BUSINESS
Ari Gualajara A&E Construction
Can you share a little about your family’s roots and what brought you to Maricopa?
My family has strong roots in Arizona, built on hard work, faith, and community. We came to Maricopa because we saw the potential
for growth and wanted to be part of shaping a community where families could thrive. Maricopa offered us not just a place to live, but a place to build lasting relationships and create opportunities for others. Are there traditions or values from your culture that influence how you run your business? Absolutely. Our culture has taught us the importance of faith, family, and hard work. We carry those values into every project — treating our clients like family, making sure our work is honest and always giving more than what is expected. Respect for others and pride in what we build are at the heart of how we operate. What was the biggest challenge you faced when opening or staying open, and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest challenges was starting and growing a business with very little marketing. Most of our growth came from word of mouth. We overcame challenges by staying consistent, delivering quality and never losing sight of our integrity. Even when times were tough, we relied on faith, family support and our strong reputation in the community to keep going. What makes your business unique in the community? We don’t just build projects, we build relationships. Our company is 80–85% referral- based because we treat every project as custom, not cookie-cutter. We’re also proud to be a Hispanic, family-owned business that provides hands-on training to youth, giving them valuable skills in the trades and inspiring the next generation of builders. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally? Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of pride and reflection. It’s about honoring our culture, our traditions, and the sacrifices of those who came before us. For me, it’s also about celebrating the
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Husband and wife Ari Gualajara (right) and Efrain Canizales own A&E Construction in Maricopa.
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and story are part of what makes your business powerful. Have you connected with other Hispanic-owned businesses in Maricopa for collaboration or support? Yes, collaboration is something we value highly. We’ve connected with other Hispanic-owned businesses through community events, projects and organizations. Working together not only strengthens our businesses but also builds a stronger Maricopa community where we can support and uplift one another. What are your hopes for the future of your business? Our hope is to continue growing while keeping our roots in community and family values. We want to expand opportunities for youth in the trades, support more local causes and keep setting the standard for quality and integrity in construction. Most of all, we want our legacy to be about more than building, it’s about empowering others and giving back.
contributions Hispanic entrepreneurs bring to our community and inspiring others to know that with hard work and faith, anything is possible. In what ways does your business give back to the local community? We’ve remodeled homes at no cost for families in need, partnered with local businesses to complete projects quickly, and supported youth by teaching them trade skills. We also sponsor local athletes and community events because we believe in investing in people, not just projects. Giving back is part of who we are. How do you hope to inspire, or what advice would you give the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs? I want the next generation to know that their roots are their strength. Stay true to your values, don’t be afraid of hard work and surround yourself with people who lift you up. My advice is simple: Believe in yourself, stay consistent and never forget that your culture
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InMaricopa.com | October 2025
October 2025 | InMaricopa.com
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