Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Cordero
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
ELIZABETH CORDERO BIO
Elizabeth Cordero has not traveled an easy or straightforward road to success and financial security. Elizabeth grew up in Mexico as the youngest of 3 siblings born to a single mother. At the tender age of 14, Elizabeth joined her older sister to successfully complete a dangerous border crossing into the United States.
Though she started her life in the U.S. with no worldly possessions, without the ability to speak English and zero knowledge of U.S. currency, obstacles that would have caused many to give up. Her courage and resilience empowered her to achieve financial security and to establish a multifaceted collection of business profit centers in the state of Utah. These endeavors range from a cleaning business to real estate sales to flipping homes, developing rental properties and a variety of investment activities.
Elizabeth’s first job in the U.S. was as a housekeeper at a hotel her mother used to work at, followed closely by a short stint as a bagger. After a number of these rapid-fire, grueling and low-paid work experiences, driven by her lack of legal documentation to work in the U.S., Elizabeth began a bold new professional approach–as an entrepreneur. She launched Elizabeth Cleaning Services, a residential cleaning company that at first employed only Elizabeth, her mom and sister. Through hard work and high professional standards, this company quickly grew into a leading provider of residential cleaning services for the Salt Lake metro area, a position held for 14 years. As this company grew, she launched another thriving cleaning service, Elizabeth Business Cleaning, to tap into the lucrative commercial business cleaning market.
Elizabeth was able to buy her first home while she was an undocumented U.S. citizen. She implemented the investment principle of simple interest to make this one of her most lucrative investments. Elizabeth went on to pay off several homes utilizing this principle, even before she formally entered the world of real estate investment.
As these businesses skyrocketed, Elizabeth progressively expanded her reach and influence –from real estate residential sales to property management, buying and selling homes, and investing in real estate and other projects. In her very first year as a licensed realtor, Elizabeth was nominated as one of the top Hispanic Real Estate Agents. She has now been a licensed real estate officer for more than six years.
Today, Elizabeth owns a variety of rental properties in the states of Utah, Idaho, Florida and Texas. She has successfully flipped residential properties ranging from starter homes to higher-end properties and has transacted millions of dollars in Real Estate.
Elizabeth also has an abiding commitment and passion for learning, and she has pursued educational opportunities with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. She has maintained a 3.9 grade-point average in her university studies with more than 90 credit hours, even though she continues to work more than full-time running her businesses throughout her studies. She was recently accepted into the Harvard School of Business online program, where she is taking leadership, negotiation and other business-focused courses. Elizabeth is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. She is a recipient of the Somos Foundation Scholarship, given to the very top Hispanic students, especially those who demonstrate leadership in school, community and public service settings. Elizabeth received this scholarship while she was still undocumented was and running a full-time business.
Shortly after the 2012 enactment of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, Elizabeth became a legal working U.S. resident. In 2019, she became a proud permanent resident of the United States!
A 2020 recipient of Utah Business magazine’s coveted 40 Under 40 award, Received a congressional award and had the opportunity to speak to congress representative minority business owners and fighting for them to have access to the help after the financial distraught that many small business owners went through in times of COVID
Elizabeth is not only a respected business woman and avid student; she is also devoted to community service, especially on behalf of people from traditionally underrepresented communities. She has helped lead hundreds of volunteer service projects activities for her community.
Elizabeth has never forgotten her humble roots, and feels a powerful sense of social responsibility to help those who would otherwise not have a voice. She frequently drives thousands of miles throughout many of Mexico’s most impoverished and dangerous areas to deliver food and clothing. One of Elizabeth’s greatest dreams is to build a first-of-its-kind orphanage in her native Mexico. Her vision is that this facility will not only provide the necessities of life for the children it serves, but also empower them with practical education and training in professional skills, entrepreneurship and other crucial life skills.
But her good heart does not only ends here, she has saved over 100 dogs in imminent Euthanasia list. She drives for 30+ hours out of State without sleep to rescue all these dogs at the last minute of their lives. Elizabeth believes everyone in the world has the right to live and be respected, we are all children of God and she wants to be the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves. She has helped non profit rescues in her nearby cities. Saving also animals abandoned in her flips and keeping most of them or finding them loving, caring and deserving homes. Elizabeth is an avid animal lover and advocates for the rights of all animals and nature on the planet.
Elizabeth is an active member of the Mexicano Latino Institute; the Salt Lake Real Estate Investors Association; the National Association of Hispanic Realtors; and the Utah Valley Real Estate Investors Association, where she is a former board member. Elizabeth is a donor and an executive board member at Westminster College’s highly respected Gore School of Business. Elizabeth also served as an advisory board member of the Federaciones De Mexicanos Unidos as an executive board member of the VIP Project Management and Mexicano Latino Institute. Both of these organizations are currently working on a critically important trade mission between the State of Utah and Mexico, designed to foster trade and collaboration and to improve the lives of many people.
Elizabeth is a 4 times best seller with her book “A Desert Trail, a Journey to Success” by Elizabeth Cordero. She travels across the U.S., helping inspire and empower small business owners with her life story, which demonstrates that anything is possible in this land of dreams and opportunities.
Elizabeth lives in Bountiful, Utah with her best friend Guapo, a highly intelligent African Gray Guapo ( handsome) and her 3 rescued dogs Hudson, Snowie and Blackie.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I def had a rough road along the way. When I started my first business in my early twenties, I was met with challenges that, at the time, felt insurmountable. Being very young and looking even younger, petite, and unmarried in a world that often equated experience with age and responsibility, I wasn’t taken seriously. To gain credibility, I’d bring my mom to client meetings, but even then, everyone would talk to her instead of me but she didn’t speak any English and mine was not so great but at least it was good enough to communicate. When I started my cleaning business, my mother and I would go door to door with a bucket and a mop to look legitimate asking the rich people if they would allow us to clean their homes. I knew if they gave us one opportunity they would never fired us, that is how confident I felt overtime. Sure enough little by little we gained the community trust. Those moments taught me perseverance and the importance of believing in myself, even when others didn’t and to leave my shyness at the door if I wanted to make things happen.
Growing up in a small town, I was shy and naive, which made adapting to life in the U.S. even harder. My mother had risked everything to bring us here for a better life, but that new life came with its own struggles. Loneliness set in quickly as my mom and sister worked tirelessly to pay off the debts from our dangerous border crossing journey into the States which I share in my book “The Desert Trail, a Journey to Success”. I would spend many hours alone in an apartment after we had moved out of the 2 bedroom 1 bathroom house we used to share with over 20 other immigrants. I remember having my clothes in a black trash back and picking up everyday to pick my clothes before going to school Life somehow had gotten better, yet started to feel very lonely.
School was a challenge in a foreign language, and the lack of a social security number meant getting and keeping jobs was nearly impossible. I was constantly fired, leaving me to feel disposable, as though my existence didn’t matter. I think I lived in fear of deportation for most of my life and even after getting documented, I still felt “undocumented”. It was traumatic to say the least.
Those experiences, while deeply painful, forced me to think creatively. I had to learn how to present myself, communicate effectively, and turn even the smallest openings into opportunities. Those skills became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey and made me more and more resilient. I knew that with every challenge, I was becoming a more skilled Entrepeneur. So challenges I accepted and welcomed thereafter. Entrepreneurship is def. not easy but it is one of the most fulfilling paths a person can take.
We’ve been impressed with Cordero Investments LLC , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cordero Investments LLC is more than just a real estate company—it’s a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to transforming neighborhoods into beautiful, thriving communities where people are proud to live. Founded with a deep passion for making a difference, our work goes beyond buying, renovating, and selling properties. We create opportunities, uplift communities, and deliver homes that bring joy to families.
Specializing in home renovations and property management, Cordero Investments LLC is known for providing high-quality housing solutions to first-time homebuyers and renters. Every project is approached with care and a commitment to excellence. From the moment we acquire a property to the final finishing touches, our goal is to transform homes that were once in poor or even unlivable condition into welcoming spaces that people are proud to call home. Our goal is to create houses that not only meet but exceed expectations, inspiring residents to care for and cherish their new spaces.We take immense pride in knowing that we’ve created a place where families can make memories and build their futures.
What truly sets us apart is our community-focused approach. Each home we renovate not only transforms the property but uplifts the entire neighborhood. We collaborate with local contractors, creating jobs for home inspectors, electricians, framers, carpet layers, and window installers. This ripple effect strengthens the local economy and fosters a sense of pride among community members.
Our rental services are equally impactful. We provide affordable, quality housing for those who often face barriers in the traditional rental market. Whether it’s helping someone transition from homelessness to their first apartment or housing families who have been overlooked, we believe everyone deserves a chance to call a place “home. Witnessing the joy and relief on the faces of our tenants is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.
Reflecting on this journey, I never imagined growing up that I would be part of something so meaningful. Today, I’m most proud of how Cordero Investments LLC has become a catalyst for positive change—not just through the homes we build and rent, but through the lives we touch. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer stepping into their dream home or a family finally finding stability in an affordable rental, every success story reminds us why we do what we do.
At Cordero Investments LLC, we’re not just in the business of real estate. We’re in the business of transforming lives, one home and one community at a time.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned
Life is a journey filled with lessons, and along the way, I’ve learned many. Reflecting on my path, the most profound lessons have shaped not only my success but also my perspective on what truly matters.
In my younger years, I worked tirelessly, often sacrificing time with family and friends for the sake of building my dreams. I missed moments that will never come back—milestones, celebrations, and the simple joy of being present with loved ones. I also missed out on creating my own family because it was never a priority. While I achieved professional success, these sacrifices taught me one of the most important lessons of all: the value of balance and the irreplaceable magic of family and connection.
I’ve learned to believe in myself, even when I felt like giving up and sometimes believing others when they said I could do it and I did not believe I could. Self-belief became my foundation, pushing me through the toughest challenges, doubt was always present but overcoming it was the challenge. When you are in the dark and cant see forward, there is a light inside of you guided by God that tells you to keep moving forward because this world belongs to those who dare most. But equally important is knowing when to pause and cherish life’s most precious moments with the people who matter most.
Service has also been a cornerstone of my journey. Sharing with others and being grateful to those who have supported me along the way has brought more fulfillment than any achievement ever could. I’ve come to understand that true wealth isn’t measured by money but by health, happiness, and the impact we have on others.
My connection to God has been my source of strength and joy, keeping my spirit grounded and my heart open. This faith has guided me to lend a helping hand to those in need, to recognize that our purpose extends beyond ourselves.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that money doesn’t make you a better person. What defines you is how you show up in the most difficult moments—not for yourself, but for others. True greatness lies in how you inspire, uplift, and support those around you when they themselves have give up on life.
I believe we all have the power to change the world, but it’s not about the world changing us. It’s about becoming better people in the process and leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and compassion for future generations to follow.
These lessons have shaped not only who I am but how I strive to live each day—with faith, gratitude, and a heart committed to making a difference. Always find a way! even when the world tells you that you that is impossible for you to make it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @corderoinvestments
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Corderobuyshousescash
- Other: https://a.co/d/ag4gYRs
Image Credits
Paul Duane’s Photography, Angel’s photography, Scott Stringham Photography, Creativo Publishing LLC
