Meet Ray Saldana Jr. | Builder / Woodworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray Saldana Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ray, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me it was the beauty in building, constructing. Having a vision and collaborating with clients to bring dreams to reality. Rather it’s that space you have outdoors ready for a patio or creating a custom furniture piece indoors. Just a seeing everything come to life and watching a clients eyes light up, that is priceless!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel what sets me apart is just being genuine and honest. Most contractors get a bad reputation and you hear tons of horrible experiences. I made that my mission that I would never fall under that stereotype. My clients and I build a relationship for the long haul. I don’t want to build just one thing for you, I want to build many things for years down the road. Was it easy, absolutely not. Trying to convince everyone and hoping for an opportunity to display your skills. But in life sometimes you just have to continue to grind, sharpen your craft and the eyes balls will follow and people will start to take notice. Lesson I’ve learned is that it takes a lot of time from family and friends but I’ve recently have made and dedicated time for that. Work, life balance is key. What I want the world to know about my story is that we all have choices everyday and my life could have gone left at anytime when I was younger. I found something I love, absolutely love! Kept grinding, never letting off. I know they’re others out there maybe better than me but know one thing is that I’m coming with everything I’ve got, every single day! (In Spanish) Animo, y todo se puede!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh that’s easy, I’m a huge sports fan so we’d have to go check out my Cowboys, Mavs or Rangers play! Hanging out near the AAC or Texas Live for sure. We would have to go get some BBQ at the Fort Worth stock yards. Hang out in Deep Ellum for some drinks. Then drive around and show them some of my builds I’ve done recently….no I’m kidding, kind of! Lol

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to say my wife and my mother by far. First my mother, when I was 14 she became a single mother of 4. I’m the oldest of the boy and that’s where it all started. I now had to become the man of the house. Just learning everything about home repairs by trail and error. Lots of errors in the beginning! Lol Then my wife, believing in my crazy vision on our fixer upper home 10 years ago. I know she was on pins and needles in the beginning but slowly and surely I was just grooming into who I am know. It was then when I fell in love with what I do and figured out I was pretty good at it.

Instagram: @RSJ.WOODWORKS

Facebook: RSJ WOODWORKS

Other: Email : RSJ.WOODWORKS@YAHOO.COM