Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Gonzales.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Luis Gonzales, and I’m the owner of Barrels For Sale. I started this business shortly after completing my service in the U.S. Navy, where I worked as an aviation electrician. During my time stationed in Lemoore, California—a region that faces constant drought concerns—I witnessed firsthand the importance of water conservation and the value of sustainable practices like rainwater collection. That experience really stuck with me and helped shape the vision for what would become my future business.
My inspiration also came from someone much closer to home—my grandfather, Joel Gonzales. He used to sell barrels out of the back of his truck, and even as a kid, I admired his work ethic and his connection to the community. I wanted to take what he started and grow it into something bigger, something that could help people while also making a difference for the environment.
That dream became a reality when I partnered with my mother, Irene Gonzales, and together we built Barrels For Sale into a veteran-owned, family-operated business rooted in the values of sustainability and service. Our mission goes beyond just selling barrels—we aim to help people live more responsibly through practical products that support water conservation, DIY projects, and eco-conscious living. Every item we offer reflects our commitment to the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy, and we’re proud to continue building something meaningful as a family.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting and growing Barrels For Sale came with its fair share of challenges. Like many small business owners, I had to figure a lot out on my own—logistics, pricing, supply chain issues, customer education, and marketing. Being a veteran, I came from a very structured environment, so transitioning into entrepreneurship meant stepping into a world where there wasn’t always a clear path.
One of the biggest hurdles was earning trust and educating customers on the value of repurposed materials. People don’t always understand the benefits of reusing barrels or collecting rainwater until you show them how practical and sustainable it really is. I’ve also faced struggles with material shortages and fluctuating costs, especially with metal and plastic prices going up in recent years.
But through it all, I’ve stayed focused on the mission—providing eco-friendly solutions and sticking to the values of reducing waste and giving new life to old materials. Working with my family has been a huge support system. We’ve built this together through long days, trial and error, and a real commitment to making a positive impact. Every challenge has just pushed us to get better, stay resourceful, and keep moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Barrels For Sale ?
Barrels For Sale is more than just a supplier of barrels—we’re a hands-on, community-rooted business focused on providing practical, eco-conscious solutions. We specialize in repurposed 55-gallon metal and plastic barrels, IBC totes, and rainwater collection systems. Our products are used for everything from water storage and composting to BBQ pits and custom DIY projects. We serve individuals, homesteaders, gardeners, businesses, and even municipalities.
What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability and the hands-on approach we take with every customer. We don’t just move inventory—we educate people on how to use our products to save water, reduce waste, and extend the life of valuable materials. We’re proud to live out our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle philosophy every day—not just in what we sell, but in how we operate.
One thing I’m especially proud of is how recognizable our brand has become in the San Antonio area and beyond. We’ve built a loyal following by being transparent, helpful, and real with our customers. Whether someone’s picking up a single rain barrel or outfitting an entire property with storage tanks, they know they’re dealing with a company that cares.
At the end of the day, Barrels For Sale is about offering reliable, eco-friendly solutions that are affordable, accessible, and rooted in purpose. We’re here to help people make smarter, more sustainable choices—one barrel at a time.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who supports small, local businesses like ours. When you buy from Barrels For Sale, you’re not just getting a barrel—you’re supporting a family-run, veteran-owned operation that truly cares about sustainability and community. We’re proof that you can build something meaningful by doing things the right way, staying true to your values, and helping others along the way.
If you’ve ever thought about collecting rainwater, starting a garden, building your own BBQ pit, or finding a creative way to repurpose materials—we’d love to help. Our doors are open, our phones are answered, and we’re always happy to offer guidance. We’re here to make sustainable living more accessible, more practical, and a lot more rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barrelsforsale.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrels4sale/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barrels4sale
- Other: https://linktr.ee/barrelsforsale
