Carlos Castro, President and CEO of Todos Supermarkets immigrated to the United States from El Salvador in 1980, leaving his wife and kids behind. Only after he worked several jobs and saved enough money was he able to send for them. Once they were all reunited, Carlos and his wife worked in factory jobs and construction sites before they made a decision to open their own business, an ethnic supermarket.
Today, they are running a multi-million dollar company. Todos Supermarkets took in $15.9 million last year and is projected to earn more than $18 million in sales next year. At the beginning though, earnings were not as consistent so Carlos and his wife had to work other jobs to supplement their income, but today, the business is a thriving and profitable family business.
In fact, 1 in 6 small businesses in America are owned by immigrants. The Land of Opportunity makes it easier to start an independent business.
When Carlos and his wife were ready to take the first step towards starting their own business they were actually discouraged by some, but Carlos believed in himself and especially in the American Dream. He did not let anyone discriminate against him or undermine his aspirations for a free and prosperous life in his new home-country.
