Meet Alex & Grace Valenzuela | Alex – Commercial Pool Contractor. Grace – Cofounder/Vice President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex & Grace Valenzuela and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex & Grace, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Alex’s upbringing has profoundly influenced who he is today. As a first-generation American with Cuban parents, he has deep ties to his family’s history in the pool industry. His grandfather began working in pool maintenance in the 1970s, and after Alex’s parents married, his father joined his father-in-law in swimming pool maintenance/remodeling. Throughout his childhood, Alex witnessed the sacrifices his parents made, particularly his father, in building their careers in the industry. During summer breaks, he often spent time working alongside his dad, which solidified his desire to follow in their footsteps.

After completing his college degree, Alex began working directly with his father, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of pool construction, including plumbing, tile, and electrical work. These early experiences taught him the value of hard work and dedication.

Grace, a first-generation Nicaraguan, took a different path before entering the pool industry. She worked in a marketing agency, where she learned the significance of a strong online presence. Now, as an all-in-one operations manager and social media manager, she collaborates with Alex to oversee the behind-the-scenes aspects of running AGLO Pools, ensuring the business thrives and providing a positive client experience.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At AGLO Pools, we recognize that South Florida is home to many builders, which is why we prioritize exceptional customer service. We understand that trusting contractors with such a significant investment can be daunting, so we aim to foster transparency and maintain open communication with our clients, even after construction is completed.

Both Alex and I have experienced roles in the past where we felt unappreciated, and we are committed to ensuring that our team feels valued and empowered to grow as professionals. While we have encountered hard lessons and made mistakes along the way, those experiences have only strengthened our resolve and helped us gain a clearer understanding of our business.

Recently, we launched an online calendar system to streamline scheduling estimates for our clients. We believe that effective communication is crucial, which is why we offer multiple contact methods to ensure our clients feel heard. From the outset, we provide a clear breakdown of the construction timeline, permitting processes, warranties, and pricing, as we believe that transparency is vital.

Weather plays a significant role in our work, and we are particularly mindful of the challenges that come with hurricane season. We are grateful for every client we have worked with in the past, and we remain dedicated to rectifying any issues and learning from our experiences. Our goal is to create a positive and supportive experience for everyone involved in our projects.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite Spots in the City – Our Local Guide to the Best Week Ever
If our best friend was visiting Miami, we’d want to show them the real magic of our city — the kind you won’t find in a tourist brochure. As Miami-born-and-raised locals now living in Homestead, here’s exactly how we’d give them an unforgettable week.
Day 1 – Beach Morning & Bites
We’d start the trip early with a sunrise beach visit to South Pointe Park — it’s peaceful, stunning, and way less crowded if you beat the rush. For lunch, it’s got to be Le Sandwicherie — no-frills, fresh, and absolutely iconic. Think crisp baguettes, perfect meats, and that famous vinaigrette.
Day 2 – Hidden Miami Eats & Low-Key Vibes
We’d skip Ocean Drive entirely (trust us) and head a little past 41st for a more relaxed beach day. Dinner would be at Shibui, hands down our go-to for sushi. It’s tucked away and feels like a secret — but the locals know, this place serves some of the freshest fish in town.
Day 3 – A Taste of Homestead
Down south in Homestead, we’d take them to our local gems. First stop: Heritage Market — seasonal produce, flowers, and that nostalgic farm feel. Then a casual but flavor-packed meal at La Quebradita Mexican Grill. Authentic, friendly, and absolutely delicious.
Day 4 – Farm Day + Fresh Air
We’d explore some of the nearby farms — fruit stands, fresh milk, and even u-pick strawberries if it’s the season. It’s the kind of slow, satisfying day that reminds you how much there is to love just outside the city buzz.
Day 5 – Keys Day Trip
No trip to South Florida is complete without a drive to the Florida Keys. We’d grab some fresh Key Lime Pie from a roadside bakery (you haven’t had pie until you’ve had it there), and take the boat out to a local sandbar — sun, water, music, and total bliss.
Day 6 – Chill Day at Home
We’re homebodies at heart, so we’d build in a cozy day. Maybe grilling at home, letting the kids play in the backyard, and enjoying the pool. No pressure to run around — just good food, good company, and sunshine.
Day 7 – Optional Night Out (Throwback Edition)
We’re not big on nightlife anymore, but if Purdy Lounge was still around, that’s where we’d go — laid back eclectic, and so Miami. We might hit up Flannigans.
Final Thoughts
We’d tell our friend: skip the hype, skip the crowds, and enjoy the best of Miami like a local. It’s about hidden gems, neighborhood eats, and natural beauty. That’s the Miami we know and love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would like to extend a huge shoutout to Alex’s parents, who have been instrumental in shaping his journey and success as a person and business owner. Their unwavering commitment to hard work and collaboration has profoundly influenced his understanding of the pool industry. Additionally, we want to recognize our family, whose support has enabled us to thrive while balancing the demands of running a business and nurturing our growing family. Their encouragement and love have been invaluable to our journey.

Website: https://aglopools.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aglopools/

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