Meet Emmanuel Onate: Business Owner & Small Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emmanuel Onate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emmanuel, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
I have to start off by saying I love this question, and many of my close friends know and share my love for books, physical and digital. I think at this point my Audible library is probably my most prized possession! By the recommendation of a mentor in 2016, I downloaded “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley. It may sound like an exaggeration, but I can wholeheartedly say that my life would not be where it is today without this book. Although the title may lead you to believe that the book is one-dimensional, that is simply not the case. This book changed my entire perspective on money, education, mindset and much more. It was also the catalyst that sparked my interest into the world of business. Without spoiling the book too much, I will say that one of the most significant lessons that Mr. Stanley teaches his audience is the concept of getting “rich” vs attaining a lifetime “wealth”. As a society we are conditioned to assume that someone who drives a new foreign car, or is in a “high-earning profession” is automatically a wealthy individual. Unfortunately, for many of these people, the narrative does not hold true and in truth, they may be in more debt than you! The author does not point this out to disparage people in these professions; most of the time, these individuals have worked very hard to get where they are. He makes this example to point out that without proper financial education and diligent money management, even a “rich” individual on paper can end up on the road to ruin in the blink of an eye. On the opposite end of the spectrum, anyone, with the proper discipline can create a lifetime of “wealth” and financial independence. This, among other concepts changed my entire perspective on how I wanted to live the rest of my life. It was the first time I realized that I simply would not follow the traditional path and work for someone else to earn my “retirement”. I would do things my way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At this time, I am the owner of Complete Cleaners LLC and two other businesses that will be making their official debut in 2021. Needless to say, I am extremely excited about the upcoming projects, but Complete Cleaners is what started it all. We pride ourselves in offering a residential and commercial cleaning service that is thorough, modern and automated for our clients. Over the last 3 years we have been through a roller-coaster of events and emotions that I am sure no entrepreneur is unfamiliar with. What I can tell you, although perhaps a cliche, is that it is always about the people. Without your clients, you don’t have a business. But don’t forget that without your employees, partners and contractors you don’t have a product to offer those clients either. Treat everyone with the respect they deserve and do not stop until you find the people that your vision deserves. Our business would not be where it is today, without the partnerships we have made along the way. During these especially challenging times, offering an essential service like cleaning is something that we do not take lightly. We are especially grateful to our partners who have stepped up in an incredible way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to admit I’m a bit of an introvert, so this is a tough one. If you asked me this in my early 20’s, I could probably write a book on the subject! I do always look forward to friends visiting, so I would do my best to show them a good time. I really have an appreciation for Downtown Phoenix. It has come so far and is such a diverse place with entertainment for just about anyone’s taste. I especially enjoy the area near Talking Stick Resort Arena. The atmosphere there, especially after a game is always electric. I always have a good time at Lucky Strike, an upstairs bowling alley, bar, arcade and restaurant all in one! Pool parties at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale also deserve an honorable mention; always a good time in this weather. And lastly, for my nature loving friends, there is Sedona. Although I am not a hiking or nature aficionado by any means, Sedona has grown on me over the years and I think anyone that visits Arizona should check it out at least once.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout outs are always tough because there are so many people that have made an impact in my life and deserve all the gratitude in the world. I’m going to cheat a little bit here and first and foremost say that I owe a lot of my success to my family. They have and will always be there for me through it all. However, I would also like to give a special shout out to someone who I now consider family as well. Jim Mednik has been there for me through this venture from day one. He is a business mentor through S.C.O.R.E. of Greater Phoenix, an organization that deserves ample recognition as well. When you think of pivotal moments in your business venture, it is easy to think of the good ones. For me, it is much easier to think of the tough times and how I came out of those. To put it simply, Jim saved my business and I am grateful to have met him when I did. Thank you Jim.