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From rebellious teenager in Cuba to entrepreneur in the United States, Ricky Ravelo’s story reflects the journey of many Cubans who turned adversity into opportunity.
The television station News4Jax shared his story in the framework of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting how this Cuban immigrant built his own roofing company, Arica Construction, with which he has worked on dozens of projects in Jacksonville, Florida.
The report highlighted that Ravelo has provided support even in emergency situations, such as when a tornado ripped the roof off a business on Beach Boulevard last summer.
Ravelo arrived in the United States as a mere 14-year-old teenager, having left Cuba during the Mariel exodus in 1980, when over 125,000 Cubans reached U.S. territory in a span of six months.
"My mom sacrificed everything to bring me here. I feel blessed to be here and not in what I left behind," said the entrepreneur.
In Cuba, he recalled, he began to be seen as a problem for "expressing opinions and singing" that were not well received by the authorities.
"My mother was a teacher under the regime, and when I started to act like a rebel, I was labeled as someone opposed to the government," he explained.
Today, Ricky Ravelo works alongside his son, Ricky Jr., who claims that he learns from his father's experience every day.
The businessman, father of three children, has successfully established his business in Jacksonville, where he has been involved in repairing church roofs and various constructions.
"If I could do it, anyone can achieve it. You just need to have the will. You live in the best country in the world."
"As long as you believe in God and in Jesus as your personal savior, I believe you will be fine no matter what you do in life," Ravelo expressed, while sharing the message he wants to convey during this Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Cuban community abroad continues to demonstrate resilience and entrepreneurship in challenging contexts. In Houston, a Cuban family sought support to keep their business, facing economic hardships while trying to maintain their work independence and support their children in the United States.
In Miami, another Cuban shared her experience under pressure, stating that she was on the verge of closing her pizzeria.
Despite the financial challenges, he strives to keep alive the business he built with hard work, like many other immigrants who have faced uncertainty without losing faith in their vision.
In Europe, similar stories are also known. In Spain, a Cuban who worked as a waitress managed to open her own restaurant, demonstrating that with vision and continuous effort, one can turn a survival job into a genuine business opportunity.
Another inspiring example comes from England, where a former Cuban gymnast transformed his life as a truck driver.
Her story highlights the drastic changes that many migrants must face to reintegrate into the workforce, without giving up their discipline or their determination to progress.
Also in Uruguay, a Cuban nurse found a new calling in manicuring after emigrating with her children.
Her message, centered on the idea that "it's never too late to fulfill a dream," aligns with the testimony of many Cubans who have managed to reinvent themselves outside their country.
Frequently asked questions about Ricky Ravelo's story and Cuban entrepreneurship in the United States
Who is Ricky Ravelo and how did he come to the United States?
Ricky Ravelo is a Cuban businessman who arrived in the United States during the Mariel exodus in 1980 when he was 14 years old. In Cuba, he was labeled a rebel for expressing opinions that did not align with the regime. His mother sacrificed everything to bring him to the U.S., where he later founded his own construction company in Jacksonville, Florida.
What kind of business does Ricky Ravelo have in the United States?
Ricky Ravelo is the owner of Arica Construction, a roofing company in Jacksonville, Florida. His company has worked on multiple projects, including emergency repairs following natural disasters such as tornadoes.
What is the main message that Ricky Ravelo wants to share during Hispanic Heritage Month?
Ricky Ravelo emphasizes that with willpower and faith in God, anyone can achieve their dreams in the United States. He believes that this country offers unique opportunities and wishes to inspire other immigrants to pursue their goals with determination.
What challenges did Ricky Ravelo face upon arriving in the United States and how did he overcome them?
Ricky Ravelo faced the challenge of adapting to a new country as a barely teenager with no resources. He overcame these difficulties thanks to the sacrifice of his mother and his own determination, eventually managing to establish his own business and build a successful life in the U.S.
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