From Michoacán to Maricopa, immigrant turned entreprenuer starts HVAC company

Tiempo Home Services owner and technician Juan Garfias immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico, to the United States 20 years ago, at the age of 17. After attending his sister’s wedding in Arizona, he became entranced with life in the Grand Canyon State and decided to settle in the Phoenix area. [quote_box_right]Juan Garfias
Age: 37
Hometown: Michoacán, Mexico
Residence: Glennwilde
Family: Wife and daughter
Business: Tiempo Home Services
Open since: April 2016
Expectations for next five years: Expand the company and have at least two more technicians.
First job: Apartment maintenance technician
Favorite job: Current job
Greatest challenge: Becoming a business owner
Best business advice received: Own a debt-free company[/quote_box_right]

Garfias got a job as a maintenance technician at an apartment complex, where he worked relentlessly to learn the appliance-repair trade. After working for several years at various repair companies, Garfias decided to apply his skills and knowledge toward getting his own HVAC license with the hopes of starting his own company.

Three years ago Garfias, his wife and their daughter left the hustle and bustle of Tempe for a more tranquil and close-knit community. Like many who settle in Maricopa, the cost of living was also a primary factor.

“There was an opportunity to buy a [affordable] home here,” Garfias said. “It’s family-oriented, and there’s no traffic.”

In April, Garfias realized his dream of owning his own business and cut the ribbon for Tiempo Home Services.

Garfias’ partner in business and life, wife Patricia, said when things get a little too busy and they have to turn away businesses they avoid referring clients to larger repair services.

“It’s all about supporting local business,” Patricia Garfias said. “We prefer to recommend other companies from in Maricopa.”

Juan Garfias hopes to expand his business to access markets elsewhere in the state.

“In five years I hope to expand all throughout the Valley to Phoenix and Tucson,” he said.

Tiempo Home Services, 42557 W. Sussex Road
520-217-3252

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This story appears in the January issue of InMaricopa.