Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Fontaney.
Hi Erik, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got started in the remodeling industry in the year 2000 at 20 years old. A high school freshman dropout, with no social skills, no discipline, no guidance to direct me on the right path, and no clue what to do with my life.
This is when I met my mentor Joe Henry Ruiz who is no longer with us today, He is actually my wife’s cousin. He had just moved to San Antonio from Corpus Christi, TX, and needed a tile helper.
He hired me at his job making $9.00 an hour. I became his tile helper and now I had a steady job, I would not be a helper for long. Watching, learning, and working with other tile setters I soon became one. Within six months I was setting tile after three years and 23 years old by this time, I felt ready to start looking for my own contract jobs with flooring companies.
This was quite a challenge as many companies felt I was too young or not had enough experience, but I was good and just needed a chance.
I managed to land two flooring companies to work for and on slow times, I would help the wood guys. the laminate guys work on my own home and try to customize it, making niches in the walls, putting up crown molding, practicing texturing the walls, and installing recessed cans, I wanted to learn it all, reading books on how there was no google, no Youtube videos.
It was a different time in the early 2000s. Fast forward 5 years, I landed a flooring contract making $90,000 my first year, and my second year doing even better until the San Antonio location closed and I was lost. I had put all my eggs in one basket. I was sick nowhere could I find another contract paying what they were paying.
After getting used to the money I followed it to Houston, TX. for 12 months leaving my family behind. Being away from my wife & kids was the reason I quit this company and came back home to San Antonio to pursue renovations on my own.
I would tell myself I’m good, I’m really good, I can make it on my own. I just need people to notice me and my talents, and abilities. Social media has been the biggest reason for my success to get people to view my work from their homes, cell phones, and computers, no more album portfolio of my work pictures that I had to carry around to show off my work.
Now fast forward another 2 years and I’m booked, swamped with work no more worrying about bills not being paid or being late now. Just enjoying life now. All renovation projects I can do myself, I consider myself a jack of all trades and master of them all with an exceptional eye for details. If you have a dream of doing something, don’t give up even if nobody believes in you, believe in yourself!
I have obtained everything I have deserved plus more with hard work and preservation. Supporting my family all on my own is the biggest accomplishment of my life and why I knew I could not fail is just the greatest feeling.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being a self-employed small business owner has definitely had its struggles. Not having any help or support from family or friends just words of discouragement to get a real job.
In the beginning, I had no line of credit to purchase tools or wondered when my next job would come. The hardest part is getting noticed but once somebody sees my work now the only reason for them not to hire us is that they want a cheaper price and that is fine.
I have over 20 years of experience in learning, hard work, struggles, and perfecting my craft. I know my worth now and no longer need to negotiate on prices. I have many, many satisfied customers who continue to support my business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My name is Erik and I am the owner of Kings Kustom Renovations, LLC. We’re a local company specializing in Complete Home Remodeling for over 20 years. Kitchens, Granite Countertops, Custom Showers, Flooring, and more.
Our quality and excellent reviews set us apart from other companies. Please take a moment to Like our business page on Facebook to stay updated with our current remodeling trends.
A more personal note about myself I have been married to my high school sweetheart Anna Fontaney for 21 years.
We have two grown children Ezranai 21 and Kevin 17. Ezranai just graduated from Texas A & M in College Station with her Bachelor of Science with a major in Communication in May of 2022.
Kevin is more hands-on and currently working part-time with us picking up the renovation trade quickly.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I would not be where I am today without a few special people that I have to give credit to first being Joe Henry Ruiz who is no longer with us today however I will forever be grateful for him taking me under his wing and introducing me to the construction industry getting my foot in the door installing tile.
My Beautiful wife Anna Fontaney who has stuck by my side since high school and my best friend/partner through it all. It has been quite the journey to get to this point of financial freedom. I wouldn’t change a thing it has made me the man I am today.
Last but not least Francisco Sauceda, my right-hand man who I have worked side by side with over the last 18 years. Like anything else we have ups and downs, fights, and disagreements but a true friend who has always been there for me through it all who I consider my brother.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @KingsKustomRenovations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingsKustomRenovations
