Gabriel Martinez: One Step Toward Success
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
MORGAN HILL — When Gabriel Martinez took a job in the HVAC industry at age 18, he had no idea just how far that initial step would eventually lead. “My first job after high school was working in a warehouse for a heating and air conditioning distributor,” he recounts. “A few years later, I got into the field doing maintenance and installation for a couple of contractors. I liked being out in the field—the day goes by much faster when you aren’t stuck in the same place. About four years later, in 2006, I decided to go into business for myself. It was kind of a challenge to myself—just to give it a shot and see if I could really make it work.”
Today, as owner of Supreme Comfort HVAC, Inc., Gabriel has no regrets about making the leap from employee to business owner. He says his favorite part of his job is a combination of customer interaction and project completion. “I enjoy meeting new people and completing projects to both the customer’s satisfaction and my own.”
A resident of Morgan Hill (where he lives with his wife and business partner, Marlen, and their two children), Gabriel spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy going on hikes and camping trips with my family,” he details. “Marlen and I used to travel a lot before we had kids, but it’s not as easy with small children. That’s why we bought an RV trailer—it enables us to travel without the stress of dealing with airplanes or hotels. Besides camping, we have a lot of fun taking the kids to museums, amusement parks and other places.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Gabriel espouses the value of integrity. “I always try to be as fair and straightforward as possible with my customers so there are no surprises,” he explains. “I think this increases their confidence and satisfaction with the final product. Personally, I find it very rewarding to deliver exactly what I promise, on time and on budget.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Gabriel says he’d take a vacation. “I’d do some traveling, both nationally and internationally. There’s a lot to see and learn out there. I’d probably start with a trip to South America—I’ve always wanted to visit Chile, Argentina and Brazil.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A night owl.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “This is Us.”
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: International license plates. Whenever I travel to a new country, I go to flea markets and second-hand stores to look for license plates to take home. I have them all pinned up on the wall at my shop.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Popcorn.
Q: What was your first pet?
A: An Australian Shepherd named Poncho.
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