Community Highlights: Meet Aamir Kadri of ConstructCo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aamir Kadri.

Hi Aamir, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It started when my father placed me in Taekwondo. That’s where I met someone who became very dear to me, Ernie Rivas. At the time, I was 9 years old, and something about his energy drew my attention right away. During one tournament, I kept following him around, probably annoying him. By the end of the day, I asked for his number, and he gave it to me.
As time went on, Ernie became my closest friend and mentor. He constantly motivated me and taught me about becoming something in life, staying away from bad influences, focusing on goals, and finishing what I started. Ernie always told me, “True wealth is health. Without health, you can’t do anything. You’re not going to be closing deals if you’re fighting for your life.”
We didn’t grow up wealthy. We were a middle-class family, and my father sacrificed a lot for us. He’s always been great at event organization and concert production, putting in long hours and traveling from venue to venue with artists. My father was constantly moving with late nights, different cities, and endless work, but he always made sure we had what we needed. Because of the business he was in, I was exposed to a lot of experiences and met many different types of people at a young age. My father would bring me around successful individuals, business owners, artists, and people who had built real success for themselves. I learned a lot from observing them, how they spoke, how they handled business, and how they treated people. It wasn’t really the lifestyle for me, though. I was more calm, quiet, and private. But I paid attention. I watched how they made decisions, the confidence they carried, and how they communicated. Most of them told me the same thing: just start whatever you want to do and don’t be scared.

My mother has always encouraged me and kept me grounded. She supported my decisions, reminded me to stay consistent, and pushed me to do the right thing. She is proud of what we are building and keeps me focused on why I started. When I was young, I was impulsive, always wanting to start something new. At 12 or 13, I was already talking about opening a surf shop, a restaurant, or anything that came to mind. I just wanted to figure out how to make money. But at that age, no company would hire me because of labor laws and liability.
Halfway through my freshman year, I noticed something. Everyone complained about the school food, and the vending machines were always empty. I realized that was a problem, and I could fix it. That’s when I started selling homemade cookies and brownies, chips, candy, and Gatorade for $1 to $2 each. I had three lockers, one for books and two for product. I never used them for what they were intended for. Before school, I’d stock up the larger sports locker with my goods and carry a rucksack and a sports bag everywhere I went. Sales started early, around 7:30 AM in the second quad, where classmates were already waiting. I had a daily menu: Oreo cookies, M&Ms, plain brownies, or frosted (vanilla and chocolate). I sold between classes, during passing periods, snack, and lunch. By sixth period, I was completely sold out.

Minimum wage at the time was $7, and I was making $150 to $300 a day. My mom would pick me up after school, and we’d go straight to Walmart or Costco to restock. I’d be home by 5 PM, start baking, and spend 4 to 6 hours in the kitchen preparing for the next day. This went on until my senior year. Eventually, I got caught. The cafeteria noticed a drop in sales, and I was suspended for a few days. My parents weren’t upset. They were hardworking, educated, and supportive, as long as I stayed out of trouble.
I had a close group of friends: Lexter, Marrion, and Nick. We were always together, whether biking the riverbed, going to the gym, barbecuing, or hanging out at the beach. There was a time I started selling In-N-Out burgers for $15. My dad would pick them up, and I’d resell them during lunch. They sold out instantly, but the school eventually caught me again and took the food away. I lost money that day, but I didn’t want to waste it. My mom and I drove around town handing the meals to homeless people.

By 10th grade, I was already working for a pressure washing company that had a 7-Eleven Corporate contract, cleaning gas stations across California. We would pressure wash the pads and canopies at night after 10 PM. It was the only job I could get at my age. I got connected to a business. I was motivated and ambitious, so I reached out myself and asked if he was hiring. I told him I wanted to learn and wasn’t afraid to work. He offered to pay me $100 for three hours of work, and I took it without hesitation.
I picked things up quickly. My supervisor, Chris, was laid-back but smart, 27 years old at the time, and he taught me everything I needed to know. By the time I was 17, Chris left, and the owner asked if I wanted to take over operations. I said yes. During school, I worked three nights a week, and during summer, six days straight. We were busy with gas stations and commercial complexes. I learned every part of the business and was running his company while he handled clients.
After graduating high school, the pressure washing business slowed down. I didn’t like sitting still; stagnation drives me crazy. So I joined the United States Coast Guard. I went to Cape May, New Jersey for basic training for two months, then transferred to South Carolina. From there, I trained and worked across multiple states: Savannah, Georgia; Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and others. My main base was Charleston, South Carolina.

The Coast Guard taught me structure, discipline, and accountability. It taught me that structure isn’t about control, it’s about clarity. I learned how to make fast, precise decisions under pressure, how to stay calm in high-risk situations, and how to perform when there’s no room for error. That experience shaped how I operate today, focused, composed, and always aware of the people who depend on me. Those lessons built the foundation for how I manage teams and projects with the same level of focus and responsibility.
When I returned home to Southern California, I rejoined my old boss immediately. My first year back, we had 457 gas stations across California to complete, from Long Beach up through Sacramento, Napa Valley, and San Francisco, down through Monterey, Thousand Oaks, and San Diego. We finished them all in four months. After that, I realized my boss was content, but I wasn’t. I wanted growth. My parents and Ernie always said, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Think outside the box.” I went back to Ernie for advice again, and he told me, “Start your own company. You know how to do the work, but now you need to learn the business and law side. Making money is easy; it’s building relationships that’s hard.”
That’s when PowerWashCo was born.

At the time, my girlfriend suggested I use TikTok to promote it. I’m old-school. I believe in shaking hands, showing up, and letting the quality of your work speak for itself. I’ve never been into social media, but I listened. The videos took off, gaining views, likes, and followers. That growth created real visibility and opened doors.
Today, PowerWashCo services commercial and industrial properties across California, providing pressure washing, window cleaning, and preventive maintenance. We work with HOA companies, property managers, and facility operators, focusing on structure, compliance, and safety. I later expanded our services to include storm drain cleaning and hydro-jetting so that clients could depend on us for complete exterior maintenance programs.

One of our biggest moments came when we were called to clean the Bank of America Tower monument in Downtown Los Angeles, a 71-story building standing 725 feet high. That job was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It taught us everything about swing stages, mid- and high-rise compliance, safety, and client coordination. A few days later, Lionsgate Entertainment reached out to us for work on The Expendables 4 movie trailer project. Seeing that job come to life was surreal, and it felt like validation for all the hard work.
After that, I started thinking about what’s next, how to build something sustainable for my future and my family. I went to Ernie again and asked, “What do you think is next?” He looked at me and said, “Aamir, construction. You can do a lot with construction. It’s in your ballpark.” That’s when I started developing ConstructCo LLC, a fully licensed General B Contractor (CSLB License #1136510), bonded, insured, and built for growth. Since I was already servicing property managers and had existing relationships, it felt like a natural move. Ernie followed up with something that stuck with me. He said, “It’s not about doing the work, it’s about doing the job legally, safely, and properly. Anyone can do the work, but can they do it while mitigating risk and liabilities without compromising the safety of their employees, customers, or guests?”
We are currently in the process of obtaining our Electrical and Plumbing licenses to expand ConstructCo’s capabilities and provide complete, in-house solutions for our clients.

I care about building something great, a company that grows across all 50 states while maintaining strict safety and operational protocols. I believe in execution, not just talking about it. When clients need us, we respond immediately. Most of my clients are impressed by how quickly I deliver an RFP and how fast we move from proposal to action. That’s what I stand for: performance, accountability, and follow-through.
Alex is driven by growth, innovation, and operational excellence within a safe and controlled environment. He focuses on hiring the right people, training them properly, and supporting them in every way possible. He believes in giving back, especially in helping kids who want to learn and grow. That’s when I knew Alex and I could build something companies actually want to hire, a company that combines responsiveness, structure, and integrity. We both have our strengths and weaknesses, but what’s rare between us is that neither of us carries an ego. We share one goal: to make a real change in this industry and set a standard that other companies rely on.

None of this works without our team. The people who show up every day are the reason these companies succeed. I believe in building a company where everyone goes home safe, respected, and proud of what they accomplished that day. That’s how you build trust, loyalty, and culture, not through titles but through respect.
Alex and I aren’t stopping there. We are already in the works of developing a new division, StormDrainCo, specializing in hydro-jetting, mainline cleaning, catch-basin maintenance, and storm-water management. All of our divisions operate under strict OSHA, EPA, and California regulatory standards. Each one is fully insured and bonded, built to deliver professional, verifiable, and compliant work that lasts.

We didn’t grow up wealthy, but we were raised with drive, respect, and purpose. My father taught me sacrifice, how to put in the work even when no one is watching. My mother taught me consistency and still stands behind every step we take today. Ernie taught me discipline and health, but also perspective. He always reminded me that true wealth isn’t money, it’s mindset. He taught me how to control emotion under pressure, how to stay patient when things don’t go as planned, and how to keep my focus on the bigger picture. He’s the one who made me realize that success isn’t about what you have, it’s about how you carry yourself and how many people you bring up along the way. The Coast Guard taught me structure, how to stay calm, focused, and accountable under pressure. And experience taught me that if you care enough to solve real problems and stay consistent, you’ll always move forward.

The goal isn’t just to grow bigger, it’s to grow smarter, to build systems that create opportunity, and to keep raising the standard of what quality, safety, and accountability look like in our industry. Every step forward is about building something that lasts, protecting the environments we work in, and taking care of the people who make it possible. Our long-term vision is to help build a cleaner, healthier, and better generation. One that values integrity, innovation, and sustainability as much as performance.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my biggest challenges has always been perception. In B2B environments, especially construction, when people see my age, they often assume I lack the experience or knowledge to execute. That’s common in this industry. But when you spend most of your life learning, observing, and operating in high-level environments, you gain understanding that goes far beyond age.
It’s like cars. Someone who drives a standard sedan might sit inside a Ferrari and feel overwhelmed; the power, the precision, the sensitivity of every movement. But someone who’s been around those cars, studied them, worked on them, and driven them consistently knows exactly how they perform, what they’re capable of, and how to control them. That’s how I’ve built my understanding, by placing myself in environments above my comfort zone, learning every system, and executing with control and calculated precision.

As I was growing up, I didn’t have much of a college life like most people. I was always focused on building, improving myself and improving the company. I’ve always been goal-oriented, and because of that, I missed a lot of the experiences most people have at a younger age. But that comes with the territory. Building something great requires laser focus, extreme discipline, calculated decisions, and a lot of time. I’m constantly working on creating something people can depend on, built on innovation, quality, safety, and accountability.

Another challenge I face often is competition from companies that cut corners. I lose a lot of bids because I know what other contractors are doing, taking shortcuts, underbidding jobs, or breaking labor laws to keep costs down. I’ve seen it firsthand. But I’d rather lose a bid than compromise the standards that keep people safe and projects compliant. Doing things legally, safely, and by the book isn’t always the easiest route, but it’s the one that lasts. In the long run, reputation and integrity are worth more than any short-term win. That’s how we’ll stand apart, and it’s why larger companies will choose us.
One of the hardest parts about building something from the ground up is that most people won’t understand what you’re doing until it works. You spend years explaining your vision, but very few actually see it. That isolation can be heavy, but it teaches you to trust your own clarity instead of seeking validation.

I remember being too young for every opportunity I wanted. Nobody would hire me, and most people didn’t take me seriously. Over time, I realized no one’s coming to rescue you; if you want something, you have to build it yourself. And in a way, it made sense. Not everyone is built for this kind of pressure. Most people today want the job but not the work that comes with it. That mindset is part of the problem. Too many people look for shortcuts instead of standards. I’m finding a way to change that, by building companies that reward accountability, develop real skills, and give people purpose again.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ConstructCo ?
About Co Companies Corporation
Co Companies Corporation is in the process of being developed and established as the parent company for a family of specialized service divisions operating across California. Our mission is to redefine quality control, safety, and accountability through a unified system of professional services that leading brands rely on to maintain their buildings, environments, and communities.
We are building a future-focused organization founded on three principles:
Structure, Compliance, and Performance.
Every service we provide is guided by measurable results, verified reporting, and disciplined execution.
Our goal is to become the leading quality control and maintenance provider across the West Coast, expanding nationwide to all 50 states. Co Companies Corporation exists to innovate services that enhance the way people, businesses, and communities operate every day while supporting sustainability, workforce development, and ESG-driven standards.
ConstructCo LLC
ConstructCo LLC (CSLB #1136510) provides remodeling, preventive maintenance, waterproofing, and major trade services, all performed in house.
We service all industries, including commercial, industrial, multi-family, retail, hospitality, and municipal sectors.
ConstructCo’s integrated system manages every trade internally, from structural restoration to mechanical and finish work, ensuring consistency, schedule efficiency, and safety control. Every project is executed with documentation, accountability, and strict adherence to OSHA and California Building Code standards.
We are currently in the process of obtaining our electrical and plumbing licenses to expand ConstructCo’s full service capabilities, allowing clients to depend on one trusted partner for every phase of their property’s lifecycle.
PowerWashCo
PowerWashCo delivers professional pressure washing, façade restoration, and high-rise building cleaning for clients across all industries.
We provide structured exterior maintenance for commercial, industrial, retail, hospitality, and municipal properties that require safety-driven, environmentally responsible, and compliance-ready results.
Our crews are trained in high-rise access, BMP storm-water compliance, and surface protection techniques that align with corporate sustainability goals. PowerWashCo ensures consistent presentation, documented performance, and operational efficiency while protecting long-term asset value.
StormDrainCo
StormDrainCo specializes in hydro-jetting, catch-basin cleaning, and storm-water-management systems that prevent flooding and support regulatory compliance.
We service all industries by helping commercial properties, HOAs, industrial facilities, and municipalities meet local and state BMP requirements through proactive maintenance and inspection-ready reporting.
Each program is designed around environmental protection, efficiency, and data-verified performance. StormDrainCo plays a vital role in safeguarding infrastructure by maintaining clean waterways and supporting sustainable storm-water practices.
Our Vision
Co Companies Corporation is more than a collection of service brands. It is a performance-driven system built on structure, accountability, and continuous improvement.
We are developing an organization that supports national ESG goals by building safer workplaces, cleaner environments, and stronger communities.
Our long-term vision is to become the standard of quality control for how infrastructure, maintenance, and environmental systems are managed across America, helping build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable generation.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What do you like best about our city
What I like most about Los Angeles is that it teaches you perspective. This city exposes you to every kind of person, every type of dream, and every definition of success. You learn quickly that there is no single path to getting where you want to go. I have met people who came here with nothing and built everything from the ground up, and I have also seen people with every advantage lose it because they stopped growing. LA teaches you both sides of life, the value of consistency and the cost of losing focus.
What really stands out to me is the diversity. I have learned more from people in this city than I ever could have in a classroom. Different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives all offer lessons. You start to realize that success does not belong to one kind of person. It comes from observation, discipline, and how willing you are to learn from others.
That is what makes Los Angeles special to me. It is not just a city of opportunity; it is a city of lessons. Every day you are surrounded by movement, ambition, and creativity. The more you listen, the more you grow. The more you see, the more you understand. For me, LA is a teacher. It gives you every chance to build something meaningful, but it is up to you to take those chances seriously and turn them into something lasting.

What do you like least about our city
What I like least about Los Angeles is how easy it is to get distracted. The pace, the competition, and the constant motion can pull you off track before you realize it. Everyone wants to move fast, to grow fast, to succeed fast, but when everything becomes about speed, people lose sight of substance. They start chasing what looks good instead of focusing on what is right.
It is also difficult to see how much of the city has been neglected. The trash, the graffiti, and the lack of maintenance in once vibrant areas are reminders of how easily accountability can fade. LA has every resource it needs to stay beautiful; what is missing is pride. People have stopped taking care of what they build, and that mindset affects everything from our neighborhoods to our businesses.
I often hear people talk about how beautiful Europe is, how clean, organized, and cared for everything feels. And I always think, why can’t we have that here? The difference is not the government; it is the people. They take pride in their surroundings. They care. That is why their environments look the way they do. We could have that here too if more people valued responsibility and consistency as much as progress.
So many people around the world would give anything for the opportunities we have in this city, but too often they are taken for granted. The pace convinces people there is always another chance, another tomorrow, but opportunity disappears when you stop respecting it.
That is why I have built my companies around structure, accountability, and purpose. We focus on doing things right, building systems that last, and restoring pride in work. Because Los Angeles does not need more people chasing shortcuts; it needs people who care enough to build things properly, safely, responsibly, and with integrity.
LA taught me something that drives everything I do. No one is coming to rescue you. You have to slow down, stay grounded, and take ownership of your direction. The opportunities are already here. It is about respecting them enough to turn them into something real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://constructco.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noblekadri/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boyhunter81/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aamir-kadri-powerwashco/
• Other: https://powerwashco.us