EntreLeadership is not just a theory. Thousands of business owners and leaders are using Dave’s principles every day to take their companies and team members to heights they never imagined. In the EntreLeadership Spotlight series, we’ll be highlighting some of these great leaders and learning about their dreams, motivation and secrets to success.

What I Do

I’m CEO of Highlands Energy Services with offices in Fresno, Modesto and Visalia, California. Our expertise lies in assessing energy efficiency needs, providing consumer education and weatherization training, and installing weatherization measures, like caulking, weather stripping, insulation, energy efficient lighting, plus much more.

A Characteristic Every Leader Should Possess

Every leader should be a student. When you stop learning, you stop growing.

My Mentors

I’ve been blessed with many mentors. A current one is my boss, Leonel Alvarado. He has an incredible ability to remain focused despite being in the fray. I want to learn to be the same way.

My Best Leadership Advice

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or making bad decisions. There was a myth in our organization that you could be fired for making a mistake. The fear was paralyzing the team. I wanted to dispel the myth by sharing all the bad decisions I had made with anyone who would listen. I believe that you can get kicked off the team quicker for failing to act rather than making a mistake. 

Keeping the Momentum Going

As an organization, we keep our momentum by constantly celebrating small “wins” that move us toward our larger goal. When our team sees the big picture and is moving closer to achieving our goal, it inspires and motivates them to keep going. My job is to make sure they always know where we are going, how we are doing, and how they fit in.

My Biggest Takeaway From EntreLeadership Master Series

Dave made me realize that you don’t have to follow the model set by many cutthroat organizations, where profit comes before people. He showed me that it’s possible to have a profitable company that is built on faith-driven values, serves the community, and develops leaders.

I'm Passionate About ...

• Teaching others. I love to share what I have learned with other people, sometimes even when it is unsolicited. I teach anyway.
• Basketball. God didn’t make my body for basketball, unless I can play in a 5’9”-and-under league, but I can’t get enough of it. I love to watch it, play it, and talk about it. I’m distracted now just thinking about it.
• I find great satisfaction when I can inspire someone to change for the better, whether it is a job, job performance, a school decision—just anything.

How to Beat the Competition

I always try to surround myself with people who are the best at what they do. I am a pretty competitive person by nature. I hate losing more than I like winning, so they always push me to be better. If I don’t, I’ll get left behind!

If I’d Knew Then …

I have learned that people are the single most important component in an organization’s success. Process and procedure only take you so far. You still need people to dream and think and push the company forward. I will no longer compromise when it comes to the people who work in my organization.

To learn more about business, team building and leadership, download our EntreLeadership Podcasts, which include lessons from Dave, plus interviews with key business leaders from across the nation.