From Cleaning Floors to Building Dreams: The Rise of an Española Family Business

In 1994, Eric Quintana, a local resident of Española, got an unexpected opportunity that changed his life. A friend needed a cleaner for their office, and with Christmas approaching, Quintana saw a chance to earn extra money for his two sons' dream gift—a Bigfoot electric truck. Without hesitation, he jumped in. Starting with just a mop, a bucket, and his wife Celina’s help, Quintana launched a small cleaning business called Performance Maintenance Inc. (PMI). Fast forward nearly 32 years, and what began as a side hustle is now a thriving family-run company with locations in Española, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos. The business has grown so much that it’s even eyeing Albuquerque for its next expansion. The company’s success didn’t happen overnight. Quintana’s sons, Daven and Eric Jr. , now lead the business as COO and CFO, showing how family values and hard work can shape a legacy. Their journey started young—holding cords, cleaning up toys, and learning the value of saying "yes" to opportunities, even when they seemed unlikely. Daven recalls his father’s advice: "You’ve got to say yes to any opportunity and just show up and give 100%. " That mindset helped PMI grow from a simple cleaning service into a full-service maintenance and supply company, offering everything from janitorial work to sustainable cleaning products.One of PMI’s biggest breaks came in 2019 when it secured a $52 million contract to clean the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This deal, which could extend up to 10 years with a potential value of over $152 million, wasn’t just a financial win—it was a testament to PMI’s commitment to quality and innovation. Quintana credits the Small Business Administration (SBA) for guiding them through the complex process of government contracts. "The SBA helped us put together packages free of charge, " he said. Their focus on eco-friendly products also caught LANL’s attention, as health and environmental concerns make safe cleaning supplies a priority in large facilities. Beyond cleaning, PMI has become a major supplier of green cleaning products, a sector that’s growing fast. Quintana knows these products inside out because he and his wife used to handle toxic chemicals daily in their early days. Their hands-on experience led them to create safer alternatives, which they now sell nationwide. The business even offers training to clients, helping them use the products effectively. "I really love being a job provider here in northern New Mexico, " Quintana said, highlighting how PMI supports local families. The company’s future looks bright with a new 20, 000-square-foot distribution center in the works for Española. This expansion will create more jobs in the area, something Quintana takes pride in. But success hasn’t been without challenges. "Being a small business owner hasn’t been easy, " he admits. Yet, he wouldn’t trade the freedom and fulfillment it’s brought him. And yes, that Bigfoot electric truck is still under the Christmas tree.