28-Year-Old Cuban Immigrant Builds Plumbing Company in Fort Myers

When Jose Lopez arrived in the United States from Cuba as a young boy, he never imagined that one day he would own his own business in Fort Myers, Florida. At just 28 years old, Lopez is the owner of My Plumbing Friends, a growing company that has already begun to make its mark in Southwest Florida.

Lopez’s journey hasn’t been easy. Just four years ago, he was an apprentice learning the plumbing trade under seasoned professionals. Today, he runs a company of his own, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with a commitment to quality service. “There was a point where I wasn’t sure if I could even afford the tools I needed to get started,” Lopez admitted in a recent interview. “But I knew if I gave up then, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.”

Patrick Ball, one of Lopez’s employees and a longtime friend, has seen Jose’s growth firsthand. “From day one, Jose showed an energy and determination that stood out,” Ball said. “He wasn’t afraid to ask questions, stay late, or take on challenges most apprentices would walk away from.”

That persistence paid off. Within a few years, Lopez built the confidence and skill set to branch out on his own. Ball explained, “I’ve worked with a lot of people in this industry, but Jose is different, he’s driven, and he genuinely cares about the people he serves.”

Since its founding a year ago, My Plumbing Friends has grown steadily, serving homeowners across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. Lopez credits his success to the values he learned from his family. “My mother taught me that hard work and honesty will carry you further than anything else,” he said.

Ball echoed that sentiment: “Jose treats every customer like family, and that’s why people keep coming back.”

As new regulations and technology continue shaping the plumbing industry, Lopez is preparing to adapt. He has already begun investing in training and tools to keep his company competitive. His resilience and determination suggest that My Plumbing Friends is just at the beginning of its story.

For Lopez, the real reward is not just running a business, but creating opportunities for others. “When I started, people gave me a chance,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to give others that same chance.”