HEDC Awards
Dear Readers,
We are excited to celebrate the five local businesses who recently earned the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation’s “Business Legacy Award.” Congratulations to the following five business owners!
Elvira Arizmendi began Elvira’s Cakes almost 25 years ago and since that time, she has expanded her cakes and pastries business to include a café area (Elvi Café).
Mary Barron started Mary’s Hair Salon in 2011 and now has two locations in northeast Kansas City and in Lenexa.
Jose Luis Valdez and Lucia Fonseca opened Paleterias Tropicana in 2004 with one intent – to serve authentic Mexican ice cream. They have since grown to five locations and broadened their menu offering to include fruit cocktails, smoothies, churros, and traditional food items.
Gabe Perez started his business, GR Perez and Construction Management, in 2000 and now has over 40 employees.
Jose and Graciela Cabrera began Jose Fiestas Rental in 1997 as a hobby business and now have a full-time business renting tents, tables/chairs, linens, moonwalks, staging equipment, and other party items.
Pedro: Fantastic work to all five of these remarkable Kansas City businesses! It’s wonderful to see the great impact you are not only having on the Latino community abut also on the larger Kansas City community.
Pedro: So as the owner of GR Perez and Construction Management, what advice would you have for other entrepreneurs Gabe?
Gabe: Entrepreneurs need to remember that they will probably not get it the right the first time and that’s okay. Also, new business owners should be sure to think through and address all the details before they start their business. Lastly, it’s important to make sure to understand the business details with your banker and accountant. This is an important part that will determine your success.
Josh: Getting a banker on your side early on who can advocate for you and your business can definitely be a benefit.
Josh: Jose and Graciela, as the owners of a 20+ year successful business, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs?
Jose and Graciela: Don’t give up. It can be discouraging when you hear that your business idea may lack potential; but only you know your goals and only you can determine how far you want to go. Never forget the reason why you are working and stay focused on your goals and your own path.
Pedro: That’s great advice. Have you two ever received any great advice that helped you succeed?
Jose and Graciela: Yes. We’ve learned it’s very important to listen to your customers, to be honest and to give the best of you always. There is always something that you can improve in your business and always be something new to learn. The day you think that you can no longer improve your product or service, you have already taken a step back. The world and the customers keep changing and if you want to grow, you must try to keep up with these changes. Customer service will always make the difference between two companies that offer the same product. If you treat your clients like you like to be treated, your clients will thank you, they will be loyal to you and they will always recommend you.
Josh: I am so proud of these business owners that have followed their hearts and smartly grown their businesses into the successful companies they are today. They are a great asset to our growing Kansas City community. Congratulations to all of these deserving winners! And thank you to the HEDC for all that you do to spur on economic growth in our neighborhoods too!
We’d love to hear from you. We are offering $100 to the reader whose question is selected next. Please submit your business questions to together@lead.bank.
