Jimmy Valdez Jr. thought he'd go into business. The 1987 graduate of Cheyenne's East High worked in his father's furniture store with plans of taking over one day. But he soon took a detour into law enforcement. He would eventually open his own business, as planned, but it would be a private investigation firm. Valdez said after graduation he first headed to the University of Wyoming. He started fulfilling the requirements for a business degree, but he wasn't sure if it was for him. "I knew my dad wanted me to take over the family business, but my heart was in law enforcement," he said. "It just intrigues you. (I thought) that's what I want to be when I grow up." His father's police officer buddies often came over to play poker, and Valdez was fascinated by their shiny badges. While this symbol of authority first got him interested in the law, helping people was what turned it into a career. After leaving UW, Valdez took jobs in Colorado and Las Vegas as a security officer, said Jimmy Valdez Sr. By 1994, Valdez Jr. became an Arizona police officer, serving the communities of Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu and Phoenix for the next 10 years. After taking his first position as an officer, he soon found himself tackling cases in embezzlement, homicide, theft, drugs and fraud. He eventually worked his way up to detective sergeant. Working in narcotics division and spent time on a SWAT team. But the most helpful skill came from East High wrestling. "I was in a couple of altercations where I could lose my life," Valdez said. "When you're in that situation, it's either you or him. And I credit my history in wrestling. The hardest thing I ever had to do was wrestle for Cheyenne East High." But while he loved law enforcement, it was difficult being on call constantly. "You could be at a movie, and if your pager went off, you'd have to leave," Valdez said. His career took a quieter approach when he branched out into community police work. He spoke to various homeowners' associations about security. Some neighborhoods were plagued by burglary, but there were plenty of simple solutions. He suggested that people leave their porch lights on and trim trees and bushes to eliminate hiding spots. Cars parked on the street also give thieves easy home access if they hold a garage door opener. Valdez urged neighbors to pool their resources into community patrols. But he also saw a market for private investigation. As a police officer, he and his co-workers were always swamped with cases. And in a situation like that, it was impossible to take the time to find a lost dog. "I know how busy detectives can get," he said. "When I started, I was 18 cases behind." But as a private investigator, he could see a case through to the very end. "Most people don't know they have a choice (to hire a private investigator)," he added. In 2005, Valdez opened Investigative Professional Services in Fort Mohave, Ariz. He began uncovering employee backgrounds and straying spouses. Business expanded to include business drug testing and security camera installation. And Valdez suddenly had more time to interview witnesses and conduct a full investigation. He also could help people who couldn't go to the police over a civil matter or missing pet. "I wish I had done this sooner," he added. "I'm now able to cover a lot more ground." The older Valdez said during a December visit, he was shocked to see how much business was booming, even though it was the holidays. And with cases extending behind Arizona's borders into neighboring states, Valdez Jr. needed help. He enlisted the assistance of his younger brother, Anthony, with hopes of eventually expanding the business back toward Wyoming or Colorado. Valdez Sr. said while he's proud of his son's accomplishments, he wishes he could be closer. And Valdez Jr. said he actually misses shoveling snow.