Ricky Ravelo's transformation from a rebellious teenager in Cuba to a successful entrepreneur in the United States mirrors the journey of many Cubans who have turned adversity into opportunity. His story was featured by News4Jax during Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting how this Cuban immigrant established his own roofing business, Arica Construction, which has been involved in numerous projects in Jacksonville, Florida.
In the report, Ravelo's contributions in emergency situations were noted, such as when he assisted a business on Beach Boulevard whose roof was torn off by a tornado last summer. Ravelo arrived in the United States at the age of 14, leaving Cuba during the Mariel Boatlift in 1980, a period when over 125,000 Cubans fled to the U.S. in just six months.
"My mother sacrificed everything to bring me here. I am blessed to be here and not stuck with what I left behind," stated the entrepreneur. In Cuba, Ravelo recalled being seen as a troublemaker 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 acting out, they labeled me as someone against the government," he explained.
Building a Business and a Legacy
Today, Ricky Ravelo works alongside his son, Ricky Jr., who learns from his father's experiences daily. As a father of three, Ravelo has successfully built his business in Jacksonville, participating in the roofing of churches and various construction projects.
"If I could do it, anyone can. You just need the will. You live in the greatest country in the world. As long as you believe in God and Jesus as your personal savior, I believe you'll be fine no matter what you do in life," Ravelo expressed, sharing his message for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Stories of Resilience from Cubans Abroad
The Cuban community abroad continues to set examples of resilience and entrepreneurship in challenging contexts. In Houston, a Cuban family sought support to maintain their business, facing economic difficulties while striving to preserve their independence and sustain their children in the U.S. Meanwhile, in Miami, another Cuban shared her experience of being on the brink of closing her pizzeria, battling financial hardships while striving to keep alive the business she built through hard work.
Similar stories of perseverance are found in Europe. In Spain, a Cuban who once worked as a waitress managed to open her own restaurant, demonstrating that with vision and consistent effort, a subsistence job can evolve into a genuine business opportunity. Another inspiring example comes from England, where a former Cuban gymnast reinvented himself as a truck driver, showcasing the drastic changes many migrants must undergo to re-enter the workforce while maintaining discipline and the drive to progress.
In Uruguay, a Cuban nurse discovered a new passion in manicuring after emigrating with her children. Her message, centered on the idea that "it's never too late to fulfill a dream," adds to the testimony of many Cubans who have successfully reinvented themselves abroad.
Key Questions About Cuban Immigrant Success Stories
What challenges did Ricky Ravelo face when he arrived in the United States?
Ricky Ravelo faced the challenge of adapting to a new country at a young age after arriving in the U.S. at 14. He had to overcome language barriers and cultural differences while finding a path to success.
How did Ricky Ravelo establish his business in Jacksonville?
Ravelo founded Arica Construction, a roofing company, which he built up by participating in numerous projects across Jacksonville, including emergency repairs after natural disasters.
What message does Ricky Ravelo share for Hispanic Heritage Month?
Ravelo encourages others to have the will to succeed, emphasizing the importance of belief in God and Jesus as a foundation for overcoming challenges, particularly in the U.S., which he regards as the greatest country in the world.