Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Valencia.
Hi Sandra , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you so much for wanting to share my story. I truly appreciate the opportunity, and I wanted to give you a little background before we talk.
There was a time in my life when I was a mom of four, living in an abusive relationship and just trying to survive. One night, after a terrifying incident, I grabbed my kids, got in the car, and drove straight to the police station with him following behind us. It was the scariest moment of my life but also the moment everything changed. I finally chose courage over fear.
Through the kindness of friends, we found a small converted garage to live in. It wasn’t fancy, but it was peaceful and for the first time in years, I could breathe. Those months of freedom taught me that starting over doesn’t mean losing everything. It meant finding myself again.
Not long after, I met my fiancée, Jeff (I call him my husband lol ). He had also been through hard times, and together we built not just a new life, but a business from scratch. We named it Leak and Subsurface Locators. We started with one old Ford Explorer, a few tools, and a lot of faith. Over time, we grew, fell, rebuilt, and learned that God truly uses every setback to shape your purpose.
My faith has been the foundation of every decision, every comeback, and every blessing that followed. I believe wholeheartedly that I went through those difficult seasons so I could help others see what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
I’m looking forward to sharing more with you during our interview not just about the business, but about the journey that made it all possible.
Sandra Valencia
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but I’ve learned that the hardest paths often lead to the most meaningful places. One of my biggest challenges has always been being a mom first. My kids are my world, and everything I do is for them. Balancing motherhood, survival, and eventually trying to build a business was anything but easy, but it pushed me to discover a strength I didn’t know I had.
Starting a business with no experience was another huge challenge. I didn’t have a business background, a mentor, or even a roadmap for where to begin. For a long time, I believed success required a college degree and honestly, I barely made it through high school. The only reason I went to medical assistant school was because I had to; it was survival, not ambition.
When we launched our company, I went in completely blind. I made mistakes, wasted time and money, and learned nearly everything the hard way. And truthfully, even now as we work to rebuild and grow stronger. I still feel like there’s so much I don’t know. That can be overwhelming at times, but I’ve learned that progress matters more than perfection.
Having mentors, other business owners, and people who’ve walked this road before me has made an incredible difference. Their guidance reminds me that I don’t have to know everything right away. I just have to keep learning, keep showing up, and keep the faith that the best chapters are still being written.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My company, Leak and Subsurface Locators, is truly a labor of love. We specialize in professional pool leak detection and inspection services across Southeast Florida, helping homeowners, realtors, and contractors locate and repair leaks before they turn into costly problems. Our motto, “We Find And Fix Pool Leaks,” captures exactly what we do and how much pride we take in doing it right.
What sets us apart is our approach. We don’t guess, we locate. My fiancé, Jeff, is a Florida Licensed Pool Contractor with years of experience. He has developed a proprietary leak detection method that combines advanced electronic technology with techniques perfected through decades in the field. I handle the inspections, operations, and client care, and together we bring a mix of expertise, teamwork, and heart to every project.
We’re a faith-based, family-run business built on honesty, integrity, and personal connection. Every client is treated like family, and our goal isn’t just to fix leaks, it’s to educate, protect, and give homeowners peace of mind.
What began with one old work truck and a few tools has grown into a trusted name known throughout Southeast Florida for quality and care. Through our Pool Inspections USA division, we’ve also raised the bar for pool inspections in real estate transactions, ensuring every pool meets safety, code, and quality standards before closing.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: do things the right way with transparency, respect, and craftsmanship. When someone hires Leak and Subsurface Locators, they’re not just hiring a company; they’re partnering with a team that treats every pool as if it were our own and every client like family.
What’s next?
Right now, we’re in the middle of an exciting rebuilding phase, actually re-designing our business from the ground up. We’re putting new systems, processes, and procedures in place to make everything run more smoothly, and we’re creating a full training manual and video tutorials to prepare for future employees as we grow.
We’re also expanding our reach across Southeast Florida and becoming more intentional about our presence on social media. It’s not just about marketing — it’s about educating people on what we do, showing the behind-the-scenes of this profession, and helping homeowners understand the importance of proper pool inspections and leak detection.
Jeff is also developing a course to teach others how to start and run a successful pool leak detection business. It’s still in the early stages, but the foundation is built on everything we’re doing within our own company from field training to customer service and business operations. Our hope is to help others learn from our experience and raise the standard for professionalism in this industry.
We have big dreams for the future to keep growing, mentoring, and building a company that reflects not just hard work, but purpose, integrity, and faith.
Pricing:
- $425 for our leak detection & inspection service
- $125 for a service call
- Repair price depend of the type and difficulty of the job
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LeakAndSubsurfaceLocators.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.v22?igsh=dms0azFjbmgzMHYy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CnHi2s8sz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@leakandsubsurfacelocators9562
Image Credits
Jeff David and Nathan David
