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Interview No. 1502, Arnaldo Chavarria Dds
Interview No. 1502, Arnaldo Chavarria Dds
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Dr. Chavarria is the sixth child in a line of nine siblings. After graduating from high school, Dr. Chavarria briefly worked at a factory before applying and getting accepted to the El Paso Community College Dental Hygiene program. Dr. Chavarria worked as a dental hygienist before applying and being accepted to dental school in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating dental school, Dr. Chavarria worked with Dr. Watson, the El Paso City/County Health Department as well as La Fe Clinic and Sun Plaza Clinic. Soon after, Dr. Chavarria opened his practice on the Eastside of El Paso. Dr. Chavarria has received …
Interview No. 1501, Jose Luis Lopez
Interview No. 1501, Jose Luis Lopez
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
After graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1975, Joe worked at Safeway groceries and with two advertising agencies. He worked for Coca-Cola selling Minute Maid orange juice as an unpaid worker in order to gain experience in the advertising field. Coca-Cola hired Joe and he began working in New Products bringing new items to local grocery stores. Joe did well and was moved to run a small division within Coca-Cola that allows them to test new products, come up with new names and then work on the selling and distribution of the products. Joe was the …
Interview No. 1500, Jose Luis Villanueva
Interview No. 1500, Jose Luis Villanueva
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Not included.
Interview No. 1499, Rosa Santana
Interview No. 1499, Rosa Santana
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Rosa had her first job when she was 13-14 years old working at an A&W drive thru. While Rosa was in high school, she was a part of DECA, a program that helps students learn about professional jobs and Rosa was able to work at the Popular Department store in El Paso, Texas. Rosa married and moved to Las Vegas for short time and had a daughter. Rosa moved back to El Paso and after a few jobs, Rosa went to work for Kelly Staffing Services. Working at Kelly, Rosa was able to get involved and grow professionally within the …
Interview No. 1498, Kelly Thomas Pacheco
Interview No. 1498, Kelly Thomas Pacheco
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Kelly gives her father, the late George Thomas the credit of having mentored and guided her through the residential building business and Kelly also recognizes she learned decorating from watching her mother who had a natural talent for decorating. Kelly began decorating model homes while in high school. After high school, Kelly ventured into her own business called Del Pueblo Furniture and she would purchase furniture in México and re-sell it in the United States. At the end of 1989, Kelly began working for her father in his business Carefree Homes. Kelly eventually branched out with her own business, Quality …
Interview No. 1497, Lisa Herrera
Interview No. 1497, Lisa Herrera
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Lisa got her start in selling retail with her mother and sister who owned and ran a local bridal shop. Lisa’s father also ran a motel and did most of the work at the motel himself. Lisa learned how to manage a business and the work ethic that goes with it from watching her parents run their businesses. Later while Lisa worked at a boutique she was approached by local business woman Joanne Wardy to sell corporations gifts for their company. Lisa got into the business and with the help of her husband she was able to grow slowly and …
Interview No. 1496, Jorge Vielledent
Interview No. 1496, Jorge Vielledent
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
At the time of Jorge’s graduation from The University of Texas at El Paso, his father presented him with $500 dollars so Jorge could get his licenses, registrations, pay the exams fees, and NASD registrations. Initially when Jorge graduated from college he worked internationally with clients all over the world, especially those from México. When the 1994 devaluation of the peso occurred, Jorge ventured into the business he has now. Jorge networks with companies such as AXA. Jorge’s company, Synergy Group works to help people with financial planning. The company assists clients in the accumulation phase, distribution phase and transfer …
Interview No. 1495, Yolanda Diaz
Interview No. 1495, Yolanda Diaz
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Yolanda recalls having a wonderful childhood being raised by her mother. While in high school Yolanda joined Vocational Office Education at Jefferson High school. This program helped Yolanda learn basic bookkeeping and accounting as well as provide opportunities for a job while in high school. Yolanda took advantage of the program and learned as much as she could. Yolanda also worked for the Veterans Affairs as an administrative assistant for the pharmacists. Yolanda would go on to work for Petro Shopping Centers, Jack Cardwell, Media Copy and Texas Gas Services in the accounting and bookkeeping aspects of those businesses. Yolanda …
Interview No. 1494, Raul Ramos
Interview No. 1494, Raul Ramos
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Raul Ramos purchased Han-D-Pak from Mr. Young. Raul admits not knowing much about owning a small business however he did see a need for the products within the local market. Raul worked out of a small grocery owned by his mother-in-law and had the help of his two brothers and mother. They would all work to package and deliver the products to the local grocery stores. Raul hand made the racks to hold his product until he was able to hire a carpenter to assist him in the creation of the racks. Raul bought into El Paso products from companies …
Interview No. 1493, Julius Lowenberg
Interview No. 1493, Julius Lowenberg
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
When Julius graduated from St. Patrick’s Cathedral High School in the early 1950’s, he went to work for Fur Foods and then the railroad company. After being let go from the railroad company, Julius started volunteer coaching touch football. The following year, Julius began coaching tackle football and basketball at St. Patrick’s. During this time, Julius began attending The University of Texas at El Paso and did so while coaching at St. Patrick’s. Julius left St. Patrick’s to coach at Putnam Elementary when he was offered a high school coaching job at a school in Canutillo, a community in the …
Interview No. 1492, Patti Holland Branch
Interview No. 1492, Patti Holland Branch
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Patti Holland Branch began developing her skills as an entrepreneur when she was around the age of 8. Patti purchased a weave machine to make pot holders and sold them around the neighborhood to earn money for her family. Patti would also host a summer school for the kids in her neighborhood and would receive gifts of cash for her efforts. When Patti was a teenager, she worked for the Mayor’s office creating a scrapbook. She eventually earned the Dorrance D. Roderick scholarship to attend Texas Western College. Patti married her husband and they moved to Germany for his work …
Interview No. 1491, Mike Garcia
Interview No. 1491, Mike Garcia
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Mike was brought to El Paso by his godmother to attend school at Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas when he was 11 years old. Mike had his first job working at a bowling alley in El Paso at the age of 12. At the age of 15 years old, he got married. Mike cared for and loved his mother Benita very much. He recalls that she taught him to better his life, to better his family, to do the proper thing, to be honest with himself, and to have self-respect. Mike has used these concepts to build his …
Interview No. 1490, Leigh Kersh
Interview No. 1490, Leigh Kersh
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Leigh Kersh was born in El Paso, Texas to Moe and Rosie Kersh. Leigh attended The University of Texas at El Paso and The University of Texas at Austin before attending New York University and graduating with a degree in Physiology. While Leigh finished her degree at NYU, she worked for Federal Express in customer service and then once she graduated she became their corporate physiologist. Leigh credits her time with Federal Express for learning how to do customer service, how to run an operation, and how to train the right people for the company. Leigh grew up watching her …
Interview No. 1489, Don Shapiro
Interview No. 1489, Don Shapiro
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Don Shapiro was born and raised in the New York Metropolitan Area. In the 1930’s Don’s father Isadore worked in the fur district in New York City. When Don graduated from high school, he joined the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. After WWII, Done atteneded NYU and got a degree in accounting. After graduating NYU, he became a door to door salesman in New York City. After a time in New York, Don and his friend Harry Katz decided to drive cross country to California and work to earn money along the way. They started by driving …
Interview No. 1487, Gustavo Rodriguez
Interview No. 1487, Gustavo Rodriguez
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Gustavo learned the glass trade while growing up and working alongside his father. The name of his father’s business was Rodriguez Glass. Gustavo’s father had a hard time purchasing glass at an honest price and would purchase glass from Ciudad Juárez, México until a man from Amarillo approached them about buying the glass from him. Gustavo met his wife Elma when they were in high school and they married five years later. Gustavo was in the United States Navy Construction Battalion Reserves and was drafted into the Vietnam War in the early 1960’s. When Gustavo returned home, he had $500 …
Interview No. 1486, Elma Rodriguez
Interview No. 1486, Elma Rodriguez
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Elma met her husband Gus when they were in high school and they married five years later. Gus served in the Vietnam War and when he got out he was given $500.00 so he and Elma decided to start a business. At the time they lived on Basil St. and they started their business out of their home garage and so they named their company Basil Glass Incorporated. Another reason why they named their company Basil Glass instead of their last name is because they wanted to avoid as much discrimination as possible. As Hispanic entrepreneurs starting a business in …
Interview No. 1485, Paul Zacour
Interview No. 1485, Paul Zacour
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Paul Zacour took real estate classes and began to sell real estate when he was 19 years old. After graduating from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1986, Paul moved to Austin, Texas to be a part of the real estate market boom. In 1992, Paul moved back to El Paso, Texas. He began to work with Fred McKinstry doing appraisals together. The name of the company then became McKinstry-Zacour and Associates. When the opportunity to buy the company arose, Paul took it and Fred McKinstry semi-retired. The company then morphed into Zacour and Associates. Paul’s company works …
Interview No. 1484, Sylvia Martinez
Interview No. 1484, Sylvia Martinez
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Sylvia Martinez, her then husband and his brother decided to start inhome healthcare support business to assist families in El Paso. The business is called Altomar and is located in El Paso, Texas. Their business provided help for families dealing with special needs children. Altomar is a woman-owned certified as well as minority certified business. Sylvia also owns Altomar New Mexico and just started Altomar Medical Equipment Company that provides medical equipment. Sylvia is a member of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Altomar is able to help the El Paso community was …
Interview No. 1483, Edith Morales
Interview No. 1483, Edith Morales
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Edith Morales was born in El Paso, Texas but grew up in Ciudad Juárez, México as well. Edith attended The University of Texas at Dallas. She began working at a company called Daisy Tech in Plano, Texas eventually running their Latin America division in Miami, Florida and in México City, México. After twelve years of working for that company, the company went out of business. Edith started Printek Supplies Inc. in Miami. In 2005 while visiting family in El Paso, Edith and her husband decided to move their company and family back to El Paso. Edith belongs to the Greater …
Interview No. 1482, Carlos Guzman
Interview No. 1482, Carlos Guzman
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Carlos Guzman was born and raised in Puerto Rico and lived in there until he joined the United States Army. Prior to joining the military, Carlos obtained his Bachelor degree from the University of Puerto Rico in biology and chemistry. While in the military, Carlos served as an officer and served in Iraq from 2004 until 2005. Upon returning from Iraq, Carlos began to pursue his M.A. in computer resource management. It was during this time that Carlos met Larry Walter and the two became interested in biofuel technology after a discussion on biofuel. Carlos began investigating what it would …
Interview No. 1481, Armando Reyes
Interview No. 1481, Armando Reyes
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
When Armando was a 12 years old, he began accompanying his father to work at Alejandro’s Plumbing Company. When Armando was a teenager, he worked for that company as well. Armando Reyes graduated from Jefferson High School in 1965 and worked for Pacific Food Express after graduation. Once the job ended, Armando and four friends left for California to find work. He was able to find work in California that paid well but eventually Armando returned to El Paso. When he returned, Armando attended El Paso Community College and worked with his brother Julian at an air conditioning company called …
Interview No. 1480, Gonzalo Rangel
Interview No. 1480, Gonzalo Rangel
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Gonzalo began working at the age of 13 in a parking lot off of Wyoming St. in El Paso, Texas. The parking lot was owned by Bud Fischer and Gonzalo would park cars and clean them to earn money. By the time he was 15 years old, Gonzalo was able to purchase a 1938 Chevrolet. During high school, Gonzalo and his girlfriend had a baby and got married and Gonzalo left school to work to support his family. He briefly worked at Sanker Plumbing before leaving to work at Bray's Washing Machine to support his new family. Though his father …
Interview No. 1479, Robert Navarro
Interview No. 1479, Robert Navarro
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Robert Navarro was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and attended school in El Paso. After Robert graduated from high school, he attended Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas and graduated in 1961 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He entered the United States Army via the ROTC program for two years. After the Army, Robert attended New Mexico State University and received his Masters in Structural Engineering. During his time as a graduate student, Robert worked for A.B. Peinado and Sons. After graduating, he continued to work for that company. A.B. Peinado and Sons got into land …
Interview No. 1478, Robert Wingo
Interview No. 1478, Robert Wingo
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Robert Wingo was born in Columbus, Ohio but spent the majority of his life in El Paso, Texas. Robert attended elementary and high school in El Paso. After graduating from high school, Robert was drafted into the Vietnam War. After the serving his time in the Vietnam War, Robert attended The University of Texas at El Paso and in 1973 he got his BBA in Marketing. While attending UTEP, Robert worked for BDM Corporation on Fort Bliss. After graduating, Robert started working for Billy the Kid and ended up as the VP of Advertising. In 1983, the company was sold …
Interview No. 1505, Nan Napier
Interview No. 1505, Nan Napier
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Tres Mariposas was started by three women in El Paso, Texas and after a time, only one of the women owned the dress shop. This woman, Betty Bowman (Young) sold the business to her husband, Sam Young Jr. Sam was a client of Frank Napier and he then sold Tres Mariposas to Frank Napier. Frank Napier’s wife, Isabel Napier ran the store for a while until they presented their son, Charles and his wife Nan with the opportunity to run the store. Nan ran the store by herself until her two children were born and then her husband joined her. …
Interview No. 1477, Adam Nieto
Interview No. 1477, Adam Nieto
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
From the age of 12 until he was 15 years old, Adam Nieto worked a paper route to earn extra money for his family. After high school, Adam left El Paso for Los Angeles for two years to work, however in 1965, the draft system caught up with Adam and at the age of 21, he was drafted by the United States Army into the Vietnam War. In 1967, after his time in the military, Adam enrolled at The University of Texas at El Paso and spent four years working on his B.A. in Education. Adam was able to use …
Interview No. 1477, Adam Nieto
Interview No. 1477, Adam Nieto
Combined Interviews
From the age of 12 until he was 15 years old, Adam Nieto worked a paper route to earn extra money for his family. After high school, Adam left El Paso for Los Angeles for two years to work, however in 1965, the draft system caught up with Adam and at the age of 21, he was drafted by the United States Army into the Vietnam War. In 1967, after his time in the military, Adam enrolled at The University of Texas at El Paso and spent four years working on his B.A. in Education. Adam was able to use …
Interview No. 1504, John Romero
Interview No. 1504, John Romero
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
John Romero got his start in his father’s tax preparation office when he was in the 7th grade. By the age of 14, John and his other siblings would assist their father with tax return preparation. After graduating from Cathedral High School, John worked at a Safeway grocery store, working his way up to different positions within the store. During this time, John and his siblings continued to help their father at his tax business during tax season from January until April. John would work at Safeway, then work at the commissary part time and attend The University of Texas …
Interview No. 1503, Carlos Eduardo Casillas
Interview No. 1503, Carlos Eduardo Casillas
Paso del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project
Carlos attended school in the United States while living in México with his family and at the age of 19, his father decided to move the family to the United States permanently. Carlos Sr. owned a transportation business and Carlos would tinker with the bus ticket machines. His fascination with computers grew and he got a degree in computer science. After college Carlos worked for his father some more before starting his own company, Icon Technologies. Icon Technologies went dormant and Carlos along with his business partner Ruben Ramirez started E.R. Computer Doctors in 2002. At E.R. Computer Doctors, Carlos …