Meet Diego Riquel | CEO at The Bathtub Guy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diego Riquel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diego, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
One of the most important decisions I made that contributed to my success was focusing on quality and customer satisfaction above all else. In the bathtub and tile refinishing industry, reputation is everything. I made a conscious decision early on to ensure that every project we took on met the highest standards, and that every customer felt valued. This commitment led to strong word-of-mouth referrals, repeat business, and ultimately, the growth of The Bathtub Guy into a trusted name in Miami.

As main priority we take the time to listen to each customer, ask the necessary questions to understand their expectations and needs, and address all their concerns. We believe that clear communication and attention to detail are essential for delivering exceptional service. This approach allows us not only to meet but to exceed our customers’ expectations, ensuring their satisfaction and strengthening our reputation in the market.

What should our readers know about your business?
At The Bathtub Guy, we specialize in bathtub and tile refinishing, offering high-quality services that restore and revitalize bathrooms without the need for costly replacements. What sets us apart is our attention to detail, our commitment to excellence, and our personalized approach to customer service. We take the time to understand each client’s needs, ensuring that our work not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

My journey to entrepreneurship has been anything but conventional. By profession, I am a lawyer, having graduated in 2005 with a specialization in Law and International Policies. However, in 2015, I was forced to leave my home country, Venezuela, due to political persecution. It is a well-known fact that in Venezuela, anyone who dares to seriously oppose the regime faces severe risks, including threats to their life. Upon arriving in the United States, I quickly realized that practicing law here would be extremely difficult due to the differences in legal systems. This led me to explore various other jobs until I found an opportunity in the refinishing industry.

After five years of working in the field and gaining extensive experience, I made the bold decision to start my own business. I knew that success wouldn’t just come from my technical skills but also from my educational background and my ability to connect with people. The biggest challenge in launching The Bathtub Guy was making a name for myself. In this industry, word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial, but I also leveraged every possible digital and traditional marketing tool. I built a website, engaged with customers on Instagram and TikTok, advertised in local print media, and even invested in paid radio ads.

Through this journey, I have learned that while marketing strategies are important, nothing is more valuable than people—their trust, their recommendations, and their communication. Especially in a city as unique as Miami, personal connections and customer satisfaction are the true drivers of success. My brand is built on trust, quality, and dedication, and I want the world to know that The Bathtub Guy is not just a business—it is the result of resilience, adaptation, and a deep commitment to providing outstanding service.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my childhood friend, who now lives in Los Angeles, came to visit Miami, I knew I had to show him the city as it truly is—a place of striking contrasts, where both the infrastructure and the people tell completely different stories depending on where you stand.

The first thing I did was take him on a tour of the different neighborhoods so he could grasp that diversity. We drove through Westchester, Sweetwater, Doral, and Kendall, where the Latin influence is undeniable, with small family-owned businesses and hardworking people shaping the community. Then, the scenery changed completely as we entered Pinecrest, Coco Plum, and Coral Gables, with their pristine streets, luxurious homes, and a completely different sense of tranquility. To end the day on a high note, I took him to Brickell, where the towering skyscrapers and fast-paced city life gave him yet another perspective of what Miami is all about.

At night, we headed to Key Biscayne, which offers one of the most breathtaking views of Miami’s illuminated skyline. I showed him the port, with its massive cruise ships waiting to set sail, and told him how this city never truly sleeps. But to really experience Miami, we had to go deeper into its culture. I took him to Calle Ocho, where I introduced him to the true taste of the city with a strong Cuban coffee from one of the iconic “ventanitas.”

One of the most beautiful attractions in Miami is taking a boat tour through Biscayne Bay, cruising past the celebrity mansions on Star Island, admiring the stunning waterfront properties, and getting an up-close look at the cruise terminals. That night, we wrapped up the experience at Bayfront, enjoying delicious food, a few drinks, and the unbeatable atmosphere of a city that thrives by the water.

The rest of the week was filled with beaches, art, and nightlife. We spent time at South Beach and Crandon Park, wandered through the colorful streets of Wynwood, and indulged in Miami’s incredible food scene, from fresh seafood to Latin American cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Miami would be complete without a taste of its legendary nightlife—rooftop bars in Brickell, live music, and unforgettable energy.

Miami is a city that has it all, and sharing it with an old friend made the experience even more special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my wife and my two daughters, who have trusted in me and have been a fundamental source of support throughout this journey. Their unwavering belief in my vision, their patience during the challenging times, and their constant encouragement have been invaluable.

Entrepreneurship comes with its ups and downs, and having a strong support system makes all the difference. My wife has been my rock, always pushing me to keep going and believing in the work we do at The Bathtub Guy. My daughters inspire me every day to set an example of dedication, perseverance, and integrity. Their love and support have given me the motivation to keep growing, both personally and professionally, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://realbathtubguy.com/

Instagram: @realbathtubguy

Youtube: @realbathtubguy

Other: TikTok: @realbathtubguy