“For the first time, I saw just how big the opportunity in this industry really was — not only financially, but in terms of leadership, personal development and the impact you could have on people’s lives,” Carvajal said. “I immediately started thinking about what Monkey Wrench could become. I caught that vision early, and I’ve never looked back.”

That impact has become the most rewarding part of his career. Carvajal has watched apprentices become installers, technicians move into leadership positions and employees achieve personal milestones such as purchasing their first homes.

“Being able to play even a small part in that growth is something I consider a privilege,” he said.

The team also provides Carvajal's daily motivation. He describes a culture built around high expectations, continuous improvement and a shared desire to succeed.

“The standard never stays still — we’re always looking for a way to raise it,” he said.

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One of Carvajal's proudest moments came when Monkey Wrench moved into its new headquarters. Standing in the company's new training space brought him back to that first industry event a decade earlier, when he began envisioning what the business could someday become.

“Something that once existed only as a vision was now right in front of me,” he said. “What makes it even more exciting is knowing that we still have so much more to accomplish.”

While it wasn't the career path he initially envisioned — Carvajal holds a degree in Legal Studies — today, he wouldn't change the direction his career took.

The industry, he said, gave him the opportunity to discover what he loves doing, and to help others find opportunities of their own.