Today we’d like to introduce you to Citlali Valdez.
Hi Citlali, 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?
My story began not at a specific moment, but out of a constant necessity, especially the need to provide for a family and leave a lasting legacy. I quickly realized that one, or even two, full-time jobs were not enough to escape hardship—and I’m not just talking about money. I’m talking about the profound need to be my own boss, to have a more flexible schedule so I could, at the very least, take my children to school and attend their concerts.
The life of an entrepreneur is incredibly tough and often lonely, but it also offers unparalleled advantages. We knew we had to give something in return for those benefits.
That’s when I started First Step Repair alongside my brother. He brought the valuable hands-on labor experience, and I brought over a decade of experience in business management. The opportunity was there, and we took the risk, fully aware of the challenges ahead.
We rely on each other, constantly supporting one another, and we continue to grow together. We are always dedicated to giving our absolute best, ensuring we go the extra mile and look out for the well-being of the homeowners who put their trust in us and give us the opportunity to work with them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While the journey of entrepreneurship presents many hurdles—from long hours to financial pressures—our most significant ongoing challenge is finding and earning clients who truly value hard work and are prepared to invest appropriately in the necessary quality of their home repairs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is defined by a commitment to quality service and deep community involvement, successfully balancing two distinct businesses and a passion for helping others grow.
What We Do and Specialize In
I am the founder of two companies, each serving a vital need in the community:
City’s Cleaning Crew LLC (Founder): This business focuses on providing, high-quality commercial and residential cleaning solutions.
First Step Repair Foundation Repair (Co-founder): As discussed, we specialize in foundation repair, ensuring the structural integrity of homeowners’ properties. My role specifically focuses on business management and strategy, leveraging over a decade of experience in the field.
In addition to my entrepreneurial roles, I am a Community Navigator working with KC Source Link. This role allows me to directly support other entrepreneurs and small business owners by connecting them with the resources, education, and networks they need to succeed. I genuinely love working with the community in this capacity.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly differentiates my work and my businesses is the underlying philosophy, which is based on , family values, and going the extra mile:
Value-Driven Service: Unlike companies that prioritize low bids, we actively seek clients who value our hard work and are willing to invest in lasting quality. Our goal is to provide a long-term solution, not a quick fix.
The Power of Partnership: At First Step Repair, the synergy between my brother’s labor expertise and my business acumen ensures that every project is handled professionally, from the groundwork to the balance sheet.
Heart for the Community: Through my work with KC Source Link, I bring a unique, community-first perspective to business. This ensures that our companies are not just focused on profit, but on making a positive impact on the people and places we serve.
What I Am Most Proud Of
My greatest source of pride is not found in professional titles, but in the foundation that makes it all possible:
I am immensely proud of the Family I have built—my children, my brothers, and my sisters. I am grateful to my parents for the education and values they instilled in me.
All of my professional drive—the hard work, the challenges, and the dedication—stems from the desire to create a legacy for them. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to help many more people in my community by continuing to grow my businesses and my community outreach.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The Luck of Partnership: The greatest piece of good luck I experienced was having my brother ready to step into the co-founder role at First Step Repair. His deep, hands-on expertise paired perfectly with my business management skills. This was the right partnership at the right time, instantly giving our company the dual foundation of quality labor and professional administration—a synergy that many new businesses spend years struggling to find.
Pricing:
- 500- 30k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://firststepfoundationrepairllc.com
- Facebook: First Step Foundation Repair LLC
