From Cleaning Floors to Building Dreams: The Rise of an Española Family Business
# **From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader: The PMI Story**
In 1994, Eric Quintana of Española seized an unexpected opportunity that would redefine his life. A friend needed an office cleaner, and with Christmas approaching, Quintana saw a chance to earn extra cash for his sons’ dream gift—a **Bigfoot electric truck**. Armed with nothing but a mop, a bucket, and his wife Celina’s support, he launched **Performance Maintenance Inc. (PMI)**, a small cleaning business.
Nearly **32 years later**, what started as a side hustle has blossomed into a **family-run powerhouse** with branches in Española, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos—and now, Albuquerque is in its sights.
## **A Legacy Built on "Yes"**
Success didn’t come overnight for Quintana’s sons, Daven (COO) and Eric Jr. (CFO), who grew up learning the ropes. Early memories include holding cords, tidying up toys, and absorbing their father’s philosophy: *"You’ve got to say yes to any opportunity and just show up and give 100%."*
That relentless work ethic transformed PMI from a basic cleaning service into a **full-service maintenance and supply company**, offering everything from janitorial work to **eco-conscious cleaning solutions**.
## **The $52 Million Breakthrough**
A defining moment arrived in **2019** when PMI secured a **$52 million contract** to clean the **Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)**—a deal that could stretch to **10 years and $152 million**. The win wasn’t just financial; it underscored PMI’s **commitment to innovation and sustainability**.
Quintana credits the Small Business Administration (SBA) for guiding them through the complexities of government contracts. "The SBA helped us put together packages free of charge," he recalled. PMI’s focus on non-toxic, high-performance cleaning products also aligned perfectly with LANL’s environmental priorities.
From Hazard to Holistic: A Green Evolution
Long before eco-friendly products became a trend, Quintana and his wife handled toxic chemicals daily in their early years. That firsthand experience spurred them to develop safer alternatives, now sold nationwide.
Beyond distribution, PMI offers training programs to help clients adopt sustainable practices. "I really love being a job provider here in northern New Mexico," Quintana shared, emphasizing the company’s role in uplifting local families.
Expanding Horizons, One Job at a Time
The future looks promising with a 20,000-square-foot distribution center under construction in Española. This expansion will generate more jobs—a mission Quintana holds dear.
Yet, the journey hasn’t been without hurdles. "Being a small business owner hasn’t been easy," he admits. Still, he wouldn’t trade the freedom and fulfillment it’s brought.
And yes—that Bigfoot electric truck? It’s still parked under the tree.
