Interview: La Terraza, The American Dream for Genaro Camarena

I’ve known through the majority of us who have migrated to a foreign country that when it has to do specifically with moving to the United States the majority of us are usually looking for a better life, “the American Dream”. It was not much different for our guest Genaro Camarena, we are very excited to have him with us today.

Mister Camarena, who likes to be simply addressed as “Genaro” found himself working in a kitchen of a restaurant where his friends were working at the time. His original plan was to work a few years and then return to Mexico. Things didn’t go the way he planned and one thing or another kept making his stay in the US more permanent and his return home further and further away.

Once he gathered enough experience and saved enough money to open a restaurant he did, along with his brother. Theygave it all they had but unfortunately after only a year they went bankrupt. At the time Genaro didn’t actually have the experience that it took to truly manage a restaurant and lead a business into successful quarters. He was left with no choice but to close and find a job once more. Genaro and his brother did not give up! They worked for a while longer and saved up money yet again to open what was known as “La Terraza” back in 1997, he was 27 years old and he felt more confident than ever that this time he had the chops to manage his restaurant. He was correct, it was a hit! He felt very grateful that he had a father who although very poor he had integrity and a tremendous work ethic. His father passed this on to his children. They had to work hard, they had to be grateful, they had to be honest and they had to be disciplined. Above all they learned the value of family. Genaro tells us he always remembered witnessing his parent’s kindness and generosity within what they were able to financially do. “That has truly inspired me to pass on the same values to my family. My wife, and I work to earn our four children’s education, and I’m going to give it to them! I know how important money is, but I honestly believe that everything I’m blessed with is meant for me to help others around me with. I like to focus on positivity and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far”. Genaro’s success continued. From the year 1997 and the year 2010 he has opened 5 restaurants himself. He has a partner from whom he has learn all he knows. His name is Ramiro Munoz, they have been working at it from the start and they continue to challenge, trust, and inspire one another to grow in business. 

It’s very inspiring for us to hear him describe this story of failure and perseverance. Genaro is very hands on and still seems to have infinite passion for his restaurants. He spends his week visiting whichever location needs him based on a day to day prioritization method, he doesn’t ever really have a schedule, he simply knows where he’s needed. This strategy seems to be part of his secret sauce. He advises that to have a successful business you must be present at all times and ready to take on any surprise. He admits he could be a bit more organized with his personal life and laments that he does not have time to truly take care of himself. He usually doesn’t have time to make sure he gets a proper meal and would love to slow down someday to savor his accomplishments. He does not see himself opening any new restaurants in the future; he has done what he needed to do and now he wants to begin the shift into focusing his energy on his children and himself. He sees himself traveling and slowing down, but it will not be in at least another 10 years, that’s when he feels his children probably would have gotten a proper education that would make them financially independent. Beyond that he would just love to see the world. “I’m so grateful to God first and foremost. He sees everything we don’t, he gives us ideas, illuminates us and graces us with the health to be able to achieve our dreams. I don’t feel I ever planned this life. I’m so lucky to have my wife and children that give me drive.” This is how Genaro ties up our interview before telling us he must get back to work. It was a pleasure to have him.