Author: Yanet Herrero

Yanet Herrero is the CEO of Kings Service Solutions a multistate commercial cleaning company that provides superior facility maintenance solutions.

I was born on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Cuba. My parents were hard-working, courageous, humble and loving — the characteristics I aspire to every day.

I am eternally grateful for all they did to provide us with a better life, and the opportunity to reach for the stars and live out our dreams in freedom. For that, I want nothing more than to make them proud every day.

It’s funny how we forget so many things in our lives, but some stay with us forever. Leaving Cuba is one of them. I remember boarding the big aircraft with guards all around us. My mom and I were leaving all my friends and family behind, not knowing if we would ever see them again. I was only 7.

I recalled all the stories that I had been told about America. And now here we were, on a plane headed there, nervous and excited all at the same time. I must admit once I arrived in Miami, it was pure excitement as my mother bought me my very first ice cream. As we enjoyed this moment of freedom together, I remember my mother saying, “Hija, never forget how blessed you are, never forget where you come from and never give up on your dreams.”

As a child, I watched my mother work several jobs to provide for our family. She never complained and would always find time to share her life lessons with me and truly lead by example. She is a woman of strong faith, ethics and responsibility. She always lived her life with purpose and always paid it forward.

She always told me, “Hija, you are in control of your own destiny; never let anyone or anything stand in your way.” Her words resonated so much that at the young age of 23, I set out to fulfill my life’s purpose as an entrepreneur. I withdrew all my savings, which totaled $1,500, and started Kings Service Solutions in 2007.

Today, I lead all aspects of the company, using the lessons from my parents to provide work for others to pursue their own American dream. Even during this current crisis, we are adding over 100 jobs to our existing workforce of 500 and expanding to other states to create even more opportunities as we open our construction service arm.

My Hispanic heritage, resiliency and faith have provided the foundation on which the company was established. As a female Hispanic entrepreneur, I understand my purpose: to build upon the legacy left for us by our predecessors and enable future generations to build on my success.

Although I faced many challenges along the way, I believe that Kings Service Solutions has a responsibility to give back to the community that has given so much to me. We do that by providing jobs and facilitating the American dream for others.

One of my proudest moments was creating the Kings Service Solutions DNA: a diverse culture fueled by trust, integrity, passion, innovation and the spirit of excellence. Our leaders are encouraged to develop other leaders and to give back to our community.

As I reflect on Hispanic Heritage Month, I am proud of my Cuban heritage, and I am incredibly thankful for those who paved the way for me to live my American dream. I am especially thankful for the unwavering support of my husband, children, family, team members and business partners who continue to believe in me and give me the platform to pay it forward.

ORLANDO, Fla. — While several Hispanic businesses are trying to regain their footing during the COVID-19 pandemic, an Orlando cleaning service is thriving.

Kings Cleaning Service shifted its business to succeed during the pandemic, tracking where open cases were and determining how it could disinfect the businesses in the area to try to prevent spread of the coronavirus.

What You Need To Know

Kings Cleaning Service adds 100 jobs
Owner wants to continue to grow business
Hispanic chamber: COVID affects 20-30 percent of businesses
Chamber creates network to help companes team up

Since March, when the virus started to become more widespread in Central Florida, the cleaning service has added more than 100 new employees and expanded into other states.

“We’re looking to grow our organization into providing more opportunities for at least 200 more superstars from our community,” Chief Executive Officer Yanet Herrero said. “We’re expanding across the state, and we’re also growing new divisions in order to support best the efforts of not just reopening but staying safely open.”

Not all Hispanic businesses are doing as well, according to John De Armas, vice chairman of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO),

“From our experience in the chamber, I would say about 20 to 30 percent of businesses are highly affected [by the COVID-19 pandemic] at this time,” De Armas said. “They have less access to capital than other businesses so it’s very difficult for them to have that cash flow that can perhaps carry them over.”

The HCCMO created a program called BEN  —  Business Emergency Network  —  where Hispanic businesses can buy and sell from each other at a lower discount to try to help boost their business prospects.

Editor’s note: In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Orlando Business Journal will feature guest columns Sept. 15-Oct. 15 from Hispanic business leaders who share how their culture helped shape their business lives today. Here’s the story of Yanet Herrero, CEO of commercial cleaning firm Kings Service Solutions.