At The Sutton Apartments in Woodbridge, Jose Argueta has built a reputation as someone you can count on, no matter the time, the challenge, or the ask. As Maintenance Supervisor, he is often the first to arrive each morning, already thinking through the day before most people have had their coffee. By the time his team comes in, priorities are set, tasks are organized, and a plan is in motion. But there is more to Jose than what residents see day to day. Outside of The Sutton, he steps into a completely different role, one fueled by the same energy and dedication, as a passionate soccer commentator, bringing games to life for audiences across the region.

And while Jose is known throughout The Sutton for his reliability and dedication, there’s another side to his story that many people don’t see. Long before he built a career in maintenance, Jose had a dream of becoming a journalist. At just 14 years old in El Salvador, he found his way into a local radio station, taking on whatever role he could just to be close to the action. What started as cleaning records and helping behind the scenes quickly turned into something more. Watching broadcasters at work sparked a passion that never really left him. “When I saw people doing the news, I knew I wanted to do that,” he recalls.

After moving to the United States and graduating from the International Media Academy, Jose began working with local Spanish-language radio stations, eventually narrating thousands of soccer games across the DMV. His style combines fast-paced play-by-play with thoughtful commentary, capturing both the energy of the game and the story behind it. Over time, he has interviewed players, coaches, musicians, and public figures, building a body of work rooted in his love of the sport.

Although he stepped away from broadcasting for a period to focus on family, that passion never faded. After the pandemic, an opportunity to cover a game through social media brought him back and introduced him to a new platform for storytelling. “It was the new era,” he says, “…social media.” Since then, he has continued to grow his presence, sharing games and interviews with a wider audience than ever before.

One of his most memorable moments came at a major soccer tournament, Copa Mariachi, in Richmond, where he was selected to interview the organization’s president. Determined to get it right, Jose spent the entire night preparing. “All night studying, just for three or four questions,” he says. 

Despite how different these two paths may seem, Jose sees a clear connection between them. Both require communication, awareness, and the ability to read people in the moment. Whether he’s addressing a resident concern or narrating a game-winning goal, the goal is the same: to connect. “One piece is maintenance. One piece is social media,” he says. “It’s all about how we interact with people.”

Jose describes his role simply: he’s the connection point between management, maintenance, and residents. Each morning starts with a careful review of what happened overnight and what needs immediate attention. From there, the day unfolds quickly. Whether it’s a routine repair or an unexpected emergency, he approaches every situation with urgency and care. “I treat the building like it’s mine,” he says. “Emergencies need to be addressed no matter what time. I will always be there for my residents.” It’s not unusual for Jose to step in after hours or even overnight if needed, because to him, showing up is part of the job.

That mindset is rooted in something his parents taught him early on: consistency of character matters. “Whatever you do, be the same person,” he says. For Jose, that translates into doing the right thing, working honestly, and taking pride in every detail. It’s also what fuels his approach to problem-solving. While some might shy away from more complex maintenance challenges, Jose leans in. He finds satisfaction not in the easy fixes, but in tackling the problems that require persistence and skill, because solving them means making a real difference for residents.

“Dweck has something that other companies don’t have,” Jose says. “Special relationships that make work enjoyable. No matter what level you are, people are heard and appreciated.” That sense of connection to both colleagues and residents is what has kept him here. “They say it’s a family company, and it truly is,” he adds.

His connection to residents is one of the things that sets Jose apart. Having worked in diverse communities throughout his career, he’s developed a natural ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds. He makes an effort to meet residents where they are—sometimes literally learning how to greet them in their native language. It’s a small gesture that reflects a larger philosophy: good service starts with understanding people. “In maintenance, we face many cultures and personalities,” he explains. “You have to be ready to approach anyone in the best way possible to resolve any issue.” For Jose, those daily interactions aren’t just part of the job, they’re what make the work meaningful. 

Outside of work, Jose’s life is centered around family. He is a proud father of four daughters and a grandfather to several grandchildren, with another on the way. He also enjoys music, songwriting, and photography; creative outlets that complement his voice behind the microphone. His passion for music extends even further, with a personal album, Jose Argueta, Canta a CentroAmerica, available on YouTube, showcasing his talent and artistry beyond the commentary booth.

For those who know him at The Sutton, Jose is the steady presence who keeps things running, solves problems before they grow, and shows up when it matters most. And while many may never hear him behind a microphone, that same energy, passion, and commitment are on display every single day—just in a different arena.