From Call Center Agent to CEO with Marlou Merilles and Lito Mendoza |Episode 11

In this episode of the show, we sit down with Kuya Lito Mendoza, the founder, CEO, and lead technician of Green Department HVAC. From arriving in Winnipeg as an immigrant with only $2,000 in pocket money to managing a team of 15, his journey is a masterclass in resilience, work ethic, and the "blessing in disguise" that often comes with career pivots. Kuya shares his transition from an electronics engineer in the Philippines to a technician in the freezing Canadian winters. We dive deep into: - The reality of starting a business during a global pandemic (2019). - Why "attitude" beats "skill" whenever hiring. - The difference between "good debt" and "bad debt" in business growth. - How to maintain quality and customer respect in a competitive industry. - His unique "CALL ME" philosophy—staying accessible to customers even as the boss. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a newcomer to Canada, or just someone looking for a dose of grit and inspiration, this conversation is packed with "real talk" about the highs and lows of the grind. Connect with Green Department HVAC: Website: www.greendepthvac.ca Phone: 204-219-8344 (24/7 Support) Location: Serving Winnipeg and surrounding areas. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Meeting the owner of Green Department HVAC. 01:15 – The Immigrant Journey: Arriving in Winnipeg with $2,000 and no plan. 02:40 – The Call Center Trial: Why "technical guys" aren't meant for the headset. 04:10 – The "Blessing in Disguise": Transitioning from employee to helper to business owner. 05:55 – Funding vs. Bootstrapping: The stress of doing it all on your own. 07:30 – Starting in 2019: Launching a business right before the pandemic hit. 09:15 – The Family Business: When your eldest son becomes your first helper. 11:00 – The "No Debt" Mentality vs. Scaling: Learning to use "Good Debt" to grow. 13:20 – Extreme Work Ethic: Answering customer calls while your wife is in labour. 15:45 – Hiring for Attitude: Why skills can be taught but character cannot. 18:10 – The "Virus" in a Team: Why avoiding drama is the key to a healthy company. 20:30 – Apprenticeship Struggles: How Manitoba’s licensing system changed (and why you shouldn't quit). 23:15 – The Responsibility of a Leader: "If I don't provide work, they can't pay their bills." 25:50 – Knowing Your Value: Why being the "cheapest" option often costs the customer double. 28:30 – Handling Bad Reviews and Competition: Focus on your own capability, not others. 31:45 – Working with Spouses: Why Kuya and his wife don't work in the same office. 34:10 – Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Don't "lay low" once you start earning. 36:30 – "CALL ME": The story behind the famous license plate and final thoughts. https://www.facebook.com/litogenermendoza https://greendepthvac.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/greendepthvac/?hl=en