Lupita Guzmán and her husband, Byron Paredes, started Supreme Rooter & Plumbing Inc. with a simple but powerful goal: to build something of their own, together, as a family. Byron brought more than eight years of hands-on plumbing experience to the venture, while Lupita, who spent nearly eight years working as a nurse at Kaiser Permanente, stepped into a completely new role, taking charge of the business’s administration, finances, bookkeeping, and client relationships. Based out of their home in San José, California, the couple launched the business just two years ago.
For Lupita, building this business also carries the memory of her father, who once ran his own dump truck business. Years ago, he was forced to close it, and he never had the chance to benefit from programs like Prospera, resources that could have made all the difference. For Lupita, that history is part of what makes this legacy meaningful: she gets to carry forward the kind of support her father never had, and it’s part of why she believes programs like Prospera are so key for the community.
Her journey, however, has not been easy. Lupita often felt like she was navigating alone, without anyone to turn to for guidance or reassurance. “It’s hard because there’s no support, no one you can ask, ‘how do I do this?’” she shared.
That changed the day she found Prospera. Lupita describes it almost as fate: she prayed before attending an event, asking to be connected with the right people to help her business. She sat down without expecting anything, and a woman named Pilar, founder of The Choclo, happened to sit beside her, told her about Prospera, and encouraged her to come to the programs, and that’s how her connection with Prospera began.
“Prospera actually walks with you, holds your hand, and guides you. You never feel alone.”
Lupita first took Prospera’s Lanza tu Cooperativa course, which led her to apply for Acompaña, the program she is currently enrolled in. Every month, she meets with her consultants, who she says have become true partners in her growth. “We are growing together,” she said. “They see where you started and where you are now; it’s invaluable to have that kind of support.”
The past few months have brought major growth. Supreme Rooter & Plumbing hired three new technicians in March 2026, and the business began running payroll for the first time, an entirely new process for the couple. With support from another Prospera consultant, Lupita is learning the ins and outs of HR and safety protocols, while a financial consultant is helping her dig deeper into profit margins and cost breakdowns so the business can grow sustainably. “We’re going into detail, because things like this aren’t taught in school,” Lupita said. “But every day we’re growing, learning, and trying to improve. In addition, the business has an unofficial team member with a very official title: Loki, the couple’s dog, is the company’s “Positive Attitude Manager.’ When everyone gets too focused on work, Loki shows up to remind them to relax and have a little fun. He’s key to maintaining the positive attitude the company wants to convey.
Looking ahead, Lupita and Byron hope to become a recognized name in the area, with the capacity to take on large-scale projects such as apartment construction. Just as important to them is building a team and systems strong enough that the business doesn’t depend on the two of them being present around the clock. Their long-term dream is to use the business to fund a nonprofit supporting children in need in Guatemala. “We want to help the community around us,” Lupita said. “It’s not just about the business succeeding; it’s about the impact it can leave behind.”
Her advice to other entrepreneurs? “Don’t give up. There is a lot of support out there, but first you have to believe in yourself. There will be moments when you feel like giving up, and that’s normal. Be patient with yourself, knowing you’re doing the best you can with the knowledge you have right now.”
Lupita’s story is a reminder that a family’s legacy can start with vision, a great team, and the courage to build something new, together.
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