At CARRCO Painting, success transcends financial milestones. It is a story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to customer trust. Over the past 30 years, CARRCO has emerged as a leading force in the construction industry, blending advanced practices with deeply rooted values to become one of the Top 5 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in North Texas. 

The American Executive had the pleasure of speaking with Javier Huerta, CARRCO’s Founder and CEO, and his daughter, Yasmine Huerta, Vice President of Administration, to explore their journey, core values, and ambitious plans for the future. Read on to discover more about a culture committed to quality, innovation, and community impact.

Leadership: A Foundation of Experience and Vision

CARRCO Painting’s leadership embodies resilience and forward-thinking. Javier Huerta, who co-founded the company alongside his cousin Jesus Carrasco three decades ago, has steered it with determination and adaptability. Reflecting on the company’s early challenges, Javier likened their beginnings to an “entrepreneurial rollercoaster.” Javier believes deeply in the American Dream—the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success through hard work, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth. This mindset has shaped both his journey and the company’s culture, encouraging the continual investment in oneself, cultivating skills, and ultimately using that success to empower others. It’s a belief that has fueled CARRCO’s growth and solidified its collective strength.

“We started with nothing—no resources, no clients, and no roadmap,” Javier recalled. “We walked miles, knocking on doors to land our first projects. It was pure determination that turned those beginnings into a trusted brand.”

Meanwhile, his daughter, Yasmine Huerta, represents the future of CARRCO’s leadership, proudly embracing a role of learning and growth while following in Javier’s footsteps from an early age. Her focus on setting new standards ensures she will have a significant impact on both the company and the industry for a long time to come. Some of these new standards are already evident, as Yasmine has been a strong advocate for and has actively encouraged the adoption of the Plexxis system, which has streamlined operations and enhanced team collaboration, positioning CARRCO at the forefront of industry advancements.

Fostering a Culture of Trust and Safety 

At CARRCO Painting, culture is more than a buzzword; it’s the backbone of the organization. Through trust, accountability, and a sense of belonging, CARRCO fosters an environment where every team member feels empowered. “Our success starts with our field team members, a group of leaders who embody the right mindset and are at the forefront of it all, delivering quality work and upholding the values that CARRCO stands for,” Javier explained.

“Our culture thrives on mutual trust,” he continued. “We trust our team to deliver, and they trust us to support them. This partnership allows everyone to take ownership of their roles.'”

Employee development is a cornerstone of this culture. New hires receive comprehensive training, including safety certifications and technological upskilling. Alberto Guaracao, the company’s safety director, has played a pivotal role in embedding safety into CARRCO’s ethos.

“Safety is more than following rules,” Yasmine stated. “It’s about cultivating a mindset where it’s essential that everyone returns home safe. It’s also about being aware and involved, ensuring we are attentive to both the work we do and the people we work with.”

The emphasis on safety is evident in CARRCO’s comprehensive training programs. All new hires undergo rigorous onboarding that includes OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Association] certifications: OSHA 10 for field teams, OSHA 30 for foremen, and OSHA 500 for superintendents. This layered approach ensures that safety becomes second nature at every level of the organization.

In addition, CARRCO regularly engages employees in ongoing safety discussions, creating an open platform where team members can voice concerns and share ideas for improvement. By integrating these practices into daily operations, the company fosters a culture of accountability and vigilance that extends beyond compliance to a shared commitment to well-being.

Technology: Driving Efficiency and Growth

Innovation is a hallmark of CARRCO Painting. The adoption of the Plexxis Software exemplifies the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved efficiency and communication. This platform bridges the gap between field teams and centralized operations, streamlining project management.

“We’re constantly exploring the latest technologies to ensure we stay ahead of the curve,” Yasmine emphasized. “Innovation is vital for sustaining our competitive edge.” As she speaks, it’s abundantly clear that she shares her father’s humble pride in the company. Likewise, the same emotion is extremely evident as Javier listens to her enthuse about the future. 

CARRCO also ensures its teams remain adaptable to client-specific technological needs. Training programs equip employees to seamlessly integrate new tools, fostering stronger client relationships and bolstering operational efficiency.

“What got us here won’t get us there,” Yasmine remarked. “We must continuously evolve to meet the demands of a changing industry.” This philosophy drives the company’s investment in tools and training, ensuring their workforce is always prepared for the challenges ahead. The Plexxis Software, for instance, not only optimizes internal processes but also enhances collaboration with clients. Foremen use an integrated app to stay connected with project managers, enabling real-time communication and rapid problem-solving.

By investing in cutting-edge tools and fostering a culture of adaptability, CARRCO remains poised to navigate industry shifts. Whether through incremental software updates or entirely new systems, the company views technology as a vehicle for enhancing both efficiency and client satisfaction.

Resilience Through Challenges

Over three decades, CARRCO Painting has faced its share of challenges, from economic downturns to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the company has consistently demonstrated resilience, achieving steady growth year after year.

“Even during COVID, one of our most challenging periods, we experienced a strong year,” Javier shared. “This resilience reflects our robust processes and our team’s unwavering dedication.”

By adopting a proactive approach, CARRCO has avoided the pitfalls of reactive decision-making. Anticipating challenges and preparing accordingly have been key to their sustained success. “We focus on being proactive and predictive,” Javier explained. “From setting up projects to managing customer relationships, we’re always thinking ahead.”

The steady nature of CARRCO’s growth is no accident. Javier deliberately avoided rapid expansion to maintain the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. “Every year, we’ve grown by 10% to 20%,” he said. “Controlled growth ensures we don’t compromise on the experience we deliver to our clients.” This measured approach has enabled CARRCO to build trust with its clients, many of whom have remained loyal partners over the years. By focusing on consistent, manageable growth, the company has established a reputation for reliability and excellence.

Moreover, Javier strongly emphasized the importance of learning from past challenges. “We’ve faced setbacks, but each one taught us something valuable about resilience and adaptability,” he noted. This perspective has allowed CARRCO to refine its processes, ensuring that they emerge stronger from every obstacle.

Creating Impactful Legacies Through Projects

CARRCO Painting’s contributions extend far beyond the construction site. The company’s portfolio includes iconic landmarks such as Texas Rangers Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and The DFW Airport—"projects that will shape tomorrow’s world” a core slogan representing its Carrco’s mission. These projects underscore CARRCO’s dedication to creating meaningful, lasting impacts.

“It’s deeply rewarding to know our work contributes to spaces that bring joy and utility to millions,” Javier reflected. “Whether it’s a stadium, a hospital, or an airport, our work leaves a tangible legacy.”

This commitment to quality is driven by an “attention to detail” ethos (coined A.T.D‘ internally) that ensures every project is executed to the highest standard, earning trust and loyalty from clients. “We believe in doing things right the first time,” Javier said. “That dedication to quality is what keeps our clients coming back.”

CARRCO’s approach extends to every aspect of their projects, from meticulous planning to precise execution. This focus has helped the company establish a reputation as a trusted partner for some of the most significant projects in the region.

Beyond the physical structures, CARRCO takes pride in the memories and social impact of its work. “When you see a family enjoying a stadium or patients benefiting from a well-built hospital, you realize that our efforts go far beyond the paint,” Javier remarked. This deeper purpose reinforces CARRCO’s unwavering dedication to excellence.

Community Engagement: Giving Back With Purpose

Community outreach is integral to CARRCO Painting’s identity. From supporting the community through initiatives like “Our Calling” program to backing organizations such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, CARRCO prioritizes giving back. “We owe our success to the support we received in our early days,” Javier said. “Now, it’s our responsibility to pay it forward.”

These initiatives not only benefit the community but also strengthen CARRCO’s internal culture by fostering teamwork and shared purpose.

“Community involvement brings our team closer together,” Yasmine added. “It’s about more than giving back; it’s about building connections that make us stronger as a company.”

One of CARRCO’s most notable efforts is their collaboration with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The team’s fundraising efforts involved months of planning and coordination, exemplifying their commitment to making a difference.

“It wasn’t just about writing a check,” Javier said. “Our team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we made a meaningful contribution.”

This emphasis on meaningful community engagement reflects CARRCO’s values and reinforces their commitment to creating positive change.

Looking Ahead: The Future of CARRCO Painting

As CARRCO Painting celebrates its 30th anniversary, the focus shifts to the next decade. Javier envisions a future where diversity and innovation drive growth, highlighting the contributions of his daughter and other talented women in the industry.

“I believe women will shape the future of construction,” Javier remarked. “Their leadership will be transformative for our industry.” Yasmine reinforced this vision, emphasizing the synergy between people and technology. “The right people, equipped with the best tools, are the foundation for sustained success,” she said.

CARRCO’s strategic goals include expanding market sectors, refining internal processes, and maintaining a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. Originally a painting company, CARRCO has grown to include two additional divisions: floor coatings and drywall, further underscoring its evolution and accomplishments as it continues to expand its offerings and market reach. By continually addressing challenges and embracing opportunities, the company is poised to reach new heights.

In Javier’s words, “Success is reaching the goal, but it’s also about enjoying the journey.” This philosophy captures CARRCO’s essence: a commitment to balancing ambition with gratitude. As CARRCO embarks on its next chapter, it does so with a steadfast focus on innovation, resilience, and the enduring values that will continue to drive “Painting a Legacy”.