Before joining the Seed Capital Program, Gerardo spent most of his life working seasonal jobs in the transportation and cargo industry. He currently works at Cargill, and while his employment allowed him to provide for his family, the income was only enough to cover basic household needs. Building something of his own or investing in a family business always seemed out of reach.
Gerardo and his wife are raising four children in the community of San Benito. Their youngest son, Ángel, has physical disabilities that require frequent medical appointments and ongoing care, creating additional financial pressure on the family. Unexpected expenses, especially related to healthcare, often left Gerardo wondering how he would provide for his family in the future.
As he grew older, Gerardo also became concerned about depending on physically demanding work. He knew his strength would not last forever and worried about how he would continue supporting his family. Although he had always dreamed of owning his own business, he lacked the resources to make that vision a reality. Even through these challenges, Gerardo held onto his faith in God and believed that one day an opportunity would come to help his family build a better future.
In December 2025, Gerardo joined the six-month Seed Capital Program and received two breeding sows, technical livestock training, and ongoing farm support. Combined with the two sows he already owned, he began building a pig farming business that is growing faster than he imagined. Today, his herd has grown from four animals to 28 pigs, with several more expected as additional sows prepare to give birth. Rather than spending the income, Gerardo continues to reinvest in feeding and expanding the herd, creating a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.
Although the business is still growing, the project has already brought greater peace of mind. Gerardo now has a reliable source of income to help cover transportation and other expenses for Ángel’s medical appointments, giving his family greater financial security during unexpected situations.
The project has also become a family effort. Gerardo works alongside his son, who is studying animal science and hopes to help expand the business in the future. Together, they dream of creating a family enterprise that will one day provide full-time income and allow Gerardo to stop depending on physically demanding work. Perhaps the greatest transformation has been in Gerardo himself.
He says his confidence, motivation, and outlook on the future have changed completely. Instead of worrying about what tomorrow will bring, he now feels hopeful because he is building something that belongs to his family. Gerardo believes God opened the door to this opportunity at exactly the right time and continues to guide every step. His goal is to continue growing the business until it becomes the family’s primary source of income and a legacy for future generations.
