Today we’d like to introduce you to Andres Lavanderos.
Hi Andres, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My parents came to the USA from Chile in 1976. I was born in Chicago and raised in Miami. In 2002 I had an encounter with God and gave my life in faith to Christ. That decision led me to Jacksonville, Florida to attend Trinity College of Jacksonville. It was at the college that I met my wife, Jennifer. We got married in 2006. We have four children we love deeply.
I started my adult journey in full time non profit work. I started my journey in the non profit as a Youth Pastor where I joyfully worked for four years while I finished my Bachelor of Arts Degree. I then went on to plant three churches. One of those churches was in the country of Nicaragua.
Through the help of my mentors, I have identified clearly that I am a fire starter. God has wired me to start and build organizations. In 2011 I started a business called Total Access Auction. We bought storage units of auction. That led us to launch a business called “We Buy Gold.” We built that business to three locations over Jacksonville. I exited and sold that business in 2013. Then in 2018 I was introduced to the world of solar. After selling solar part time for two years, I took a leap of faith in starting Synergy Solar and Roofing here in Jacksonville. We took this business from a dream on my front porch to eight figures a year in revenue. I exited and sold Synergy in 2023. I currently operate a coaching and consulting business called Synergy Solutions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! I have faced many difficult seasons.
We have faced many of the struggles of entrepreneurship.
I have felt the pains and joys of launching a business.
I have faced the pain of making payroll, highs and lows of sales, the heart break of building teams, the threats of lawsuits, tremendous loss from mistakes and much more.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently building the Roofing Sales Department at Synergy Solar and Roofing.
We are the highest rated solar contractor in Northeast Florida.
We specialize in helping homeowners with existing solar systems on their roof.
We offer complete maintenance, cleaning and enhancing of solar while building a new roofing system on homes.
We are one of the only companies in NE Florida who can do both successfully at the same time.
We have the licenses, qualifications and skilled labor to handle both the solar and roof. Many roofing contractors have to contract Synergy to handle the solar system. We are uniquely positioned to do both.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be hungry, humble and have character.
Ask mentors for help, but respect their time by coming to each meeting as a disciple.
