Oct. 28--For Manuel Saavedra, working as a contractor is not so much the ticket to material success, but rather a chance to shine through quality work and craftsmanship.

The 44-year-old lifelong resident of Deming has owned Saavedra's Quality Contractor for three years. His company specializes in painting, stucco, laying tile and other forms of flooring, such as wood flooring. He, along with his two employees, are also highly capable of repairing broken flooring.

"I'm more about quality," he said at his latest job site, the expansion of the Savoy Travel Center on Highway 418. "You have to think really well. One mistake and you let everybody down."

His company is currently installing various types of tile at the Savoy Travel Center, 14150 Highway 418. He and his two employees are responsible for installing over 20,000 square feet of tile in the center's planned new Subway sandwich restaurant and convenience areas for truckers, which includes Jacuzzi-style tubs and an area for a masseuse.

"This is one of our biggest jobs," he added. "It's going to be awesome."

The scope of his current job also included masonry work with flagstone around the facade of the building, an area of added pride for the man with over 20 years of experience.

He says he knows a number of local contractors and they all get along quite well. Other contracting companies often hire Saavedra and his crew for jobs in their areas of specialty.

"I try to do it the best I can," he said. "We're not perfect. Sometimes you have to go back and fix a corner, but I always go back and fix it."

With a slumping economy impacting just about every industry in the country and lackluster home sales, one would think his business would be in dire straits. Quite the opposite, in fact, which he chalks up to the variety and quality of work offered.

"We're busy. We do a lot of stucco," he said. "I don't even notice what's going on (with the economy)."

His company is licensed and bonded. He offers free estimates. Call (575) 694-4376 for more information.

Matt Robinson can be reached at mrobinson@demingheadlight.com

Saavedra's Quality Contractor

Who: Manuel Saavedra Quality Contractor

Services: Painting, stucco and flooring.

Hours: Monday through Friday, but will work weekends when necessary.

Contact: (575) 694-4376. Call for free estimates.

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Copyright (c) 2009, The Deming Headlight, N.M.

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