Carlos Almaguer, CEO |
As a child, you never would have known all of the adversities he and his family were going through. He was raised by a single mom with 5 brothers and sisters~~~6 TOTAL! Carlos’ mom, Esperanza, left his father due to alcoholism and abuse. There were times where they actually had to hide because he would start looking for them. His mother, being the strong mom that she was, chose to take Carlos and his siblings(ranging from 8-years old to 2-years old) on the road. When I say “on the road”, I mean they were literally homeless for 6 months. Carlos was just around 4 years of age and thought that they were camping by sleeping in the back of his mom’s pick-up with his family! What a strong woman (kudos to you Esperanza for protecting your children)!!!
Carlos with his "WHY", his mom Esperanza DonJuan |
Carlos’ "WHY"? What drives him day in and day out to grow his business? His mom. His dream is to buy his mom a house (definitely makes perfect sense!). During the time that they slept in the back of their pick-up, his mom would have to search for safe places to park. Sometimes she would park in front of a house, but then the owners would come out and tell them to leave. She finally found a great spot (a cemetery on the East Side of San Antonio). They even had outdoor plumbing! Carlos remembers a tall pipe that rose from the ground. He thought it stood probably about 5’-6’ in height and the water came out like a shower. So this is where they would shower daily. It wasn’t until Carlos’ mom met a new man, who he considers his father figure. He was from Mexico and struggling himself. He had found an abandon house and took Carlos’ family in. They lived there for about 2 years before they moved to the NW side of San Antonio.
Carlos brinin' it! |
Carlos grew up in the streets. He knew what it was like to duck a punch and throw a few too! He spent some time at a boxing gym to try to keep him out of trouble and started working (under the table) at 14 washing cars at a local car lot. There have been some mistakes along the way that he has learned and grown from! This is what really completely shocked me…
House & cars shot up!!! |
For a long time Carlos had to deal with so many horrible side effects of that event. He was traumatized. He was now paranoid. Carlos would never take the same route going anywhere. He had a gun on his hip at all times. He had deep rooted anger. How did this young man beat these seeds of despair?
Jamison Coy and Carlos |
Here comes the most amazing element in this story. His Team Illuminate brothers. He recalls Jamison telling him, “Carlos, put the gun down bro and put your faith in God.” So Carlos did just that. He put his faith in God and forgave. He still prays for these guys to this day. You know that he told me there were so many times that he wanted to go to where these guys lived and do something. But, I believe, God had way bigger plans for him. Plans to flourish him. Plans to propel him to greatness because of his forgiving and caring heart. Plans to give him the gift, one day, of buying his mom that house. Plans to prosper him. Plans to enlarge him.
Carlos literally Breaking Through! |
Carlos chose to give his problems to the Lord. He knew that God was going to take care of him. God gave him peace. You know, that peace that surpasses ALL understanding that the Bible talks about!?!
Carlos and USANA founder Dr. Myron Wentz |
Jamison Coy, Carlos Almaguer, and Hector Ramirez |
CHEERS to you for taking time out of your day to read about an amazing up and coming entrepreneur and man of God, my friend, Carlos Almaguer!!!
Written by Gina Hunter