“I had just returned from Puerto Rico after living there for 3 years, didn’t have a good paying job, didn’t have anything on my name, I was a mess, I lived in stranger’s homes renting a room, if not in my car.”
Por Ivan Gomez
Meléndez, tell us a little bit about yourself, how have you been able to reach certain goals despite the obstacles you have come across?
Ever since I was young, life has given me many opportunities as well as obstacles. While in college, my mother got sick and I had to leave school in order to take care of her. Got married, had two beautiful daughters, just when I thought my life was coming together, my mother passed away, my marriage was over and yet, I still managed to somehow keep afloat. I have always been a goal driven person, however, my motivation has been and always will be my family.
Also, every successful man has a strong woman behind him, I have been blessed with my wife Cristina, not only we share our passion for family but also the determination to build a legacy for them, she is the backbone of our success. A friend of mine once told me while I was going through the worst and quote: 2 Corinthians 5:7 “for we walk by faith, not by sight”. Ever since then, I have been doing exactly that, always working toward my goals and when things get rough… I walk by faith with determination instead of looking at the obstacle in front of me.
Tell us about the barriers you have been able to overcome?
I could write a book (laugh), but the barrier that influenced me in turning my life around was my divorce 10 years ago. It was a lot more than just a divorce, to me it meant, not being able to see my kids every single day, have them coming screaming as I arrived from work every day and just to see them every other weekend and for a limited time was just hurtful and depressive.
I had just returned from Puerto Rico after living there for 3 years, didn’t have a good paying job, didn’t have anything on my name, I was a mess. I lived in stranger’s homes renting a room, if not in my car. Honestly, I didn’t care much because I was supporting my daughters and knew they were good. During that time, I managed to get into the entertainment business, promoted a few concerts and managed a couple of Latin Nights at local clubs trying to get some extra cash to get by but it wasn’t until I found myself completely homeless that I knew I had to do something quick in order to get ahead, have a place to sleep and eventually see my girls every weekend as I always wanted.
I have always been very outspoken when it comes to injustice in our community. I didn’t have anything to lose so I would call out on anyone, specially community leaders that clearly were not doing their job. At one point many wanted me to run for Ward 14 City Council… Obviously, many would applaud my efforts but also earned me many “enemies” that would rather see me fail than succeed. To have not one but two successful businesses, by the Board President of the Spanish American Committee and most importantly, a loving family … to me, it’s overcoming all stepping stones life has thrown at me.
When did you became interested in entrepreneurship?
My family have been business owners for many years, in Puerto Rico, my Father & uncles all had their own businesses. Me? Even though entrepreneurship has been in my blood, my businesses came accidentally.
When I found myself in need to get an apartment, I referred to the one thing everyone needs and sells the most, and I do very well… FOOD. I was given an opportunity to present my cooking skills at an EXPO and from there I was booked for 3 weddings. I was able to get my apartment and more, from there, it has been word of mouth. Today, Melendez Catering Services is the only All-Inclusive Latin Fused Cuisine Caterer in North East Ohio. We employ 9 staff members and many subcontractors.
When I met my wife, she was in a similar situation that I was, found ourselves moving together with just 5 months of knowing each other, she had 3 kids and I had 2, meaning we needed a comfortable house. Needing some additional income, we turned to what she knew… Housekeeping and founded The Cleveland Housekeepers with just a $500 investment, four years later, The Cleveland Housekeepers is one of the top 20 Cleaning Companies in North East Ohio, Employs 6 Staff Members, has two company vehicles and together with Melendez Catering are grossing over $300,000 Annually with a combined market value of over $1 Million.
What have you been able to accomplish as the Board President at the Spanish American Committee?
The Spanish American Committee holds a very special spot in my heart, they guided me to get back on track in 2010. When I became Board President in 2015, the organization was in a small transition in its leadership and we’re looking for fresh faces and innovative ideas to get the organization to the next level. My goal has been to build a stronger Board, one that will work for hand on hand with the Board, Organization & Community to keep providing excellent service to our community. Under my administration, we have been able to Re-Brand our Day Care Center and relaunch with its own new identity “Little Footsteps Bi-Lingual Child Enrichment Center”, our overall surplus has increased dramatically in the last 3 years. In our efforts to help Hurricane Maria’s Victims, with the help of Key Bank & Turner Construction we have implemented the Latino Construction Program was more than 40 graduates have landed jobs with the Union and contributing with more than $400,000 back to the community. There is a lot of work ahead of us, we see more than 7,000 clients a year. People that walk in with similar issues I had when I walked in through the same doors 8 years ago. I am proud to be elected for a second term and continue my commitment to help them the same way I was helped once.
What is next for “Meléndez Enterprises”?
Many keep asking me when is our restaurant opening? My answer has always been: “ I like to take small steps but steady”. Both our companies have been growing fast but steady. We tried a few pop-up kitchen events and were well received by the public. I will be looking to expand Melendez Catering with a Restaurant that will offer a high-end experience while presenting Latin Cuisine from all Latino America in one location. Believe me, I strongly believe on “Good things come to those who wait”. The right time will come.
How many hours a day do you work on average?
People would think I don’t rest; however, I make sure to manage time appropriately so I can have family time. On the usual I work a 30-hour work week when I don’t have any Catering Events, When I do have Catering Events, I could work up to 50 hours that week.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
Now that I live in Medina and commute to Parma, I get to the office, the first thing I do is take my daughter to school, then I can start my workday by following up with leads, responding emails and setting up appointments for either housekeeping services or Food Tasting sessions. Then in the early afternoon, I’m visiting potential clients, having meetings etc. Not to forget, follow up and keeping updated with the Spanish American Committee’s Executive Director.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
At the beginning it was tough, my kids couldn’t understand why I was always on the phone, my wife always complained about me working on the computer until 1 am. It really affected the relationship at a point but they now see it was all worth it.
How do you generate new ideas?
I study the market & my competitors, I don’t want to offer the same services others do, I want to be unique in order to create demand. I might end up being similar, but never the same. I like to be a pioneer and watch how others try to copy but never able to match what we offer (laugh).
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
I only fear two things equally in life, first, to disappoint my family by failing at everything and end up homeless like I was once, the reason why I keep pushing so we can have financial freedom. The second, Death, I think many of us are afraid of the unknown but ever since I was a little kid I have anxiety attacks thinking about it. When I do, I turn to prayer, I am a born again Christian, my grandparents, father, uncles, and cousins are all ministers, I come from a big family that is led by faith. My faith and love for God soothes me and keep me calm when fear try to overcome me… “I walk by faith, not by sight”.
Thanks for your time Jose Melendez
Ivan Gomez
Immigrant, Editor-in-chief for Vocero Latino News, Vida Latina Cleveland, and journalist for Cleveland Culture Magazine
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