Sandoval Wood Creations is the Business of the Year

On Oct. 13, a local business was given a prestigious honor. Domingo Sandoval, 45, received the Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s (MCHCC)’s Business of the Year Award for his business Sandoval Wood Creations (SWC).
You may have seen the business around town. SWC has provided and donated jumpers to many local events: in schoolyards, the fairgrounds and on Sixth St. According to Sandoval, the business started as a hobby in his garage in 2015. The business grew from producing wood characters and decorations, to making wood carnival games, jumpers, homemade trackless train rides and even outdoor movie theaters by 2023.
In an email MCHCC Board of Directors member, Mario Pena, stated Sandoval was unanimously chosen for, “his dedication to supporting small businesses and assisting residents in the community of Los Banos.”
Pena cited Sandoval’s active community engagement and the creation of, “several activities that bring joy to families.” A few of those activities are the Annual Los Banos Christmas Toy Drive, pushing the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce to create their Trunk o’ Treat event, and the donation of festival setups to churches.
Pena said during the award ceremony, “More importantly, he wants to continue giving without expecting anything back. And that’s what the true American dream is all about.”
After an interview with Sandoval, it was revealed his participation in many of the events he’s done has been free of charge to the organizers. When he charges for rides during Chamber events, it has been done without putting any strain on the Chamber’s finances. Sandoval has also donated his labor and equipment to fundraising events where he has made no money back.
At the 76th Annual Installation Dinner of the MCHCC, Sandoval had tears in his eyes as he came up to the stage. Choking up as he spoke, he said, “This is something I never expected.” Continuing through the emotions, “This award is not only for me, it’s for my son,” Domingo continued, “It’s for my wife, my family.
“I love my community, I love the people– whether it’s bad people or good people, they’re people to me,” he said “[We’re] going to keep going no matter what it takes. I have a lot of dreams, thank you.”
Domingo wasn’t only given a Business of the Year Award. He was given certificates of recognition from representatives at the meeting: State of Assembly Woman Esmerelda Soria, State Senator Anna Caballero, Merced Mayor Matt Serratto, the entire Merced County Board of Supervisors, and Congressman John Duarte.
We at the Westside Express thank Sandoval for all he has done and congratulate him on winning MCHCC’s Business of the Year for 2023. We look forward to what else he will do for the community.