"Now is the time to change and make the choice for education," says Armando Garcia. The son of migrant farmworkers and a high school dropout, Armando battled to overcome his feelings of inferiority and now owns a multi-million dollar high technology company.
Armando was first guided towards entrepreneurship by his grandfather, who ran a small restaurant. He told Armando that to be free he must be in business for himself. After serving in the Navy, Armando enrolled in a community college. To his surprise, he did well. With that confidence boost he went on to enroll at San Jose State University, where he turned a business class project into a $1.5 million enterprise.
Armando credits his wife, his parents and a mentor for his success. Even so, he does not list his business successes as his top accomplishments, reserving accolades for his 23 year marriage, his children, and for volunteer work as a religious education teacher.
As often as he can, Armando takes time to speak to youths about the world of possibilities through education.
photojournalist's notes
Armando, a very amiable person, invited me to his very busy office. His business is wholesale distribution. The product never leaves the box, his modest office and warehouse is filled with boxes ready for shipping. The photo was taken in the office with the unopened boxes in the background which clearly depict the nature of his business.