Influential Woman · Waste Management and Demolition Contracting
Jackelyn Figueroa
Founder, J5 Sustainable Connections LLC
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Her Story
About Jackelyn
I started out cleaning houses about 15 years ago. A teacher client needed junk removal, and after doing that job I realized the potential and transitioned from house cleaning to commercial junk removal. I worked with a nationwide company as a third party for 4 years handling big projects like interior demolition for Bed Bath & Beyond store closures. That inspired me to get my own demolition contractor license. Now I run J5 Sustainable Connections LLC as a waste broker and management company, and C5 Solutions LLC for commercial interior demolition since 2004. I have my own trucks, office, and direct contracts.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jackelyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
My biggest motivation is my children. That gave me the strength to keep going through hard times. It's not easy being a woman business owner in this field, and I'm the only woman who goes to the dump to empty a truck full of trash after 9 years.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Keep going. And believe in yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Prepare yourself, and be strong-minded. I think being a strong-minded woman is the key.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's kind of hard to get contracts in this economy. They are trying to get short-term contracts instead of long-term contracts because there's a lot of people trying to do the same thing and going cheaper than others.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am a perfectionist. I am a problem solver. And I am a multitasker.
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