Today, I’m writing from a different mindset. My grandfather-in-law passed away after a very successful life as a family man as well as a business man. The following article is to honor his life and memory from what I knew about the man.

Grandpa Manuel (Abuelo Manuel) was a man of character, integrity, honor and an optimist. A rare treat these days. When I first met him in 2006, he immediately took a liking to me and made me feel welcomed to the family.

Over the years he shared life advise drawing from his vast experiences in business and in life in general. It is interesting to note that Abuelo as I fondly called him, always had the time to enthusiastically talk and discuss business ideas, concepts and shortcomings that only he had experienced or he could foresee. He’s optimism was contagious. Everything was possible to him and he wanted to make sure you saw it that way too! One thing that he stressed to me was, “Omar, it does not matter how much technology there is, or what electronic media you use or how many new ones may come to market, the fundamentals of a strong business remain and will always remain true! The speed of doing business, the method to reach a vast audience may have become a bit easier due to technology, but a Profit & Loss statement will tell you if your business is healthy or not. A face to face with a customer will never be replaced. Do not forget one of the most important pillars of business, and that is, that the business opportunity has to be a win-win for both the client and business owner, otherwise don’t even attempt it.”
As I mentioned earlier, Abuelo was a family man. He had a difficult upbringing after loosing both his parents at a young age. He didn’t use that as an excuse, instead that fueled his desire to become something of his life, and put himself through school, learned accounting and began keeping the books for a prominent local rum corporation.
From there, he went on to open a retail store to sell high end imported men’s clothing. He would go to shows abroad to get the latest in fashion for his retail store. The store was very successful due to his business skills and superb customer service skills. Keep in mind that this is the 70s and 80s. Later on, he decided to open another kind of retail store, while maintaining the first store open. That retail store also became a success.
While he was doing all this, he was a dedicated father of four and husband. His family was the most important thing to him. When his late wife became ill, he dropped everything and did all he could to be by his wife’s side. During our talks, he always reminded me, “always remember why you do this business. Family should be the reason to do whatever it is that you do, and to do it well.”
After his passing I found out that he was also a poet! He wrote poetry but very few people heard him recite them. His passion for life inspired him to write beautiful poetry.
I will miss my Abuelo and our talks. Thank you and may you rest in peace!