in life. I have been blessed to have gone through some of these hardships and come out better on the other side. Not without struggle. Not without pain. And definitely not without tears. But better for it in every way.

 

Life has a way of throwing a curveball when things go well. Sometimes you're ready. Sometimes you're not. When you're not, it's often a chance to prove something to yourself. Prove that you can accept and move on. Prove that you can adjust and try again. Prove that you can take criticism. Prove that you can be humble. Prove that you can consider advice from a stranger. Prove that you can still value true friendship. Prove that you can take charity, not just give it. Prove that you can open your mind to new possibilities. Prove that you can recognize your biases and surrender them. Prove that you can believe in something larger than yourself. And, I think most of all, prove to yourself that you are worth the struggle.