Always Be Grateful.

“A story of growth and opportunity”

To always be grateful for what we have, our family, our health and the opportunities we have been given are all very valuable things to keep top of mind every day. For Carlos Carrillo, who works in retail sales at Metal Central Lowell, those things were engrained in him by a family who worked hard for a better life.

“Never take anything for granted,” Carlos said. “There is always someone out there that would appreciate what you have. Sometimes we get complacent as humans and we think well, that’s just a one-dollar bill. I make that in 30-seconds. Well, for us, it’s like hey, that’s one-dollar bill and it may be just one-dollar but that’s money at the end of the day. So, they taught me to be grateful for what I have. They taught me to be respectful and to be responsible. The work ethic, Dad taught me that nothing in life is free. You have to work for things that you want and he was a great example because he worked two jobs. My mother didn’t work as she was taking care of me and my brothers and sister. As we got older, to an age where she felt comfortable to leave us by ourselves – she decided to go to work to bring in extra income. That’s what they both taught me and I take with me every day.”

Carrillo’s family story originates from Mexico City, the nation’s capital and home of the fastest green Volkswagen beetle taxi cabs you’ve ever seen. His sister and twin brothers were born there to Juan Carlos and Lucia. A few years later, the decision was made to come to the United States and California was the destination.

“I was born in the Glendale area of southern California. We stayed there for a while and it wasn’t really my parents’ thing, so they started looking at other places. My father and uncle came to Arkansas to check out the work life and new scenery. Once they gave everyone the green light, our two families moved to Gentry.”

The move to Arkansas meant more than a change in scenery from the city in California to a rural area. It meant opportunity, dreams coming true. It was a brand-new start and one that Carlos took advantage of.

“Once I graduated school, I went to live with my grandma in Springdale. My brothers followed along and we started working on landscaping. I did not like it. I hated being outside.  My aunt fortunately was working for the staffing agency at the time. She had called me and said that Central States needed people. They’re interested in you would you like to pursue this? Absolutely I said. I was 19-years old at the time and that’s when I started my career here.”

Central States Manufacturing means different things to different people depending on goals, where they are in life and desire. Carlos is young and motivated – two things that will take you a long way in your financial and professional journey.

“The growth opportunities are there if you really want to move up in the company. Applying yourself is key. They will give you the opportunity. That’s what I like most about being a part of this company. The way that Central States allows employee-owners to work their way up if they choose to, is amazing.”