Dreaming from the Start
When Constantino arrived from Hidalgo, Mexico more than three decades ago, he never imagined that one day he would own his own business. His journey began, like that of many immigrants, with hard work, humility, and unshakable faith. “I came in 1993,” he recalls. “Back then, finding another Latino was an incredible joy. Things are very different today, there are more opportunities now, but the road was long.”
From a young age, Constantino had a deep desire to move forward. He studied accounting and business administration, skills that would later help him build his dream. For years, he worked all kinds of jobs, sales, customer service, appliance repair, until he finally decided to start his own business. “It didn’t happen overnight,” he says. “It was something that developed over time.”
That’s how his family business, Thrifty Appliances was born. A store dedicated to selling and repairing used appliances. “We learned as we went,” he says with a smile. “No one trained us, but with effort and hard work, we kept going.” Today, alongside his wife and children, Constantino has turned his shop into a local landmark for the Latino community in Greensboro. “The most important thing for me is the people who visit us,” he says. “Without them, we are nothing. I always tell my kids that the least we can do for the people who come into our store is treat them well, make them feel comfortable, and be grateful for their support. They’re the ones who put food on our table.”
Constantino first learned about Cooperativa Latina shortly after it opened its first branch in Greensboro, around 2003. “I had already tried with other banks, but it didn’t go well,” he recalls. “When I found the credit union, I felt comfortable. They treated me with warmth, something you truly value as an immigrant.” Since then, he has been a loyal member of the credit union, both personally and through his business. “The credit union fills a very important space for us immigrants,” he says. “Where other banks close their doors, the credit union opens them.”
Today, after nearly 20 years as a member, Constantino continues to dream, to learn, and to give thanks. His story is that of a man who never stopped believing in hard work, in his faith, and in his community. To other entrepreneurs, he leaves a message of hope: “Everyone’s path is different, but if you stay strong and don’t give up, the rewards will come. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Anything is possible.”