Jose Bohorquez—Founder and Driving Force Behind Bess Utility Solution

On 01/22/2021 at 1:45 p.m., Juan Jose Bohorquez passed away peacefully alongside his loving wife, Martha Bohorquez, and his four children, from complications derived from the COVID-19 virus. Juan Jose Bohorquez was born on February 5th, 1958, in Lima, Peru. His beloved parents were Manuela Cristina Vergara Vasquez and Juan Francisco Bohorquez.

In the early 80’s, Jose immigrated from his home country of Peru to the US with only a student visa, a suitcase full of clothes, and his American Dream. He came to the US to continue his studies while working as a Metallurgical Engineer for Western Forge Co.

Jose was a true entrepreneur. During his time with Western Forge, he fell upon an opportunity that would change his life forever. The laboratory, a vendor of Western Forge that he used to perform nondestructive testing on samples from their forging shop, was going out of business. Jose and his partner gathered up as much money as possible and secured a small bank loan to purchase the company known today as BESS MTI Inc.

The early years were tough. He purchased equipment at auctions, getting the best deals possible for equipment needed to run his lab. After several years of long hours and hard work, his two companies, BESS Testlab Inc. & BESS MTI, combined, provide jobs to roughly about 160 people. Our family is blessed to have had the opportunity to join him in the process and to continue what he started with so much love and sacrifice.

We are also very grateful for all the employees that have been around long enough to witness the growth of the business. He used to say, "We could not have done it without all of our loyal employees.” Jose was a dedicated family man. His loving wife, Martha Bohorquez, and especially his kids were his greatest motivation in life. Although many saw Jose as a father figure, he had four children: Jose Francisco, Michael, Anthony, and Cristina Bohorquez.

Jose was a true inspiration to many. He was a very kindhearted and humble person. He helped a lot of people, and he always had a hard time saying no. Jose loved to cook. He loved to play guitar with his friends and watch sports games with his children. On Sundays, you could find him with his family at Levi’s Stadium enjoying his 49er season tickets and a cold beer.

Jose will live on in our hearts and through all the wonderful memories that bring smiles to our faces when reminiscing of many good times. Jose is a legend to many and will never be forgotten.