Meet Raul.
Originally from Mexico City, Raul moved to the United States in 1996 after graduating high school and spending a few years in the Mexican Air Force. He dreamed of one day going back to school, but decided to work to help his family succeed. A few years later, Raul lost his job after September 11th, 2001, when the factory he was employed at slowed production and laid him off. He moved to Grand Rapids to be near his father and find a better job. He took a position at another factory where he worked for 15 years, while also working random part time positions to make ends meet, and eventually in the full-time position he holds today.
Raul is so full of joy and life, with an infectious smile and a drive that cannot be matched. He said, “I grew up with rules. Be responsible. Be on time. Life showed me this. If you don’t have rules, you have nothing.” Full of determination, Raul then said, “I approach work like sports. I do my 8, and I play to win. I do this for my family.”
“We live in a state that is the best place to live. Michigan, and Grand Rapids. I feel home here. People don’t know what they have. It is a big opportunity to live here and work. You’re not gonna find a lot of places like here.”