Title: Chief Operations Officer
Company: The Standard Design Group
Location: Granada Hills, California, United States
Homero “Jake” Benavides, chief operations officer of The Standard Design Group, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in architecture and design.
Mr. Benavides has demonstrated a willingness to learn and explore across multiple fields. He began his professional life in retail at 19 years old, working as a general store manager for 10 years. After that, Mr. Benavides shifted into construction, working in the oil fields for another 10 years. Showcasing his ambition, he started at the very bottom as a welder before growing into roles as an inspector and then a representative for gas and oil companies.
When the oil and gas industry was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mr. Benavides decided to pursue another significant change in direction for his career. He joined The Standard Design Group at the organization’s launch in 2020. Since then, Mr. Benavides has served as the chief operations officer for The Standard Design Group. This company brings together landscape design and nursery management, offering the area’s only all-inclusive landscape contractor that can handle every aspect of complex renovation projects.
As the chief operations officer, Mr. Benavides oversees the entirety of the organization’s operations process, working to create a scalable and sustainable structure that creates stability for employees and clients alike. He plays a part in human resources, information technology (IT), sales, marketing, logistics, purchasing, design, planning, installation and quality control, the last of which he considers the most important. Mr. Benavides also collaborates directly with The Standard Design Group’s construction crews and retail locations. He meets with each of the company’s department heads daily and also communicates directly with prospective and current clients to earn new business.
Among his many accomplishments throughout his professional life, Mr. Benavides is most proud of the impact he’s had at The Standard Design Group in creating jobs for people in his community. Under his guidance, the company has grown from zero locations to nine in just its first few years, with further locations expected to open soon. Mr. Benavides has played a key role in creating 120 year-round jobs and expects to increase that number to 150 in the near future. He is deeply grateful to have contributed to providing good livelihoods for so many people.
Though he has followed an unconventional path, Mr. Benavides’ success on three different career tracks is evidence of his willingness to grow and learn. He has also pursued professional training to back up his on-the-job education. Mr. Benavides is certified in irrigation and drainage. He has also been credentialed as a welding inspector through the American Welding Society.
Long dedicated to civic advocacy, Mr. Benavides has supported The Standard Design Group in significant community engagement and charity efforts. The company has been deeply involved with the Palisades Charter High School, including creating a program for special needs students to work with plants. Mr. Benavides has also led the organization in supporting various student programs, such as sponsoring a golf tournament with Granada Hills Charter’s golf club. Most recently, The Standard Design Group donated $50,000 to the Chris Taylor Foundation to help renovate an outdoor space for the Boys and Girls Club.
In addition to his strength in operations, Mr. Benavides has established an impressive capacity for gaining further attention for the company through media. He was interviewed and The Standard Design Group was chosen to be a landscaper for “Celebrity IOU,” hosted by Jonathan and Drew Scott, aka the Property Brothers. Mr. Benavides has aided the company in gaining featured spots on further shows, including “Don’t Hate Your Home,” “Backed by the Bros.,” “Brother vs. Brother,” and “The Great Giveback.” Several television networks have since expressed interest in building a show around the company.
Outside of his career, Mr. Benavides is a devoted husband and a loving father to two children. In his free time, he enjoys singing, playing guitar and attending sports events, especially his son’s baseball games. Looking ahead, Mr. Benavides hopes to achieve a chief executive officer position before retiring. His efforts for the future are focused on maximizing profitability for The Standard Design Group while continuing to expand the company.
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