From Handyman to Licensed Contractor — My Journey Building PMR Projects
We didn't start with a business plan. We started with a truck, a few tools, and a willingness to show up and do the work. Here's what it actually took to build PMR Projects.
Jovanny Quiñonez
Founder & Licensed Contractor, PMR Projects
How PMR Projects Started in Long Beach (2018)
PMR Projects fleet — Long Beach, CA — Real People, Providing Real Service
In 2018, my cousin and I started taking on small maintenance and repair jobs across Long Beach and Signal Hill. No office, no business plan — just a truck, a few tools, and a commitment to showing up and doing the work right. That was the beginning of Property Maintenance and Renovation LLC — PMR Projects.
Our earliest opportunities came through property management. Small repairs — painting, maintenance, drywall, unit repairs — helped us establish something more important than revenue: trust. Customers called us back. They referred us. Property managers gave us more responsibility.
We weren't trying to become licensed contractors someday. We were already operating with that mindset. What we were missing was the license that formally backed up the reputation we had worked so hard to build.
Becoming a Licensed California Contractor (CSLB #1114198)
Our credibility didn't start with a license — it came from years of showing up, communicating clearly, and delivering consistent results for property managers across Long Beach and Signal Hill. By the time we became licensed, we already had something that couldn't be created by passing an exam: the support of great customers and a reputation built through real work.
Getting licensed gave that reputation an official stamp. It allowed us to take on larger projects, serve property management companies who required a licensed contractor, and build the kind of organization that could grow beyond just two people.
Today, PMR Projects operates under CSLB License #1114198, holding B-2 Residential Remodeling and C-33 Painting and Decorating classifications, with Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance on every job.
The license strengthened the company, but it didn't create our values. Those were already there.
Building a Real Company in Signal Hill
As PMR Projects grew, so did our systems. Written scopes became more detailed. Estimates became more structured. Documentation, insurance, safety procedures, and customer communication became part of an increasingly organized operation.
What started with two people has grown into a company with specialized divisions — covering painting, flooring, drywall, stucco, electrical, and security — all built around a simple idea:
“Real People, Providing Real Service.”
Our story isn't about going from unprofessional to professional. It's about taking the work ethic, customer relationships, and reputation we had already built — and creating the structure, licensing, team, and systems needed to take it to the next level.
The license gave us the credentials.
Our customers gave us the opportunity.
And the work gave us the credibility.
FAQ: Licensed Contractor in Long Beach
What's the difference between a licensed contractor and a handyman in California?
In California, any project over $500 (combined labor and materials) requires a licensed contractor. A handyman can handle minor jobs, but for remodels, painting, flooring, electrical, and structural work, you need a contractor with a valid CSLB license. PMR Projects holds CSLB License #1114198 with two classifications: B-2 Residential Remodeling and C-33 Painting and Decorating.
What does a B-2 Residential Remodeling license cover?
A B-2 classification covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, flooring installation, drywall repair, general maintenance, and renovation work on residential properties. It's the foundation license that allows PMR Projects to handle full-scope remodeling projects across Long Beach and Southern California.
What does a C-33 Painting and Decorating license cover?
A C-33 classification covers interior and exterior painting, surface preparation, cabinet refinishing, decorative coatings, and reglazing. This makes PMR Projects a fully licensed painting contractor in the State of California — not just a contractor who paints on the side.
Is PMR Projects insured?
Yes. PMR Projects carries both General Liability insurance and Workers' Compensation insurance on every job. We also hold EPA Lead-Safe Certification (#LBP-F338271-1) for work on pre-1978 properties. Certificates of insurance are available upon request before any work begins.
Does PMR Projects work with property management companies?
Absolutely. Property managers are our primary customer. We offer project-based pricing, 15NET/30NET payment terms, fast scheduling (3–5 days), documented close-outs with before/after photos, and a 1-year workmanship warranty on rental properties. Visit our property managers page to learn more.
What areas does PMR Projects serve?
We're based in Signal Hill, CA and serve a 25–30 mile radius throughout Southern California — including Long Beach, Lakewood, Carson, Torrance, Compton, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, and many more cities.
Want to Work With a Contractor Who Built This the Right Way?
We bring the same grit and accountability to every project. Whether you're a property manager looking for a reliable partner or a homeowner planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel — we'd love to earn your trust.
Building the Business Owner
Most people see the trucks, the job sites, and the finished work. What they don't see is the education that made it possible. Building PMR Projects wasn't just about learning trades — it was about learning how to run a real business.
Before we could call ourselves licensed contractors, we had to put in the work behind the scenes. That meant going back to school, studying for exams, and earning certifications that most handymen never pursue. It wasn't glamorous, but it was necessary.
The Education Behind the License
Getting a California contractor's license isn't something you can fake. The CSLB requires real knowledge — business law, construction safety, trade-specific expertise, and financial management. We didn't just study to pass the test. We studied to build a company that could last.
CSLB Exam Preparation
Business law, safety, trade knowledge
Construction Management
Project planning, scheduling, budgeting
Financial Management
Estimating, cash flow, profit margins
Safety & Compliance
OSHA standards, jobsite safety protocols
The coursework covered everything from California business law and lien rights to construction safety standards and trade-specific technical knowledge. It forced us to think about PMR not just as “doing jobs” but as building a real organization with systems, accountability, and legal compliance.
Business Education (2022–2025)
Between 2022 and 2025, I completed 8 professional courses through Coursera — covering project management, construction, financial accounting, conflict resolution, and product management. Each one was intentional. Each one made PMR better.
2022
Foundations of Project Management
Google / Coursera · Aug 2022
Fundamentals of Management
UC Irvine / Coursera · Nov 2022
Construction Project Management
Columbia University / Coursera · Nov 2022
2023
Product Management Essentials
University of Maryland / Coursera · Mar 2023
2024 – 2025
Types of Conflict
UC Irvine / Coursera · Dec 2024
Conflict Resolution Skills
UC Irvine / Coursera · Jan 2025
Financial Accounting Fundamentals
University of Virginia / Coursera · Jan 2025
Trade Education
Introduction to Electricity
Hayden Home Study Course · Approved by LADWP & IBEW Local 18
None of these courses were required. No one told me I had to take them. But every single one made PMR Projects better — better at managing projects, better at managing people, better at managing money. That's the difference between a contractor who's building something lasting and one who's just chasing the next job.
The truth is: most guys in this industry skip this part. They stay unlicensed, work under the table, and hope nothing goes wrong. We chose a different path — because we wanted to build something that could grow, hire people, and serve clients at a professional level.
The Licensing Journey: B-2 to C-33
Our first classification was the B-2 Residential Remodeling license. That opened the door to legitimate contracting work — kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, flooring, drywall, general maintenance. It meant we could pull permits, carry insurance, and work with property management companies who required a licensed contractor.
But we didn't stop there. As painting became a bigger part of our work — interior repaints, exterior building projects, cabinet refinishing, reglazing — we realized we needed the proper classification. So we went back, studied, tested, and earned our C-33 Painting and Decorating classification.
Residential Remodeling
Our foundation classification. Covers kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring installation, drywall repair, general maintenance, and renovation work. This is what allowed us to transition from handyman to licensed contractor.
Painting & Decorating
Our second classification. Covers interior and exterior painting, surface preparation, cabinet refinishing, and decorative coatings. This made PMR a fully licensed painting contractor in the State of California.
Each classification required its own exam, its own preparation, and its own commitment. But having both meant we could serve our clients more completely — one contractor handling remodeling and painting, with proper licensing for both.
And in 2026, we added a third dimension: our electrician Jessie joined the team with a C-10 Electrical Contractor license (CSLB #1147715), creating PMR Electrical as a dedicated division. That's three licensed classifications under one contractor.
RAW Builders Club Event — April 2026
CSLB License #1114198 — B-2 Residential Remodeling & C-33 Painting and Decorating. Licensed and insured with Liability & Workers Comp on every job. EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm (LBP-F338271-1).
Certifications & Credentials That Matter
Licensing was the foundation, but we didn't stop there. As PMR grew, we invested in additional certifications, classifications, and credentials that protect our clients and demonstrate our commitment to doing things the right way. Each one represents a deliberate decision to build something lasting — not just chase the next job.
Credentials & Awards — Tap to enlarge (13 items)
CSLB License #1114198
Our California Contractors State License Board license is the legal backbone of everything we do. It covers two classifications — and we earned both separately, through study, testing, and real-world experience.
Residential Remodeling
Our foundation classification. Covers kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring installation, drywall repair, general maintenance, and renovation work. This is what allowed us to transition from handyman-level work to licensed contracting — and to serve property management companies who required a licensed contractor before they'd even take a call.
Painting & Decorating
As painting became a bigger part of our work — interior repaints, exterior building projects, cabinet refinishing, reglazing — we went back, studied, and earned the C-33 Painting and Decorating classification. That made PMR a fully licensed painting contractor in the State of California, not just a contractor who painted on the side.
C-10 Electrical Contractor — PMR Electrical Division
In 2026, we added a third licensed classification to the PMR ecosystem. Our electrician Jessie joined the team holding a C-10 Electrical Contractor license (CSLB #1147715), creating PMR Electrical as a dedicated division. That's three licensed classifications under one contractor — B-2, C-33, and C-10 — covering remodeling, painting, and electrical work. It's the kind of depth that lets us serve property managers and homeowners without sending them to a different vendor for every trade.
View PMR Electrical servicesEPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm
Certification #LBP-F338271-1, issued June 15, 2026, valid through June 29, 2029. A lot of the properties we work on in Long Beach were built before 1978 — which means lead-based paint is a real consideration. This certification authorizes PMR Projects to perform lead-based paint activities in compliance with federal EPA regulations. It's not something most contractors bother with. We did it because our clients deserve a contractor who can handle the full scope of a property legally and safely.
Liability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
Full general liability and workers' compensation insurance on every job. Certificates of insurance available upon request. This protects our clients, their properties, and our team. Property managers require it. Homeowners deserve it. And we've carried it from the beginning — because operating without it isn't professional, it's reckless.
BusinessRate Best of 2025 & Best of 2026
Recognized as a Best of 2025 and Best of 2026 award winner by BusinessRate, based on Google Reviews. This wasn't something we applied for or paid for. It was earned through consistent five-star reviews from real clients — property managers, homeowners, and landlords who trusted us with their properties and took the time to say something about it. Two consecutive years. That means something.
Long Beach Area & Signal Hill Chambers of Commerce
Active members of both the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce. We're not just a contractor that works in these communities — we're part of them. These memberships connect us with the local business community and reflect our commitment to Long Beach and Signal Hill as our home base.
Every certification represents a decision to invest in the business rather than cut corners. That's the difference between a contractor who's building something lasting and one who's just chasing the next job. We chose the harder path — and we'd choose it again.
Key Moments Along the Way
Every business has defining moments — the ones you look back on and realize that's when everything changed. Here are a few of ours.
The Backyard Office
Our first "office" was literally in the backyard. No fancy setup — just a desk, some tools, and a willingness to figure it out. This is where PMR Projects started.
First Real Office
Moving out of the backyard and into a real office space was a turning point. It meant we were serious. We had a place to meet clients, organize projects, and build a team.
Team Lunch at the Second Office
November 2, 2022 — team lunch to celebrate our second office. By this point, PMR had grown from two brothers to a real team. Moments like these remind us why we do this.
Holiday Office Gathering
November 2023 — holiday gathering at the office. Tables set up, Christmas tree in the corner, team coming together to celebrate another great year of growth.
Signal Hill Headquarters
Today, PMR Projects operates from 2801 Junipero Ave, Suite 206 in Signal Hill. Multiple specialized divisions, a growing team, and a reputation built on 100+ five-star Google reviews.
The Vision: Building an Organization, Not Just a Job
There's a moment every contractor faces: you can keep doing everything yourself, or you can build something bigger. For Alex and me, that moment came when we realized that the demand for our work was outgrowing what two people could handle — and that our clients deserved more than just us showing up with a truck.
They deserved a system. A process. A team that could deliver the same quality whether it was a single unit repaint or a 12-building exterior project. That's when PMR Projects stopped being a “two brothers doing odd jobs” story and started becoming a real organization.
What “Organization” Actually Looks Like
Building an organization isn't about getting bigger for the sake of it. It's about creating systems that deliver consistent results — regardless of who's on the job site.
- Specialized divisions (Painting, Flooring, Drywall, Stucco, Electrical, Security) so every trade has dedicated expertise
- An internal team portal for real-time project tracking, photo documentation, and field-to-office communication
- Standardized estimate templates with clear, itemized scopes
- A documented close-out process on every project — before/after photos, final walkthrough, sign-off
- A quarterly employee incentive program tied to reviews, callbacks, and job site standards
- EPA Lead-Safe certification for compliance on pre-1978 properties
None of this happened overnight. It was built one system at a time, one hire at a time, one lesson at a time. And we're still building. The goal has never been to be the biggest contractor in Long Beach. The goal is to be the most reliable, the most organized, and the most accountable.
That's what separates a contractor from an organization. And that's what PMR Projects is becoming.
Want to See How We're Organized?
Explore our specialized divisions and see how PMR Projects coordinates multiple trades under one licensed contractor.
Jovanny Quiñonez
Founder & Licensed Contractor, PMR Projects
Jovanny co-founded PMR Projects in 2018 with his cousin Alex. Licensed and insured (CSLB #1114198), PMR Projects serves property managers and homeowners across Southern California with a structured, accountable approach to maintenance and renovation.
Want to work with a contractor who built this the right way?
We bring the same grit and accountability to every project. Get a free estimate and see why property managers trust PMR Projects.