Thanks to your partnership, 273 people attended our business training seminars. In the 18 businesses we mentored, 87 jobs were created and 235 jobs were sustained in 2012! See all of our metrics.
One of these new hires is Jairo Chirinos (above left). Just as we were asking Hector about his new furniture-making employees, Jairo walked by the office and was summoned for an impromptu interview. Here it is:
How has your life changed since Hector hired you in 2012?
"My family is happy because I bring them what they need; we never lack in our house. We always have enough work and I'm treated well here."
What have you learned from Hector?
"He's helped me with my character and attitude. With something little I used to get mad; now I think before I act. Before I had a childish attitude, but Hector has led us towards God's ways. He never puts himself first."
Hector concurs: "Jairo was very rebellious and hot-headed, but now he's my most valuable carpenter."
New Progress in Honduras Promises Great 2013 Results:
This magazine displays Mayte's hairstyles on the cover and in a feature article! It has brought new business to her salon, as has the TV show on which she demonstrates hairstyling techniques (the set features the salon logo we designed for her). After Larry described her business partnership as "cancerous" in October, she took the difficult step of breaking off that relationship. Now she's forging ahead with our recommendations on her remodeling, signage, and beauty school launch.
Here Manny and Larry coach Suyapa in her natural health store. As a result of this mentoring session, Suyapa rearranged her products according to benefit (to the customer) and created a sign for each category. She also implemented an employee uniform: white lab coats embroidered with her logo.
Other Honduran entrepreneurs are progressing as they're mentored by Entrust:
- At Manny's suggestion, Rudvin was successful in landing new clients willing to pay a deposit for their signs (thereby increasing both revenue and cash flow).
- Irma implemented Blake's suggestion about restructuring her pricing for copies and our suggestions on window signage.
- Saul is launching a cross-selling program with 400 clients, and has agreed to become a local mentor: "That is what I am called to do."
- Hector has expanded his warehouse space, hired two salesman, and is preparing to hire a production manager. He's negotiating a contract to supply furniture to a chain with 85 stores! He also wants to be a local mentor. See a Partners Worldwide feature story on our relationship with Hector.
- Marco Tulio is considering a major shift in management structure that we recommend in his water company.
- Carlos is launching his box company's website, and has gotten his two partners to join him in pursuing new major accounts.
Thanks for giving to help grow enterprises, add jobs, and serve the common good!
Best Regards,
Evan L. Keller
Founder & Executive Director
