He has proved that setting up his own business amid the height of the economic downturn two years ago was the best business decision he could have made.
Capital Town Ltd has grown into a successful Castletown-based company.
Juan, 38, now has a team of painters working for him.
He said: ‘I don’t take my success for granted and it’s still a challenging environment.’
He added: ‘For some years I was a sub-contract painter to Hartford Homes and when I decided to set up my own company they gave me 100 per cent support at a time when they might have been tempted to look at a more established firm.
‘Starting a new business is never easy but Hartford Homes’ directors James and Norman Greenhalgh helped me get Capital Town up and running.
‘They believed in me and their support and business nous has been fantastic; it has helped me succeed and be in a position to create jobs for local lads.
‘Yes, of course there have been the worries which face any fledgling business but the fact that I don’t mind getting up in the morning is an indication of how much I enjoy my work and the satisfaction I get out of it.’
Norman Greenhalgh said: ‘Juan, along with other companies we use for painting and decorating, proved himself to be a good and reliable worker.
‘We recognised his potential which is why we supported and advised him when he started his own business.’