Ramiro Galvan started working on a farm when he was only 8 years old, and he and his family now own three restaurants and a host of food and beverage trucks, which is why he wants to inspire the next generation of business owners.
Galvan and his sister, Patty, co-owners of Taqueria El Rey in Martinez, La Cocina Del Rey in Grovetown, and The Munchies Lab in downtown Augusta will host the first-ever Young Leaders Market on Thursday, July 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Evans Towne Center Park.
The event will feature various items, such as wooden toys, cupcakes, and hair bows, made by children between the ages of 4 and 17 and their parents. He and his sister aren’t charging them a vendor fee to sell these items.
“It will be like the Saturday market, but for kids,” Galvan said.
They developed the idea for the Young Leaders Market, while taking their kids to work at their food truck events, which they’ve done to teach them the value of hard work.
“Not all of us can afford to go to college and get a degree,” he said.
So far, 17 young entrepreneurs have signed up, but Galvan hopes to have at least 25. Representatives from Fort Gordon, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Fire Rescue will also be there to discuss future career options for children.
“If we have a great turnout, we would love to do it yearly,” he said.
Galvan developed a solid work ethic at a very young age.
“It taught me that the harder you work, the more you’re going to make,” he said.
At 16, Galvan became manager of El Valle, a Mexican restaurant located where Taqueria El Rey is now. He said the Young Leaders Market is designed to inspire local children to develop a similar work ethic.
“It’s not for us; it’s for our future leaders,” Galvan said.
He said the vendors will accept cash only.
For more information or to register, visit facebook.com/events/1316257378980637?active_tab=about.
