A 24-year-old Cuban entrepreneur has taken to social media to share one of the key factors behind the success of his heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business in Tampa Bay, Florida. Jorge del Río (@delrio.jorge) posted a TikTok video emphasizing the importance of valuing one’s work, along with the necessity of effort and determination to succeed in the United States.
In the video, del Río firmly stated that progress cannot be achieved by "giving away your work." "I apologize to anyone who thinks I'm being arrogant, but here's the truth," he began, while showcasing several trucks belonging to his company.
The Importance of Fair Pricing
He explained that achieving his level of success required offering fair prices and knowing his craft well: "You don't get this by selling your work for $500 or $700," he added.
Additionally, del Río stressed that "if you want to grow and be successful in this life, to see prosperity and the results of your hard work, you need to learn to value your work." He pointed out that "giving away your work will only get you as far as buying a toy cart and a carton of eggs," emphasizing the importance of setting fair prices. "When you learn to price your work correctly, then you'll understand what progress is," he noted.
Contrast Between Cuba and the U.S.
The young entrepreneur contrasted the survival mentality in Cuba with the necessity for advancement in the United States, urging his followers to focus on thriving. "That mindset works for Cuba, where people live just to eat and survive, but here you need to live to excel and prosper," he concluded.
In the U.S., Cubans have the chance to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams and own businesses. Yosvany Bello Roque, who in 2023 was selling sugarcane juice from a food truck, took a significant step by opening a small restaurant with his family in August in Hialeah, Florida.
Journalist Javier Díaz shared on Facebook how he met Bello when Bello offered him a free sugarcane juice during their first encounter.
Unconventional Paths to Success
Some go to great lengths to succeed, like Yandry Roque Pando, the young owner of Ena’s Secret Bake, who gave away cakes on a street in Hialeah. "My people, let's stop the traffic here to give away cake," Yandry said in a video posted to his Facebook profile, dancing to "Añoranza por la Conga."