A Journey of Determination: How One Dream Transformed Two Families

In business, you expect to encounter numbers, processes, and tough decisions. What you don’t always expect is to come face-to-face with a moment that will change not just your company—but lives.

That moment came for me in 2001, on a trip to Puebla, Mexico.

A Chance Encounter in Puebla

At the time, Glasslined Technologies was searching for a reliable partner to handle the reglassing of parts. When domestic options fell short, I ended up in Mexico, visiting a company called Redicon. The owner was out of town, so I was introduced to the plant manager—Hector Marquez.

From the moment I met Hector, I was struck by his quiet determination. As we toured the facility and I asked questions, his consistent response was, “It is possible.” His English was broken, but his intent and capability were clear.

After hours of technical discussion, he walked me to my car. Then came the words I’ll never forget—spoken this time in perfect English:

“Mr. James, please bring me and my family to the United States. Mexico is not a good place to raise my daughter. I must come to work for you. Paola must go to an American university.”

I was stunned. At that point, we didn’t even have a furnace—let alone a position for a chemical engineer or ceramist. But something in Hector’s voice stuck with me. I knew then that this was more than a business connection—it was a calling.

When Timing Aligns with Purpose

Two months later, I got a call from the owner of Ceramic Coating Company (CCC), then the third-largest enameling company in the U.S. He wanted to sell. The price was steep, so I initially passed. Eventually, another company bought the assets—but without the technical know-how to make it work, they came back to us. This time, the price was right, and we acquired CCC.

In the meantime, I had begun the legal process of filing for an H1B visa for Hector. I included his wife and daughter in the petition, though everyone warned me the odds were slim.

But just as we acquired CCC and were ready to expand, Hector’s visa was approved. He came to the U.S. and stayed with me while getting settled. A few months later, his wife and daughter joined him.

Immigration attorneys told us how rare this was—a Mexican citizen receiving an H1B, plus approval for his entire family. But Hector had a dream, and it was just beginning.

New Beginnings in America

Life here wasn’t easy. Hector’s wife wasn’t allowed to work under the visa, and they had to return to Mexico every year to renew their status—each trip bringing fresh uncertainty.

Still, they pushed forward. Their daughter, Paola, enrolled locally at Lake Oconee Academy near our facility, where she thrived. Eventually, she was accepted into the University of Georgia to study Biochemical Engineering. As a non-citizen, she didn’t qualify for scholarships, so Hector paid each semester in full—because when you believe in a dream, you do whatever it takes.

A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

By 2024—after 21 years—the Marquez family still didn’t have permanent residency. We tried everything: lawyers, appeals, office visits. Nothing worked.

In one final attempt, I reached out to Representative Mike Collins’ office. A staff member there took a genuine interest in the situation. Not long after, immigration officials called Hector with news: their case had been expedited.

Just one week before Paola’s 18th birthday—when she would’ve been forced to leave the country and drop out of UGA—Hector received his green card.

Paola could stay. She could continue chasing her dream.

The Moment That Made It All Worthwhile

In May 2025, Paola graduated from UGA with a degree in Biochemical Engineering. It wasn’t just a graduation—it was a triumph. A story of perseverance, grit, and hope fulfilled.

Later that month, at a town hall hosted by Rep. Collins at Lake Oconee, I had the privilege of publicly thanking him. It was an emotional full-circle moment—for all of us.

More Than Business

This journey has reminded me of something powerful: when we believe in people, when we invest not just in what they can do but in who they are, the results are life-changing.

At Glasslined Technologies, we’re proud to call the Marquez family part of ours. And I’m honored to have played even a small role in a dream that transformed two families.

God bless America!