Arsenio Moreno's Journey to Entrepreneurship: Building on a Legacy with AGM Environmental

Story and Photos by Jonathan Turner
Loan Product: Contractor Capacity Loan Program

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Arsenio Moreno grew up in Moline, Illinois, learning the trades alongside his father, who owned and managed rental properties. From an early age, he helped fix up homes, gaining hands-on experience in everything from doors and windows to roofs and concrete—"a little bit of everything," he recalls.

In 2020, inspired by his father’s work ethic and dedication, Moreno took the next step in his career by earning his state certification in lead abatement. The following year, he founded AGM Environmental—named after his initials—continuing his father’s legacy in the Illinois Quad Cities. “My dad has been a great mentor,” Moreno says. “He’s always been there with me, teaching me about maintaining homes and making a dollar the right way.”

After launching AGM Environmental, Moreno secured contracts with the City of Moline for lead abatement in older homes. He also worked with Moline Public Works on cleanup projects and participated in home weatherization efforts through Project NOW’s weatherization programs.
His work with Project NOW led him to Bridge Investment in 2023. Opting not to pursue traditional bank loans, Moreno applied to Bridge Investment in the spring of 2023 due to the tailored support offered by the Contractor Capacity Loan Program. “Meeting Bridge Investment Loan Officer Frank Perez and learning about the available loans was really cool,” Moreno says. “It was a big help, big time.”

Through Bridge Investment, Moreno secured funding that enabled him to purchase essential equipment, including a dump truck and excavators, while also providing working capital to support construction contracts. This funding was instrumental in his work rehabilitating homes through a single-family rehabilitation program administered by Economic Growth Corporation and funded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

That summer, AGM Environmental completed several impactful projects, including a new roof and a handicapped-accessible bathroom remodel in Erie, Illinois; a new main-level laundry room in Silvis, Illinois; and a handicapped-accessible ramp and stairway, complete with railings inside and outside, for a homeowner in Rock Island.

Moreno credits GROWTH for introducing him to Frank Perez, who explained Bridge Investment’s Contractor Capacity Loan Program and how it could assist him with construction contracts, helping cover labor and material costs. “It made it easy for me at the time because I had so much going on,” he says. “Just daily operations alone require a lot. What I really liked about it was how easy it was. I was able to buy what was necessary without being in a tight spot, especially just starting out. It was a blessing."

Moreno also appreciated the low interest rate offered by Bridge Investment. “With the way they released funds, I got all the jobs done pretty quickly,” he says, noting that his contracts for these home improvements were facilitated through GROWTH.

Starting his own business came with its challenges, particularly in financing and navigating the complexities of projects funded through state agencies, such as the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Yet, he found fulfillment in serving the very neighborhood he grew up in. “It means a lot, because I was born and raised here,” Moreno says. “I have an opportunity to do some lead abatement on the Rock Island Arsenal, which makes me feel good.”

Moreno emphasizes the importance of providing safe living conditions for his customers. One particularly meaningful project involved installing a step-in tub, wall-mounted seat, and handrails for a woman with hip dysplasia in Erie, Illinois. “She had a hard time getting in her tub, so we did a step-in tub, a seat on the wall, handrails,” he explains. “That’s the most satisfying part of it because, to us—God willing—we’re still able, so we don’t think about it. At the same time, elderly people need it.”

He loves seeing the reactions of his customers when they experience their newly improved homes. “They’ve been making do with what they have for so long, and knowing that showering won’t be their big battle of the day anymore—that’s everything,” he shares.

Another project that left a lasting impact was installing a new laundry area on the main level of an elderly woman’s home. “She had a hard time going up and down stairs to do laundry,” he recalls. “So we put it on the main level in a little bedroom, made her a little shelf, and she was really happy.”

Providing these solutions not only improves quality of life for homeowners but also preserves their independence. “It makes them feel good that they’re still able to fend for themselves,” Moreno says. “I have parents who are elderly, so just putting a handrail up is everything.”
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With the right resources and a strong foundation built on years of experience, Moreno continues to grow AGM Environmental, ensuring quality housing and safe living conditions in the community—one project at a time.

Arsenio Moreno, Owner & Operator of AGM Environmental, standing in front of his work truck. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Turner.