A Chance at a New Start

At Arcos Dorados we want to highlight the life stories of our employees who make us proud and from whom we learn. In this new edition, we’ll learn about Ronald Figueroa, an Arcos Dorados Trainer in Brazil.

“I started over . . .” That’s how this young Venezuelan defines his life in Brazil at the age of 23. Ronald was one of thousands of people who have faced one of the hardest decisions you can make. He had to leave behind his life in Venezuela to go out in search of new opportunities.

“The situation was unsustainable. My family was in need; food was scarce […] Leaving Venezuela was the only solution at that time,” said Ronald.

Ronald was forced to emigrate more than a year ago with his wife, who was three months pregnant. When they were still living in their home country, they met a family from Manaus, Brazil, who was there on vacation. It was thanks to them that, when they were looking for a place to go, they had acquaintances who would facilitate their arrival in Brazil. “When I decided to move to Manaus, I asked these friends for help and they welcomed us immediately,” added Ronald.

With just R$ 76 in his pocket, with no job or home, this system engineer and his wife arrived in Brazil in search of a better future. With the little money they brought from Venezuela, they decided to start their own business. This was how they began to cook natural sandwiches and chocolate truffles to sell in front of the church they attended, and also on the city streets and in public buses.

A few months after settling in Manaus, Ronald got his first job in the service area of a shopping mall. He was beloved by all who worked there and, one day, one of his co-workers told him that there was a job opening for an Assistant at an Arcos Dorados restaurant. Today, we are proud that Ronald is part of our Company.

“I’m very happy with everything I’ve achieved so far,” said Ronald. This brave young man never imagined he would have so many opportunities for personal and professional growth at the company. Four months after starting at Arcos Dorados, he was promoted to become a Trainer.

This story is one more example of effort and perseverance at our Company. Ronald’s biggest dream, which was to see his family happy, has already come true: “I’m very grateful to have been welcomed in Brazil and this is where I want to settle down and watch my son grow up.” Ronald Figueroa still has many goals for the future and says his career at Arcos Dorados is just starting.