An Inspired Chat with Fernando Sandoval

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Fernando Sandoval. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Fernando , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Not only in my business, but overall, small construction businesses are often viewed differently than larger ones. I might sound biased, but hear me out. When do people ever try to negotiate a price? I’ve seen it done at swap meets, flea markets, pawn shops, and outside of the U.S. So why is it that people often want to negotiate costs with small building contractors, tradesmen/women, architects, and engineers?

I understand that people have a budget for their building projects. But contrary to popular belief, those in the construction industry also have a budget that must align with many moving parts. It may sound minor to some people, but the budget covers insurances, payroll, tradesmen/women, an onsite management team, and office staff handling daily operations, scheduling, and execution. It also includes continual purchases of materials, taxes on those purchases, pick-ups, deliveries, and moving materials to designated locations.

I think construction businesses are often misunderstood because people don’t see the work being done outside of the construction site or behind the scenes for an architect/designer or the tedious calculations an engineer needs to account for. We, personally, are not here to overcharge or underbid, but we’re also not a non-profit organization.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Fernando Sandoval Jr. I’m the founder of FS Builders Group, Inc., a residential and commercial construction company. The ADU industry has been on the rise in recent years in Los Angeles, California. Since then, we have been working toward helping our communities build ADUs. An ADU, or (Accessory Dwelling Unit), is a secondary housing unit that can be built from the ground up in the backyard, attached to the main house, or created by converting the existing garage.

Due to many of us facing economic hardship in the housing market with high mortgage rates and unaffordable rental prices building an ADU can serve as a primary residence for adult children, elderly parents or grandparents, in-laws, or out-of-town guests. It’s also a great investment. It can be used as rental property for extra income. Some of our clients have downsized, moved into the ADU, and rented out the main house.

We’re a one-stop shop. We provide Design-Build ADUs-from architectural drawings, engineering, and permits to construction, finishing touches, and final inspection.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
We all grow up with different experiences shaped by our upbringing, culture, peers, and role models. I think these experiences form a belief system we carry into adulthood. Much of what I believed growing up has served its purpose. My old process of thinking kept me from breaking out of a cycle that was counterintuitive of the life I should’ve been living. The release for me is not something I eliminated all at once. It’s been a gradual process I release when I put-off old belief systems and replace them when new ones are born. Working towards this release has changed the course of my life and has lead me to where I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, absolutely. To be transparent, there have been a few times when I felt like giving up. Nothing in life is easy, especially running your own business. There were moments when I believed mistakes, failures, and lack of growth defined me. I had to decide whether to live in that mindset or use it to gain strength. Life and business will always throw curveballs. Much of the battle is external and we know we can’t control those things. However, what we often forget is that we can control what’s within us-in our minds and our hearts.

Change is a major factor. We can’t change what already happened, but we can change what we decide to do next. We can also change who we are by becoming a better version of ourselves. Change is inevitable. My motto is: “Change what doesn’t work and improve what does.“ Whatever you do, don’t remain motionless, or you will give up. Keep in mind; the bigger the promise, the bigger the preparation. Through the process comes the blessing. Your impossible situation is not your conclusion.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Honesty, respect, and good work ethic are cultural values I protect at all costs. Without them, my reputation would suffer, and I wouldn’t be in business very long. It’s important to protect these values because what we believe in shapes how we respond. Right or wrong, we rarely act on something we don’t truly believe. Our values will be a reflection of what we do and who we are.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not building three of the most important things in my life:

1. Developing a deeper and stronger relationship with God.
2. Spending intentional time with my family and maintaining a real connection with my wife and kids.
3. Pursuing my dreams to succeed in life.

Although I’m already working on these things, it’s a work in progress. I must remain consistent. It’s easy to lose what you’ve gained-or worse, to stay inactive and not achieve your full potential.

A deep connection with God keeps me humble and helps align my character. I once heard someone say, “The journey is not always about getting somewhere; it’s also about becoming someone.” Spending time with my family is never perfect. Running a business often limits time, and balance is hard to achieve. Overtime, I’ve learned to accept change and imperfection. What works for me is being intentional, going with the flow, and embracing spur-of-the-moment opportunities. Not every moment will be unforgettable, but consistency creates highlights. Often, the small moments are the most memorable.

I believe success is tangible, however, I don’t consider “things” success. I consider having a good name success. A good name is foundational because all the good fruit will branch out of it. The story, the impact, and the memory I leave behind are what matter most. Anything else I gain is icing on the cake. Regret is for those who do nothing about the present. Succeed or die trying. Strong words, I know, but with either outcome, there will be no regrets because at the end of the day you gave it all you got. That’s all we can do.

I don’t expect perfection from myself. I expect to be consistent and persistent in all I do. Come what may.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fsbuildersgroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsbuildersgroup/

Image Credits
Angel Chavez