Today we’d like to introduce you to Salvador Santos.
Hi Salvador, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve spent more than 27 years in the concrete industry, learning the trade through hard work, hands-on experience, and dedication. For many years, I worked for someone else, gaining the knowledge and experience I needed to eventually build something of my own.
In 2019, I decided to take that risk and start Mayans Concrete. I started with one truck, one job, and one dream. I didn’t have a big crew or a fancy office. I had faith in God, confidence in the experience I had gained over the years, and a strong desire to build a business based on hard work and integrity.
Then COVID-19 came, and it became one of the biggest tests I faced as a new business owner. I had invested in new equipment and was working to grow the company, and suddenly everything shut down. It was a major hurdle, especially so early in my journey.
That season taught me a lot about perseverance and adaptability. With faith in God, determination, and new business strategies, I was able to navigate through that difficult time and keep moving forward. It showed me that running a business isn’t always about having everything go according to plan. Sometimes, it’s about finding a way forward when circumstances are completely outside your control.
As Mayans Concrete continued to grow, I stayed focused on the values that were important to me from the beginning: honesty, integrity, hard work, craftsmanship, and family.
The name Mayans Concrete is also personal to me because of my Mayan heritage. I wanted my heritage to be part of the company I built and to reflect the pride I have in where I come from.
Today, we provide residential and commercial concrete services, and I’m proud of how far the company has come. We’re also always open to building relationships with new partners and other businesses for parallel work opportunities.
Looking back, starting Mayans Concrete was a risk, but it was a risk I believed was worth taking. I started with one truck and one dream, faced one of the biggest challenges a new business could face, and kept moving forward through faith, hard work, and perseverance.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting Mayans Concrete in 2019 was a big step, and like any new business, there were many challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles came soon after we started when COVID-19 hit.
At that point, I had already invested in new equipment and was focused on growing the business. Then everything suddenly shut down. It was a difficult and uncertain time, especially because we were still a new company. I had to find new ways to keep the business moving forward while dealing with circumstances that were completely outside of my control.
That experience taught me the importance of faith, patience, adaptability, and perseverance. With faith in God and by changing some of our business strategies, we were able to make it through that difficult season.
There have also been the everyday challenges that come with running a business, managing projects, building relationships, and continuing to earn the trust of customers. But every challenge has taught me something and helped me become a better business owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mayans Concrete. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Since 2019, Mayans Concrete has been the go-to expert for concrete solutions in Georgetown and the surrounding Central Texas communities. Specializing in everything from robust foundations and decorative stamped concrete to durable fences and intricate masonry, our experienced team brings precision and quality to every project. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you can count on our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and enduring results. Mayans Concrete transforms your vision into a long-lasting reality, ensuring a solid finish for every surface.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t describe myself as someone who takes unnecessary risks. I believe in taking calculated risks when there is a clear opportunity to grow, but I also believe you have to be prepared for the possibility that things may not go as planned.
Starting and growing Mayans Concrete was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. Building a business means putting your time, money, reputation, and family’s trust behind an idea without knowing exactly what the future will bring. There were definitely moments when it would have been easier to stay comfortable and avoid taking the next step.
For me, the key has always been to manage the risk through hard work, preparation, and doing things the right way. In the concrete business, you learn quickly that cutting corners can create bigger problems later. I approach business the same way. I try to understand the potential downside, make the best decision I can with the information available, and then commit to making it work.
Looking back, some of the risks I’ve taken have also created some of the greatest opportunities. They’ve helped me grow not only as a business owner, but also as a person. I’ve learned that taking a risk doesn’t mean being reckless. Sometimes it simply means having the courage to move forward when you believe in what you’re building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mayansconcrete.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayans_concrete_tx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayansconcretetx/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvador-santos-texas
