Rogers’ banking journey began at age 18 at NationsBank (now known as Bank of America), where his sister had gotten him an interview. Initially, he hadn’t wanted to go into banking, but took the interview and got the job. He got the job as a teller and continued working from there.
Today, Rogers works at Cadence Bank as the commercial relationship manager and owns two businesses: a photo booth business and a commercial cleaning move-out business. He said his primary goal for starting these businesses was to maximize his income for his family in the long term, and his freedom, so he no longer will have to work a 9-5 in the future.
In 2006, Rogers acquired a trucking company and 18-wheelers to haul agriculture, mainly in Corpus Christi. Most businesses are cyclical, meaning they are seasonal, and in agriculture, there is planting to harvest.
“This operates about 7 months out of any 12-month calendar year, to which you have to offset your business by finding other loads to carry,” Rogers said.
What he would do in those cases was have things called reefer vans and dry vans. So they had refrigerator trucks, and haul general freight interstate throughout the US.
With plans of not remaining in banking for the rest of his life, Rogers said his mom and pop businesses he owns will generate enough income to step down from the 9-to-5.
“I will leverage a portion of that income into developing either rentals or ADU’s primarily in South Texas,” he said. “I am also currently researching to open up a string of laundromats as well.”
Rogers used to work with the CDFI People Fund, where he had come across EGBI, because they would service with technical assistance to some of the clients that they could not in instances of overflow.
“When there were classes like this based on marketing and business, cash flow management, taxes, even if our classes were full, then we would send our individuals and clientele over to EGBI, and they did a great job,” he said.
Rogers said he loves the fact that EGBI helps minorities.
“I love the passion of everyone that works for the organization, and I look forward to their growth and success in the future.”
Who is Dulce Garcia? Dulce has her own cleaning company, Dulce Cleaning. She wanted to start her own company to take care of her family and at the same time offer a service that truly makes a difference. With this purpose in mind, she realized that the cleaning business was what she wanted to do. Not only because it met the requirements she was looking for, but because she could apply her work ethic, her love for tidy organization, and her desire to help others reclaim their clean and healthy space.
Dulce’s business is not just about cleaning, she is proud to see how far she has come, and to know that by leaving a clean home, she is helping to create a more pleasant home environment for her clients. This business not only leaves her clients satisfied, it also brings Dulce satisfaction to see how she has been able to build her own business.
Another quality that sets Dulce’s business apart from any other cleaning company is that her team treats each client with respect and dedication. They focus on understanding the specific needs of each client, seeking to exceed their expectations, and with every job completed, she strengthens the trust her clients place in her business.
She considers EGBI as a fundamental pillar for the development of her business. They provided her with advice, workshops, and tools to help her better understand how to manage her own business, from finances to marketing to promote her services. What she values most has been the constant energetic support she has received from EGBI in the process of growing her business.
Dulce advises people who want to start their own business to be determined and open-minded.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning, but you do need determination and a willingness to learn,” she said. “And yes, I would definitely recommend EGBI. They give you the knowledge, support, and confidence to keep going, even when challenges arise.”
What is Dulce’s vision for her company in the next five years?
In five years, she would like to see her company more established, with a larger team, and providing services in more areas of the city. She wants to continue training to improve her processes and perhaps be able to offer new services. Most importantly, she wishes to keep operating while maintaining her values: Quality, Responsibility and Empathy.
Thank you Dulce for letting EGBI be part of your story.
If you would like to start or grow your business, feel free to contact us by email at hello@egbi.org. Learn more.
Alina Tapia Romero, founder of Eazy Start Insurance, turned childhood dreams and real-life challenges into a thriving Austin-based business. Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and brought to the U.S. at age 7 after losing her mother, Alina found her calling in the insurance industry by chance but built her agency with purpose.
In 2021, with a vision to educate and empower her community through accessible, honest insurance guidance, Alina launched Eazy Start Insurance. The name was inspired by a client who told her, “It’s so easy to get insurance with you because your character makes it easy.” That simple compliment became the brand’s identity and what sets it apart.
Alina was introduced to EGBI while preparing to open her business. She credits the organization with helping her understand the foundational steps of launching and running a business. From business planning to marketing strategies, EGBI’s support gave her the confidence to move forward.
As her agency grew, Alina chose to give back, volunteering with EGBI to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Her goal is to help others the same way she was helped: through guidance, encouragement, and shared experience. She remains an active supporter of EGBI’s mission and continues to uplift others in her community.
Today, Alina dreams of expanding Eazy Start Insurance across Texas, and sees EGBI as a continuing partner, ready to help at any step in that journey.
If you would like to find out more about EGBI’s business coaching, please visit this link https://egbi.org/coach/.
In today’s digital age, securing your social media accounts is more important than ever. One of the best ways to protect your Facebook account is by using an authenticator app. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to gain access.
Follow these steps to secure your Facebook account using an authenticator app:
Step 1: Install an Authenticator App
First, you’ll need to download an authenticator app on your smartphone. Some popular options include:
Google Authenticator
Authy
Microsoft Authenticator
You can find these apps on the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Step 2: Log into Your Facebook Account
Open your web browser and log into your Facebook account. Make sure you’re using a secure network connection.
Step 3: Go to Security Settings
Click on the downward arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook to open the drop-down menu.
Select Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings.
In the left-hand menu, click on Security and Login.
Step 4: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
In the Two-Factor Authentication section, click on Edit next to Use two-factor authentication.
Facebook will prompt you to enter your password again for security purposes.
Step 5: Choose Your Security Method
You’ll see several options for two-factor authentication. Select Authentication App.
Facebook will display a QR code.
Step 6: Link Your Authenticator App
Open the authenticator app on your smartphone.
Tap on the + icon or Add Account (the process may vary slightly depending on the app).
Choose Scan a QR code and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on Facebook.
The authenticator app will automatically add your Facebook account and generate a six-digit code.
Step 7: Enter the Code
Enter the six-digit code from the authenticator app into the Facebook prompt.
Click Continue.
Step 8: Save Your Backup Codes
Facebook will provide you with a set of backup codes. These can be used if you lose access to your authenticator app.
Save these codes in a secure place. You can either download the codes, write them down, or save them in a password manager.
Step 9: Confirm and Finish
Once you’ve entered the code and saved your backup codes, click Finish.
You’ll receive a confirmation that two-factor authentication is now enabled.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Account Secure
Enable Login Alerts: Under the Security and Login settings, enable alerts for unrecognized logins. This will notify you if someone tries to access your account from an unknown device or location.
Regularly Review Your Security Settings: Periodically check your security settings to ensure everything is up to date.
Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Only connect third-party apps to your Facebook account that you trust.
By following these steps, you can add a significant layer of security to your Facebook account.
“I am Mexican, originally from Chihuahua Mexico but I grew up in San Luis Potosi. 20 years of marriage and two marvelous sons. My passion is being a mom and my hobby is spending time with my sons. I enjoy good inspiring movies and I like listening to podcasts about how to create successful families. I would have liked being a Psychologist and it’s a dream that I might be able to reach once my kids go to college!”
Tell me, what inspired you to start this business?
“My husband was the one that motivated me to take this step. I didn’t have a job and with what he was making, we could barely afford to pay rent and services. He suggested we start this business as an extra job, he would do the grass while I offered cleaning services.”
Why did you two choose to join EGBI?
“We joined EGBI because even though we already had a business, we wanted to make it grow. EGBI gave us the tools to make our clients grow.”
Did you two struggle with any obstacle? If so, how did you overcome it?
“Of course we did, at the beginning, when we got into construction cleaning my husband left his job to join the company. Without his income our economic situation got complicated. We didn’t have the resources to cover our personal expenses. Our few savings ran out and we lived from personal loans to cover our personal expenses. Little by little when our clients increased we were able to overcome that stage.
How does your business differ from others?
“Client service, we manage the hours in a way that we accomplish with the 99.99% of the cleanings at the required time and if for any reason we do not arrive at a cleaning we offer an extra $0 cost service to compensate for the mistake.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
“I would have liked to have 10 kids, but my husband only wanted 2!!!!”
Are you happy with what you have accomplished?
“Yes, of course, the sacrifices have been worth it, but with no doubt we have plans for a second business!!!!!”
How has EGBI helped you?
“EGBI has given us legal advice and accountability to be able to manage our business. It has given us training and has given us a platform to meet other entrepreneurs and cher each other.”
You also want to help the communities around you? Then become a volunteer at EGBI. Contact us in Hello@egbi.org
