Juan Cantu

Juan Cantu, a United States Navy veteran and minority small business owner, has owned and operated JNC Powerclean, Inc. since 2016. His business specializes in professional cleaning services for equipment found in restaurants, hospitals, office buildings, and more. Although Juan had spent a lot of his professional career in the hospital setting, he had never been directly admitted or even visited a doctor for any injury or illness.

That was until July 2020, when he started to feel aches all over his body. Since it was the height of COVID-19, he did an at-home self-test and it came back positive for COVID-19. To keep his family safe, he decided to self-isolate from his wife and five daughters. As his week in isolation continued to pass, it became harder and harder for him to breathe. On July 4th, which was his twin daughters’ 15th birthday, Juan recalled, “I could hear my wife and daughter’s downstairs singing Happy Birthday to my twins, while at the same time, I feel like I'm going to pass out and can’t breathe anymore.”

As he opened the door to go downstairs and seek help, he saw an oximeter sitting right outside. Unbeknownst to him, his wife had taken the initiative to purchase one to keep a close eye on his symptoms. His oxygen level was sitting at 77%. According to the CDC, an oxygen level of 95% - 100% is normal for a healthy adult. Juan was then immediately rushed by ambulance to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. He spent two weeks in ICU, which he recalls as a blur but one thing he remembers for certain is that he got a second chance at life. Juan shared, “It was the best care I had ever received before.”

In the two years since his discharge, Juan drove by Methodist Hospital Stone Oak countless times a week. Each time, he told himself, “I need to go there and get them as a business account. They are my hospital.” Then one day, fate stepped in. On the very day he had decided to stop by, his phone rang and the call was from Methodist Hospital Stone Oak. Reflecting on that moment, Juan shared, “I knew it was God saying it’s meant to be and he was going to make it happen for me.”

After eagerly answering, Juan spoke with Kandyce Johnson, Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, who had received his contact information as a referral for services. They agreed to meet at the hospital, which was Juan’s first time back since his discharge. Having felt the need to give back to the staff, he was eager to know how he could help serve the hospital. JNC Powerclean is a now trusted and admired vendor at Methodist Hospital Stone Oak. Kandyce Johnson shared, “From the moment I met Juan, I saw how compassionate he was to serve. He was quick to fix any issues and truly cared to make sure quality work was provided. Juan and his team strive for excellence and respond to any request with a smile. We are grateful for their partnership!”