Carlos Barbosa: Paver Protégé
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
PINOLE — When asked about the origin of his career in the paver industry, Carlos Barbosa says it all started with a casual friendship. “Before I started working with pavers, I worked for my dad doing excavation and debris hauling. In 2009, I met Alberto Lisboa, who was installing pavers as a subcontractor on a jobsite I was on, and we became friends. A few years later, Alberto started his own paver business and told me I should come work for him—an opportunity I gladly accepted. He thought I’d be good at sales but felt I first needed to get an education in the industry. For the next three years, I worked alongside Alberto and he taught me everything I needed to know. Finally, after acquiring the requisite knowledge and experience, I moved into the sales department.”
Today, as sales manager of Brasmerica Pavers System Inc., Carlos says his favorite part of his job is seeing the end result of each project. “I enjoy every step of the process, from meeting with clients to helping them with designs. However, my favorite part is actually seeing the design come into being, because that’s when you know you’ve accomplished your goal.”
A resident of Pinole (where he lives with his wife, Sandra, and their two children), Carlos spends his free time on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy watching sports, especially soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling,” he details. “Due to the demands of work, I don’t go on a lot of long trips, but I do take two or three mini-vacations each year. I like going to Las Vegas, South Lake Tahoe and other destinations that are near enough to make a short visit worthwhile.”
In his life and career, Carlos espouses the value of a respectful attitude. “Respecting others is the most important thing to me,” he affirms. “In regard to my job, this means being respectful of my clients and their homes. When you go into someone’s home and work on their property, you have to respect their space. You also have to remember it’s their project, and they’re entitled to a good value for the money they’re paying you. I show each client respect by making sure they’re served well and receive a high-quality final product.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Carlos says he’d pay a visit to his home country. “I would take a trip to Brazil, which is where I’m from. I’d probably spend a month or so just visiting the family and friends I have there.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Brasas Do Brazil in Concord.
Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was 11, I got a job cleaning floors and doing deliveries for a supermarket near my neighborhood.
Q: What are your favorite soccer teams?
A: FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national football team.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Dubai.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas.
Read moreRead less
