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| Best Buy Tortilla Factory |
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Wisdom comes from the heart of
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El Paso: The statement -- necessity
is the mother of invention -- is dramatically demonstrated within this man's
life. What drives a man to work around the clock and even to invent his first
tortilla machine from washing-machine parts?
He needed a paycheck so he created his own. That
was 1993.
By 1998 his business was so robust the Gruma
Corporation made him an offer that he couldn't refuse. Gruma is one the largest
companies in the world making corn flour and tortilla products.
Heliodoro retired, yet some of the family carry on
those Valadez traditions learned at Best Buy Tortilla. Maria Valadez Cisneros
works for the new owners d/b/a Mission Foods; she says that her dad is doing
pretty well after a liver transplant!
"At the beginning I slept at the
factory because I had to get up at 4 AM to make the tortillas then get them
delivered, then work on the machines."
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Heliodoro Valadez |
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WIN AN
AWARD. Heliodoro came to our attention during the national celebration
called, Small Business Week, coordinated by the US Small Business
Administration. He attended their annual celebration in Washington, DC and
Hattie was won by his infectious smile. Over 80 of our episodes have touched
the work of the SBA. In theory, the SBA is our Advocacy Partner; however,
SmallBusinessSchool receives no taxpayer money to produce this
show.
- FAMILY BUSINESS: Some say half of all business is family
business; those in the know say that two-thirds of all business is family
business. How is your family known? What kind of identity do you have? We
encourage you to also study some of the other
family businesses.
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| WATCH
TELEVISION THAT TEACHES |
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- THE IMMIGRANTS WHO DO WELL: Some people come to this country to play the
system; others capture the fundamental spirit, the freedom, the openness to
create something from nothing, and they do very, very well. Meet a diversity of
people, some second and third
generation immigrants, and some overcoming what some would say are
insurmountable obstacles. This is the core value of this great nation, the
USA.
- MORE ABOUT RETAIL
. Not only is this a story about
manufacturing, it is also a retail shop. People are quick to stop buy just
before it is time to eat and pick up tortillas that are still hot!
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- INNOVATION.
If you have an idea that simply won't let go
of you. If you think about it constantly, get on path. You are doing the
American dream.
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MORE ABOUT MANUFACTURING. Manufacturing is coming back to the USA. Watch
small business. The cost of entry has come down so low that it is ever-easier
to manufacture in your garage. Billion dollar businesses are quietly and
optimistically being statrted today.
 READ HATTIE'S
BOOK. Hattie has written a
book to be sure you are doing the right thing before you start that business.
Most people fail. Over 70% in the first year. It is not good for you or anybody
around you to fail, so be sure you start the right business.
Also, you
may enjoy Michael Novak's book,
Business As Calling.
- JOIN, JOIN, JOIN.
Your
professional associations in your industry are your key to continuing
education, market research, collaborations, strategic partnerships, capital and
so much more ... often you'll find that you enjoy like-minded people and many
will become friends for life.
- SUPPORT PUBLIC TELEVISION:
Become a member of your local
station. If you are already, great. If not and your business is doing well,
consider joining the Producers' Club ($1000).
Please note:
SmallBusinessSchool airs on El Paso's KCOS-TV and the show gets local
sponsorship from
Chase Bank.
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