José Luis Valdez arrived in the United States with ambitions that required years of hard work to realise. After joining his brothers in Chicago, he entered the restaurant industry at its lowest level, working as a dishwasher before gradually moving into other roles. Yet the experience he gained did not make him abandon his childhood dream of running a business of his own. Instead, it gave him the confidence to take a risk. With his wife, Lucia, Valdez moved to Kansas City and invested $14,000 in a frozen-dessert business inspired by the flavours and traditions of Mexico. The early years were difficult, and banks refused to lend them money. Family and friends helped them continue. Over time, their small business grew into a recognised company with multiple locations and its own production facility.
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