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Chapter 1: Education, Work, and Choosing a Flexible School Fernando Torres (0:00) I did some research and looked at different schools. When I met with the ������ý and talked to the counselor, it just made sense. Fernando Torres (0:07) I liked the fact that they accommodate professionals, so I could continue building my career while earning my degree. Fernando Torres (0:13) Probably the coolest part was that the people teaching the classes had actually lived that life. Fernando Torres (0:21) They understood the work. The textbook material was great, but what I loved most was when the instructors would go off on tangents and share stories about meetings they had been in or challenges they had experienced in business. Fernando Torres (0:32) You pick up those little nuggets from real-world conversations. That, to me, was the coolest thing—the fact that the people teaching you had actually lived it. Chapter 2: Welcome to Degrees of Success Host (0:59) Welcome to the Degrees of Success podcast. I'm your host, Keith Chandler. Host (1:10) Today's guest is an entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and the power of lifelong learning. Host (1:20) Through determination and adaptability, Fernando Torres built a successful career across multiple industries, from hospitality and corporate sales leadership to entrepreneurship. Host (1:25) A graduate of the ������ý with a degree in business management, Fernando went on to found and grow several businesses, including Pure Green Landscape and Cimex Pest Control Management, which has become one of Arizona's most respected boutique commercial pest control firms. Host (1:40) Beyond business, Fernando is deeply committed to family, personal growth, and being a lifelong learner—values that continue to guide his leadership and vision for the future. Host (1:51) Today we'll explore his journey, the risks he took betting on himself, and how he has defined success on his own terms. Host (1:59) Fernando, welcome to the podcast. Thank you again for being here. Chapter 3: Golf, Focus, and Personal Reset Time Host (2:04) Before we talk about your journey as a business owner, I know you have a huge passion for athletics. You're into soccer, working out, and spending time on the golf course. Host (2:17) As a fellow golf enthusiast, I'm curious what draws you to golf. Is there something that makes it one of your safe places? Fernando Torres (2:27) Golf is one of those things where you really learn a lot about people. Fernando Torres (2:33) You're out there for four or four-and-a-half hours talking, laughing, sharing a beer, and just enjoying yourself. Fernando Torres (2:43) More importantly, you get to be present. So often we're thinking about what's next, but when I'm golfing, I'm not thinking about anything except what's happening right then. Fernando Torres (2:57) It gives me the opportunity to decompress. Fernando Torres (3:05) When I'm done playing golf, I feel so much better. For me, it's therapy. Fernando Torres (3:13) It allows me to become a better father, husband, and business owner while reconnecting with friends and close clients. Host (3:22) You also make time every day to work out. What's going through your mind during those workouts? Fernando Torres (3:36) It depends. Sometimes I listen to audiobooks. Fernando Torres (3:43) Sometimes, if I really want to get fired up, I listen to '80s rock. Host (3:52) No judgment there. Fernando Torres (3:52) Working out has nothing to do with vanity for me. Fernando Torres (4:08) It's just me and my headphones, and that's when I get some of my best ideas. Fernando Torres (4:17) I'll stop and type notes into my phone because my brain starts working differently during a workout. Fernando Torres (4:32) Many of those ideas eventually become part of my business. Chapter 4: Education, Perseverance, and Early Encouragement Host (4:51) As you worked your way through school, how did education and perseverance help you find your footing? Fernando Torres (4:57) My mom always emphasized getting good grades. Fernando Torres (5:06) She always told me that if I got A's and B's, everything would be fine. Fernando Torres (5:12) So I studied hard because I never wanted to disappoint her. Fernando Torres (5:23) Education became very important to me, and I developed good study habits that helped me retain information. Host (5:33) Were there any teachers or mentors who really influenced you? Fernando Torres (5:38) Not necessarily teachers. Fernando Torres (5:48) There was one mentor later in my professional career. Fernando Torres (5:55) But growing up, one person who really influenced me was a soccer coach who had coached the U.S. National Team. Fernando Torres (6:04) He selected me to play on a super team that competed against the best clubs in the region. Fernando Torres (6:21) That experience was incredible because I had someone from the national level helping me become a better player. Chapter 5: Hospitality, Service, and Reading People Host (6:30) You built your early career in hospitality, sales, and corporate leadership. What skills did you learn there that later helped you become an entrepreneur? Fernando Torres (6:47) Honestly, I think everyone should have to work as a waiter. Fernando Torres (6:58) You learn how to deal with people and conflict. Fernando Torres (7:06) When the kitchen makes a mistake, the customer doesn't yell at the kitchen—they yell at you. Fernando Torres (7:14) You learn how to read situations, make people laugh, and de-escalate problems. Fernando Torres (7:31) Eventually they forget the delayed food, but they remember the experience. Fernando Torres (7:43) Then becoming a bartender took it to another level because you're basically a therapist. Host (7:50) I agree. Everyone should spend some time working in hospitality. Host (8:01) What did those years teach you about leadership? Fernando Torres (8:08) Probably the most important lesson was that everybody is different. Fernando Torres (8:19) You can't motivate Mike the same way you motivate Jared. Fernando Torres (8:29) You have to adjust to each individual. Fernando Torres (8:36) You have to become a chameleon. Fernando Torres (8:45) Once people feel understood, they're willing to open up, and that's when you can really communicate. Chapter 6: The Push Toward Entrepreneurship Host (9:05) Was entrepreneurship always in the back of your mind? Fernando Torres (9:20) Honestly, it was my wife. Fernando Torres (9:29) One day she looked at me and said, "You're done. You're going to start your own business." Fernando Torres (9:37) She basically called me out. She said, "You keep telling everyone you could do it better. Now go prove it." Fernando Torres (9:46) I reminded her we had two kids and she was a stay-at-home mom. Fernando Torres (9:54) She looked at me and said, "I believe in you. I'll take care of the house. You build us a business." Fernando Torres (10:05) Sometimes it only takes one person believing in you. Host (10:13) Was that the beginning of your landscaping business? Fernando Torres (10:21) That was my first real taste of entrepreneurship. Fernando Torres (10:28) I earned a small ownership percentage because of the value I was bringing to the company. Fernando Torres (10:36) Looking back, that was really my introduction to ownership. Chapter 7: Starting the Pest Control Business Host (10:45) I read about the story of how you started your pest control company—you were in the shower, saw a cockroach, and suddenly decided that was going to be your business. Host (11:03) Why pest control? Fernando Torres (11:11) My wife basically told me it was my decision. Fernando Torres (11:27) I saw the cockroach and something just clicked. Fernando Torres (11:36) She asked me what I knew about pest control. Fernando Torres (11:44) I said, "Nothing—but I'll figure it out." Fernando Torres (11:46) I got licensed, bought a truck, bought a backpack sprayer, practiced on friends' homes, and started. Fernando Torres (11:56) Everything I learned came from YouTube videos. Fernando Torres (12:03) If someone called about rodents, I'd watch several videos before arriving. Fernando Torres (12:12) Customers would say I was incredibly knowledgeable. Fernando Torres (12:20) Little did they know I had learned it about five minutes earlier. Fernando Torres (12:24) Because I wasn't from the industry, I approached problems differently. Fernando Torres (12:37) I kept asking, "Why don't we just do it this way?" Fernando Torres (12:46) Thinking differently became one of our biggest advantages. Chapter 8: Learning the Industry and Building Confidence Host (13:00) Pest control isn't necessarily viewed as the most glamorous industry. Host (13:18) Did you recognize that as an opportunity? Fernando Torres (13:36) People think about the bugs, rodents, and scorpions. Fernando Torres (14:00) But what I really do is take people's fear away. Fernando Torres (14:13) The joy people experience when you solve that problem is incredible. Fernando Torres (14:20) People hug you. They thank you. They tell you you're their hero. Host (14:39) When you were building the company, what did that period teach you about confidence? Fernando Torres (15:03) It taught me that I really could do this. Fernando Torres (15:13) I became very confident. Fernando Torres (15:22) I'd walk into homes knowing I was going to solve the problem. Fernando Torres (15:43) Solving problems that larger companies couldn't solve gave me tremendous confidence. Chapter 9: Early Doubts and Staying the Course Host (15:59) Did you ever have moments where you doubted yourself? Fernando Torres (16:05) Absolutely. Fernando Torres (16:15) I remember crawling through an attic in 110-degree heat chasing rodents. Fernando Torres (16:31) I remember asking myself, "Is this really what I'm doing?" Fernando Torres (16:38) I even thought about going back into sales. Fernando Torres (16:47) Eventually I reminded myself this was only a hurdle. Fernando Torres (16:54) One day I'd have technicians and employees. Fernando Torres (17:05) That perspective helped me keep moving forward. Chapter 10: Hiring the First Technician Host (17:05) What was your first proud moment as a business owner? Fernando Torres (17:18) Hiring my first technician. Fernando Torres (17:25) That was the moment I realized this wasn't just me anymore. Fernando Torres (17:34) We had become a real business. Chapter 11: Defining Success as a Boutique Business Host (17:41) You've said you don't want to become the biggest company, only one of the most respected. Fernando Torres (17:57) We're a boutique pest control company. Fernando Torres (18:05) When clients interview me, I interview them too. Fernando Torres (18:16) If we're not a good fit for each other, there's no reason to force the relationship. Fernando Torres (18:30) That's one of the things that makes us different. Fernando Torres (18:42) I walk away from business all the time if it isn't the right fit. Fernando Torres (19:02) If someone disrespects my employees, I'll politely end the relationship. Fernando Torres (19:10) My employees are more important than a difficult customer. Chapter 12: Expansion Plans and Building a Team Host (19:58) How has the business grown recently? Fernando Torres (20:18) We've expanded into Maricopa and Casa Grande. Fernando Torres (20:27) We're preparing to expand into Tucson. Fernando Torres (20:32) I'm also part owner of a large landscape company operating in Nevada. Fernando Torres (20:39) Eventually we'd like to expand the Cimex brand there as well. Fernando Torres (20:53) Right now I'm building the leadership team. Fernando Torres (21:00) I'm preparing my general manager and lead technician so I can step back and focus on growth. Chapter 13: Family Influence and Business Priorities Host (21:23) You've mentioned your family several times. How has your family shaped your business? Fernando Torres (21:32) My son plays high-level soccer, and I want to be at his games. Fernando Torres (21:50) My daughter also plays soccer, and I want to be present for her too. Fernando Torres (22:01) I've built this business so I can actually spend time with my family. Fernando Torres (22:21) I'm 51 years old now. Fernando Torres (22:28) I want a little more freedom. Fernando Torres (22:39) Most importantly, I want to leave behind something my family can be proud of. Chapter 14: Lifelong Learning and Finishing College Host (23:48) Why has lifelong learning remained so important to you? Fernando Torres (24:04) I attended the University of Akron for two years before moving to Arizona, but I never finished. Fernando Torres (24:17) Eventually my employer told me I needed to finish my degree. Fernando Torres (24:31) After researching different schools, the ������ý simply made sense. Fernando Torres (24:39) It fit my schedule while allowing me to continue building my career. Fernando Torres (24:46) What impressed me most were the instructors. Fernando Torres (24:53) They had actually lived the careers they were teaching. Fernando Torres (25:11) Those real-world stories were the most valuable part of my education. Host (25:20) How did earning your degree change the way you ran your business? Fernando Torres (25:26) Honestly, once I earned that diploma, I just felt different. Fernando Torres (25:36) I had finished something while working and raising a family. Fernando Torres (25:44) It made me feel like a superhero. Host (25:52) What are you currently learning? Fernando Torres (25:59) I'm trying to become a better golfer. Fernando Torres (26:05) I'm mentoring my staff and preparing for expansion. Fernando Torres (26:23) I'm constantly researching successful people to learn how they built their businesses. Fernando Torres (26:39) I'm also studying the stock market because I want to become more knowledgeable about managing my own investments. Chapter 15: Mentoring Staff and Leadership Growth Host (26:50) What does mentoring others mean to you? Fernando Torres (27:10) I've had people tell me they never would have become successful if I hadn't believed in them. Fernando Torres (27:22) Sometimes they didn't even recognize their own potential until someone pushed them. Fernando Torres (27:40) If I'm investing time in someone, it's because I genuinely care about them. Fernando Torres (27:58) My time is valuable, and if I'm spending it with you, it's because I see something in you. Fernando Torres (28:15) My general manager is a perfect example. Fernando Torres (28:25) One day something just clicked, and now he's an absolute rock star. Chapter 16: Advice for Starting Something New Host (28:54) What advice would you give someone considering starting a business or changing careers? Fernando Torres (29:05) If I had one phrase printed on a T-shirt, it would be this: Fernando Torres (29:14) "If you can see it, you can reach it." Fernando Torres (29:23) There will always be obstacles, but you are your biggest obstacle. Fernando Torres (29:40) I tell my son the same thing about soccer. Fernando Torres (29:49) Stop putting hurdles in front of yourself. Fernando Torres (29:57) If something isn't working, pivot. Fernando Torres (30:04) Go after it. Fernando Torres (30:13) Everything I've built has been possible because of the opportunities available to me here. Chapter 17: Closing Thoughts Host (30:13) Fernando, thank you so much for sharing your story and perspective with us today. Host (30:21) Thank you for joining us on Degrees of Success. Host (30:31) Fernando Torres' story reminds us that success doesn't come from having all the answers. Host (30:37) It comes from being willing to learn, adapt, and take action, even when the path isn't clear. Host (30:47) I'm your host, Keith Chandler. If today's conversation resonated with you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Host (30:56) Join us next time on the Degrees of Success podcast, where every journey matters.