From construction worker to entrepreneur
“In those times I was living with my brothers and my dad in DF, and had a good life. Dad owned a taxi company, and by 17, I already had my car and made decent money,” he recalled.
Daniel’s mother lived in Macallan, Texas and dreamed of a better future for her son. She eventually paid for his trip and asked him to cross the border. “We came walking and thank God mom had good contacts because I never realized where we stood, suddenly we arrived and here we were,” he acknowledged.
When the then teenager disembarked in Macallan he felt a stab in the heart. “The place was so lonely, no tra(c, only three stop lights and nothing more. I came from a big city, the DF, and knew no one, did not speak English, didn’t know what to do, I couldn’t understand the pace of life,” he said about his @rst days in America. But his mom helped and sent him to school, where he learned English quickly and started to mix with the locals.
“When I graduated one of my sisters who lived in Tulsa invited us to move to Oklahoma. We didn’t have to discuss it because we were living in a rural area and had no knowledge at all of cows, horses, and crops,” added Daniel, laughing.
And just like that in June 2003 he landed in Tulsa to ful@ll his destiny. “The @rst thing I did was @nd a job to pay rent, and started working with some beautiful people, the Justice Brothers,” he recalled. The duo taught Daniel the business of siding and window making. And with commitment and dedication Daniel grew in experience and con@dence, bought tools and opened his own business.
Today he owns HDN Services a company specializing in window replacement exterior remodeling work, which he runs along his wife Hailyn.
“We have been together for 19 years and she has helped me a lo with my English, the culture, the rules. I can trust her with my life, and I am always thankful for having found her,” he confessed.
With Hailyn by his side nothing is impossible for Daniel. “I remember, decades ago, a friend of mine told me he had a nice gringa for me, and made a party to introduce us. I was super late and she was almost leaving, but she saw me and never let go,” he said.
Today husband and wife work together with the same spirit and always giving their best. “Sometimes it’s di(cult because you work together for eight hours, then you go home and you are together all night, but that has also helped us grow,” recognized the businessman, stating the strength and solid foundations of the couple has allow them to try new challenges.
After 21 years in Tulsa, Millan re0ects on his life and concludes this city has made it possible for him to become the man he was always supposed to be, one that works diligently, loves with intensity, and enjoys everything the does.
“The truth is that a positive mind and a good plan can carry you far in life,” he observed.
To all those immigrants who are new in town Millan recommends: “If you are here in America you must learn English, respect the rules and @gure out what your talent is, so you can share it with the rest and succeed.” (La Semana)