From Brazil to Business: How Victor Amorim Built Success One Floor—and One Conversation—at a Time
When Victor Amorim arrived in the United States at just 18 years old, he had a suitcase, a skateboard, and only two words in English: hi and bye. Today, he’s the proud owner of The Flooring Guy LLC, a growing business built on grit, curiosity, and a deep belief in personal connection. His story, shared on a recent episode of the Grit Won’t Quit podcast with host Tom Mirabella, is one of transformation—and a powerful reminder that success is built conversation by conversation.
The Move That Changed Everything
Victor grew up in a small countryside town in Brazil, surrounded by family, farmland, and a strong work ethic. But after high school, like many young adults, he felt uncertain about his next steps. He decided to make a bold move—one that would shape the rest of his life. With relatives in New Jersey and a desire for a better future, he left everything behind and landed in Long Branch, a well-known Brazilian enclave in Monmouth County.
His first hurdle? Language.
“I couldn’t even order at Dunkin’ Donuts,” Victor laughed. But rather than shy away from challenges, he leaned in. He asked questions, spent time with his stepfather learning through shared hobbies, and absorbed English by listening to music and watching Netflix with subtitles. “I was curious,” he said. “And I wasn’t afraid to ask. That’s how I learned everything—from English to flooring.”
Learning the Trade, Then Taking the Leap
Victor’s first job in the U.S. was in flooring—and he’s been in the industry ever since. For several years, he worked as a subcontractor, honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of the trade. But eventually, he felt the itch to do more.
“I wanted more adrenaline, more challenge,” he explained. “It’s great to show up, do the job, and leave. But I wanted to be the guy selling the jobs, managing the crews, building something bigger.”
So he took the leap. With no company name yet and no concrete plan, Victor stepped out of a secure partnership and into the unknown. He taught himself how to build a business the same way he learned English—by doing.
Why Personal Connection Is His Superpower
Victor credits his rapid growth to one key mindset: treating every customer like a friend.
“I want to know what you do, if you have dogs, what your goals are,” he said. “You’re letting me into your home—why wouldn’t I get to know you?”
This approach, he says, builds trust and turns one-time clients into long-term advocates. In fact, many of his jobs now come from word-of-mouth and Instagram referrals, including customers from as far away as Manhattan and Sparta, NJ. One client led to her sister, and her sister to another referral—proof that genuine relationships build lasting business.
And it’s not just clients Victor connects with—he’s become a regular at local networking events, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneur meetups. A chance Instagram message led him to his first event, which he initially thought was a scam. “I had no idea what ‘networking’ even meant,” he joked. Now, he’s a fixture in the community.
What’s Next for The Flooring Guy?
Today, Victor runs a multi-crew operation with trucks on the road and jobs across New Jersey and New York. But he’s not stopping there.
“The next step is delegation,” he said. “I want to build a real brand, with people in the right seats who share my values—respect, communication, and care.”
He’s clear that running a business is about more than making money. It’s about building something meaningful—for himself, his family, and his employees. “These guys have kids, they have families. I’m not just building my future, I’m helping them build theirs too.”
A Morning Routine That Sets the Tone
Victor’s days start at 4:15 a.m. with coffee and quiet reflection. By sunrise, he’s visiting job sites, meeting clients, giving estimates, and ensuring crews are supported. “Every day is different,” he said. “But I love the challenge.”
Final Thoughts: A Legacy in the Making
Victor Amorim’s story is proof that you don’t need a perfect plan to build a thriving business. You just need persistence, heart, and the courage to show up—day after day, job after job, conversation after conversation.
“I came here with a skateboard and a dream,” Victor said. “And I’m still just getting started.”
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
