When I saw that we had a meeting at Quintana's as part of the class syllabus, I was curious as to what the connection was between Alex's business and our trip. I've been going to Quintana's for almost three years to get my hair cut (and to occasionally enjoy a nice cocktail in the speakeasy), so I was certainly interested to learn more about Alex's story.
Even before this meeting I had a tremendous amount of respect for Alex as a businessman. In the last several years he has built a really strong business with a clientele that seems to be extremely loyal. Throw in a pretty awesome speakeasy, and you have a very unique barbershop that I believe will be around for a long time and will continue to grow in popularity.
That being said, I have a whole new level of respect for him now after learning about his story. It's unfortunate that Chile went through the difficult period that led Alex and his family to the United States; however, I'm very grateful that the U.S. and particularly Northeast Ohio received them. Chile's loss is our gain. For me, this story reminded me what our country is and what it always has been - a bastion for other people seeking life, liberty, an the pursuit of happiness. We're a land of immigrants, so stories like this reaffirm the importance of our principles.
Lastly, I thought this was interesting and worth sharing. There's another barber at Quintana's named Theo, who is also a first generation immigrant and is from Lebanon. He was my barber when I first started going to Quintana's and he gave me a complete hair style makeover, which I've kept since!
Even before this meeting I had a tremendous amount of respect for Alex as a businessman. In the last several years he has built a really strong business with a clientele that seems to be extremely loyal. Throw in a pretty awesome speakeasy, and you have a very unique barbershop that I believe will be around for a long time and will continue to grow in popularity.
That being said, I have a whole new level of respect for him now after learning about his story. It's unfortunate that Chile went through the difficult period that led Alex and his family to the United States; however, I'm very grateful that the U.S. and particularly Northeast Ohio received them. Chile's loss is our gain. For me, this story reminded me what our country is and what it always has been - a bastion for other people seeking life, liberty, an the pursuit of happiness. We're a land of immigrants, so stories like this reaffirm the importance of our principles.
Lastly, I thought this was interesting and worth sharing. There's another barber at Quintana's named Theo, who is also a first generation immigrant and is from Lebanon. He was my barber when I first started going to Quintana's and he gave me a complete hair style makeover, which I've kept since!