Meet Leo Barboza | Owner & Operator of 22 graphics

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

Hi Leo, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Im born and raised in San Diego. I am now 34 yrs old. Growing up I learned what being passionate and hard working was thanks to my dad. Seeing him never complain and always being faithful to his job really had an impact on me. There was days where i knew he had a bad day but he never expressed it. He was the perfect example of what type of working man i wanted to be. Self motivated and dedicated with no excuses when it came to putting in work. As i got older i got the chance to work for him and with him. We worked hand on hand for around twelve years at a sign company that he’s been at for around 30 yrs now. After that i went on to a different company for around two yrs, until i decided to go my own way and start my graphic installation Business. Thats when 22 graphics was born. Now with over 15 yrs experience i proudly help & serve many different Sign companies in San Diego county with their graphic and vinyl installations. It’s an amazing experience being able to do what you love every single day and i always encourage anyone with a dream to go after it and never give up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting this Graphic installation business was always on my mind since I started my working career. Early on I worked full time for 2 very successful & amazing sign & graphic installation companies, Signtech and C.P Richards Signs. Those two companies were essential to my skill development. I believe that what set me apart and what led me to be successful was my passion and love for this art. It’s exciting to see my work around San Diego. Its very fulfilling and motivating. I never say no to any job no matter how big or small. No matter what time of the day. Getting to this point was not easy though. I faced many challenges along the way. Inside and outside of work. I had my days of discouragement & honestly depression, thinking that I wasn’t good enough, but i thank God that he gave me the strength to keep going and not give up. “22 Graphics” will be at the front of a building one day, I truly believe that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego is a beautiful and fun city to live and work in. Rich in culture and full of beautiful people. If i had to pick an area to stay for a week i would recommend downtown San Diego. Surrounded by the best restaurants and hotels. Petco park is there. You can never go wrong with a Padres game or for something more relaxing there’s always Balboa park which is full of museums. Everything is close by and you cant forget about the beaches which are beautiful. Impossible to get bored in this city. Their is always something to do.

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?
I want to thank God for being my rock & foundation all glory goes to him. The support and love of my family for without them I wouldn’t of had made it this far & also the ministry of Victory Outreach San Ysidro for standing along side me on my journey and never giving up on me to get to where im at today. Thank you Pastor Eric & Narciso Vida for being in my life. Doors started to open that I didn’t even know existed thanks to your support. My mentor and friend Anthony Soltero owner of Full Coverage Graphics for all his help. He allowed me to be his shadow and pick his brain day and night. He helped me a lot in this new journey. Thank you & love you all.

Instagram: @22_graphicssd

Other: 22graphics.sd@gmail.com