When I moved to the United States at 12, I had no idea how much my life would change. Born and raised in Brazil, I arrived with my mom and sister, carrying little more than hope and determination.
Adjusting to a new culture and learning a new language challenged me, but those early experiences built my resilience and drive.
Now, at 35, I’m living the life I once dreamed of. I’m married to my incredible wife, Claudia Silva, and together, we’re raising two amazing kids in sunny Florida.
I’m also the proud owner of Master Touch Outdoor Living and LeakXperts, two companies that have become my passion for providing outdoor living solutions and ensuring leak detection services that homeowners can rely on.
Building Master Touch Outdoor Living
My professional journey started far from where I am today. I began as a server in a restaurant, but my true passion was always in technology. With a background in computers, I saw opportunities to apply my skills in creative ways.
When I entered the pool industry, I had only $3,000 in my pocket and little knowledge of the field. I used Craigslist to book jobs and learned the ropes step by step.
Over the years, my dedication paid off, and my small venture grew into what is now Master Touch Outdoor Living.
Over the years, my dedication paid off, and my small venture grew into what is now Master Touch Outdoor Living, specializing in luxury pool construction and outdoor living spaces. We now manage over 1,200 residential accounts, offering everything from pool design to full backyard transformations.
Rebranding from “Master Touch Pools” to Master Touch Outdoor Living was a crucial move that helped us focus on creating stunning outdoor living solutions that bring families together and enhance their lifestyles.
Our Market Presence
Achieving a significant presence in our market, that we could truly call home, has always been a lifetime goal for me and my team. Initially, we operated out of a smaller building. Then, we moved to a 12,000-square-foot facility in Coral Springs to handle increased demands, which involved selling some real estate investments. Now, we operate out of three locations with plans to expand to five.
My Secret Weapon: Routely
I developed Routely as pool service software to maintain hands-on control and to track business numbers. I rebranded it as “Schedulous” after an acquisition attempt failed. Now, Schedulous serves as my “secret weapon” with advanced features, automation, and AI, crucial for staying competitive in the evolving industry.
The Inspiration Behind LeakXperts
As I grew Master Touch Outdoor Living, I kept encountering a recurring problem: leaks. Whether it was in pools, spas, fountains, or plumbing systems, I saw how much damage water leaks could cause if not fixed quickly. That’s when I decided to create LeakXperts.
At LeakXperts, our mission is simple but important: detect and repair leaks before they become major problems. Our quick-response team specializes in finding leaks accurately and making repairs efficiently, saving our clients from expensive damage and stress.
Water leaks aren’t just a hassle, they can seriously damage a property. That’s why we act quickly to minimize the impact and protect what matters most to homeowners.
At LeakXperts, our team is made up of skilled professionals who are committed to solving leak problems quickly and effectively. Each member brings unique expertise to ensure we can address any leak, no matter how complex.
We work together smoothly, driven by a shared goal to provide fast, dependable service. Our main priority is to protect our clients’ properties and offer them peace of mind, knowing that their leaks are being handled by experts.
Each technician is trained to use the latest technology, allowing us to detect and repair leaks with accuracy and care.
Designing for Luxury Clients: Our Process
When working with high-end clients, our design process starts with a retention fee. We involve Johnny Nalepa or one of our in-house designers to initiate the project. Our approach begins with a detailed survey where we ask key questions about:
- Budget
- Lifestyle
- Family dynamics (e.g., number and ages of children)
- Desired features
For example, if a client has young children, we might suggest a sun deck. For a family with a teenage daughter, we might incorporate features catering to her preferences. The goal is to create an experience tailored to the client’s needs, rather than just a functional and attractive pool.
We consider privacy needs, such as adding palm trees for seclusion, and address any challenges the client might face. In one project, we built an indoor hot tub with a heater and tile, transforming it into an indoor spa. This personalized approach ensures that each design is not only beautiful but also deeply integrated into the client’s lifestyle.
Staying True to My Values
Both Master Touch Outdoor Living and LeakXperts are more than just businesses to me—they reflect my core values.
I believe in quality over quantity, which is why I’ve always been careful about expanding too quickly or licensing the Master Touch brand name. Maintaining our reputation for excellence is my top priority.
My journey from a 12-year-old immigrant to the owner of two successful companies shows the power of perseverance and hard work. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something valuable, and those lessons continue to guide me today.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue serving our community by enhancing outdoor living spaces and providing peace of mind through expert leak detection and repairs.
Whether it’s designing the perfect backyard with Master Touch Outdoor Living or solving urgent problems with LeakXperts, I’m committed to delivering the best for my clients.
