Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Campos Jr.
Hi Victor, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an entrepreneur was ignited early on by the invaluable teachings and experiences imparted by my father, Victor Sr. He displayed remarkable resilience and ambition when he migrated from Mexico to the United States during his teenage years, eventually settling in Chicago. Recognizing a lucrative opportunity, he established a thriving cowboy clothing store business, catering specifically to the substantial Hispanic population in the area. To further expand his enterprise, he astutely invested in a box truck and embarked on a cross-country journey, personally selling his products.
However, my father’s unwavering determination to secure our family’s prosperity led him to contemplate a change in location. After careful consideration, he decided to relocate us to North Carolina, where he was captivated by the state’s charm and the warmth of its people. In Burlington, he opened a cowboy store adjacent to a grocery store called Guzman, which remains a flourishing establishment to this day. This successful endeavor served as the catalyst for his visionary idea to introduce the first-ever Mexican grocery store in Raleigh, named “La Tapatia Supermarket,” which he founded in 1999. Despite the demands of his clothing business, my father eventually discovered the ideal permanent location for La Tapatia Supermarket and made the courageous decision to uproot our family, altering the course of his career.
I vividly recall the day my father brought me to Raleigh at the tender age of seven to explore the premises of the soon-to-be supermarket. He sought my opinion on opening a grocery store, and my overflowing excitement unequivocally affirmed his decision. My father, interpreting my enthusiasm as a divine signal, embarked on this journey with a renewed commitment to hard work and success.
During school vacations, I eagerly assisted my mother and actively participated in my father’s businesses. As I matured, my passion for working alongside my father at the grocery store only intensified. By the time I reached high school, I realized that traditional education did not align with my aspirations; my true focus lay in both generating wealth and absorbing knowledge from my father’s extensive expertise.
In a remarkable display of trust and confidence, my father appointed me as the general manager of our grocery store during my senior year. Despite my academic obligations, vendors, inspectors, and workers sought me out during school hours, and I diligently handled all business matters, occasionally leaving school early. After graduating from high school, I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to the growth and success of our family business.
As the years went by, we recognized the importance of diversifying our income sources. In 2017, I brainstormed and purchased an adjacent building, ultimately establishing La Michoacana Premium—a delightful homemade ice cream shop featuring a tantalizing array of flavors from Mexico and an enticing selection of Mexican treats. Despite the initial challenges we faced, our unwavering determination propelled us forward, culminating in the prestigious recognition of being named the Best Ice Cream Shop of Raleigh by the esteemed Raleigh Best News & Observer Magazine in 2023.
However, my relentless pursuit of success did not cease there. With my brother’s invaluable support and inspired by my father’s teachings of self-reliance, I ventured into the remodeling business in 2021. Carolina Dumpster Rentals & Roofing was born, initially focusing on three dumpster containers and small-scale roof repairs. Today, we proudly boast a fleet of over 50 dumpsters, offering a wide range of sizes, and have successfully expanded our services to encompass full-scale roof replacements for both residential and commercial properties. Additionally, we now provide a comprehensive suite of exterior services, including gutters, siding, and windows.
In recognition of my unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership, I was humbled to receive the prestigious Simon Bolivar Award from Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in 2022. This esteemed accolade serves as a testament to my unwavering commitment to professionalism, community service, and empowerment of Latin communities in North Carolina.
Looking ahead, my future aspirations revolve around exploring fresh opportunities to establish various family-owned businesses, thereby contributing significantly to job creation within our community. My unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, exceptional customer service, trust, and integrity will continue to serve as the guiding principles in all my endeavors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I firmly believe that life’s journey is far from anything smooth. In my entrepreneurial endeavors, I encountered daily obstacles, working tirelessly with no days off and often working for at least 12 hours per day. These challenges persist, and the crucial aspect is to maintain unwavering determination. When I assumed the role of general manager, I initially faced hurdles as my ideas clashed with those of my father, who was resistant to change. Over time, he gradually embraced my innovative concepts and allowed me to implement them. Despite numerous failures, I acquired the skills of analysis, perseverance, and unwavering. Commitment to not give up.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
1. Retail and Grocery Management. As the manager of a Mexican grocery store, l have experience in inventory management, customer service, and understanding the unique needs of the Hispanic grocery industry.
2. Food Service and Hospitality. Owning an ice cream shop, I developed the skills in the food service and hospitality sector, menu development, food safety regulations, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
3. Construction and Waste Management. My ownership of rental dumpsters and roofing business indicates proficiency in the construction industry, including knowledge of waste management, logistics, and project management.
4. Business Partnership and Collaboration. Being a partner in my brother’s business demonstrates my ability to collaborate, make strategic decisions, and contribute to the success of a shared venture.
Overall, my specialization lies in managing and owning businesses across different industries, showcasing my versatility and adaptability as an entrepreneur. My pride and joy is having the privilege of not only leading my family but also serving as a leader within our community.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am forever indebted to my father, who is not only my best friend but also my mentor, role model, and everything to me. His teachings, beliefs, dedication, and education have shaped the person I am today. Without him, I wouldn’t have achieved the man I’ve become. The well-being of my family, my wife, and my children motivates me to push myself daily, striving for a better future through hard work.
I extend the familial sentiment to my employees, treating them as integral parts of our family businesses. Their hard work and dedication are the driving force behind our growth. I recognize that without them, progress would be impossible. Lastly, my clients serve as the lifeblood of each of my businesses. Their feedback, whether positive or negative, is invaluable in my continuous improvement. In the grand scheme, there is no owner, manager, worker, or business without them, and I am sincerely grateful for their unwavering support.
Finally, I can’t overlook my two invaluable brothers, Daniel and Antonio. They serve as my eyes when I’m absent, ensuring the seamless flow of daily operations. Handling substantial workloads, they provide the peace of mind I need to explore new avenues for increasing our family’s income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://latapatia-supermarket.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamichoacanapremiumraleigh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latapatiaraleigh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Carolinadumpstersandroofing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carolina-dumpster-rentals-and-roofing-raleigh
