About CONGANAS
So what does "CONGANAS" mean? As a kid, I remember my mom and abuelita telling me to do my chores, eat my food, or anything else I was told to do but to do it "con ganas." Often the infamous "chancla" wasn't too far behind but none the less I was to do it "con ganas mijo!"
Loosely translated con ganas means to do something with enthusiasm or act with liveliness. I add to it further and share this is how I live and operate, con ganas. This is how I work and partner with clients, con ganas.
Starting and running a business can be overwhelming, most small or micro business owners start with little to no staff or assistance. Having a clear plan, an effective strategy to meet or exceed your goals is critical to your success. That is where CONGANAS can assist by collaborating with you to untangle the myriad of items you need to understand, determine and implement to be successful.
My Story
My "why?", simply put since a child I felt like I didn't belong or I wasn't good enough. Many have helped me along the way, my journey as a solo-preneur was and has not been one in solidarity. I find it rewarding being able to work with individuals and organizations so that they can advance forwarding be successful.
I was born in Monterrey, Mexico. I came to the United States as an infant and settled down in Humble, TX attending and graduating from Humble High School. Two weeks after graduation I stepped onto the yellow footprints at Marine Corp Recruit Depot in San Diego, California where I embarked on my four year enlistment in the United States Marines. I served as a machine gunner in an infantry unit (1986-1990) and was honorably discharged in 1990. It is during my enlistment that I became a naturalized U.S. citizen, one of my proudest moments. Upon re-entry to the civilian world, and with assistance from the GI Bill, I enrolled at what is now known as Lone Star College. Eventually, I transferred to Sam Houston State University where I graduated in 1995 with a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice.
I attribute my customer service etiquette and business astuteness to the 17 years in the banking industry, and the almost 5 years as the Executive Director for the Lone Star College-Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Combined I have over 20 years of partnering with hundreds of small and micro businesses, empowering them to start, grow or expand their business ventures.
I have been involved in and served in leadership roles with numerous non-profit organizations throughout my years in The Woodlands, where I have resided since 1994.
.png)
Community Service
Giving back and being involved in the community is important and personal to me. Below are organizations I either am currently involved with or recently volunteered with;
-
The Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber (President)
-
The Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber (Chairman of the board 2022)
-
Montgomery County Community Foundation (Distribution Committee/2022-2025)
-
The Waterway Arts Festival (Art Dash Committee/2022 & 2023)
-
Lone Star College-Montgomery A.C.H.I.E.V.E. (Community Advisory Council/2022 & 2023)
-
The North Houston Economic Development Center (Advisory Council/2022 & 2023)
-
Education for Tomorrows Alliance (Volunteer/2022)
-
Power on Heels Fund (Scholarship Committee/2022)
-
Sam Houston State University (Alumni Board/2021)
Awards/Recognitions
-
Texas Business Hall of Fame - NAU Texas Future Legend, Marine Corps Veteran (2022)
-
VEL Institute - Legacy Awards Entrepreneurship (2022)
-
Humble ISD Foundation - Distinguished Alumni 86' (2021)