Many immigrants have stories that are full of challenges, lessons, and inspiring moments. Once a person decides to turn their life around, a flood of emotions takes over, ranging from fear of the unknown to the excitement of their new future.
In Florida, there are thousands of immigrants working, learning, and doing their part to shape this country. The great HCCMO family takes pride in the incredible stories of immigrants who started from scratch and have now set the benchmark for many Hispanics.
We wish to take this opportunity to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing some real-life stories. Stories of reinvention and success.
Juan Quiroga is the President & CEO of JCQ Services, a company with more than 20 years of experience in the construction and logistics industry. He shares his story about his experience as an immigrant in the U.S.
Can you briefly share with us what Hispanic Heritage Month means to you? JQ – It is the month when I take pride in being Hispanic, and where I learn more about other Hispanic cultures within our community. It is a month filled with inspiration.
Could you share a little about the story of your own family’s journey to the U.S.? Something special that guided you on your path to reinvention and represents what it’s like to start from scratch? JQ – For my family, the beginning was not easy for many reasons. First, I had to learn the language while working and studying simultaneously, but always with the dream of providing my family with happiness and economic stability. I started by opening a small cleaning company, cleaning new houses. Later, I expanded into construction and hotel services. As I look back on this experience, it fills me with great pride. It helped me instill the values that give me the strength to keep going every day!
What was the most challenging part about immigrating? JQ – For me, at the young age of 14, it was leaving my home country of Peru. It was the place where I felt comfortable and had well-defined goals for the future. I left behind my friends, my girlfriend at the time, my motorcycle, and a status in which I felt popular. When I arrived in NYC, I found myself in a place where I didn’t know anyone and could not speak the language. I felt that my individuality had been stripped away from me, and I had no idea where my future was heading. Thank God, my parents had faith in me and knew that I would have a better future in this country, even when I couldn’t see it.
What activities, food, or customs from your home country do you keep alive within your family or JCQ Services, Inc? JQ – In my family, we maintain the tradition of family unity above everything else. We always seek each other out and celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, by getting together and barbecuing. We have a tradition of eating 12 grapes before January 1st, and we eat “paneton” for Christmas. At JCQ, we are also a big family, and we have similar customs.
What advice would you give to new Hispanic entrepreneurs today who are just starting their venture? JQ – I would tell them that this country is full of opportunities, but you have to do your research and be prepared when you arrive: Join organizations like HCCMO that can support you, look for mentors in your field of work, and be persistent. This path is not easy and requires effort, so it’s crucial to engage with entrepreneurs and learn from them, but most importantly, always be humble.
Juan Quiroga, his family, and his team are a reflection of the countless Hispanics who are making their mark in the U.S.
In our upcoming blogs, you will meet other immigrants who are members of the great HCCMO family, who from their work and personal experience, have had the strength to persevere and make their mark in the community.
By Bold Digital Marketing Studio.
