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Cuban Businessman Miguel Grillo: "I'm a Devotee of Capitalism"

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 by Emily Vargas

Miguel Grillo, a Cuban entrepreneur, arrived in the United States at the age of 17. His family's life took a dramatic turn when he was just seven years old, in 1963, as the Cuban regime confiscated their small farm in Matanzas. Although merely a child at the time, this event left a lasting impression on him, especially after his father told him one night, "Son, we have to leave (Cuba)." Shortly after, they emigrated to Spain. By the time Grillo was 14, he was working as a bartender in Madrid with a family he fondly remembers.

The properties seized from his father and six uncles were far from a vast estate; they were modest lands taken under false promises of redistribution, a pledge that was never fulfilled. Like many others, their lands became overrun with marabou. Grillo's father passed away in the United States a decade later, in 1983, but Grillo speaks of him as if he just left yesterday. He fondly recalls his father's dedication to family and work, values that he ingrained in his son, who is now a successful businessman.

Embracing Capitalism and New Ventures

Now retired, Grillo has shifted his focus to cattle ranching, a venture made possible by his successful career in the textile industry. However, competitive pressures from Latin American countries eventually led him to relocate his business to the Dominican Republic and ultimately sell everything. Today, he enjoys spending time with his cattle and horses, while also producing humorous radio shows and pre-1959 Cuban trova music. Additionally, he has supported film productions by director Lilo Vilaplana, such as the movie "Plantadas."

Grillo maintains a keen interest in U.S. politics, closely following the elections that brought Donald Trump to victory, as he believes his adopted country benefits from the Republican's leadership. Although he doesn't often speak about himself, Grillo is candid about his beliefs: prosperity bears the hallmark of capitalism. "I'm a devotee of capitalism," he confesses. To young entrepreneurs, he advises ignoring those who say the timing is wrong because there's never a perfect moment to start a business. Instead, he recommends pursuing their ideas steadily and patiently. The business world, he clarifies, is not a sprint but an endurance race, requiring significant effort and perseverance for success.

Reflections on Cuba's Future

For Grillo, there's more value in a single day running one's own business than in a month working for someone else. Despite his clear convictions, he hesitates to predict Cuba's future, describing the situation as dire. He believes that the only viable solution lies in the hands of capitalism and the Cuban people themselves.

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