Four small LA trades businesses recognized at LAFC match on July 19
Los Angeles, CA (July 21, 2025) – Engelbert Strauss (STRAUSS) is proud to announce the winner and runners-up of the inaugural STRAUSS Trades Business Booster Contest. Launched in collaboration with Los Angeles Football Club, the contest celebrates skilled trades-based small businesses across the greater Los Angeles area and supports local economic growth.
“As a family-owned company, we know the sacrifices small business owners make and the work it takes to grow their businesses,” said STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss. “Our winners embody resilience, dedication, and a deeply rooted appreciation for family and community. But most of all, they remind us why we do what we do: our success as a company means more when it creates opportunities, uplifts communities, and helps people do the work that truly matters.”
The grand prize winner and three runners-up were honored during LAFC’s July 19 match at BMO Stadium and enjoyed a VIP match-day experience including an exclusive meet & greet with LAFC players.
The contest’s grand prize of a $5000 cash boost was awarded to ESB Plumbing during halftime. The South Central Los Angeles-based business was founded in 2020 by Eldrick Bone to honor the legacy of his father “Gus the Plumber,” who had launched his own handyman and plumbing operation in 1987. Eldrick, his sister, and their team of five expert technicians handle all types of plumbing installations and repairs, continuing Gus’ legacy and applying the expertise he passed on to his son.
The runners-up – AV Automation, Precision Quality Flooring, and Ortiz Jr Auto Repair – were recognized in a pre-match announcement and will receive one week of advertising space on the exterior digital signage of BMO Stadium to promote their businesses.
Launched on June 4, 2025, the STRAUSS Trades Business Booster Contest was open to California-based trades businesses within 75 miles of BMO Stadium. The selection committee thanks the 105 applicants for their submissions and the commitment they bring to servicing the Los Angeles community with their skilled expertise.
Grand Prize Winner:
ESB Plumbing
Owner: Eldrick Bone
Website: esbplumbing.com
Founded: 2020
Located in South Los Angeles, ESB Plumbing was established in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to carry forward owner Eldrick Bone’s retiring father’s hard work and expertise. Eldrick started learning the tricks of the trade while watching and assisting his father as a young teenager and has accumulated more than two decades’ experience solving complex plumbing issues.
Runners-Up:
AV Automation
Owner: Alec Vaca
Website: av-automate.com
Founded: 2025
Servicing customers from Orange County up to Ventura County, AV Automation specializes in electrical control panel design and integration. The two-man team consisting of founder Alec and his brother works with industrial manufacturing facilities to identify machine-control solutions to increase efficiency, performance, and safety. The brothers also actively support local STEM education and electrical safety through community outreach.
Precision Quality Flooring INC.
Owner: Victor Quintero
Website: precisionqualityflooring.com
Founded: 1998
Precision Quality Flooring is a licensed, full-service flooring provider for residential and commercial clients across El Monte and West Covina. The 10-employee team is led by a father-and-son duo who believe in providing their employees and community with the tools they need to work with precision, integrity, and heart.
Ortiz Jr Auto Repair
Owner: Rafael Ortiz Jr.
Website: ortizjrautorepair.com
Founded: 1996
Specializing in mechanical work, brakes, suspension, and preventive maintenance, Oritz Jr Auto Repair services the South Los Angeles community and is currently working to expand its full-service shop from two to seven bays. The entire family is involved in day-to-day operations, which the founder’s son took over 10 years ago. To mark its 30th anniversary in 2026, the shop is launching the Oritz Jr Mechanic Fellowship.
Grand Prize Winner Eldrick Bone and team members receive the $5k Business Boost check from Antonio Dominguez, Senior Vice President of Global Sports & Entertainment at STRAUSS (far right).
ABOUT ENGELBERT STRAUSS
Engelbert Strauss, or simply STRAUSS, is a global leader in workwear design and manufacturing. Founded in 1948, the family-owned company is overseen by brothers Henning and Steffen Strauss, the third generation of the Strauss family. Its iconic ostrich logo reflects the family’s name and roots – Strauss means ostrich in German. The Ostrich is trusted by tradespeople, builders, farmers, and DIYers across the globe for its pioneering style of technical, multi-pocket workwear that melds performance and function with comfort and design. Now firmly established in the U.S., STRAUSS ships nationwide, operates a flagship store in Venice, California, and maintains a strong presence at trade shows across the country. For more, visit STRAUSS.com.
ABOUT Los Angeles Football Club
The 2022 MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Football Club has represented the greater Los Angeles area in Major League Soccer since 2018. The two-time Supporters' Shield Champions (2019, 2022) and 2024 U.S. Open Cup Champions, LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing and developing the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Meghan Davis – Engelbert STRAUSS
Email: media@strauss.com
Danny Sanchez, Vice President, Communications - LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB
Email: danny.sanchez@LAFC.com | Phone: 619.371.6228