Everyone loves a clean and organized home! This comprehensive guide will give you a wealth of tips and expert advice on how to keep your home in tip-top shape.

The Homeowner's Guide to Home Cleaning & Organizing

SAN RAMON — If you’ve recently had new kitchen cabinets installed, you’ll want to be proactive about maintaining them. This primarily consists of two aspects: cleaning and repairing minor damage. Cleaning Water, grease and food particles can cause damage to wood cabinets over time. Here are some tips for preventing this: • Promptly wipe up spills with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels—due to their abrasiveness, they can damage your cabinets’ finish if used recurrently. • To remove grease and food particles, use a mild cleaning product that’s appropriate for wood cabinetry. • Don’t hang hand-drying towels over your cabinets—these tend to hold a lot of moisture, Read more

<h1>Frank Canova Jr.: Long-Term Rewards</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN RAMON – While Frank Canova Jr. has been involved in the cabinet making business for more than a decade, it may come as a surprise to learn that he began his career in an entirely unrelated industry. “I started out in technology consulting,” he explains. “After spending six years traveling around the United States doing software implementation, I began to feel a desire for a better balance between work and life. At that point, my father and I started discussing the prospect of becoming business partners. After talking it over for the better part of a year, we decided it was the right move. Today, I’m president of Diablo Valley Cabinetry.” Frank says one thing he appreciates about the cabinet making industry is the enduring nature of the product. “As a software programmer, a lot of what I did tended to become obsolete within a couple years, whereas cabinets are something that people will enjoy for many years to come.”
Frank grew up in Danville and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo before his job as a technology consultant took him all over the country, from Florida to Arizona to Kansas. His later career transition brought him back to the East Bay, where he now lives with his wife, Kate, and their daughters, Olivia and Natalie. Frank says the indigenous landscape provides a perfect setting for the outdoor activities that he and his family enjoy on a regular basis. “We like outdoor pursuits such as skiing, hiking and mountain biking, and we also love the ocean, so having it all within a short distance is really great. Our girls are just getting to the age where we’re able to involve them in some of the activities we love, so that’s been a lot of fun.” Frank is also an avid triathlete, and he typically participates in one or two events every year. “I was more competitive when I was younger, but now I mainly do them as a way to stay active,” he says.
In his life and career, Frank believes treating others with respect is the best way to build lasting relationships. “How you treat people is key,” he affirms. “At Diablo Valley Cabinetry, for example, we try to treat everyone fairly and with integrity, and that has allowed us to foster long-term relationships with clients and employees alike.”
When asked what he would do if he could retire tomorrow, Frank says he’d invest in giving back to his community. “As a small business owner, retirement isn’t something I think about as much as establishing a long-term work/life balance. But if I am fortunate enough to be able to retire, I’d like to get involved with some community programs, mentoring young people and serving the needs of others.” Additionally, Frank says he’d take the opportunity to see more of the world. “My wife and I really enjoy traveling, exploring new places and having adventures, so we’d definitely like to do a bit more of that in the future.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Do you have a favorite sports team? 
A: I really like the 49ers, the Warriors and the A’s.
Q: What’s your favorite tree? 
A: I’m always impressed with the majesty of Giant Sequoia and Redwood trees.
Q: Did you play any sports in high school? 
A: I played basketball, and I was fortunate to be part of a very talented team that went to the state championship two years in a row. I also learned a lot from our coach about things like teamwork, setting goals and having a strong work ethic.
Q: What’s the best gift you ever received? 
A: That’s easy—my daughters.
Q: What’s your favorite genre of movies? 
A: I enjoy sci-fi and action movies.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: A bagel with a glass of orange juice.

Frank Canova Jr.: Long-Term Rewards By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN RAMON – While Frank Canova Jr. has been involved in the cabinet making business for more than a decade, it may come as a surprise to learn that he began his career in an entirely unrelated industry. “I started out in technology consulting,” he explains. “After spending six years traveling around the United States doing software implementation, I began to feel a desire for a better balance between work and life. At that point, my father and I started discussing the prospect of becoming business partners. After talking it over for the better part of a year, we decided it was the right move. Read more

Frank Canova Jr. is president of Diablo Valley Cabinetry, a Diamond Certified company since 2008. He can be reached at (925) 709-4920 or by email.

Frank Canova Jr.: Long-Term Rewards

SUNNYVALE — A common problem with glass shower doors is the formation of water spots. Not only do these spots obscure the clarity of glass, they can also become permanently etched into it over time. The good news is, if your shower door is less than two years old, it’s unlikely that your water spots are permanent, so there’s still time to take proactive measures. Preventing permanent water spots entails just one simple step: applying Rain-X to your shower doors. Typically used on car windshields during the rainy season, Rain-X is a water repellent, which means it causes water to run off glass surfaces rather than stick to them. With the regular application of Rain-X to your shower doors, Read more

<h1>Jim Wu: A Clean Break</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter</h6>
SUNNYVALE — Soon after moving to the United States from China at the height of the tech boom, Jim Wu secured a steady career as a software engineer. However, as more and more corporations started moving their operations offshore, he began looking for an opportunity that would offer better job security. The next thing he knew, he was running a house cleaning business. “When my wife, Becky, and I started looking for a business to purchase, we wanted to find a service company, mainly because they generally have lower inventories,” he explains. “It just so happened that one of our friends was selling her cleaning business, and it ended up being a perfect fit.”
Today, as owner of Optimum Cleaning Services, Jim says he enjoys the social interaction his second career entails. “It was a big shift to go from almost no customer interaction to dealing with people every day, but I really like talking to our customers, especially when I can offer help. One customer even sent us a thank-you note that said our service saved her marriage!”
A resident of Saratoga (where he lives with Becky and their children, Justin, Erin, and Victor), Jim expresses his appreciation for the temperate Bay Area climate. “You can’t get weather this nice anywhere else,” he says. “When I first came to the U.S., I worked for a consulting company based on the East Coast and went to their headquarters for two weeks of training in December. It was so cold, and when I returned to California, I was glad to be back.”
Outside of work, Jim spends the bulk of his time with his family. “I like the fact that I have control of my schedule because it enables me to devote enough time to be with my kids,” he affirms. “We like swimming, hiking and taking occasional camping trips to Yosemite.”
In regard to his professional career, Jim says it’s important to find a balance between operational efficiency and customer service. “As a business owner, I want to see things running efficiently, but at the same time, we’re in a service industry, so I understand that the customers’ needs are the number one priority. I think it’s easy for a company to go to either extreme, so I always want to strike that balance between keeping our business profitable and our customers happy.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Jim says he’d do some extensive traveling. “I would probably plan a tour of Europe or something. Right now, with the kids and the business, we’re somewhat limited in how far away we can travel, so it would be neat to have the freedom to see more of the world.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams? 
A: The Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers.
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Coffee for on-the-go, tea for leisure time.
Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis? 
A: Yahoo.com for news, stock market updates and email.
Q: What’s your favorite dessert? 
A: Cheesecake.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Christmas—the family is together and everyone is happy.

Owner

Jim Wu: A Clean Break By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter SUNNYVALE — Soon after moving to the United States from China at the height of the tech boom, Jim Wu secured a steady career as a software engineer. However, as more and more corporations started moving their operations offshore, he began looking for an opportunity that would offer better job security. The next thing he knew, he was running a house cleaning business. “When my wife, Becky, and I started looking for a business to purchase, we wanted to find a service company, mainly because they generally have lower inventories,” he explains. “It just so happened that one of our friends was selling her cleaning business, Read more

Jim Wu is owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/optimum-cleaning-services">Optimum Cleaning Services</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2014. He can be reached at (650) 273-0236 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/optimum-cleaning-services">email</a>.

Jim Wu: A Clean Break

STINSON BEACH — Manufactured from a material called chromium, stainless steel is a beautiful, durable metal that’s used in almost every kitchen. It’s resistant to stains and corrosion, but it’s not indestructible—in fact, if you use the wrong cleaning products and methods on a stainless steel surface, you can potentially damage it. There are two types of products used to polish stainless steel: oil-based and water-based. While oil-based products tend to perform better, if you’ve been cleaning your stainless steel with water-based products for some time, it’s better to stick with that. The reason is simple: oil and water don’t mix, so switching between products can create an oily film that causes streaking when you clean. Read more

<h1>Milton Gooden: Clean Living</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
STINSON BEACH &mdash; While professional success is often the result of a deliberate venture, in some cases, it develops as a natural outgrowth of a prior occupation. For Milton Gooden, it was a job showing vacation homes for a realty company that served as a springboard to an entrepreneurial enterprise. “I saw that the company I worked for was spending a lot of money to have the rental homes professionally cleaned, so I offered to start doing it on the side,” he remembers. “It wasn’t long before I assembled a small crew. People who were renting the vacation homes started asking us to do their private homes as well, and things just continued to progress from there.”
Even after he’d expanded into cleaning private residences, Milton wasn’t satisfied to stop there. “Once we established our house cleaning operation, I started getting into the janitorial side of the business, which I’d had some prior experience in,” he says. “Additionally, we started getting a lot of requests for carpet and window cleaning, so I decided to add a division to handle those needs as well. Before I knew it, Good &#038; Clean Co. Inc. had grown from a small, single-team operation to a company with 36 employees.”
Originally from New Orleans, Milton first came to the Bay Area while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, and he liked it so much that he decided to stay. Having settled in Corte Madera—where he lives with his wife, Lucenita—Milton says he appreciates the enlightened lifestyle that characterizes his adopted locale. “Besides the weather, I really like the healthy living here. Since I was raised in an area where fatty foods are dietary staples, it’s refreshing to be in a cultural climate that encourages good health.”
Outside of work, Milton participates in a variety of pastimes, including basketball, fitness and chess. “I love basketball—I used to coach, and I play at least three times a week,” he says. “I work out on the days that I don’t play basketball, so every day of the week I’m exercising in one form or another.” In addition to his personal hobbies, Milton takes time to keep up with his three grown children, Jeremy (who works alongside him as office manager), Joanne and Cedric.
In regard to his professional career, Milton says one of the most crucial ingredients of his success has been keeping his employees happy. “It’s commonly said that the client comes first, but I think taking care of your employees is equally important, because without a great staff, you won’t have any clients. Plus, in this industry, if your employees aren’t happy, they’ll leave and start their own businesses. I have people who have been with me since day one, because they’re made to feel like a part of the company rather than just employees.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Milton says he’d relocate to Brazil. “That’s where my wife is from, and we go down there to visit her family at least once a year. Over my many visits, I’ve developed a fondness for the Brazilian people and culture…not to mention the food!”
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8>
Q: What’s your favorite sports team? 
A: The Dallas Cowboys.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: Both, actually—I usually go to sleep at midnight and get up around 6am.
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Tea.
Q: What’s your favorite type of food? 
A: Brazilian.
Q: If you were a professional athlete, what number would you wear on your jersey? 
A: Forty-four, the number I wore in high school. I played football, basketball and baseball.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Silver coins.

Milton Gooden: Clean Living By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter STINSON BEACH &mdash; While professional success is often the result of a deliberate venture, in some cases, it develops as a natural outgrowth of a prior occupation. For Milton Gooden, it was a job showing vacation homes for a realty company that served as a springboard to an entrepreneurial enterprise. “I saw that the company I worked for was spending a lot of money to have the rental homes professionally cleaned, so I offered to start doing it on the side,” he remembers. “It wasn’t long before I assembled a small crew. People who were renting the vacation homes started asking us to do their private homes as well, Read more

Milton Gooden is owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/good-clean-co-inc">Good &amp; Clean Co. Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (415) 231-2103 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/good-clean-co-inc">email</a>.

Milton Gooden: Clean Living

SAN JOSE — When disinfecting surfaces inside the home, many people simply spray a disinfectant product on the surfaces and wipe them with a cloth. However, this neglects an important part of the process. Before applying disinfectant to a surface, you should clean it with soap and water. If you don’t do this, the disinfectant won’t be as effective. This initial soap-and-water cleaning will get rid of most of the germs before following up with disinfectant to finish the rest of them off. Another important part of the disinfecting process that people often neglect is giving the disinfectant time to set. Most people wipe off the surface immediately after spraying the disinfectant, but this doesn’t give the product time to fully break down and eliminate all the germs. Read more

<h1>Sandy Willis: Entrepreneurial Aptitude</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE — Sandy Willis has always had a penchant for entrepreneurship. Even in the midst of an economic recession, she was able to find a diamond in the rough. “Back in 2009, my husband, Bill, and I were looking to buy a business that had positive cash flow,” she recounts. “We’ve been entrepreneurs for quite some time—prior to that point, we’d owned three different coffee shops and sold them. We came across a Molly Maid franchise in San Jose and it met our criteria, so we bought it. About three years later, the owner of the neighboring franchise in Cupertino/Saratoga wanted to sell, so we ended up buying their territory and expanding.”
Today, as president of Molly Maid of S. Silicon Valley, Sandy says her favorite part of her job is the independence. “I like the freedom that comes with being my own boss. Besides setting my own hours, I’m able to go the extra mile to take care of my employees and customers as needed.”
A resident of Morgan Hill, Sandy spends her time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “Bill and I enjoy hiking, playing golf, and going on vacation when we get the chance,” she details. “We like beaches, so Mexico is a favorite vacation spot of ours. At home, I enjoy cooking and trying my hand at new recipes.” Additionally, Sandy takes time to keep up with her and Bill’s three adult children.
Regarding a professional philosophy, Sandy espouses the importance of employee care. “We have about 30 employees, and we try to create a nice working environment by paying them a decent wage and keeping them busy. Most of them are mothers, so I try to make sure they’re able to support themselves and their families. That’s definitely one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
When asked what she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Sandy says she’d travel. “I’ve traveled a fair amount in my life—after I graduated from college, I lived in Europe for a year, and I’ve also been to places like Mexico, Australia, and Canada. So, if I were to retire, I wouldn’t mind doing some more traveling, both abroad and domestically. I’d like to visit New Zealand and also spend some time checking out the East Coast of the U.S., especially the New England area.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: An early bird. I’ve been that way ever since I had my coffee shop.
Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: Both—I’m an animal person.
Q: What was your first pet? 
A: A cat named Puff-Puff.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: Anything chocolate.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Maurizio’s in Morgan Hill.

Sandy Willis: Entrepreneurial Aptitude By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN JOSE — Sandy Willis has always had a penchant for entrepreneurship. Even in the midst of an economic recession, she was able to find a diamond in the rough. “Back in 2009, my husband, Bill, and I were looking to buy a business that had positive cash flow,” she recounts. “We’ve been entrepreneurs for quite some time—prior to that point, we’d owned three different coffee shops and sold them. We came across a Molly Maid franchise in San Jose and it met our criteria, so we bought it. About three years later, the owner of the neighboring franchise in Cupertino/Saratoga wanted to sell, Read more

Sandy Willis is president of Molly Maid of S. Silicon Valley, a Diamond Certified company. She can be reached at (408) 763-3556 or by email.

Sandy Willis: Entrepreneurial Aptitude

PETALUMA — Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but sometimes it needs to be cleaned as well. Here are some signs that it’s time to clean your dishwasher: Reduced effectiveness in washing Calcium stains from the hard water An unpleasant odor Mold If it seems your dishwasher is in need of cleaning, utilize the following method: Fill a coffee cup with vinegar and place it on your dishwasher’s top rack. (The dishwasher should be otherwise empty.) Sprinkle some baking soda inside the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on its heavy washing cycle. After the cycle is finished, Read more

<h1>Ehsan Rezaei: A Clean Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
PETALUMA — Ehsan Rezaei had often dreamed of running his own business, but he never imagined it would be a house cleaning franchise. “My younger brother, Hesam, and I had been talking about starting a business together,” he recounts. “Originally, we thought about running a restaurant franchise, but one day he called and told me about a house cleaning franchise he’d found. I didn’t know anything about house cleaning, but it seemed like a good opportunity and we decided to give it a shot. In 2013, we opened the Sonoma County branch of Molly Maid. It took some time to get fully acquainted with the industry, but once I got the hang of things, I really liked it.”
Today, as owner of Molly Maid of Sonoma and Napa Counties, he says his favorite part of his job is the daily diversity. “One thing I enjoy about the house cleaning business is the fact that every day is different. You’re not stuck in the same place; rather, you’re constantly visiting different houses and interacting with different people, so it never gets dull.”
A resident of Petaluma (where he lives with his wife, Samineh), Ehsan spends his time outside of work engaged in a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy playing sports, swimming and working out at the gym,” he details. “My wife and I also like hiking, camping, going to the beach and trying new restaurants in the city.”
In his life and career, Ehsan espouses the virtues of paying it forward. “I believe that you receive by giving,” he explains. “When you help others and do good in the world, that good tends to come back to you in some way. In regard to my business, this means going the extra mile to make customers happy and doing the best possible job we can for them. When we do this, that good comes back to us in the form of repeat business and referrals.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Ehsan says he would travel. “I would visit some places I’ve never been to and just see more of the world. I think I’d actually start here in the United States. I haven’t seen a lot of this country, so I’d probably take my wife on a road trip.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Talk radio.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Ryoko’s Japanese Restaurant &amp; Bar in San Francisco.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect antiques. Whether it’s an old radio or a classic car, I really like things from the past.

Ehsan Rezaei is owner of Molly Maid of Sonoma and Napa Counties, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (707) 219-6365 or by email.

Ehsan Rezaei: A Clean Opportunity

REDWOOD CITY — Maintaining your stainless steel appliances can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can obtain good results. Consider the following tips for cleaning and scratch removal: Cleaning stainless steel Most commercial stainless steel cleaning products either contain harsh chemicals or are made with mineral oil. A Greener, more affordable option for cleaning your stainless steel appliances is baby oil. Not only is baby oil environmentally friendly, you probably already have some at home, so you’ll save money. Before applying baby oil to a stainless steel appliance, you’ll need to prepare the surface. Moisten a towel with warm water, apply some dish soap and wipe down the stainless steel surface. Read more

<h1>Jennifer Young: A Natural Entrepreneur</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
REDWOOD CITY — After years spent at the bottom rung of the corporate ladder, Jennifer Young realized that if she wanted to achieve professional success, she’d need to find her own way. “I think I’m just an entrepreneur by nature,” she says. “Working in the corporate world, I knew I had the potential for bigger and better things, but I found it very hard to move up and get the managerial experience I was looking for. Eventually, I decided to try to do something on my own.”
Rather than start a business from the ground up, Jennifer decided a better move would be to open a franchise of a larger business. “By opening a franchise, I knew I would receive the right guidance to help me get started and be successful.” After researching different franchise opportunities, Jennifer decided upon Elite Pro Home Cleaning. “Not only was there a low cost of entry, but I also saw house cleaning as something there would always be a need for and that couldn’t be replaced by technology.”
Since launching Elite Pro Home Cleaning in 2003, Jennifer says the experience has been both enlightening and rewarding. “I feel like I got my MBA in life experience,” she laughs. “It’s taught me how to do sales and marketing, as well as how to manage employees and deal with customers. With the knowledge and experience I’ve gained from starting this business, I’ve been able to start two additional businesses.”
A resident of Belmont (where she lives with her husband and business partner, Josh, and their boys, Jacob and Jayden), Jennifer says she appreciates its close proximity to her extended family. “My dad was born and raised in San Francisco, and although I grew up in Sacramento, we would often drive to the city to see family. Even while attending UC Davis, I always knew I’d end up back in the Bay Area, because I loved it so much.”
Outside of work, Jennifer stays busy with a variety of pastimes and activities. “For me, spending time with my family is number one, whether it’s just Josh and the kids or our extended families,” she says. “Josh and I are also big sports fans—we love the San Francisco Giants and even play fantasy football together.” Additionally, Jennifer has a passion for learning new things, particularly in relation to her entrepreneurial endeavors. “My kids will tell you, ‘Mommy just likes to work,’” she laughs. “I’m always reading new things and attending business or real estate seminars—it’s just fun for me!”
In her life and career, Jennifer attests to the rewards that come from patient perseverance. “Today we have a loyal customer base and a reliable staff, but it took a lot of time and effort to get to this point,” she explains. “There were times when I thought about quitting because it was so frustrating and challenging, but something inside me just kept pushing me forward. Over time, we continued to learn from our mistakes and find new ways to improve upon our methods, which led to greater success.”
When asked the first thing she’d do if she could retire tomorrow, Jennifer says she’d redirect her entrepreneurial efforts toward educating young people. “I would really like to develop an educational program that teaches kids how to manage their money. That’s something that isn’t taught in school, but I think it’s a fundamental component of success later in life. If we could teach kids to develop wise financial habits at a young age, it would help them avoid a lot of mistakes.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person? 
A: Dog person. We have a yellow lab named Bailey.
Q: If you could immediately master a musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: The piano.
Q: Reality TV or documentaries? 
A: Reality TV.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Christmas—I love spending time with my family.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: Fresh fruit.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Handbags and purses.

Jennifer Young: A Natural Entrepreneur By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter REDWOOD CITY — After years spent at the bottom rung of the corporate ladder, Jennifer Young realized that if she wanted to achieve professional success, she’d need to find her own way. “I think I’m just an entrepreneur by nature,” she says. “Working in the corporate world, I knew I had the potential for bigger and better things, but I found it very hard to move up and get the managerial experience I was looking for. Eventually, I decided to try to do something on my own.” Rather than start a business from the ground up, Jennifer decided a better move would be to open a franchise of a larger business. Read more

Jennifer Young is owner of Elite Pro Home Cleaning, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. She can be reached at (650) 720-5986 or email.

Jennifer Young: A Natural Entrepreneur

SANTA ROSA — A common issue when it comes to home appliances is a reduction in dryer efficiency. In addition to longer drying times, this issue is often accompanied by overheating of the dryer unit. In many cases, these symptoms can be linked to a problem with the dryer vent. There are a couple of possible causes of a dryer vent issue. One is when the line that goes from the dryer to the home’s exterior becomes constricted. If your dryer gets pushed back against the wall, it can cause the line to become crimped and/or crushed, which will restrict air flow and cause the unit to overheat and underperform—particularly if the line is made of pliable material like Mylar or plastic. Read more

<h1>Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA — When asked about their motivations for entering a particular trade, most professionals cite an auspicious opportunity, the influence of a family member or a specific attribute that drew them to the industry. When asked how he got started sweeping chimneys, Andy Gatley blames it on the decline of a foreign economy. “I used to be a diamond cutter, but when the Japanese economy took a dive in the late ’90s, I found myself out of work,” he recounts. “I started working for a friend who cleaned chimneys and later partnered with another guy who ended up selling me his business. Since I went from cutting diamonds to sweeping chimneys, I guess I’m technically still in the carbon business…just the dirtier end.”
Today, as owner of Best Chimney Sweep, Andy says that while his job is dirty, there’s also a lot to appreciate about it. “I enjoy meeting new people and having conversations with them. I also like being my own boss, as well as getting to travel all over the place and not be stuck in an office. I could probably do without the part where I come home each day covered in soot and smelling to high heaven, but hey, what are you gonna do?”
A long-time resident of the North Bay, Andy says he enjoys the region’s scenic diversity above all. “There are so many different things to see here—one day I’m working in the city, the next day I’m out at the coast and the following day I’m driving through Wine Country. It’s really nice to have that kind of variety.”
Outside of work, Andy stays occupied with a number of hobbies and pastimes, including martial arts, music and skateboarding. “I’ve been skateboarding since I was five years old,” he says. “Now I’m old enough to know better, but I still do it anyway. I also like playing keyboards in my home music studio, and just for fun, sometimes I help out at a local TV station where some of my friends work.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Andy says his mother taught him everything he knows about customer service. “My mom had her own interior decorating business, and she really emphasized the importance of customer service, which has stuck with me throughout the years. Computers and technology are wonderful, but at the end of the day, it’s the element of personal touch that really counts.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Andy gives a classic response. “I would go to Disneyland, and then I’d come back and figure out what to do next. I’d probably donate a lot of my time to Big Brothers Big Sisters and other charitable organizations, which is something I’d love to do now, but I don’t really have the time.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted? 
A: I used to compete in street luge, which basically consists of rolling downhill while lying on an 8-foot-long skateboard. One time, at Dinosaur Point in Gilroy, I clocked in at 74 miles per hour!
Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: The piano.
Q: Who makes you laugh? 
A: I’m really into British comedy, so definitely Monty Python.
Q: What’s your favorite band? 
A: Pink Floyd.
Q: What was your first concert? 
A: Rush in Sacramento, 1986.

Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter SANTA ROSA — When asked about their motivations for entering a particular trade, most professionals cite an auspicious opportunity, the influence of a family member or a specific attribute that drew them to the industry. When asked how he got started sweeping chimneys, Andy Gatley blames it on the decline of a foreign economy. “I used to be a diamond cutter, but when the Japanese economy took a dive in the late ’90s, I found myself out of work,” he recounts. “I started working for a friend who cleaned chimneys and later partnered with another guy who ended up selling me his business. Read more

Andy Gatley is owner of Best Chimney Sweep, a Diamond Certified company since 2004. He can be reached at (707) 742-3949 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/best-chimney-sweep">email</a>.

Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town

VALLEJO — Many homeowners think of bathroom exhaust fans as a “one size fits all” affair, but in reality, there are several variables to consider. As modern homes are being built tighter to maximize energy efficiency, the need for adequate ventilation has increased, which is why building code legislation now requires bathroom fans to be installed in any new or remodeled bathrooms, regardless of whether they have windows. Few people realize that a bathroom fan doesn’t merely reduce moisture—it actually improves air quality by removing pollutants like mold, mildew and dust from the indoor environment. However, simply having a fan isn’t enough; you need one that’s correctly sized for the space. In determining the right fan size for your bathroom, Read more

<h1>David Cook: From Restaurants to Remodeling</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource</h6>
VALLEJO — Despite having an innate predilection for building, David Cook spent the bulk of his early career working in the restaurant business. Eventually, however, he decided to take a chance and pursue his professional passion. “I’ve always loved working with my hands and building things…let’s just say I had the best treehouse on the block when I was a kid,” he laughs. “Later, I ended up in the restaurant business, where I got stuck for many years until I finally burned out. I decided it was time to follow my heart and do what I really loved, so I went to work for a general contractor in San Francisco.”
It was during this time that David got an opportunity to enter a specialized area of the field, although he initially rejected it. “I was offered a job from a guy at my church who installed kitchen cabinets,” he recounts. “I politely declined, but less than a month later, the contractor I worked for laid everyone off, so I went back to him and asked if the offer still stood. After working with him for a while, I realized that while he was good at installing cabinets, he wasn’t so good at the administrative aspects, so I decided to get my license and start doing my own thing.”
Today, as owner of Cook’s Kitchen &amp; Bath, Inc., David says he enjoys the inherent variety his career entails, as well as the sense of accomplishment he derives from it. “In this line of work, every job is different, which keeps things challenging. It’s also neat to stand back, look at what we accomplished for our clients and see the reactions on their faces.”
Born in Chicago, David moved to California when he was five years old; today, he resides in Vallejo with his wife, Tina. Outside of work, he spends much of his time hanging out with family and enjoying the outdoors. “Tina and I don’t have any kids together, but we have four kids and six grandkids between us, so we spend a lot of time with family,” he says. “I’m also pretty outdoorsy, and I like going camping and skiing. Additionally, since I love my profession, I enjoy working on my house, as well as on developing and improving my business.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, David says he’d spend some time doing charity work before heading out for an extended vacation. “One of my business coaches is currently raising money to build 5,000 homes in Nicaragua for the extremely poor. I’d love to be a part of something like that and use my abilities to help those in need. I’d also like to do some more traveling—at the moment, Bora Bora is at the top of my list.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team? 
A: The San Francisco Giants.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Grapes.
Q: If you could travel to the past or the future, which would you choose? 
A: The future—it’s not good to live in the past.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My fishing pole.
Q: Pancakes or waffles? 
A: Waffles.

David Cook: From Restaurants to Remodeling By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource VALLEJO — Despite having an innate predilection for building, David Cook spent the bulk of his early career working in the restaurant business. Eventually, however, he decided to take a chance and pursue his professional passion. “I’ve always loved working with my hands and building things…let’s just say I had the best treehouse on the block when I was a kid,” he laughs. “Later, I ended up in the restaurant business, where I got stuck for many years until I finally burned out. I decided it was time to follow my heart and do what I really loved, so I went to work for a general contractor in San Francisco.” It was during this time that David got an opportunity to enter a specialized area of the field, Read more

David Cook is 19-year veteran of the remodeling industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/cooks-kitchen-bath-inc">Cook's Kitchen &amp; Bath, Inc.</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2007. He can be reached at (707) 901-7940 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/cooks-kitchen-bath-inc">email</a>.

David Cook: From Restaurants to Remodeling

CONCORD — Spills on the carpet are never anticipated, but knowing what to do in the event of one can help you prevent a permanent stain. Follow this thorough stain prevention procedure: 1. With a tightly folded, 100 percent cotton towel, begin blotting the affected area. Why 100 percent cotton? Because cotton is the most absorbent material—much more so than nylon carpet. As you blot (don’t scrub, it’ll only spread the stain), rotate the towel as each section becomes inundated with liquid. Depending on how much liquid there is, you might need a second towel. 2. Once you’ve reached a point where your towel ceases to absorb liquid, take some table salt and spread a generous amount over the area. Read more

<h1>Dave Steely: Maximum Integrity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter</h6>
CONCORD — Dave Steely started cleaning carpets right out of high school, but it took him a while to find businesses that shared his personal values and professional integrity. “Back then, the bait-and-switch tactic was very prominent, with fly-by-night companies closing as fast as they were opening,” he recalls. “One time, I showed up to work to find the door padlocked because the IRS had seized the property. Another time, I showed up to an empty building—the company owner had skipped town without paying us. It wasn’t long before I decided this was no way to make a living.”
Fortunately, rather than giving up, Dave started doing some research and found that even though there were less-than-virtuous carpet cleaning companies out there, there were also many legitimate businesses that held a high regard for customer satisfaction. “Once I realized I could actually earn a living doing quality work with a reputable company, I began to see more of a future in the industry,” he says. “I spent some time working for a couple of the major carpet cleaning companies, but eventually I decided I could do even better on my own and started my own business.”
Today, as owner of Maximum Carpet Cleaning, Dave says his favorite part of his job is the instant gratification it provides. “Since carpet cleaning provides immediate results, I get to see my hard work pay off right away. Even better, I get to see my clients’ reactions when they see how I’ve transformed their dirty carpets, so that’s very satisfying.”
Having migrated from San Mateo to Concord in 2005 (where he lives with his wife, Michelle, and their sons, Brandon and Anthony), Dave says he appreciates the area’s comparatively slow-paced character. “We moved to Concord when our boys were young because we wanted to give them more opportunities to be outdoors. Ten years later, we continue to enjoy its quiet, small-town atmosphere.”
Outside of work, Dave likes spending time with his family, especially on outdoor excursions. “We have a motor home, so we like to take road trips and go camping,” he affirms. “Michelle and I enjoy taking short trips to the coast when we get a chance, and the boys and I like going go to campgrounds and areas where we can ride our dirt bikes.”
In his professional career, Dave espouses the importance of designating enough time to ensure customer satisfaction. “One of the best parts of working for myself is I’m able to make my own schedule,” he says. “Since I don’t have that pressure to hurry from one job to the next, I can devote as much time as necessary to ensure a quality job for each client. I understand that time equals money, but in the end, customer satisfaction is the most important thing.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Dave says he’d hit the open road. “The first thing I’d do is pack up the motor home and take off on a cross-country trip with my family. Maybe we’d head north toward the Oregon Coast and just see where we end up.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams? 
A: The San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.
Q: What’s your favorite season? 
A: It’s a tie between summer and winter. During the summer, we spend a lot of time at the beach and barbecuing, whereas in the winter, we do more camping and dirt bike riding.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: La Veranda Cafe in Clayton.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: A couple of egg whites with half a chicken breast or some ground turkey—lean proteins, mainly.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My bicycle.

Dave Steely: Maximum Integrity By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter CONCORD — Dave Steely started cleaning carpets right out of high school, but it took him a while to find businesses that shared his personal values and professional integrity. “Back then, the bait-and-switch tactic was very prominent, with fly-by-night companies closing as fast as they were opening,” he recalls. “One time, I showed up to work to find the door padlocked because the IRS had seized the property. Another time, I showed up to an empty building—the company owner had skipped town without paying us. It wasn’t long before I decided this was no way to make a living.” Fortunately, Read more

Dave Steely is a 22-year veteran of the carpet cleaning industry and owner of Maximum Carpet Cleaning, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 526-5930 or by email.

Dave Steely: Maximum Integrity

FOSTER CITY — When it comes to installing storage cabinets in a garage, proper planning is crucial to ensure an optimal final result. Here are a few installation tips to consider: Anticipate usage. Before installing your new cabinets, think ahead about how you’re going to use them. This will help you determine the ideal height, width and depth for accommodating your sports equipment, garden tools, holiday decorations, and other items. Install above floor level. Raised garage storage cabinets offer a couple of practical benefits. First, since they’re above the floor, it’s less easy for insects and rodents to get into them. Second, if your water heater and/or washing machine is located in the garage, Read more

<h1>Nick Granato: In the Garage</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
FOSTER CITY — When Nick Granato set out to find a new business opportunity, the last place he expected to end up was in the garage. “I’m a former Chief Operations Officer for COIT, a company that specializes in carpet and upholstery cleaning,” he recaps. “While working there, I became friends with Benny and John, who also worked for the company. Over time, we grew tired of working for a big corporation and wanted to do our own thing, so we began looking for opportunities in the home services industry. Along the way, we discovered PremierGarage and were impressed with their products, services, and marketing philosophy. The custom garage business seemed like an up-and-coming industry, so we decided to give it a shot. In 2006, we opened the Bay Area franchise of PremierGarage and we’re still going strong today.”
Today, Nick says his favorite part of his job is being out and about. “I enjoy getting out and meeting new people. My main role at the company is doing in-person consultations, so I spend most of my day visiting customers’ homes and assessing their garage storage needs. Of course, I also enjoy the before-and-after effect of revamping a customer’s garage.”
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nick resides today in Burlingame, where he’s lived for more than 20 years. Outside of work, his favorite activity is spending time with his family. “I have three kids and three grandkids, and I love spending as much time as I can with them. We all live within 10 or 15 minutes of each other, so I get to attend my grandkids’ sports events and other family activities.”
In his life and career, Nick espouses the importance of putting forth your best effort. “Do the best you can, every single day,” he advises. “I always tell my kids and my grandkids, ‘Whatever you’re doing, if you can walk away knowing you did your best, you’ll never have regrets. Things won’t always go your way and you won’t always win—the only thing you can control is how you deal with it. As long as you give 100 percent, you can be proud and satisfied in the end.’”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite movie? 
A: I have a few, including “The Godfather,” “Bullet,” “Dirty Harry” and “Top Gun.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Either France or Spain.
Q: Music or talk radio? 
A: Music.
Q: What kind of music do you like? 
A: I enjoy a wide range of music, from R&amp;B to rock to classical.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: Any kind of fruit.

A glimpse into the life and career of Nick Granato, owner of PremierGarage in Foster City.

Nick Granato is owner of PremierGarage, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (877) 735-8517 or by email.

Nick Granato: In the Garage

ANTIOCH — One of the biggest problems with showers is keeping them clean. Over time, shower tiles accumulate soap scum, which can be hard to remove. What makes soap scum so difficult to deal with is the fact that it develops gradually—in most cases, it’s not noticeable until there’s a substantial amount of buildup. Fortunately, by adopting a simple maintenance ritual, you can prevent your shower from getting to this point. By running a squeegee over your shower tiles after every shower, you’ll remove the leftover moisture and soap residue that lead to the formation of soap scum. If you don’t have a squeegee, you can use a towel; however, since a squeegee doesn’t need to be washed, Read more

<h1>Michal Johnson: A Hands-On Career</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
ANTIOCH — After working in the petrochemical industry for nearly three decades, Michal Johnson decided to pursue a more hands-on career. “During my 28 years in the petrochemical industry, I traveled a lot and worked in oil refineries all over the nation,” he recounts. “After being transferred to Northern California in the early 2000s, I began thinking seriously about starting my own business. I love working with my hands and had accumulated a lot of home improvement experience from flipping investment properties. I particularly enjoyed working with tile, so that seemed like a good thing to specialize in. I started my own tiling business in 2011 and have been doing it ever since.”
Today, as owner of Grout Works Bay Area, Michal says his favorite part of his job is the artistry involved. “I get excited about doing a tile project and enjoy watching it go from the demolition stage to a beautiful finished product. I also love seeing the expression on the customer’s face when they see it for the first time—that brings me joy.”
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Michal now resides in the East Bay Area. Outside of work, he engages in a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy traveling, listening to music, going to the movies and spending time with friends,” he details. “I have a lot of family and friends back in Baton Rouge, so I visit there fairly often to see them and get some of that good Cajun-Creole cooking.”
When asked about a professional philosophy, Michal espouses the importance of integrity. “My main philosophy is to be open, honest and true to my word,” he affirms. “With every job, I aim to give the customer 110 percent. By doing my best and doing right by my clients, I’m able to achieve a level of success that I can be proud of.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy.
Q: What kinds of movies do you like?
A: Comedy, drama and action.
Q: If you could instantly pick up a new skill, what would you choose?
A: I’d like to be a stock market expert.
Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 12, I got a job at the community supermarket cleaning floors and stocking shelves.
Q: What styles of music do you enjoy?
A: Mainly R&amp;B, jazz and gospel.

A glimpse into the life and career of Michal Johnson, owner of Grout Works Bay Area.

Michal Johnson is owner of Grout Works Bay Area, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 385-8936 or by email.

Michal Johnson: A Hands-On Career

SAN CARLOS — If your closet is so full that you’re putting hangers on hangers, it might be time to add some accessories to improve its functionality. One popular accessory is known as a valet rod. This retractable post provides a convenient place to hang clothes when you’re in a hurry, deciding what to wear or packing for a trip. Rather than re-hanging a piece of clothing in its original spot on the closet rod­ (or worse, hanging it on a chair or door jamb), you can temporarily hang it on the valet rod. In addition, a valet rod provides an easy way to compare clothing items side by side or assemble your wardrobe for an upcoming trip. Read more

<h1>Uri Rosenberg: Hanging Up Success</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN CARLOS — Uri Rosenberg was working in sales and marketing when he came to a proverbial door of opportunity that, strangely enough, led into a closet. “While at a social event, I met the owner of a closet design company who invited me to come see his operation,” he recalls. “I took him up on his invite and was impressed with what I saw, so when he asked if I’d be interested in helping him with marketing, I agreed.” After gaining further experience in the field, Uri purchased his own closet and home office organization company in 2009.
Today, as owner of Closet Factory, Uri says he enjoys the twofold nature of his job. “In this line of work, you need to have an understanding of both sales and design. It’s like being successful as an artist: you not only have to create the art, you also have to market it effectively—otherwise, it’ll just stay on the shelf gathering dust. So, the ability to address both sides of the coin is something my staff and I take pride in.”
Originally from Israel, Uri immigrated to the United States in 1979, where he lived in Seattle before eventually settling in the Bay Area. Today, as a resident of Redwood Shores, he says the Bay Area is an ideal place to be in the closet and home organization business. “Our service used to be considered more of a luxury, but these days it’s becoming more of a necessity. Particularly in the Bay Area, people need more storage and organization in their lives, and that’s where we come in.”
Outside of work, Uri spend much of his free time with family, including his three grown children and three grandchildren, all of whom are situated in the Bay Area. Additionally, Uri enjoys outdoor activities like biking, hiking and kayaking, as well as international travel. “I take a trip to Israel every year, but I also enjoy seeing other parts of the world, like Europe and Central America.”
In regard to a personal philosophy, Uri says it’s important to be an active participant in one’s own life. “There are two types of people in the world: those who watch things happen and do nothing about it, and those who take action. Many people feel powerless to determine their future, but in the end, it’s up to the individual to effect change in both their life and society.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Uri says he’d travel to an unfamiliar destination. “I’ve traveled a considerable amount, but there are still a lot of areas of the world I’ve yet to see, like China, Russia and South Africa. If I could retire tomorrow, I’d make plans to see some of those places.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Town in San Carlos.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: An early bird.
Q: Are you fluent in any foreign languages? 
A: I speak Hebrew.
Q: What’s your favorite smell? 
A: Lemon.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
A: A boiled egg with tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables.

Uri Rosenberg: Hanging Up Success By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN CARLOS — Uri Rosenberg was working in sales and marketing when he came to a proverbial door of opportunity that, strangely enough, led into a closet. “While at a social event, I met the owner of a closet design company who invited me to come see his operation,” he recalls. “I took him up on his invite and was impressed with what I saw, so when he asked if I’d be interested in helping him with marketing, I agreed.” After gaining further experience in the field, Uri purchased his own closet and home office organization company in 2009. Read more

Uri Rosenberg is a 27-year veteran of the closet design industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/closet-factory">Closet Factory</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2014. He can be reached at (650) 212-5664 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/closet-factory">email</a>.

Uri Rosenberg: Hanging Up Success

SAN JOSE — If you find a stain on your carpet, your first inclination might be to apply a stain removal product. However, when attempting to remove a carpet stain, it’s more important to use the correct technique—if you don’t, you may wind up doing more harm than good. Here are a few important guidelines: Don’t apply the cleaning product directly to the carpet. This can result in discoloration. Instead, apply the cleaning product to a moist, warm towel. Don’t overdo it. A common problem that people make when cleaning a stain is over saturating the area, either by using too much product or reapplying too many times. This can actually cause the stain to flare up rather than disappear, Read more

<h1>Rodrigo Bejar: An Exceptional Touch </h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN JOSE &mdash; Rodrigo Bejar never planned to go into the carpet cleaning trade, but when an unexpected need arose at his family’s business, what started as a temporary fill-in led to a permanent profession. “My dad and brother-in-law started Heavenly Touch in 1995,” he recounts. “In 2004, while I was attending college, my brother-in-law was in a motorcycle accident. Besides being a family emergency, it left an immediate need for someone to cover his absence at the business. So, he went into the hospital on Sunday and I started on Monday.”
Having little prior experience in the industry, Rodrigo says the transition was intimidating, to say the least. “I had helped my brother-in-law here and there in the past, but it wasn’t anything that could prepare me for cleaning four or five houses a day.” As time went on, however, he started to get the hang of things and eventually found himself enjoying the work. When his brother-in-law made a full recovery and returned to work six months later, Rodrigo had already made up his mind to stay.
Today, as co-owner of Heavenly Touch, Rodrigo says he has no regrets about his decision to become a carpet cleaning professional. “It wasn’t something I was aiming for, but I like it! I particularly enjoy the face-to-face interaction I get with our clients. We have a very loyal customer base, so I see a lot of familiar faces, which makes my job all the more rewarding.”
Born in Santiago, Chile, Rodrigo came to the United States with his parents at the age of three and has lived in San Jose ever since. Today, he says he appreciates the harmony between his profession and the local weather conditions. “In this industry, nice weather is a big plus. Not only do we get more business, but warmer temperatures actually help dry carpets quicker, which is always a good thing.”
Outside of work, Rodrigo likes to keep himself physically active, whether by snowboarding at Lake Tahoe or working out at the gym. “I like to stay in shape because the better shape I’m in, the better I feel,” he says. “I do a lot of running and weightlifting, and in the winter, I do a lot of snowboarding, which is also good exercise. Since our business tends to slow down in the winter, it gives me plenty of opportunities to get up to Tahoe and hit the slopes.”
In regard to his career, Rodrigo espouses the importance of straightforward honesty. “Unlike carpet cleaning companies that make outrageous promises, we’re honest about what’s going to come out of our customers’ carpets. I never tell a customer I’m going to make their carpets look like new again, because it’s just not reality. Not only does this establish realistic expectations, but if I happen to achieve a better result than anticipated, it makes the customer even happier.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Rodrigo says he’d take his love of snowboarding to a new setting. “I would probably take a trip to the Swiss Alps and go snowboarding for the winter. That would be a dream come true.”
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8>
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted? 
A: Taking a 40-foot jump while snowboarding.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: High Five Pizza Company in San Jose.
Q: If you were a professional athlete, what number would you wear on your jersey? 
A: 45, which was my high school basketball number.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
Oreos.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My basketball hoop.

Co-owner

Rodrigo Bejar is co-owner of <a href=http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/heavenly-touch>Heavenly Touch</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2003. He can be reached at (408) 782-4978 or by <a href=http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/heavenly-touch>email</a>.

Rodrigo Bejar: An Exceptional Touch 

PETALUMA — Many people don’t realize that using a specific methodology to clean their homes will make the whole process easier and ensure better results. Picture yourself in a two-story house—you might wake up one day and be inspired to clean the whole thing by yourself, but how do you know where to start? Here are some tips for implementing a plan that will give you the best results: Start cleaning on the top floor and work your way down. If you do it the other way around, the bottom part of the house will get dusty after you’ve already spent time cleaning it, as dust from the top floor will float and settle on the bottom floor. Read more

<h1>Stanley Costa: From Brazil to the Bay</h1>
<h6>By Matt Solis, Editor</h6>
PETALUMA – The cultural diversity and temperate weather of the Bay Area make it one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, but when Stanley Costa first arrived from his native Brazil more than 20 years ago, it didn’t take long for Northern California to become more than just a nice place to visit. “I was born in Manaus, which is the capital of Amazonas, and I came to the U.S. in 1990 after graduating from college in Sao Paulo,” he explains. “I went to work for a company in Manchester, Massachusetts, but it was too cold for me! I was about to go back to Brazil, and my friend who was living in San Rafael asked me to come visit first. He actually got me a job, and even though I didn’t have a proper work visa, the company sponsored me and I decided to stay. The weather had a big impact on me. The mountains, the oceans—I fell in love with all of it. I thought I could bring my fiancée here and if she liked it, we could make a living. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Stanley started his professional career in telecommunications, and he enjoyed many years of success before certain events forced him to reconsider his life’s path. “In 2001, I was working for a telecommunications company and we hosted a meeting in Boston…on September 11,” he remembers. “That was a nightmare in many ways, and it took seven days just to get back home. Once I was home and started thinking about it, I realized I didn’t want to travel anymore. My wife was pregnant at the time and I just didn’t want to be away from her so much, so I talked to the company and they agreed to let me go along with 400 people during the small recession that occurred after 9/11/2001.”
Stanley used the severance pay he gained for 12 years of loyal service to revamp his wife’s business: a small house cleaning company with a strong clientele base that would henceforth be known as SonoMarin Cleaning Services. “My wife started the business in 1991, and even though I always participated in the decision-making process, it wasn’t until we restarted the company in 2002 that we began focusing on growing and moving in a more professional direction,” he says. “Our goal was to combine the same high level of quality that my wife had always provided with the skills I developed from years of working in the high-tech and telecommunications industries. After only one year, we had enough customers to pay off the initial investment we made to improve the company.”
Quality service has always been important to Stanley and his wife, and even though recent economic conditions have affected the house cleaning industry in terms of the public’s willingness to pay top dollar, SonoMarin Cleaning Services is still guided by the same philosophies upon which it was founded. “Even when the economy took a big hit in 2006, we never shied away from being a company focused on quality,” affirms Stanley. “We refocused and started making improvements to our internal procedures. I have an MBA in technology management, so I used that knowledge to completely revamp our IT and automate our scheduling system. Those things have been important for maintaining the level of quality our customers have come to expect.”
Stanley considers himself a technophile in all aspects of his life, but even though he spends much of his free time enjoying his home theater system and thinking of new ways to optimize SonoMarin Cleaning Services’ technological support, he still makes time for more traditional activities with his family. “My daughter is 11 and loves to ride bikes, so I try to go biking with her every weekend,” he says. “For the most part, though, I’m a technology-oriented person. Some people tease me for it, but that’s what I’m passionate about.”
Ultimately, Stanley and his wife strive to run their business the same way they live their lives—by working hard and approaching everything they do with honesty. “Whenever I hire someone, I tell them two things: do your best and always tell the truth,” he says. “I believe honest, hard work is the key to success, and all our employees share the same values.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What country would you most like to visit and why? 
A: I’m currently planning to visit Europe, actually. My family immigrated to Brazil from Spain, Portugal and England, so I’m looking forward to seeing those countries.
Q: What’s your favorite sport? 
A: I’m a soccer fan, but I’m not a fanatic. I’ve been learning to appreciate American sports with my daughter. Since I wasn’t born and raised here, the sports culture has never really appealed to me, but nowadays I find myself watching American football on TV and trying to follow.
Q: What’s your favorite band/musician? 
A: My favorite bands are The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and The Beatles. For contemporary music, Maroon 5 is one of my favorites. I also go back to classical music like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. I like music in general. If it’s good, I’ll listen.
Q: Do you have a favorite restaurant? 
A: For seafood, I like McCormick &amp; Kuleto’s in San Francisco. There’s a small Italian restaurant by the Marin Civic Center called La Toscana that I like very much. In Sonoma County, there’s a sushi restaurant in Petaluma called Fuji that’s excellent. I tend to like restaurants that are family-owned because they keep the food the same.
Q: Dogs or cats? 
A: Dogs. I have nothing against cats, but I love dogs. We have a five-year-old Miniature Schnauzer named James. He’s a smart little guy; I talk to him and I swear he understands me.

Stanley Costa: From Brazil to the Bay By Matt Solis, Editor PETALUMA – The cultural diversity and temperate weather of the Bay Area make it one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, but when Stanley Costa first arrived from his native Brazil more than 20 years ago, it didn’t take long for Northern California to become more than just a nice place to visit. “I was born in Manaus, which is the capital of Amazonas, and I came to the U.S. in 1990 after graduating from college in Sao Paulo,” he explains. “I went to work for a company in Manchester, Massachusetts, but it was too cold for me! I was about to go back to Brazil, Read more

Stanley Costa is owner of SonoMarin Cleaning Services, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (707) 769-9343 or by email.

Stanley Costa: From Brazil to the Bay

DUBLIN — Spot cleaning your carpet isn’t difficult, but you need to use the proper procedure to yield a good result. This starts with choosing a good spot cleaning agent. Look for a product that has a neutral pH and isn’t overly soapy or heavily concentrated. Avenge Neutral Spotter and Folex® Instant Carpet Spot Remover are both good choices. Once you have your cleaning product, you can begin the spot cleaning procedure. First, get a damp cloth. Next, apply your cleaner, either onto the cloth or directly onto the spot itself. Gently rub the cleaner into the carpet, feathering it in different directions as you go. “Gentle” is the key word here—you don’t want to over-scrub or use a heavy brush when you spot clean your carpet. Read more

<h1>Curt Holman: A Grounded Profession</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
DUBLIN — After several years working in aviation, Curt Holman decided to switch to a more grounded profession. “I was an aircraft mechanic in general aviation, but eventually I decided it wasn’t my calling,” he explains. “I wanted to do something that would allow me to be mobile, interact with people and be more independent. I knew a professional carpet cleaner, and his vocation seemed to meet the criteria I was looking for, so I started working with him. After learning everything I could from him, I struck out on my own and started Precision Cleaning Services.”
Today, Curt says he enjoys the continual variety his job entails. “I like being out and about, meeting new people, and working in different homes. Of course, at the end of the day, I get the greatest satisfaction from making my customers happy with my work.”
A lifetime Bay Area resident, Curt lives in Dublin, which he considers a perfect place for someone in his line of work. “The people in this area are willing to invest in their homes and care about getting a good service provider. For those reasons, I get a lot of quality-conscious customers, which I really appreciate.”
Outside of work, Curt spends his free time on a variety of pastimes, from playing music to exploring nature. “I play guitar in the worship team at my church and enjoy backpacking and fishing, especially up in the Sierras,” he affirms. “I also like to relax at home with my cat and watch sports, whether it’s the Warriors, the A’s or the 49ers.”
In regard to his professional career, Curt espouses the importance of honest service. “I believe in giving my customers quality work for an honest price,” he says. “In the end, I just want my customers to be happy, with the hope that they’ll call me again in the future and possibly refer me to their friends and family.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Curt says he’d head for the hills. “I might move to a more rural location, maybe in the Sierra foothills. It’d be nice to be closer to the mountains and do more fishing and backpacking. I wouldn’t even mind if it got a little snow—it’d be nice to see the changing of the seasons.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could master any musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: Bass guitar.
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Tea.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Alaska—they have some great fishing.
Q: How do you like your eggs? 
A: Scrambled.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Christmas.

Curt Holman is a 20-year veteran of the carpet cleaning industry and owner of <a href=http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/precision-cleaning-services>Precision Cleaning Services</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2011. He can be reached at (925) 318-1290 or by <a href=http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/precision-cleaning-services>email</a>.

Curt Holman: A Grounded Profession

ROHNERT PARK — When shopping for new cabinets, consumers often get confused by the price disparity between seemingly identical cabinet models. This is because the differences in quality that constitute the price difference aren’t always apparent at first glance. Take two craftsman-style cabinets that look almost exactly the same but have a 20 percent difference in cost. Each is painted white, made of wood and has soft-close hinges, which allow the door to close smoothly and quietly. However, upon closer inspection, differences begin to emerge. First, the doors: While the door of the less expensive cabinet is made of wood, it has a plywood center. You can tell by knocking on it—it has a more hollow sound than the other, Read more

<h1>Stan Wahl: Cabinet Connoisseur</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
ROHNERT PARK &mdash; As a former remodeling contractor, Stan Wahl used to buy cabinets all the time, until it finally occurred to him to start selling them himself. “I’ve been in construction since high school and spent much of my professional career in residential remodeling—mostly fix-and-flip projects, as well as a few custom homes,” he explains. “Over the years, I purchased a lot of cabinets, and it seemed like a good business to be in. Plus, I always wanted to open a remodeling showroom where contractors could get materials for their projects. That’s basically what I’ve done with Cabinets 101, which has given me the chance to stay involved with the remodeling industry without doing the physical work.”
Today, as owner of Cabinets 101, Stan says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “When you’re installing new cabinets, there are an almost endless number of decisions to make, so I like helping customers navigate that process. I try to set them at ease and make the experience as enjoyable as possible, which I think they really appreciate.”
Originally from Southern California, Stan now lives in Santa Rosa, where he says he appreciates the climate and the people. Outside of work, his favorite activity is winetasting in Sonoma and Napa with his girlfriend, Gerri. He also keeps up with his four grown sons, three of whom live in Sonoma County and one who lives in Alameda County.
In his regard to his professional career, Stan espouses the importance of customer satisfaction. “I make sure each client is happy with the end result, even if it means cutting into my profit,” he says. “Even if you lose money on a job, it’s better in the long run to have satisfied clients, because in business there’s nothing more valuable than your reputation.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Stan says he’d see the world. “I’d probably start traveling. I haven’t done a lot of international travel aside from Denmark and Ireland, so there’s still a lot to see. To start, maybe I’d take a trip to the Caribbean.”
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8>
Q: What’s your favorite winery? 
A: I have a few: Nicholson Ranch, Ram’s Gate and Gloria Ferrer, all of which are in Sonoma.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: Both—I get up at 5am and go to bed at 11pm.
Q: What’s your favorite kind of food? 
A: Hispanic food.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: Building toys like Erector Sets, Legos and Lincoln Logs.
Q: What kinds of music do you like? 
A: Jazz and oldies.

Stan Wahl: Cabinet Connoisseur By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter ROHNERT PARK &mdash; As a former remodeling contractor, Stan Wahl used to buy cabinets all the time, until it finally occurred to him to start selling them himself. “I’ve been in construction since high school and spent much of my professional career in residential remodeling—mostly fix-and-flip projects, as well as a few custom homes,” he explains. “Over the years, I purchased a lot of cabinets, and it seemed like a good business to be in. Plus, I always wanted to open a remodeling showroom where contractors could get materials for their projects. That’s basically what I’ve done with Cabinets 101, Read more

Stan Wahl is a 40-year veteran of the remodeling industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/cabinets-101">Cabinets 101</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (707) 927-1024 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/cabinets-101">email</a>.

Stan Wahl: Cabinet Connoisseur

MARTINEZ — Fifteen thousand homes burned. Fifteen deaths. Four hundred injuries. $99 million in property damage. Contrary to what you might expect, these disturbing annual figures aren’t the result of arson or wildfire. The real culprit is much less probable: clogged dryer vents. Surprised? Small wonder—like most homeowners, you likely pay little mind to this hidden component of your laundry center. However, by doing so, you leave yourself vulnerable to a substantial risk. Before we talk about dryer vent safety, it’s good to get an understanding of how dryer vents function. A closed dryer vent works by forcing hot air out of a rigid galvanized pipe to the exterior of the home. This process typically generates condensation, Read more

<h1>Rafi Benbenishti: Home Repair Extraordinaire </h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
MARTINEZ — Following an unplanned relocation to an unfamiliar country, Rafi Benbenishti found his professional calling in the home maintenance and repair industry. “I’m originally from Israel,” he explains. “In 2000, I went traveling abroad and visited Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines, to name a few. Eventually, I came to the United States, where my brother was living at the time. What was meant to be a short visit ended up being a permanent stay. I started working in the home repair industry and spent the next several years learning everything from duct repair to insulation upgrades. In 2011, I opened my own home maintenance and repair company, and I’ve been going strong ever since.”
Today, as owner of HSR, Rafi says his favorite part of his job is solving his customers’ problems. “A lot of times, when we go out to a job, the customer will tell us they’ve already had another company out and they weren’t able to solve the issue. It’s very satisfying when we’re able to find the solution and take care of everything for an affordable price.”
A resident of Martinez (where he lives with his wife, Shirley, and their two children), Rafi spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I love extreme sports like surfing, jet skiing and snowboarding,” he details. “My family and I like to do a lot of these things together. For example, in the summer, we’ll get together with friends and family at the lake and spend the day jet skiing. I also like playing with RC cars, drones and pretty much any other kind of gadget.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Rafi says he strives to bring a family dynamic to his company. “Our employees know that as long as they care for the business like it was their own, they’ll be taken care of as one of our own. We work together as one big family toward the shared goal of making our customers happy. I know that if I take care of my employees, they’re going to take care of our customers, and that’s a foundation for a successful business.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: I’m an early bird.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: Bali.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Relax and watch a TV show.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Rafi Benbenishti: Home Repair Extraordinaire By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter MARTINEZ — Following an unplanned relocation to an unfamiliar country, Rafi Benbenishti found his professional calling in the home maintenance and repair industry. “I’m originally from Israel,” he explains. “In 2000, I went traveling abroad and visited Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines, to name a few. Eventually, I came to the United States, where my brother was living at the time. What was meant to be a short visit ended up being a permanent stay. I started working in the home repair industry and spent the next several years learning everything from duct repair to insulation upgrades. In 2011, Read more

Rafi Benbenishti is owner of HSR, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 344-6763 or by email.

Rafi Benbenishti: Home Repair Extraordinaire

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<img src="http://live-diamond-certified-wp.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/Getting-organized-Premier-Garage-5.jpg" alt="One" style="height: ;width: "/>
One of the best ways to increase comfort and functionality in the home is to implement organizational measures. Photo: <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/premiergarage/" target="_self">PremierGarage</a> (2014)&nbsp;
 Have you ever been partway through a book or movie and suddenly found yourself staring at a reflection of your own life? Maybe you identified with a particular character’s loss, struggle or triumph, or chuckled at a comical situation similar to one you’ve personally experienced. After all, isn’t relatability one of the primary features that cause stories to resonate with us?
Sometimes this narrative resonance comes from an unexpected source. For me, it was a bedtime story I was reading to my kids recently. Midway through “The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room,” I recognized a striking parallel between the Bear family’s titular dilemma and my own. The “dust-catching, helter-skelter, wall-to-wall mess” in Brother and Sister Bears’ bedroom appeared as a caricature of our living room, which at that moment resembled a minefield of toys and clothing. Then there was the Bears’ bedroom closet, which, when opened, triggered an avalanche of miscellaneous articles. While not as dramatic, I was reminded that my own closet wasn’t exactly “orderly.”
By the story’s end, the Bears find a bipartite resolution that consists of a conscious change in habits and the instigation of a few organizational improvements, including a toy box and peg board that Papa Bear constructs in his wood shop. While I had personally made strides to correct some of my untidy habits, the book made me realize that I’d largely disregarded the latter aspect. Admittedly, organization isn’t my strong suit. A lot of the items in our house didn’t have a designated place, and even those that did didn’t always fit well or appear neat.
As it happened to be on the cusp of a new year, I determined right then and there to make an effort to get more organized. Only one problem: I didn’t know where to begin. Not only did I not have a woodshop (much less any carpentry skills), I didn’t possess an iota of organizational know-how. Fortunately, as a Diamond Certified Preferred Member, what I did have was access to a wealth of resources, including first-person contributions from business owners and field experts. Here are a few things I learned from my research:
<img src="http://live-diamond-certified-wp.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Organized-Premier-Garage-1-300x199.jpg" alt="When" style="height: ;width: "/>
When it comes to keeping your child’s room tidy, a little organization can go a long way. Photo: PremierGarage (2014)
Organization is a creative art. Apparently, Sara Hunt Malone, owner of Sara Hunt Malone Design in San Rafael, has also read “The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room,” because her advice echoes the book’s situation perfectly. Her primary piece of advice: when it comes to organization, get creative. “When you have too much stuff and not enough storage space, you need creative ways to efficiently use the space you do have,” she says. “Whether that means setting up designated ‘stations’ for your kids’ playtime and bathroom routines or using bins, baskets and other organizational tools to keep your spaces orderly, creative organization can greatly improve aesthetics, efficiency and functionality in your home.”
<img src="http://live-diamond-certified-wp.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Organized-Premier-Garage-2-300x238.jpg" alt="An" style="height: ;width: "/>
An organized kitchen will enable you to work with greater efficiency. Photo: PremierGarage (2014)
You don’t need new cabinets to have an organized kitchen. Even if you have a lot of cabinet space in your kitchen, if it isn’t configured in a practical way, the result can be disarray. That’s why organization has become one of the focal points of today’s cabinet industry, with cabinetmakers devising innumerable ways to utilize every inch of usable space. If buying new kitchen cabinets is outside of your budget, there’s good news: you can modify your existing ones to incorporate modern organizational innovations. The addition of features like pull-out baskets, lazy Susans, and sliding drawers can make your existing cabinets much more orderly and functional.
In addition to having more functional storage spaces, Ms. Hunt Malone recommends applying the aforementioned station method to the kitchen as well. “Think about what you typically do in your kitchen and keep things centrally located in those specific areas,” she suggests. “For example, keep baking pans and ingredients in the same area so when you’re baking, you’re only working in one spot of your kitchen. This makes the entire process smoother and keeps the kitchen cleaner and more organized.”
A reach-in closet has a lot more potential than you’d think. Many people wish they had a large, walk-in closet to accommodate their storage needs. However, according to Uri Rosenberg, owner of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/closet-factory/" target="_self">Closet Factory</a> in San Carlos, few people realize that even a typical reach-in closet can be reconfigured to dramatically enhance its usefulness. “The average reach-in closet has a single hanging rod and shelf above it, but by efficiently utilizing its height, you can literally double its storage capacity,” he says.
One of the simplest ways to maximize space in a reach-in closet is to install double hanging rods, which gives you twice the hanging space while leaving the top shelf for storing shoes and other non-hanging items. Additionally, home improvement stores sell do-it-yourself closet kits, many of which offer adjustable shelves and poles. However, if you don’t feel comfortable going the DIY route, a top rated closet organizer can help you make the most of your limited space.
<img src="http://live-diamond-certified-wp.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/Getting-Organized-Premier-Garage-4-300x200.jpg" alt="Proactive" style="height: ;width: "/>
Proactive organizational improvements can transform your garage from a chaotic catch-all to a fully functional space. Photo: PremierGarage (2014)
Your garage doesn’t have to be a no man’s land. While often reduced to a chaotic catch-all for items that don’t have a place in the living area, there are several ways to create and maximize organizational space in a garage. One is to take full advantage of wall and ceiling space by installing additional shelving and hooks from which to hang bicycles and sports equipment. It’s also smart to store similar items together in designated areas, although, as Gary Martin of Custom Garages Inc. in Pacheco explains, this should be approached pragmatically. “When storing items in your garage, it’s important to consider visibility and accessibility. Items that you use often should be stored at or below eye level, and seasonal items like Christmas ornaments should be stored on higher shelves.”
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James Florence

Is your home organization lacking? These four tips about organizing your home—efficient use of space, kitchen organization, closets and garages—can help.

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