Amos Velasquez
Owner of Rocky Mountain Chimney Sweeps & Air Ducts in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Amos Velasquez doesn’t back down from a challenge. As a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, serving for more than four years, Amos fought bravely for his country. Upon returning home to Colorado Springs, he completed his bachelor’s degree in social sciences, later securing a position as a teacher and then as a school administrator. After serving as a commandant at a military school, Amos decided he was ready for the next chapter in life. He says, “Marines was one challenge, teaching was another, administration was another — but I really wanted to see if I could be an entrepreneur.”
Embracing the challenge, Amos decided to purchase Rocky Mountain Chimney Sweeps & Air Ducts from his sister and brother-in-law. In search of financing for the purchase, Amos visited his local credit union and was told he didn’t have sufficient assets to qualify. Luckily, the credit union referred him to DreamSpring. Equipped with a business loan from DreamSpring, Amos was able to purchase the business in January 2018. He says, “I’m so grateful for what DreamSpring has done for me; I found a great group of people with a willingness to take a risk. I like risk takers.”
Today, under Amos’ leadership, Rocky Mountain Chimney Sweeps & Air Ducts is growing. Amos has one employee and is looking to hire two more to expand the business. But, he doesn’t solely credit himself with its success. Amos says, “My wife is the brain of the business. She’s in charge of scheduling, customer service, social media marketing, and logistics — on top of being a stay-at-home mom.” Their four children also contribute to the business. “They go with me when there’s no school, they’re part of my crew,” says Amos. “I want to be an example for my kids. If you don’t want to go to college and pursue a trade instead, go for it. It’s about finding your niche, and I want my kids to be able to do that.” Amos has big plans for his family business in the future, hoping to one day launch HVAC, masonry, and stucco companies. Amos says, “I want to be able to do that so that I can help fund school programs, providing money back to DreamSpring and ultimately, give back to my community.”
