Los Changemakers Q&A: Jimmy Davidson, Founder of Bandido Solutions

Jimmy treated image

“Los Changemakers” is a video series that follows the journeys of Hispanic and Latinx small business owners in the US as they navigate the dynamic entrepreneurship landscape. Through this series, we’ll explore what inspired these entrepreneurs and how they empower others within their communities.

Jimmy Davidson’s journey began in the close-knit town of Socorro, Texas, where the Rio Grande flows through a community rich with tradition and hard work. Growing up with a family in the rental property business, Jimmy discovered his passion at an early age. He wasn’t just learning the tools of the trade; he was discovering the heart and soul of craftsmanship. The dusty roads and wide-open spaces of Socorro were more than just home—they were where his hands first shaped the skills that would build a future. 

After years of focusing his expertise on construction trades and project management at a vocational school, Jimmy set out to create something of his own. Today, he calls Lakewood, Washington, home, where he proudly leads Bandido Solutions, a minority-owned home remodeling business that thrives not only due to his dedication, but thanks to the unwavering support of his comunidad—fellow craftsmen, close friends, and, most importantly, his familia. Jimmy’s belief in the power of community isn’t just a business philosophy; it’s a way of life. In giving back to the people who have supported him, Jimmy has fostered an ecosystem of mutual success, where the community uplifts one another. 

To dive deeper into the roots of his success and his commitment to giving back, we spoke with Jimmy about his inspiring journey. 

Can you share your personal background, journey, and what motivated you to become a small business owner?

I grew up in a small town called Socorro, Texas, in a hard-working family with humble roots. Part of our family culture has always been to help or, as we like to say, we are a family that “runs through the thorn bushes together.”

My family owned real estate in Texas, and I was constantly exposed to construction, roofing, real estate rentals, and so on. This early exposure to the industry, combined with my education and degrees in leadership and management, laid the foundation for my love of business and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, all my family members, including aunts, cousins, and parents, own their businesses. So, keeping the family tradition and the desire to create something of my own and provide quality services to the community motivated me to become a small business owner.

Jimmy, wearing protective equipment, is working in a wood shop and cutting a wooden log.

How does your cultural background and heritage influence the way you run your business and make decisions?

My cultural background and heritage significantly influence how I run Bandido Solutions. Growing up in a Latino family, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and community support. These values are at the core of my business as I strive to foster a sense of family within my team. They come from different backgrounds and walks of life, and I emphasize the importance of supporting one another. My background also drives me to give back to the community, ensuring that we contribute positively to the local and broader Latino community.

In what ways has technology played a role in the growth and success of your business?

Technology has played an important role in our company. Tools like Microsoft 365 have helped us streamline our administrative tasks, allowing us to manage documents, communicate effectively, and organize our schedules seamlessly. Microsoft Teams has been essential for maintaining clear and efficient communication with our remote teams and has helped ensure that projects run smoothly and on time.

Jimmy posing while smiling in his workshop

How do you actively engage with and give back to your local community through your business, while also establishing and maintaining strong connections within it?

Engaging with and giving back to the local community is at the heart of our business philosophy. We believe it starts internally by fostering a supportive work environment for our team, promoting work-life balance, and preventing burnout. This positive internal culture naturally extends to our customers, enhancing their perception of our work and establishing trust.
Externally, we are deeply involved in community activities. I serve as vice-chair at Mi Centro, a community-based nonprofit that supports the Latino and Indigenous communities by providing social services and educational programming while honoring their heritage and culture through the arts. This role allows me to dedicate at least eight hours a week to directly impact our community.

We also contribute by supporting other business owners and contractors. I assist with financial literacy and business structure through the Small Business Association (SBA), ensuring they have the tools needed for success. This not only strengthens individual businesses but also reinforces the economic fabric of our community.

Jimmy Davidson, smiling while working on a Surface Studio laptop.

What challenges have you faced as a Hispanic and Latinx small business owner, and how have you overcome them? Do you have any unique experiences or lessons you’d like to share with others?

One of the challenges I’ve faced is overcoming stereotypes and proving our credibility in a competitive industry. To overcome this, we’ve focused on delivering high-quality work and building a solid reputation through word-of-mouth and positive reviews.

Additionally, I like to manage my business with what I want to call “servant leadership,” which is being able to lead from behind, giving people the opportunity to grow within their roles, and being that person who is not necessarily an enabler but a facilitator in a positive way—helping people learn about the power of resilience and staying true to their values so we can navigate obstacles and continue growing.

Quote Block: “Engaging with and giving back to the local community is at the heart of our business philosophy. We believe it starts internally by fostering a supportive work environment for our team, promoting work-life balance, and preventing burnout.”
Jimmy Davidson

As a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from diverse backgrounds, what advice would you offer to individuals looking to start their own small businesses?

I have five pillars that I use to run my life by, and I think that if you implement these in your life, you’ll be able to succeed with hard work and determination. These pillars are:

  1. Have fun while doing things.
  2. Be somebody that people can believe and rely on.
  3. Have pride in the things you do and in who you are; always let things be a learning moment.
  4. Bring something of value to every interaction that you have.
  5. Always give back.
Jimmy working in his workshop area