Alejandro Restrepo is the Stamford dad behind PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield. We chatted with him about his business and what he loves about raising a family in Stamford!
How many kids do you each have and what are their ages?
I have a 5 year-old daughter.
What are your favorite family activities in Stamford?
We love to spend time out and about at different restaurants and coffee shops in town. Always trying new things and visiting our usual spots.
What do you like about living in Stamford?
I have always spoken out about this great city we call home. To the point our family mocks me saying, “Stamford is the greatest city in the world.” So, to answer the question; I love how cosmopolitan of a place it is. We have people from all over the world that live here. We have everything we can need and want really. It’s perfect in size, not too busy, it’s usually clean and tidy. You have proximity to NYC but then are also 2.5 hours to Boston or Philly (If you miss the traffic). There are beaches, parks and a good amount of things to do. Stamford is the greatest city in the world 😊
Tell us about your company, PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield and how you got started.
We are a local, family owned and operated Restoration Company. We help the community out with the unexpected damage that comes with Water, Fire, Mold and Biohazard. To illustrate, if you wake up to 2 feet of water in your basement, you call us. If your toilet backs up and contaminate your home, you call us. If you find mold spreading through your home, you call us.
We got started by fulfilling a dream I had for many years. I had been wanting to start this type business for about 14 years. Those 14 years having been spent at Travelers Insurance working as a Catastrophe Response Claims Manager. So we took all the accumulated industry knowledge, took the leap and here we are.
What do you like about your job?
Helping make our clients’ situations all better. We are usually helping our clients navigate through situations they have never experienced. It’s very rewarding to help people come out at the other side of something as trying as property damage. What people do not realize is that these situations are always unexpected, you don’t say, “oh honey I’m going to call PuroClean tonight when our toilet supply line gives out and runs for 3 hours”
What do you want people to know about what you do?
What we do is serve our community. We respond to property damage, time is of the essence in what we do. Having people know their properties greatly reduces property damage. Act quick and property damage will be less.
What is your advice to folks who want to start their own business?
I compare it to having a kid or planning for one… there is never a right time, just do it. If you have a passion for whatever it is you are doing, or have goals that your business will help you achieve, you will be successful. The hours are long and grueling at first. People will think you are nuts and might even stop talking to you but dedicate yourself and the rewards will be plentiful.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another dad?
They grow up very quick so enjoy the time. As cliché as that might sound, it is very true.