Where I’m from (or, What’s In a Name?)

In the 1980s, my parents owned a small business called Ace Glass & Upholstery. My dad learned how to install glass from his own father, and that was pretty much the only job he ever had—from the time he graduated high school until he passed away in 2010. It wasn’t a long-running business, but it left a mark. First operating out of our garage at home, then on the corner of Copia and Yandell, and eventually at the intersection of Pershing, Dyer and Boone, Ace Glass was a symbol of pride and grit for our family.

Most of my immediate family is from Central El Paso. They went to Austin High School, knew the streets like the back of their hands, and built lives defined by hard work and community. I grew up proud of my parents for running their own shop. As a kid, I used to “help out” around the shop—sorting invoices and occasionally sweeping the garage, all while imagining what it would be like to take over the business one day. That day never came, but the seed was planted.

When my parents split, my mom didn’t have time to worry about starting her own business, she had two boys to raise. After Ace she spent most of her time working for the El Paso Housing Authority until she retired more than 10 years ago. Now she has plenty of time but she mostly worries about her two boys still. Love you, mom!

When my dad moved to the Bay Area, he stayed in the auto glass business. Sometimes as an installer, sometimes as a manager—but always a hard worker. I remember asking him once, “Dad, you ever think about opening up your own shop again out here?”
“No,” he said plainly.
I pushed a little: “Don’t you want to be your own boss?”
I don’t remember his exact words, but it was something along the lines of: the return on personal investment wasn’t worth it, or maybe that he just didn’t see himself as a strong businessman. More than anything, he said he just wanted to enjoy his life.

I guess that wasn’t enough to dissuade me. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of working for myself. In many ways, I got my first taste of that freedom when I became a DJ. Building a career behind the turntables taught me about hustle, relationships, and self-direction. Still, it wasn’t until this year—after being laid off from a job I loved—that I finally had the opportunity to start something of my own.

Truthfully, I had cold feet. I applied to one other job, just to be safe. But my heart knew the answer before my head did. Starting Ace Communications Consulting wasn’t just a career move—it was a calling. A full-circle moment. A chance to honor where I come from while building something new.

I named my business Ace because it’s always been in me. In my roots. In my memories of my dad’s shop. In the spirit of independence I admired growing up. It’s a name that reminds me to take pride in where I come from—and to keep moving forward, one story at a time.

Inspired by my parents’ small business in Central El Paso, Ace Glass & Upholstery, this new chapter is rooted in the hard work I saw from my parents growing up. Starting Ace Communications Consulting is more than a career move—it’s a way of honoring where I come from while building something of my own. I’d love to hear from others building something rooted in their past—what’s your “Ace”?

🎧 Now Playing: Anthony Hamilton - “Comin’ Where I’m From”