Puerto Rico
Luis Muñoz Marín
A Land of Opportunity
The first ever governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Muñoz Marín, helped put a plan into action named "Operation Bootstrap". It was a mission by the USA to develop the economy in Puerto Rico, and industrialize the land. The island was rapidly developing, and new businesses could make it big.
A Connection
Benny's friends from Cuba who were now living in Puerto Rico called him one day to let him know about the lucrative opportunity. Now finally given an opportunity to settle down and have economic security, Benny and Hilda packed their bags and flew to Puerto Rico in 1963.
Auto part shop in the 70's
Crushing Disappointment
Benny was given a managerial role at a pre-established auto parts store. He was on a salary, but he was told that if at the end of the year the business was running smoothly under his watch, he would be given many benefits and bonuses. The end of the year came, and he never received what he was promised.
What Doesn't Kill You...
In 1965, Hilda gave birth to their first child, Allan, and they needed consistent income in order to raise their kid. Luckily, around the same time, her father had opened a shoe business in Miami. Benny decided to go work there, for someone he trusted, while Hilda raised Allan. For 4 years, Benny went back and forth, working and visiting the family, until finally they could move with him. While pregnant with her next child, Hilda sold their house in Puerto Rico, and crossed back into America with Allan.
Shoe store in the 70's