Gathered around the desk were Executive Director Victor Pardo, Digital Marketing Manager George Castillo, and General Sales Manager Eduardo Garza. It was easy to see the pride as each spoke about South Texas Buick & GMC. “Our company purchased South Texas Buick GMC in January of 2006,” began Victor. “We bought it with the expectation that this was going to be a great dealership.” Knowing they had a long road ahead since the dealership had been low-volume and family-owned, and knowing that General Motors was going through its bankruptcy process, the men dug in and got to work.  It had been a Saturn dealership that had brought Victor and George together.  “I had been in the banking business, but was asked to find a General Manager for the Saturn dealership by the company I worked for,” Victor said. “After three months without the right candidate, I decided to take the…

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If it hadn’t been for an independent grocer in San Antonio, Metro Electric, Inc. might never have been. It was there that Jack Gerdes, a bag boy, was approached and told he should consider working for Alterman Electric Contractors. Jack took the suggestion and worked for them for years, learning the industry by beginning at the bottom – digging ditches.  “My grandfather worked his way up as high as he could get with Alterman,” company estimator Derek recalled. “At that point, he decided to venture out on his own, and in 1973 moved from San Antonio to Brownsville to start Metro Electric, Inc.” A family-run operation with son Michael as vice-president and another grandson, David, as an electrician in the field, the 45-year old company, with approximately 150 employees, has garnered many awards.  Among the awards are Service Contractor of the Year for the Independent Electrical Contractors, (IEC), and Subcontractor…

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Ruben Peña Cadravo Communications Ruben Peña is a mover and shaker. Working for Cadravo Communications as Software & Technology Developer simply wasn’t enough of a challenge for him. He embraced the company, which is designed for businesses on the go, to be able to be in communications with customers and clients any way and anywhere.  Taking phone systems to a whole new level by incorporating computer backups, phone encryption, Hunts Group technology and so much more including a state-of-the-art, virtually military grade secure server, Peña handles marketing, software development, and public relations. Never one to sit still, Ruben loves being an Ambassador, which gives him a sense of belonging in the business community. “Being an entrepreneur at heart, I love talking to clients in other businesses and learning what strategies they’re using – what’s working, what’s not,” Peña said. With a daily life calendar: Monday – gym; Taco Tuesday; dancing…

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Chris Lash Keep McAllen Beautiful Nestled on the grounds of the Recycling Center sits the mobile home offices of Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB). Out of these humble settings a team of dedicated employees guides the volunteer projects of Keep McAllen Beautiful through clean-ups, mosaic works, house paintings, and neighborhood revitalizations. Leading the team of enthusiastic staff and volunteers is Chris Lash, Program Director. “I really love the way we are enveloping our culture and having more quality things to do for families, such as the hike and bike trails,” Lash said. “McAllen is growing tremendously, and our events and projects are a great way to get involved in the community.” Lash developed her passion for the environment from her parents. “When we were young, our parents would take us to parks and monuments, teaching us not only to enjoy the outdoors, but also not to litter,” she said. “As I…

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