Sal Hernandez - Owner/President

Born and raised in California, Sal Hernandez, Jr. grew up in Westminster mowing lawns with his dad. He attended Westminster High School his freshman year before transferring to Western High School in Anaheim where he met his current business associate, Jose Acevedo.

Sal knew from an early age that he wanted to own his own business one day. He realized in high school that he would need to create a path that allowed him to get a good education as a foundation. Joining the military right after high school would provide that path, with the combined appeal of educational benefits as well as travel opportunities. Upon graduation, both Sal and Jose joined the U.S. Navy.

Sal served aboard the USS Curts, PHIBCB-ONE, and EODMU-ONE.  His most memorable deployment was to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009.  While on active duty, Sal received his Surface Warfare, Seabee Combat Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare.  He was promoted to Petty Officer 2nd class and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. 

Upon completion of his active service, he followed through on his goal of getting a good education.  Still with a dream to own a company, he focused his education on business and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA with an emphasis in marketing. Sal went back to school at Orange Coast College to master his horticultural, design, and masonry expertise and also holds an associate’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology.

With his real-world military experience and education in hand, the time was ripe to make the leap to running a company. Sal knew that he would need to be licensed in order to do this and got his C27 license in 2016. Shortly thereafter, he founded Pacific Breeze Landscape.

Sal is an ICPI certified paver installer and a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper.  He currently serves as Director of Membership for the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) as 2021 president. When not busy working and volunteering his time, Sal enjoys dancing Salsa and Bachata, which is how he met his wife Kathy. He also loves to surf Bolsa Chica.