Summer 2016
The following businesses successfully completed the 30-hour Kauffman FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ course and are now proud alumni of the ScaleUp Rio Grande Valley program.
Aguilar Manufacturing & Design first launched in 1972, under the name K&T Industries, followed by the name Oscar Machine Shop in 2000. After several rebranding efforts, it established itself as Aguilar Manufacturing & Design, Inc. The company, located in McAllen and owned by Oscar Aguilar, Jr., produces oil and gas tooling. It services small shops with general machine-work, including prosthetic joints and agricultural-equipment repair. It has ventured into the food-processing sector by offering equipment repair and modifications/alternations to accommodate processors’ needs. Aguilar Manufacturing & Design also offers design and engineering services upon request.
Emporio Jewelers in McAllen first began in 1999, as Mexique Silver, dedicated to selling silver jewelry and pre-owned, luxury watches. In 2006, the company was renamed Emporio Watches & Diamonds as it refocused on selling pre-owned, luxury watches and loose diamonds due to inventory challenges with purchasing silver at a reasonable price. In 2015, it changed its name to Emporio Jewelers to better reflect its products and services: diamonds and watches, watch services, watch repair, extended warranties, art, and other types of jewelry. The company, owned by the Salinas family and managed by Saul Salinas, maintains the same mission: to provide excellent customer service and offer high-quality products.
Mad Guys Auto Detailing is a full-service, auto-detailing company in McAllen. First founded in October 2012, by professional, auto-detailers and automobile fanatics, the company prides itself on researching and applying the best techniques to make automobiles look better than new. The company, co-owned by Alonso Chavez, promises to provide its patrons with the best customer service in the auto-detailing industry, exceeding all expectations.
Magicphone, a cell phone retailer, first launched six years ago and now has two locations, a storefront in Mission and another in La Joya, the latter being a Metro PCS franchise. Magicphone is owned by Odette Gittins, who takes pride in the work and customer service provided by her company. Magicphone provides customers with taking payments, activations, Metro PCS cell-phone plans, cell-phone repairs, and other related, cell-phone services.
RGV Maid Services, LLC, also known as You’ve Got Maids, is headquartered in McAllen. Business owner Rebecca Yzaguirre first opened RGV Maid Services, a franchise, in December 2011. The company provides professional maid services, built on guaranteed quality, reliability, and consistency. It prides itself on cleaning homes superbly so that customers can focus on enjoying their free time.
Safety Central TX in McAllen was first founded by John Fulweiler, who saw a demand for safety products and thus pursued this niche market. He began by selling gloves from the back of a truck bed in 1968, and grew his business from that period. In 2011, John Fulweiler decided to sell his business to Erik Silva and his family. Today, the mature company continues to sell personal, protective equipment with excellent customer service.
Valley Trophies was formed as an LLC in 2014, by Travis McDaniel and his wife Martha. Mr. McDaniel’s parents first launched the business in 1979. Today, the company, located in Weslaco, continues to provide quality award, recognition, identification, and promotional products. In addition to exceptional customer service, Valley Trophies offers custom-engraving and personalization on many different items in their store.