– Alex Franco
Creating Legacy
Alex was standing in front of his business, El Trompo Loco, at the Boardwalk Food Truck Court. It’s a place known for its wide variety of international cuisines and family-friendly atmosphere, while winning the "Best of NWA Food Truck Park" Gold Award for three years running. Alex and his family are a big part of that success since their arrival three years ago. Yet, it’s a streak that may not have begun at all, had Alex made one decision differently.
“I was about to graduate from high school and didn’t have a clue what I was going to do with my life,” he explained.
Alex’s mother Lizette, however, had been quietly saving money on her son’s behalf for many years. It was her hope that the money would open a pathway toward success for Alex. So, just before his graduation Lizette surprised him by telling him of her hopeful gift.
“I couldn’t believe it!” Alex said, as his eyes brightened with a little merriment. “The first thing that came to my mind was to go out and purchase a new Chevy Camaro! I told my mom about my plan and she patiently offered me life changing advice.”
Lizette told her son, in a very loving way, of her hopes that he would use the money to create opportunity, to make his future bright and promising. Her guidance flipped a switch in Alex’s heart and mind.
“I started thinking about what I could do,” Alex said. “I thought of everything I knew how and liked to do and said to myself. I can cook using my mother’s recipes!”
That’s when Alex began searching for a food truck fitting his budget. After an extensive search he found one, purchased it and brought it home. His mother and father stayed supportive as all three cleaned-up the truck, rebranded it and began offering delicious food to their neighbors.
“It was a little difficult at first, but I found myself wanting to get up early to plan and then cook well into the night. I loved it. That all led my family and me to look for the right location.”
Yet, they found more than location. They found a community of help. The Arkansas Food Innovation Center accepted them in to their business development program where they learned a lot about business and product development. Now they’re an award-winning business with big plans to expand into salsa distribution in local grocery stores.
“We’re working to open four more food trucks now,” Lizette said before describing the family legacy she envisions. “One day we’ll add a brick and mortar restaurant to go along with our bottled salsas and marinades!”
And tomorrow? That legacy will be receiving a strong endorsement when the entire track team from Iowa State University arrives on their bus for their reservation to dine at El Trompo Loco for dinner after a big competition.
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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Both Sides of the Fence, About the Dish, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.
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