Building High Desert Stone from the Ground Up
By: Everett Hogan and Gabe Borst
Jose Escobar, owner of High Desert Stone, did not always plan on running his own business. For many years, he worked for another company while often wondering what it would be like to work for himself. Even though he had dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, he stayed where he was because it felt safe and comfortable. Eventually, however, he realized something important: “Nothing grows in the comfort zone.” After saving money and earning his contractor’s license, Jose finally decided to take the risk and start his own company.
Starting a business did not happen overnight. Jose explained that he had always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, but it wasn’t until he took the first real step that the idea began to feel possible. When he began working toward his contractor’s license, he started to see that owning a business could truly become his future. Taking that leap was a major moment in his career. Once he did it, he said it felt incredibly rewarding and he has never regretted the decision.
Today, High Desert Stone specializes in fabricating and installing granite and marble surfaces. The company works on custom kitchens, bathrooms, showers, and a variety of other stone projects. Each job is unique and requires both precision and creativity.
For Jose, one of the best parts of owning his own business is the ability to make decisions and guide the direction of his company. He also enjoys collaborating with contractors and designers to create custom work that brings each customer’s vision to life.
“Taking that leap (of starting a business) was a major moment in his career. Once he did, it felt incredibly rewarding—and he never looked back.”
While owning a business can be rewarding, it also comes with significant responsibility. Jose explained that one of the biggest challenges is making sure his employees are taken care of and paid on time. Payroll, rent, tools, materials, and other expenses can add up quickly. Many people assume business owners have unlimited money, but Jose says the reality is very different. Most of the money earned goes right back into the business to keep it running and growing.
Jose did not always know that working with granite would become his career. He was first introduced to the trade when he was around 17 or 18 years old and worked with it occasionally in his early twenties. It wasn’t until his thirties that he began taking the craft more seriously and realized it could turn into something much bigger.
Looking back, Jose believes ambition and vision are two of the most important traits an entrepreneur can have. His advice to younger generations is to start building a strong foundation early in life. Developing skills, saving money, and gaining experience can make it much easier to pursue your goals when the right opportunity comes along