Custom Exteriors, Inc.

David Lopez: A Grounded Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — After joining the United States Air Force, David Lopez figured he’d spend the rest of his life soaring through the skies. In the end, he found satisfaction in a more grounded career. “Out of high school, I joined the Air Force and served four years as a crew chief on an A-10 Thunderbolt,” he recounts. “After I got out, my plan was to become a pilot for United Airlines. Between moving back to California from my Air Force base in Tucson, I made a friend who was in the construction business. I started working with him and I enjoyed it, so I figured I’d do construction for a while and look into piloting later.”

David’s temporary stint in construction turned out to be a long-term engagement, and over the next several years he became versed in all aspects of the trade. At a certain point, he decided to switch from field work to sales. After gaining experience with a couple of different companies, David was hired by Custom Exteriors, Inc., where he has been for nearly a decade.

Today, as sales manager at Custom Exteriors, David says his favorite part of his job is passing on his knowledge to the company’s new recruits. “I really like working with our new sales reps, teaching them what I’ve learned in my career and equipping them to help homeowners like I do.”

A resident of Pleasanton, David spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I like going fishing, camping and pretty much anything else outdoors,” he details. “I also enjoy cooking at home and watching football.” Additionally, David likes doing activities with his wife, Lourdes, and their two children. “I really enjoy getting out and about with my family and exploring different parts of the Bay Area.”

In his life and career, David says one of his primary motivations is helping others. “I want to be able to look back on my life and say, ‘I did something good for somebody.’ I like helping others, and I’m very thankful to have a job where I get to help people fix up their homes—that gives me great satisfaction.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, David says he’d take a vacation. “My son has been bugging me about taking the family to Bali, so maybe I’d go ahead and do that.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first job?
A: I had a paper route when I was in elementary school.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Oakland Raiders.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would go to the future, just because I’m always interested in what’s coming next.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Fishing equipment.